Real Weddings | Casey Avancena and Christopher Byrne
Photography by Amy Raab Photography
The Couple
Casey is a native of Rockville and Chris is
originally from Long Island. Soon after graduating from
the University of Colorado, Chris got a job at a computer
company in Maryland where Casey’s mother worked. Casey
was 17 at the time and went with her mother for a “take your
daughter to work day” and was introduced to Chris. They
didn’t meet again for six years when Casey had graduated
from Salisbury University. She was working in marketing
with the Marriott Corporation. Chris was planning an
overseas trip and Casey’s mother suggested he call Casey for
some guidance. They started an e-mail friendship that grew
from there. They were married three years later and live in
Old Town Alexandria.
The Engagement
They got engaged on Valentine’s Day
because “when Chris was ring shopping at Bailey, Banks
& Biddle, the saleswoman suggested the Valentine’s Day
proposal,” Casey laughs. Chris took her to a romantic dinner
in Georgetown and arranged for the ring to be placed in her
glass of Champagne.
The Dress
Casey had seen just the dress she wanted and
was able to fi nd it at Saks before they closed their bridal
salon. The bridesmaid dresses weren’t “bridesmaid”
dresses…” but rather “regular dresses” from BCBG.”
Th e Venue: Th e couple was looking for “a
drivable destination wedding.” The Eastern
Shore perfectly fit the bill. Casey and her
mother went on a scouting trip. “As soon as
we saw The Oaks we knew. ‘Where do we
sign?’ was about all I could say,” Casey says.
The Ceremony: Th e couple chose the
picture-book pretty St. Michaels Mission
Church not far from The Oaks.
The Reception
“I had been in touch with a girl I
found online who had been married there and she was a
big help,” Casey says, “She just raved about them.” So Casey
let The Oaks make the decisions. It made life a lot easier for
the slightly-out-of-town bride. Th e 130 guests were treated
to appetizers which included lobster, duck, and “fabulous
scallops.” Steak and crab cakes were the main course. Chris
knew the band, We’re Not Handsome, through a fellow
at work. They danced to Ray Lamontagne’s “Forever My
Friend.” Casey hand-painted the little wooden figures on top
of the cake, even duplicating Chris’ shamrock tie.
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