We’re loving this classic Washington DC wedding planned by Engaging Affairs. It’s got all of our favorite elements of a traditional wedding—old church, historic venue, black tux, cathedral length veil, gorgeous bride—you know the drill. We’re especially crazy about the gorgeous dusty pastel florals by Holly Chapple Flowers. And last, but not least, the incredible Abby Jiu, has captured all of the details with her divine film photography. It’s all just so gorgeous!
What made the wedding special and unique?
It was so wonderful to celebrate with the people who have played a special role in our lives in some way. Having all of your favorite people in same room is truly a once in a lifetime experience! We have lived in Washington, DC since 2003 (with a few years in between living in Baltimore and Boston for graduate school) so we were thrilled to celebrate with our guests in the city we’ve considered home for so many years.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I knew I wanted something classic and timeless. The first day I went shopping for a gown I went to a few popular bridal salons in DC with my mom and bridesmaids and found two dresses that I totally loved. I thought I would eventually choose one of them. I had another appointment at a small shop in Virginia the following day and was about to cancel it, but I decided to keep the appointment. I’m so glad I did because I found my dress there! My gown was a classic, but romantic style with a unique hombre lace with light gold embroidery. I also wore a cathedral length veil and completed the look with the perfectly gold Christian Louboutin d’orsay pumps.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
We both graduated from Georgetown University, so it was special to have our ceremony on campus with so many of our fellow Georgetown “Hoyas” in attendance, including our campus mascot, Jack the Bulldog! For the reception, we incorporated some elements from Jessie’s Polish heritage and we served a special wine produced by Jeremy’s parents’ vineyard in Tuscany called “Festeggiata” which fittingly means “celebration” in Italian. We also love to travel, and wherever we go internationally we always buy Haribo gummy candies from that country. They’re so different all around the world! To honor our Haribo love, we had a Haribo buffet bar and served up some Haribo garnished cocktails at the end of the night. The Haribos were a huge hit! Jessie’s bouquet also incorporated special roses, whose namesake was a combination of hers and Jeremy’s last names.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Jessie: It was definitely walking down the aisle with my mother and seeing Jeremy for the first time. I don’t remember seeing anyone else but him at that moment. Our first dance was also very special–it was performed by a friend who worked closely with our wedding band to put together a special arrangement of “Something in the Way She Moves” by James Taylor.
Jeremy: Seeing Jessie walk down the aisle was the most memorable for me. I had pictured it so many times in my head, and that moment completely exceeded anything I had ever imagined.
Tell us how you met and became engaged?
We first met our junior year at Georgetown. Jessie’s maid of honor, Amanda, was dating one of Jessie’s oldest childhood friends, Dave, who had recently moved into Jeremy’s campus apartment. Jessie had introduced Dave and Amanda (who are currently engaged) so Dave thought he’d return the favor by introducing Jeremy and Jessie. Jessie thought Jeremy was charming and Jeremy was initially smitten. However, it wasn’t until a year after graduation that Jeremy asked Jessie out on a first date. Six years later, Jeremy surprised Jessie with a proposal at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.
Planner: Engaging Affairs // Photographer: Abby Jiu // Florist/Décor: Holly Chapple Flowers // Venue: Meridian House // Caterer: Federal City Caterers // Videographer: Paul Kwak Productions // Furniture and Bar: Event Revolution // Band: Nightsong // Ceremony/Cocktail Strings: Stick Mob Trio // Hair: Amie DeckerBeauty // Makeup: Alison Harper & Co. // Transportation: Sunny’s Limo // Vintage Car: Regal Limousine // Save The Dates, Invitations, and Day of Paper Products: Michelle’s Memos // Calligraphy: Just Write Studios