A Traditional Gray Wedding in Washington, D.C.

August 12, 2013

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Liz and Paul, A Capitol Couple

Holland Photo Arts

Liz and Paul first met while working at the same law firm in Washington, D.C. They quickly became friends, but it took a couple of years—when the two happened to be single at the same time—for their friendship to develop into something more. Four years later, they were engaged, and on September 29, 2012, the pair wed at an elegant historic mansion in the same city in which they first met.

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Letterpressed Invitations

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Suann Song of Simplesong Design created the couple’s invitation suite, which was adorned with ribbons and a wax seal boasting the wedding date.

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A Neighboring Venue

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Liz and Paul lived a block away from Meridian House, an old French-inspired mansion, for years and loved its historic architecture and outdoor gardens. After learning they could book the space for a wedding, the pair knew they had found their perfect venue. 

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The Bride’s Bouquet

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Liz toted a bouquet of double white freesia, garden roses, blushing bride protea, white snowberry, and various herbs.

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The Fashions

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Prior to the ceremony, the couple stopped for portraits with Holland Photo Arts in Meridian Hill Park. Liz wore a lacy Monique Lhuillier gown and Paul sported a bespoke suit from Field English Custom Tailors.

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The Custom Ring Pillow

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Liz’s nephew carried the rings on a pillow embroidered with the pair’s initials and wedding date. 

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Sweet Signage

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Instead of flowers, Paul’s J.Crew-clad nieces carried a linen sign that read, “Uncle Paul, Here Comes your Girl” into the ceremony.

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The Ceremony Programs

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Simple programs were topped with the same wax seals that were on the invites.

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Aromatic Decor

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Glass cylinders filled with freesia, basil, and lavender lent a sweet fragrance to the outdoor ceremony.

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The Processional

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Liz’s father escorted her down the aisle to “Empty” by Ray Lamontagne.

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Garden Ceremony

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The weather was warm and sunny as the couple exchanged vows in the mansion’s adjoining garden. Family members recited several readings, and a string quartet played songs by Adele, Coldplay, and Radiohead.

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Cocktails and Charcuterie

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A wooden farm table served as an antipasti station during cocktail hour. It boasted a wide variety of cheeses, meats, and breads, as well as a stately olive branch arrangement.

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Custom Cocktail Napkins

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Simplesong Design created logos for the signature drinks—Moscow Mules for the groom and Spiked Lavender Lemonade for the bride—and stamped them onto cocktail napkins.

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The Seating Chart

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Seating assignments were displayed on a large chalkboard surrounded by a white wooden frame. The table layout was drawn in gold, and everyone’s names were calligraphed alphabetically below.

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The Table Numbers

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Gilded table numbers on mini wooden easels guided guests to their seats.

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Dinner is Served

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A menu of roasted baby beet, organic roasted chicken, and woodland mushroom terrine was served family style on tables topped with candles, green-and-white centerpieces, and vintage glassware.

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The First Dance

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The pair took their first married spin to “When the Stars Go Blue” by Ryan Adams.

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Newlywed Chairs

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“Mr.” and “Mrs.” signs on framed chalkboards marked the bride and groom’s chairs.

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The Cake

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Though Liz and Paul originally planned to skip the traditional wedding cake in favor of a dessert bar, they changed their minds after spotting this cheeky wooden topper on Etsy. It ended up on a simple gold fondant cake.

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Desserts Galore

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Guests also enjoyed a mini pie bar with flavors including apple, sour cherry, peach, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb, as well as a gelato cart and a coffee-and-macaron station.

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Cupcakes to Go

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Liz and Paul sent loved ones home with lavender and Earl Grey cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake. Each one was topped with a fondant monogram.

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Sources

Holland Photo Arts

Photography: Holland Photo Arts

Venue: Meridian House

Wedding Planner: Jamie Sears of Simply Chic Events

Catering and Cake: Erica Fredericks of Design Cuisine

Flowers and Rentals: Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events

Officiant: Bill Cochran of Say I Do Your Way

Invitations and Day-of Stationery: Suann Song of Simplesong Design

Reception Music: DJ D-Mac & Associates

Hair: Remona Soleimani

Makeup: Laura Bateman

Ring Pillow: Looploft

Lighting: Event EQ

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