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Martha Stewart Weddings

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Provided Sweeping Fall Views at This Simple, Elegant Wedding in Washington, D.C.

Nashia Baker, Associate Digital Editor at Martha Stewart
By Nashia Baker June 09, 2020
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bride and groom share kiss on greenery covered stairway
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The couple opted for a timeless aesthetic and minimal décor.

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bride and groom share kiss on greenery covered stairway
Credit: Bonnie Sen

When Jesse met Katie in June 2010 at an Irish Pub—after a game of kickball—in Washington, D.C., he couldn't let her walk away without knowing more about her. As Katie hurried off to get some fresh air, Jesse called after her and they spent the rest of the evening talking. The pair's relationship kept growing from there, eventually culminating in their engagement on July 4, 2018, on Cape Cod.

Katie's family always celebrates the Fourth of July with a cookout, so Jesse took the occasion as an opportunity to ask his then-girlfriend for her hand in marriage. As he was in the middle of popping the question, her family interrupted on their way to the beach. Even though the ring was still in his pocket, he had already asked her to be his wife. They snuck away shortly thereafter to celebrate, just the two of them, before going back to announce the news to their family and friends. 

The couple's big day took place on October 5, 2019, at the International Women's Commons at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) for their nuptials. "We knew that we wanted to be married in D.C., which is a central location for so many of our loved ones, both in the U.S. and abroad," Katie says. "When we walked in, we loved the soaring ceilings, prevalence of Jerusalem stone throughout the building, the incredible views of the monuments, the Mall, and the Potomac, especially when considering fall foliage as the backdrop for our ceremony." The 235-guest wedding came together beautifully, courtesy of simple décor and the help of Anne Kelley Events and Design, who brought the rest of the big-day details together.

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Suite Tribute to the Venue

white and cream wedding invitation suite with floral decals
Credit: Bonnie Sen

"I am stationery-obsessed, and the infinite options were too exciting," Katie says of selecting the invitations. "Ultimately, we settled on Chicago-based small business EVR Paper, founded by Christine Ross. Christine creates beautiful watercolor collections and developed the perfect suite for us, incorporating olive branches as a tribute to our venue, the United States Institute of Peace."

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Bridal Essentials

red and green floral wedding bouquet
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The bride found her simple, off-white Alexandra Grecco wedding dress, complete with a plunging V-neckline, at Lovely Bride in Georgetown. "As soon as I saw it, I knew that Jesse would love it, and from an architectural perspective, that it would be impossible to find something that better fit the clean lines of USIP," the bride says.

A hand-tied bouquet, filled with olive branch leaves, red king protea, and blue thistle, added a pop of color to her look and paid homage to the season.

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Ready for Her Close-up

bride getting ready for wedding portrait shot
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Katie slipped on Ti Adoro jewelry and knotted, chunky-heeled sandals from Loeffler Randall—they were the perfect shoes for dancing, she notes. The bride also donned blue sapphire earrings from her aunt and carried an antique silver pocket mirror her mom engraved for her.

  • 25 Nontraditional Wedding Shoe Ideas from Stylish Brides

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Dressed to Impress

groom wearing navy blue suit with green printed tie
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Jesse wore a custom dark blue suit from Enzo with a Drake's of London shirt and Sid Mashburn tie. He also sported his favorite Halios watch.

  • How to Properly Steam or Iron the Groom's Wedding Attire

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All in Anticipation

groom smiles at bride during first look on staircase
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Both Katie and Jesse were equally anxious to see each other ahead of their first look. Katie says spending the night and day apart in anticipation of the wedding was nerve-wracking, but made reuniting at last that much sweeter. 

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A Family Affair

bride and groom with two bridesmaids wearing emerald green dresses
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The couple had a small bridal party—just four people in total. Katie asked her cousin and brother to be in the wedding, while Jesse had his brother and sister by his side.

Their bridesmaids wore emerald green BHLDN frocks and held the same style bouquet as Katie, just slightly smaller.

  • This Is Why Bridesmaids' Dresses Are More Expensive Than Other Gowns

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Simple Ceremony Details

floor to ceiling windows wedding ceremony venue
Credit: Bonnie Sen

At the ceremony, the venue's dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows were the focal point. The duo chose a simple chuppah draped in white, and decorated the structure with greens and rose-colored protea. White chairs—arranged in small, varied rows, which elongated and curved the aisle—spoke to the clean, streamlined space.

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Forever Awaits

father and mother of bride walk bride down the wedding aisle
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Katie's father and mother walked her down the aisle to "All of Me" by John Legend.

  • The Best Processional Songs for You and Your Wedding Party

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Officially Husband and Wife

bride and groom share first kiss after wedding ceremony
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Jesse's step-brother officiated the couple's service. "[He] approached this in the most thoughtful way, reaching out to loved ones, interviewing them, and weaving together a super tailored, special, and also funny ceremony," Katie shares. "We wrote our own vows and selected two readings that were delivered by our good friend, Kristen, and Jesse's step-father."

The pair also paid tribute to Jesse's religion with a few Jewish customs, including the wrapping of the bride and groom in a prayer shawl, or tallit. The couple's mothers joined them under the chuppah to help wrap them together before they were pronounced husband and wife.

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Musical Highlight

string band playing overhead of guests during wedding reception
Credit: Bonnie Sen

"Our photographers took a few really incredible photos that captured the string band over our guests and looking towards the chuppah," Katie says. "These are some of our favorites from the wedding." The quartet continued to play during the cocktail hour.

  • What Kind of Music Should You Play During Your Ceremony?

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Custom Cocktails

wedding cocktail hour bar menu
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Signature sips included "A Perfect Pair" and "To Have and Tequila." The first drink featured pear brandy, bourbon, and cider, while the second combined elderflower, tequila, ginger ale, and lime juice.

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Cocktail Hour Details

cocktail hour treats in glass jar
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Among the many special details that appeared at the cocktail hour and reception—including their custom matchbooks, displayed in glass jars on the bar—one do-it-yourself project hit close to home. The couple framed images of their grandparents and placed them around their guest book to pay tribute to the loved ones no longer with them.

  • Wedding Bar Signs to Elevate Your Cocktail Hour

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Chic Reception Signage

green reception seating chart wood frame
Credit: Bonnie Sen

"We worked with Just Write Studios to design and produce beautiful fabric signage," Katie notes, adding that they use varying shades of green and soft cream tones to construct the seating chart, in addition to the other big-day signs.

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Sunny Reception

round white linen covered reception tables with clear plastic seating
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The venue was filled with cheerful, bright light all throughout the event. As the sun set, the couple wanted to continue that sense of warm ambience: Since the venue didn't allow real candles, their florist Duran Floral Design added flameless candles in hurricanes to the bases of the centerpieces to brighten the space after dark.

  • 20 Unique Reception Seating Ideas That Will Surprise and Delight Your Guests

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Floral Touches

gold vase low green and red floral centerpieces
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Large blooms, blended linens, and green-and-gold accents defined the tabletops.

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Green Thumb

green cardstock table numbers
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The custom table numbers, as well as the other fabric big-day signage, blended in with the simple aesthetic of their wedding.

  • The Prettiest Wedding Table Number Ideas from Real Weddings

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Streamlined Settings

gray and gold reception place settings
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Gold silverware accented gray plates and crystal goblets at each setting.

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Tasty Treat

three tiered white frosted wedding cake with greenery and red floral accent
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Simplicity defined the cake—a white carrot-flavored confection accented with small flowers—as well.

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Sealed with a Kiss

bride and groom share kiss at reception table
Credit: Bonnie Sen

The newlyweds' best advice for couples? Cherish the journey to your wedding. "We thought that giving ourselves a little more than a year was plenty of time, but in retrospect, we would have loved to linger longer over the planning process," Katie says.

  • When Should You Finalize Your Wedding-Day Timeline?

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Sources

bride and groom smile for portrait shot outside
Credit: Bonnie Sen

Photography, Bonnie Sen
Venue, United States Institute of Peace
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Anne Kelley Events and Design
Flowers, Duran Floral Design
Invitations, EVR Paper
Day-of Paper Products, Just Write Studios
Officiant, Justin Bolois
Bride's Gown and Veil, Alexandra Grecco via Lovely Bride
Shoes, Loeffler Randall
Hair, Roberto Alercon
Makeup, Leah Margosis
Bridesmaids' Dresses, BHLDN
Groom's Attire, Enzo; Sid Mashburn
Groomsmen's Attire, Suit Supply; Chipp Neckwear
Wedding Bands, Tiny Jewel Box; Bario Neal
Guest Book, Sugar Paper
Music, MSE Productions
Catering and Cake, Occasions Caterers
Rentals, Table Manners DC
Lighting, Frost DC
Favors, The Emerald Hound; The Paper Source

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    1 of 21
    2 of 21 Suite Tribute to the Venue
    3 of 21 Bridal Essentials
    4 of 21 Ready for Her Close-up
    5 of 21 Dressed to Impress
    6 of 21 All in Anticipation
    7 of 21 A Family Affair
    8 of 21 Simple Ceremony Details
    9 of 21 Forever Awaits
    10 of 21 Officially Husband and Wife
    11 of 21 Musical Highlight
    12 of 21 Custom Cocktails
    13 of 21 Cocktail Hour Details
    14 of 21 Chic Reception Signage
    15 of 21 Sunny Reception
    16 of 21 Floral Touches
    17 of 21 Green Thumb
    18 of 21 Streamlined Settings
    19 of 21 Tasty Treat
    20 of 21 Sealed with a Kiss
    21 of 21 Sources

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    Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Provided Sweeping Fall Views at This Simple, Elegant Wedding in Washington, D.C.
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