:quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/TKMD35H2BFAIZOVJLMZP4DS22U.jpg)
Wedding date: April 27, 2013
Her story: Allison Pachilis, 24, grew up in Baltimore. She is a graphic designer. Her mother, Debra Kiser, is an administrative assistant and her father, Earl Pachilis, is an IT consultant.
His story: Samuel (Sam) Draper, 28, grew up in Frederick. He is a lawyer. His mother, Laurie Draper, is a nurse and his father, James Draper, is an accountant.
Their story: Allison and Sam met through mutual friends and began dating in June 2011.
"One of my best friends was dating his best friend," says Allison. "We went out to dinner, had drinks and played shuffleboard. And then we started seeing each other."
The proposal: Sam proposed on Aug. 31, 2011 at an Orioles game at Camden Yards. The couple was standing in line to get caricatures when Allison left to get food. While she was gone, Sam handed a note to the artist to let him know he was planning to propose.
When Allison returned, the artist began drawing the caricatures and turned it around for her to see it after he finished.
"There was a little speech bubble that said, 'Will you marry me?'" exclaims Allison.
Sam had selected a princess cut diamond engagement ring with diamonds along the band from Colonial Jewelers in Frederick, where his grandmother's engagement ring was also purchased.
The venue: About 180 guests attended the ceremony and reception at The Belvedere in Mount Vernon.
"It was one of the first venues we saw," says Allison. "We walked into the ballroom and said, 'This is it.'"
Her dress: Allison wore a strapless fit and flare Maggie Sottero gown with a sweetheart neckline from PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.
Bridesmaids' dresses: The bridesmaids wore strapless peach chiffon Donna Morgan dresses with a sweetheart neckline from Nordstrom.
Men's apparel: Sam and his groomsmen wore Calvin Klein tuxedos from Men's Wearhouse.
Flowers: Floral Expressions by Jennifer in Baltimore designed the bouquets, which included English roses and peonies.
Weekend Watch
Music: Santana Entertainment in Charlestown played during the reception. The couple's first dance was to "Let It Be Me" by Ray LaMontagne.
Dessert: The couple selected a traditional tiered cake, including almond cake with raspberry filling, carrot cake and red velvet, from Cakes by Mary in Baltimore.
Favors: Allison and Sam chose a photo booth to double as a fun activity and favors for their guests.
RSVP
Just wedded? Or planning your nuptials? Tell us about it. Email your wedding details and contact information to weddings@baltsun.com.
More wedding info
For more coverage of bridal trends and wedding-planning adventures, go to baltimoresun.com/weddings.