Couple reflects on War Memorial wedding for anniversary

This year, as part of our 75th anniversary, The War Memorial will share stories from the public about the impact and experiences they have had at the nonprofit organization. To start off the year, we highlight the story of Chris and Libby McDonald.

A memorable moment from their wedding reception was when veterans and active-duty military members, about a dozen, gathered for a photo.

“We had a photograph done with all guests in attendance who had served or in active duty,” Libby McDonald said. “It was a good group of people, ranging from their 20s to 80s.”

On Jan. 6, 2018, the McDonald’s wedding reception was at The War Memorial. They got married at Christ Church Grosse Pointe. In fact, it was also at The War Memorial in 1983 when Libby’s parents, Jeff and Sally Stallings, were married.

“Part of it was because my parents had their reception there and it felt special,” Libby McDonald, now 28, said. “It also has a cool military connection.”

Elaborating on what appealed to them about The War Memorial, Chris McDonald said “It had more than just curbside appeal. We were able to be part of a relatively small group of people that The War Memorial affords the opportunity to do that with.”

The War Memorial’s wedding policy requirement is that all patrons have a family member - living or deceased - who has served, or is currently serving, in the armed forces.

“Having just been through my initial officer training, it was cool to feel appreciation from a local community,” Chris McDonald said. “If I was not a military member then we would have not qualified to have a reception there.”

About 125 people attended the McDonald’s reception, an event they called a great time in a great venue.

“It was cold, like high of 3 degrees,” Libby McDonald said.

The McDonald’s had a cocktail hour with Hors d'Oeuvres and a receiving line in the Alger House, prior to moving the festivities to the grand ballroom. They recall being pulled aside by the photographer to capture the newlyweds by a fireplace in the Alger House. The main entrée was a blueberry chicken dish, something that Libby makes every year on their anniversary.

“The coordinator was able to get the recipe from the chef for us,” she said.

“Our parents and their peers, and our peers all said it was one of the best weddings they had ever been a part of,” Chris McDonald added.

The McDonald’s currently reside in Savannah, Georgia, but will move to Virginia later this year for Chris McDonald’s Army duties. Chris McDonald, 29, has been in the Army for almost seven years and holds the rank of captain. The McDonald’s have two daughters - Katherine and Margaret.