Lia and Hudson's wedding was truly incredible. And considering the number of amazing weddings I've had the privilege to plan, that's really saying something. I started working with Lia over two years before her wedding date and got to really know and love her, her mother and the groom. One of the things I love about Lia is her enthusiasm. She has such incredible joy and energy that she brings to everything she does. Her wedding was no exception!
Lia also has a very distinct style and a laser-like attention to detail. She and her mother designed the wedding to incorporate their love of vintage pieces (especially Victorian), intricate detailing and a gracious opulence that has been lost in modern life.
The wedding day started with Lia getting ready at The Willard Hotel with the talented Giselle doing hair and Kim Giammarria doing makeup (and Engaging Affairs' favorite Greg Gibson shooting images and goofing with the bride above). I loved that Lia and her mom wore matching silk pajamas as they got ready. I'm not kidding when I say that every detail was thought out.
Lia's gown took my breath away. I loved the Empire waist, illusion sleeves and embellished bodice. This gown had such old world elegance and was so different from so many of the wedding gowns I see. Thank you Lia and Kate Middleton for reminding us that sleeves are beautiful! To accent her gown, Lia carried a small clutch of lily-of-the-valley in an antique silver tussy-mussy holder.
Meanwhile, the handsome groom got dressed in another part of the hotel.
I love the "first look" that the couple have of each other on the wedding day. It's so special when they have a few moments to really enjoy it like Lia and Hudson did.
Our phenomenal photographer Greg Gibson took the couple outside for some classic DC shots before the ceremony.
Then it was off to The Andrew Mellon Auditorium for the ceremony. While Lia and Hudson and their party had been getting ready at the hotel, a massive crew of catering staff, designers, drape specialists, lighting techs and musicians had been setting up The Mellon for the wedding.
Rick Davis from Amaryllis and his fabulous staff used boxwood, greenery and garden roses to create a dramatic and romantic setting for the ceremony. Garlands were draped over doorways and across the balcony and candles lined the aisle.
Sheer white panels from AVista Designs hung between the towering columns and across the room to create the backdrop for the ceremony.
A sheer white canopy tied back with swags of greenery sat over a long white table lined with silver candleabra and candle sticks as the focal point for the ceremony. The effect was ethereal and magical.
Digital Lightning uplit the drapes and columns to add to the romantic setting. Stunning!
I loved the pretty pewter bridesmaids' gowns and the antique pink rose bouquets they carried!
The bride made her dramatic entrance solo then joined her parents at the canopy.
The ceremony was designed by the couple and included readings from family and personalized vows.
The bride is bursting with joy! This is what it's all about.
A quick kiss on the steps of The Mellon before the reception begins. Stay tuned tomorrow for the unbelievable reception!
Thanks to Greg Gibson for his images that, as always, capture the day perfectly.
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