A California Couple in DC

Stretching back to September, I have some catching on to do on my blogging. On September 13th, Allison Jackson and Tyler Woodman gathered friends and family for a raging party to celebrate their wedding. The couple, in from California, chose DC because Allison's parents live in the area and they wanted an all inclusive experience for their guests.




I wanted to create and event that was as refreshing as being out on the California Coast, but clearly knew my restraints in the DC grid. The ceremony was held at Western Presbyterian Church and was performed by an old friend of the bride's family. The ceremony had a personal feel as the string musicians played modern music and the bride's aunt performed for the group accompanied by a guitar.



Colors were key to create the right feel and Allison went with a sky blue and orange combination. The venue was a given- clean, modern and large to accommodate the party goers, the Ronald Reagan Building Atrium space was the clear choice. John Duffy of Yellow Door created multiple arrangements for the reception that complimented both the long rectangular and round tables guests were seated at in front of the dance floor.



New Monopoly started the evening off with the Queen classic, "You're My Best Friend" as the couple had their first dance as husband and wife. And the tunes didn't stop there. By the close of the evening, the guests were chanting for "One more song!" and the band obliged.

Adding to the fun of the evening was the photo booth provided by Poshbooth, complete with dress up gear and a candy bar so everyone could get their sugar hugh after dinner. This must be what fueled the dancing with the orange napkins on the guests heads.



The cake was one of my favorite parts. A funky, modern design created by Leslie at Fancy Cakes by Leslie was a focal point of the event. Special thanks to my other partners in crime that evening: Digital Lightning and Syzygy Events for the drape and lighting, Linder and Associates for the transportation for the weekend, Open Eye Media for the Videography and of course, the lovely Jenni Green of Studio Diana for the amazing photo coverage.



Sara

Old Hollywood Comes To D.C. {Wendy + Jason}

After 7 years of dating, Jason popped the question and Wendy said yes. From that point forward, Wendy had the task of making her vision a reality for her wedding. Wendy’s vision…to bring 1920’s Hollywood to her 2009 Washington, DC wedding. She chose the elegant Willard Hotel (thanks to Laurie at the hotel for all her help) as the setting for their wedding vows and the historic Washington restaurant, The Occidental Grill, as the setting for her reception.

Wendy's wedding gown was classic and evoked a sleek Hollywood glamor with her fabulous birdcage veil (our favorite) and her all red bouquet. Under a simple yet beautiful chuppah in the Willard Room, Wendy and Jason said their vows in front of about seventy friends and family. As they recessed out of their ceremony, guests blew bubbles which made the room look magical.

After the ceremony, guests were ushered next door to the Monument Room at the Occidental Grill for cocktails where they nibbled on delicious crab croquettes and chicken skewers, to name a few. The Monument Room, on the second floor, is covered with black and white photos of prominent figures of the past and has a dark wood bar and walls so you feel as if you are stepping back in time.

We brought in black linens, black chairs and red centerpieces, which transformed the room and gave it a sleek, supper club feel. Rentals were provided by Select Event Rentals. The beautiful centerpieces along with the flowers and chuppah for the ceremony were created by none other than the fabulous Christopher at Amaryllis.

Their black and white cake by Jennifer Winter had a simple yet striking design and added to the sophisticated and chic decor.



After the cocktail reception concluded, guests were ushered to their tables to begin the evening’s festivities. DJ Chris spun a perfect mix of Latin and American music and kept the guests dancing all night long. I've never seen guests swarm the dance floor even before the 1^st course was served (both the photographer and I were both dragged onto the dance floor to join in)! Guests departed with custom candy bars in a chic black and white design.

Thank you to Michael Bonfigli Photography who captured all of the special moments of the evening and let us share them with you. And a special thanks to Wendy and Jason who let me share their amazing day!

Christine

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