We love a good online love story – so it should come as no surprise that we love Lily and Brad. Even more so? The fact that they planned the perfect party complete with classic touches, tapered David Beahm Designs blooms, flourished Laura Hooper Calligraphy, and of course the mega talented Abby Jiu capturing every moment. From the culturally significant ceremony to the regal reception, we’ve got it all in The Vault!
From Abby Jiu…Lily and Brad met on the online dating website “HowAboutWe.com”. They spent five hours getting to know one another on their first date at The Darlington House and learned that they both work for independent schools in the DC area. Brad teaches at Bullis, which is less than a mile from Lily’s childhood home. She ran on their track throughout high school! They are a true online dating success story!
Brad surprised Lily with a romantic proposal on their vacation to Spain in August 2014. He proposed in the charming city of Seville. They knew that their love for Spain would make a statement at their wedding and it sure did through their custom Sangria and tapas bar at cocktail hour!
Lily and Brad wanted a timeless wedding that they would look back on and cherish forever. The colors and look were designed specially as an overall ode to a timeless look with a modern twist. The custom invitation from Haute Papier served as a benchmark for our gorgeous different shades of grey details!
Lily wanted to give a nod to her Persian heritage with this Sofreh Aghd display at their wedding reception as well as the paisley linen that were on the reception tables. The Sofreh Aghd is a traditional wedding ceremony spread where legal marriage + ceremonial traditions are exchanged. The ceremonial traditions have been practiced for thousands of years + Sofreh Aghd spreads are usually very customary at Persian weddings. Like most, Iranians have diverse religious backgrounds and the Sofreh Aghd is a chosen cultural ceremony commonly practiced regardless of faith. There are many symbolic items in which make up the Sofreh Aghd spread, all in which represent an element of the couple’s new life + marriage together. The word “sofreh” means “spread” and “aghd” means “ceremony.” The Persian Rial (bills) were signed by her late grandfather.
Photography: Abby Jiu Photography | Event + Floral Design: David Beahm Designs | Event Planning: EVOKE DC | Wedding Dress: James Galanos | Cake: Maggie Austin Cake | Invitations: Haute Papier | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Church | Reception Venue: Decatur House | Catering: Occasions Caterers | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Lighting: John Farr Lighting Design | Band: DC Synergy | Bridal Boutique: Carine's Bridal Atelier | Cigar Rollers: Cigar Row | Day Of Print: Emily Baird Design | Photo Booth: Booth-o-Rama Photobooths | Rentals: DC Rental | Tent Rentals: Sugarplum Tents