Libby and Elliott’s classic Georgetown wedding is filled with soft and romantic spring details at the Westin Georgetown hotel. The florals by Floral and Bloom are a vision in blush and barely-there-pink and perfectly compliment the pastel sage J.Crew bridesmaids gowns. And while we’re totally smitten with all the lovely design choices captured by photo-genius Elizabeth Fogarty, it’s the couple’s serendipitous (and simultaneous) engagement-plus-surprise-birthday-party story that’s bringing on all the heart emojis. You guys are going to love this one!
What made the wedding special and unique?
We were just so happy to have our family and friends all together in one place. Elliot’s entire extended family flew in from Michigan, and our friends came in from all across the country, and in some cases, the globe! We honestly felt so lucky that people were willing to make the journey to come see us get married. I remember walking around that night thinking how amazing it was that all of my favorite people from all different times of my life were finally meeting. It was truly a surreal experience.
We also got married on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, which made the wedding feel like a three day celebration. We had a small family dinner on Friday, a big rehearsal dinner for all the guests on Saturday, and a brunch after the wedding on Monday. It was definitely a LOT, but it helped us spend meaningful time with each person, and I loved that.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my gown pretty quickly, actually – I knew from the outset I wanted an A-line skirt in a classic and timeless silhouette. I went to a local bridal boutique in my home town and fell in love with the subtle shine on the bodice and simple flow of the tulle bottom on the Watters gown. I was in the shop with my mom, and we both knew right away it was perfect. I decided later that I wanted to change at some point during the reception (my now-husband and I are notorious for never leaving the dance floor during weddings, and our own was no exception)! I ended up going with a full length fitted beaded gown from BHLDN that was fun to dance in, and echoed some of the beaded detailing on the bodice of my ceremony gown.
I’ve since donated both dresses to a local nonprofit bridal shop, where net proceeds from all sales are donated to charities that empower women. I love knowing that my dresses will continue to make women feel beautiful in more ways than one.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
We tried to incorporate a lot of touches that are meaningful to the two of us and our families. During the ceremony, we drank wine from a cup that was a gift to my grandparents when they got married in 1946. I also carried a handkerchief that belonged to my great-grandmother, and one that was a gift from my mother-in-law. We also had to have a nod to our fur-child, Nino, and had specialty drink signs made with the cutest portraits of him. We tried to inject our personalities wherever we could – we had napkins printed with our monogram that said SIP SIP HOORAY and wrote personal stories to be read during the ceremony. And we can’t forget about the cookie truck! Elliot and I both have a serious sweet tooth, and we booked a local food truck that serves cookies, milk, and ice cream sandwiches to come by right when the party was ending. It had rained that evening, and we all went outside just as the sky was clearing, and had late night snacks in what turned out to be a beautiful night. We wanted to have fun but still have the wedding be meaningful – and I like to think we accomplished that!
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The first time Elliot and I saw each other was incredibly emotional. We both worked really hard planning the wedding, and finally having the day arrive felt amazing. There was a lot of crying all day (for both of us!) but I think that was the first time it hit us that we were really doing this!
A close second was the time spent with the bridal party. My bridesmaids are the most important people in my life, and I felt beyond fortunate to have six smart, beautiful, and incredibly supportive women by my side all day. Getting ready in the bridal suite was a dream – my very favorite ladies all in one room drinking champagne! There’s nothing better.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Elliot and I met the first day of law school – actually, the first day of orientation the week before classes started. We were sitting at the same table during the first welcome lunch, but didn’t get a chance to talk until a few days later at a bar night. Our first date was to a local froyo shop (I can never turn down ice cream) and we haven’t spent longer than 10 days apart for the past six and a half years!
Our proposal is a funny story and very indicative of our relationship. Elliot knows that I love surprises but am way too good at figuring them out, so he had planned a proposal on the one day I wouldn’t see it coming – his own birthday. Meanwhile, I had planned a surprise birthday party for HIM, so we were both walking around like a ball of nerves that weekend. Elliot suggested that we take a walk in Georgetown, and he proposed right on the waterfront. Of course, he was immediately relieved and felt completely better – but I was 100 times more nervous knowing that the surprise birthday party I had planned was about to turn into an engagement party. It turned out to be the best, most serendipitous occurrence, because we were able to celebrate with all of our (very confused) friends, and I loved that I was able to surprise Elliot the same weekend that he surprised me!
Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty // Planning and Floral Design: Floral and Bloom // Invitations: Dandelion Patch // Venue: Westin Georgetown // Cake: Sweet Ladies Bakery // Calligraphy: Chez La Mariee // Hair: Styled by Anna Fazio // Makeup: Real Doll Makeup // Gown: Love Couture Bridal // Bridesmaids: J.Crew // Rings: Market Street Diamonds // Jewelry: BHLDN // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Videographer: Rimas Vasiulis