European-Inspired Timeless Elegance Wedding in the Heart of Washington, DC

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May 15, 2024

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

The vision for the day encapsulated European-inspired, timeless elegance that highlighted the couple's love for exploring Europe and admiring the arts. They wanted the feel of the wedding to convey an old-world and classic vibe.

Proposal Story

The couple was going to a black tie charity ball, and he took her to Persay, a 3 Michelin Star restaurant, and proposed. She was so surprised! He had photographers staged and friends ready to celebrate after for a surprise engagement party.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

The bride wowed guests with two stunning looks. She started the day in the Monique Lhuillier Buckingham gown, that she styled like the Lila dress. She wore gloves and a royal-length veil that made the ultimate, sophisticated bridal moment as she walked down the aisle. Just before the reception, she changed into a romantic, billowy Galia Lahav gown in blush for a slightly more whimsical touch that made dancing pure magic.

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids wore a variety of styles of Jenny Yoo in the shade eucalyptus, which created variety and allowed each bridesmaid to highlight her own personal taste.

Groomsman Attire

The groom and groomsmen wore full morning suits, as a nod to royal weddings.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

The Details

Food & Drink

Cosmos Club provided guests with an exquisite meal, and they also noshed on canapés, cocktails, and dessert. The couple shared a special toast with their guests as a tribute to something they do at home. They call it "victory juice" and toast with Blanton's whenever either of them has a big success at work or otherwise, so they had victory juice at their wedding to toast to their biggest accomplishment yet-- getting married!

Florals & Decor

Inspired by the royal wedding, the couple chose to highlight the stunning backdrop of the Cosmos Club with complimentary floral and design elements. Alexandra Berry Events and Floral & Bloom Designs executed this task beautifully, with romantic and classic floral design and soft, glowy candles. The lightness of the tablescapes allowed for the beautiful and intricate moulding, artwork, and light fixtures of the Cosmos Club to shine.

Wedding Cake

As another tribute to the royal wedding, the couple chose a classic-style tiered cake with their initials subtly monogrammed on it. The cake was surrounded by a garden bed of florals, which created the perfect vignette.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

Because they were wed in a Catholic ceremony and didn't share personal vows, the couple shared heartfelt, personal toasts that allowed them an opportunity to share their feelings toward one another in front of all in attendance. They danced to "Our Song" by Ellie Goulding for their first dance and ended the night with "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds.

Special Detail #1

They have a running joke that they are "and" people (they like to do everything, instead of choosing between things), so they incorporated the "&" in their monogram and throughout their paper goods (invitations, wax seals on escort cards, menus, cake, favors, etc.).

Special Detail #2

Because the couple work in D.C., we had to highlight some district flare and take photographs at the Supreme Court and Capitol Building.

Couple Portraits