Summer Jewel-Toned Wedding In The Gardens Of The Meridian House

The Planning
Design / Vibe / Vision

Classic and traditional DC style and architecture with vibrant jewel tones of red and purple in the gardens of Meridian House. The vision was to combine both religions for a mixed ceremony and reception with both their Jewish and Shona Anglican faiths.

The Fashion
Wedding Gown

The wedding gown was designed by Martina Liana and purchased at Elegance by Roya.

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids wore Birdy Grey.

The Details
Food & Drink

Cocktail Hour: Smoked Brisket//Crab Cakes//Bulgogi Taco//Deconstructed Chicken wings//Blue cheese stuffed dates [V]// Lobster Rolls

Signature drink: Penicillin, It happened at 818

Reception: Braised Short Rib //Miso Glazed Seabass // Polenta Ragout

Florals & Decor

Blooms in white, dusty rose, dusty purple, deep reds, and deep purple were the themes of the day.

Wedding Cake

Simple three-tier white cake decorated by florals.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

Mother of the Bride and her Church Group opened the reception by singing a Shona Anglican hymn.

Special Detail #1
On our wedding day, just prior to the ceremony, Rumbi shared an intimate moment with her mom, sister, cousin, and aunt. They gave her a pin with a pearl and an aquamarine gemstone dangling from a ribbon (something new and something blue) and her late maternal grandmother’s broach (something borrowed and something old). Rumbi pinned both to her bouquet to have with her as she walked down the aisle.
Special Detail #2
The ceremony itself was interfaith and intercultural, led by Malawian Anglican bishop, Bishop James Tengatenga, and Benjy’s cousin, Dahlia Shaewitz. Bishop Tengatenga is a family friend of the bride’s and represented her faith and southern African culture, while Dahlia represented Benjy’s secular Judaism. It was particularly meaningful to us to have Dahlia co-officiate because she invited Rumbi to her first ever Passover dinner at her home when we first started dating (we now go every year), and has been a big part of our journey of learning how to integrate Judaism into our lives together. The rest of the day proceeded in the same blended manner. Once everyone was seated for dinner, Bishop Tengatenga performed a blessing for the meal followed by a blessing of the challah bread and wine by Dahlia Shaewitz. Rumbi’s mother and her aunts also sang a traditional Shona hymn complete with tambourines, maracas, and a very large drum. And of course, we could not open the dancefloor with anything other than the hoora.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
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Event Planning: Cheers Darling Events | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Reception Venue: Meridian House | Catering: Spilled Milk Catering | Makeup: Jennifer Thorpe Beauty | Hair: Georgetown Bride | DJ: Dan Goldman Events | Music: Sage String Quartet | Video: Shutter & Sound