Monday, February 25, 2013

Amanda and James {A Worldly Wedding}


Last August I had the honor of watching as Amanda and James' wedding vision came to fruition.  The couple who have extensively traveled the world together wanted to give their guests an experience as exciting and unique as their courtship was.

Amanda, no stranger to stunning style, has two dresses custom made from a designer at Love Couture Bridal.  Shop owner Sandy Ferreira Leone worked tirelessly to make sure the gowns were perfect.


The couple were united in marriage at National City Christian Church in DC, a stately looking building on Thomas Circle.


The aisle of the church was lined with simple trees creating a canopy for the bride to walk towards her groom under on the arm of her father.


Following the ceremony, the party began full swing and bright color.  There were two very specific ideas Amanda had about her reception space.  The first was that she wanted the tables to represent the X and O of hugs and kisses one would sign a letter with.  With the right venue, mission accomplished.  


The Mellon Auditorium offered the space necessary to create the unique tables.  The second and very different feeling space was that of the "club" around the dance floor complete with lounge furniture and throw pillows with the wedding date adorning them.



Separating the two areas was a stone wall and gate with a bar in the middle that had a living facade facing the dinner area and an upscale chic design facing the "club lounge".  





The dinner space was inspired by the tropical stylings of Amanda and James' warmer travels to the British Virgin Islands.  The bright colors- especially byrds of paradise, the bride's favorite flower- brought energy and excitement to the space.  Each table was names after one of the many places they have visited together.





A special thank you to Kelly Jenkins of Capital Decor and Events for capturing the stunning and outside the box vision.  

Finally, the experience wouldn't be complete without igniting all senses.  Joel Wolke of Occasions Caterers helped create a menu that led guests around the world.  Map of the world menu cards at each place pointed to the location of origin for each course of the five course dinner with beverage pairings from Dim Sum to fried chicken and waffles and even crisp burgers from their climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.


The always fabulous Justin Ungaro caught the couple and their spectacular day in amazing form.  I am always so lucky when she is partnering with me for a couple's big day.  Also contributing the wedding's huge success was Suburban Media Group, Millennium Band, DJ AP Andres, Sprites INK!, Digital Lightning, Fancy Cakes by Leslie and Wiregrass Weddings.






Thank you Amanda and James!
Sara

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