'I Do' at Reston Town Center

The fantasy wedding that Mindi Walker and Philip Laster had been dreaming about for months became a reality as they exchanged vows in the Pavilion at  Saturday morning.

While many get the jitters on their big day, the bride was excited and looking forward to walking down the aisle as she received hair and makeup services at the .

“She's not nervous. She's great- she's cracking jokes, and full of life,” said Martha Wiles, bridal consults with A Splash of Elegance Wedding Consultants.

Walker, 30, and Laster, 23, were the winners of the “Win a Fantasy Wedding,” drawing coordinated by the Reston-based Wedding Consultants and held on Valentine's Day. Close to 100 couples competed for the opportunity to have their special day at the town center, where they would have everything for the wedding donated by area businesses.

  “Everybody was excited, so it wasn't hard to pull it together, “ Wiles said, “We can show off that you can walk down the Reston Town Center and find everything you need for a wedding.”

The bride said the most exciting aspect of the wedding planning for her was attending the meet-and-greet session held at, during which she met all of the local vendors who contributed nearly $25,000 goods and services.

At the event, bridal consultants with A Splash of Elegance showed her a dream board which creatively presented the proposed theme, look and colors. Walker chose elegant black, white and red colors.

Bridesmaid Melissa Foley from Arlington said that, while she has been a bridesmaid in other weddings, this one was particularly fun because of the perks provided by the Reston businesses.

For example, she said, hosted a private party for the women in the wedding party and allowed them to shop at a discounted rate.

When the long-awaited time finally arrived, close to 50  guests and many bystanders watched as the couple said, “I Do” in the pavilion. The  pair rode off in their carriage to for a catered reception.

The day was like a fairy tale, complete with a ride to and from the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage from the Shenandoah Carriage Company; a custom-made gown from Bridal Silhouette; red roses from Graceful Flowers from Patricia; a cake from award-winning ; champagne from and dancing to music provided by Music Unlimited.  All photos capturing the day's activities were taken by Jones Photography.