I know it’s early, but you may want to put on your Fancy Pants, LBBers, because this wedding warrants them. It’s a lovely ballroom filled with so much love, so many flowers, and such ridiculously good style. Seen through Patricia Lyons Photography‘s lens, the soiree will have you waltzing around your office from the moment you pass into to the gallery. And then you’ll thank me for reminding you to don your Fancy Pants.
Some say that Jennifer and Christopher’s first picture together was taken over 25 years ago. Even though they were childhood playmates, it wasn’t until college that their relationship bloomed.
Their wedding was a joyous and family-filled celebration infused with Portuguese traditions honoring Jennifer’s family heritage. Their wedding day began at the bride’s family home in Clifton, Virginia where her parents hosted the bridal party and close relatives for brunch and to accompany Jennifer to the church. The wedding ceremony was held at the quaint St. Clare of Assisi, their community parish. Jennifer and Christopher celebrated the night away with friends and family at the grand Mellon Auditorium.
The bride wore a Vera Wang lace gown complemented by a bespoke lace bolero for the church ceremony, and later exchanged her bolero for a sparkling Carolina Herrera belt. The groom wore a tuxedo by Hugo Boss and carried a monogrammed handkerchief given to him by the bride to commemorate their wedding day. The couple rode to their reception at the Mellon Auditorium in an antique Bentley.
In keeping with Portuguese culture the menu was of utmost importance to Jennifer’s parents. During cocktail hour guests were introduced to traditional Portuguese cuisine including bacalhau and suckling pig. For the main course, the family served multiple courses starting with salad, followed by sea bass, then filet mignon. Finally, guests indulged in a Viennese dessert bar, which included Portuguese confections, as well as an espresso and cordial station. Biscotti and French macarons were served at each table to accompany the coffee and tea service.
The ballroom of the Mellon Auditorium came alive in rich tones of gold and blush, with unforgettable florals provided by Amaryllis. Guests danced into the wee hours of the morning to the tunes of Raggs and the All Stars.
Photography: Patricia Lyons Photography / Cinematography: Blue Sky Films / Flowers and Decor: Amaryllis / Event Planning: A. Dominick Events / Ceremony Location: St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church / Reception Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium / Invitations, Menus, Programs, Table Numbers: Cheree Berry / Linens: Nuage Designs, LaTavola Linen, Wildflower Linen / Catering: Occasions Caterers / Cake: Edibles Incredible / Make Up: Carola Myers / Hair: Remona Soleimani / Band: Raggs and the All Stars / Lighting: John Farr Lighting / Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Trummer’s on Main / Brunch Venue: Willard InterContinental Hotel / Draping: Fabrication Events / Dance Floor: All Stage and Sound / Macarons: Kafe Leopold / Ceremony Musicians: Elan Artists’ violinist and vocalist / Valet: Marc Parc Valet / Cocktail Music: Celebrated String Quartet / Transportation: Atlantic / Antique Car Rental: Lasting Impressions / Escort Cards, Place Cards, Invitation Calligraphy, Save the Date Calligraphy: Lettering by Lynne / Save the Dates: Dandelion Patch / Dress and Bolero: Vera Wang, Ever After Miami