Love is in full bloom at this elegant Washington DC wedding. From start to finish Darling & Daughters filled the day with fabulous floral installations, just wait until you see the staircase overflowing with blooms! Sara Muchnik Events planned the entire dreamy day to perfection, and Brigitte Renee Photography artfully captured all of the magic inside her elegant imagery. All of the lovely awaits you inside the full gallery.
From the bride… We were both former competitive ballroom dancers, and met when Steven joined my dance studio. The official night our paths crossed was my sixteenth birthday party, which was being celebrated at the studio. Steven came uninvited, albeit with our mutual friends, but ultimately gave me what I believe to be the best birthday gift I have ever received. For the next year and a half we shared childish banter and exchanged sarcastic quips while dancing beside one another and traveling to competitions. Our friendship flourished and so did the “I don’t like you” banter, until June 14th, 2015, the day we decided we were meant to be more than just friends. From then on, it was always “us against the world”, our favorite catch phrase. We supported one another in all of our milestones, experiencing life together, and maturing into adulthood. Through our college years, birthdays, graduations, moving into our first apartment, adopting our puppy, and subsequently moving from Boston to Washington, D. C., we both knew this was forever. In D. C., I have been working to complete my Master’s of Public Health and Steven currently works as a government consultant. Together we love cooking, hosting our friends, taking our dog, Rémy Martin, (named after Steven’s affinity for cocktails) for walks around our new favorite city. Steven proposed to me October 2nd, 2021, during our first visit back home since moving away. He popped the question during a walk before a family dinner, in the Boston Commons Park, also the location of our very first date. It was absolutely perfect.
The wedding was a great opportunity for me to hone in on my passion for design and love for flowers. We both knew we wanted a more intimate wedding, at a venue with character, and to stray away from more modern event spaces. After touring the Larz Anderson House in Washington, D. C. We both immediately knew it was the venue for us. The space set the tone for the timeless, vintage, and up-scale event that we have always dreamed of. It was at the same time grandiose and intimate, and the old-world opulence captivated us. As former ballroom dancers, we were stricken by the beautiful details of the grand ballroom; pink marble columns, grand staircase, high ceilings, and ornate chandeliers, which would provide the perfect backdrop for a magical first dance. The floral design drew on a range of whites, ivorys, and dusty pinks with hints of blues, complemented by the wash of pink hues across the bridesmaids dresses. The table scapes complemented the flower centerpieces by incorporating vintage floral, gold-rimmed plates and glassware. Pink and blue accents were displayed in the napkins, and glassware. The chuppah was styled with white draping and an asymmetric design with heavy greenery, creating a whimsical feel. Danielle’s simple yet elegant dress was styled with a custom floral head-peice, a nod to the royal aesthetic that encapsulates the theme that was pervasive throughout the whole venue that day.
Our day started at Conrad Washington, DC, getting ready with our bridal party. I listened to my favorite music with my bridesmaids while everyone was getting their hair and make up done. Steven had some laughs and drank some of his favorite whiskey with his groomsmen. When it came time for me to put on my dress, my mom surprised me with a beautiful ring that she said signifies the love Steven and I have for one another. The intimate ceremony was the highlight of the day for both of us. With the abundance of greenery and florals, and string music playing, we both felt like we were in an enchanted forest walking down the aisle. Standing under the floral archways of the Chuppah, seeing all of our closest friends and family in one room, felt ethereal. The Rabbi’s profound and touching sermon incorporated the letters Steven and I wrote to one another. The ceremony ended with Steven breaking the glass, a moment we have been anticipating since the day we got engaged. The reception started with our first dance to “Book of Love”, by Peter Gabriel, followed by the spirited Chora, and the blessing over the Challah. It meant so much to honor our Jewish heritage throughout our wedding. We ended the evening with amazing food and danced the night away with our favorite people, surrounded by overwhelming love.
Photography: Brigitte Renee Photography | Videographer: Monachetti | Event Planning: Sara Muchnick Events | Floral Design: Darling & Daughters | Wedding Dress: Georgia Young | Reception Venue: Anderson House | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: Main Event Caterers | Accomodations: Hilton Embassy Suites | Beauty: Make up by Mimi B. Tran