Historic Grandeur Meets Modern Elegance at Union Station D.C.

In October 2023, we set out on our first fly fishing adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana. On our second day, our guide mentioned that the ranch's PR person would be photographing our experience. While floating down the Madison River, catching brown and rainbow trout, I (Jess) was blissfully unaware of what was to come. When we reached our take-out spot, the photographer was waiting on the bank, capturing our arrival. He asked us to cross the river to a rocky peninsula and cast a few lines for photos. As I stood in front of Adam, carefully casting my fly, the photographer asked me to hand my rod to him. Turning to Adam, I was met with the biggest smile as he exclaimed, "Guess what?! It's happening!" With the sun casting a warm glow, he got down on one knee (without falling into the river) and asked me to be his wife.

Wedding gown: Even before stepping into the bridal salon, I envisioned having two distinct dresses for my big day: a more traditional gown for the ceremony and a fun, flowing dress for the reception. For the ceremony, I chose the Allure Bridal A1200, which struck the perfect balance of elegance, romance, and modernity. Wearing it made me feel confident and radiant, embodying the essence of a classic bride. For the reception, I was captivated by the Galia Lahav Mari dress, known for its luxurious feel and contemporary elegance. This exquisite gown showcased Galia Lahav's signature style, seamlessly blending intricate detailing with a sophisticated silhouette. It perfectly embodied timeless elegance with a modern twist, making it the ideal choice for me. In this stunning dress, I felt glamorous and unforgettable, allowing me to embrace the celebration with a romantic flair as I danced the night away.

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Food & Drink: As a true foodie, Adam and I knew that selecting the right catering team was crucial for our wedding. Our experience with Design Cuisine was nothing short of exceptional, and their tasting session exceeded all our expectations! We kicked off the cocktail hour with four exquisite passed hors d’oeuvres: 1. Baby Short Rib Sliders: Tender short ribs topped with white cheddar, fresh arugula, and a rich red wine aioli, all nestled in a brioche toast. 2. Paper Chicken: Crispy bites served with a zesty lemongrass dipping sauce. 3. Blackened Mahi Tacos: Flavorful blackened mahi served in mini tortillas with a creamy lime avocado sauce. 4. Caesar Bites: A modern twist on a classic, featuring kale, smoked sun-dried tomatoes, and peppered pecorino. To complement these delicious hors d’oeuvres, we also included a stunning Italian antipasto station, beautifully displayed with an array of prosciutto, pepperoni, and salami, along with fontina, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses. Guests enjoyed garden vegetables, marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and house-made focaccia and crostini—creating a feast for the senses. Our first course featured a vibrant heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad, showcasing heirloom cherry tomatoes, a delicate yuzu ponzu jelly, and a quenelle of creamy mozzarella ice cream, garnished with micro flowers for a touch of elegance. For the plated entrées, our guests could choose from three mouthwatering options: 1. Chilean Sea Bass: Paired with sweet corn, chanterelle mushrooms, and purple sticky rice, all drizzled with a fragrant lemongrass broth. 2. Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin: A succulent beef tenderloin crusted with herbs, served with pearl onions and button mushrooms, complemented by a rich red wine jus and creamy whipped potatoes infused with garlic butter. 3. Cavatelli Pasta with Truffle: Delightfully rich truffle bolognese paired with charred broccoli, offering a comforting and luxurious option. To satisfy every sweet tooth, we opted for a lavish dessert buffet, allowing guests to indulge in their favorites. The selection included decadent bourbon butter cheesecake squares, chocolate chip cookie dough bonbons, mini apple rustic tarts, zesty key lime tartlets, and traditional mini cannoli—ensuring there was something for everyone. In order to treat our family and friends, we had an open bar, but had two signature drinks created that embodied our individuality and uniqueness, but also symbolized our union. The Manhattan cocktail, with its rich blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, symbolizes strength, sophistication, and classic elegance. This iconic drink is often associated with New York City, representing the groom's bold and adventurous spirit. Just as a Manhattan is stirred to perfection, so too is the relationship between the couple, crafted with care, attention, and a balance of flavors. The drink's deep amber hue mirrors the warmth and depth of love, while the cherry garnish represents sweetness and the joyful moments shared together. The Rose Garden drink, made with vodka, cardamom, rose water, and sparkling rosé, embodies romance, beauty, and delicacy. The floral notes of rose water reflect the bride's elegance and grace, while the cardamom adds a unique twist, symbolizing her individuality and charm. The sparkling rosé represents the joy and effervescence of love, capturing the excitement and celebration of their union. The combination of flavors mirrors the bride's multifaceted personality, with each sip echoing the love and beauty she brings into the groom's life. With this exquisite culinary journey, our wedding feast truly reflected our love for food and the joy of sharing it with our closest family and friends.

Our goal for wedding decor was to achieve a look that exuded timeless elegance and sophisticated design. The ambiance for our reception was bathed in a warm, romantic glow, thanks to the soft, orange-hued lighting that highlights the venue's classical pillars and marble floors. The central feature of the room was a striking black and white checkered dance floor, which immediately drew our guest’s eyes and promised an evening of celebration and dance. Surrounding this focal point were meticulously arranged tables, both long banquet-style and round, each adorned with tall, dramatic floral centerpieces or elegant compotes filled with roses, ranunculus, and anemones. These tall, dramatic black Harlow stands of white orchids created a sense of height and grandeur, perfectly complementing the spaciousness of the venue. Seating was a mix of sleek black and cozy wooden chairs, providing a sophisticated contrast that enhances the overall aesthetic. The tables were set with elegant glassware and flickering candles, casting a soft light that danced off the glass and added to the romantic atmosphere. The combination of these exquisite blooms created an atmosphere of sophistication and romance, where luxe and glam collide in perfect harmony. The striking contrast of black and white, paired with the lush textures and delicate details of the flowers, transformed our wedding into a breathtaking celebration of love that was both timeless and memorable.

To honor my Italian roots, we had the chefs craft a millefoglie, a traditional Italian wedding cake that beautifully reflects our heritage. While our guests savored their entrées, the chef dazzled everyone by assembling the cake right before their eyes, turning the moment into a delightful performance. As the grand finale, Adam and I poured a bowl of fresh berries over the cake just before cutting it, adding a burst of color and flavor. This exquisite dessert symbolizes abundance and joy, embodying the idea of layering flavors and textures to create something truly extraordinary for our special day.

We chose to center our ceremony around our faith, and we were incredibly blessed to have Adam’s father serve as our officiant. We incorporated readings from Scripture and elements from my parent's wedding ceremony, adding personal touches to make it uniquely ours. Involving our parents in the ceremony was deeply important to us, as they have shaped us into the people we are today. To honor my father, who passed away in 2021, I walked down the aisle to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by IZ, one of his favorite songs. This was a meaningful way to have him with me on my wedding day.

We hired sketch artists from Spencer Grace Art Space, who specializes in live event paintings to create guest portraits during the reception and cocktail hour. This was our way of saying thank you and giving them a gift they could cherish for years to come!

Our wedding would not have been the amazing day we dreamt of without the team from Marriage and Mimosas working their magic to plan, coordinate, and execute everything seamlessly. We are so incredibly grateful for their expertise and care throughout the entire planning process!