Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Spring Weddings This Washington, D.C., Couple Took Their Guests to Paris for Their Nuptials—Without Passports By Julie Vadnal Published on October 4, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Abby Jiu Kyle Corsini never had a doubt in his mind about Gigi Huether. It was clear to him that they were meant to be together since 2017, when she opened the door to greet him for their first date. "I knew I was going to marry her," Kyle says. "Honestly, it was love at first sight. From that first date, I started planning a life with her." The pair (he's a commercial real estate broker and she's a nurse) barely dated a year before Kyle brought her to the chapel steps of Our Lady of Lourdes at Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland, and, luring her with a collection of personal trinkets scattered across the chapel steps (one such trinket was a packet of Chick-Fil-A sauce), he eventually presented her with a diamond ring with an amethyst stone, the birthstone of Gigi's grandmother, who had recently passed away. The two never doubted where they'd exchange vows, either. So on May 18, 2019, they gathered with 127 of their nearest and dearest to celebrate their love with a Catholic ceremony at the very same chapel where they got engaged. Following the service, the whole group met up for for a Parisian reception at The St. Regis Hotel Washington, D.C., starting with Champagne and sparkling rosé in a courtyard that was transformed—as in, building façades were actually erected—to resemble a romantic street market in the City of Love. As butterflies swirled through the air (a surprise from Gigi's mom) and guests mingled while wearing Chanel-inspired rose corsages, it was just the beginning of the most magical night of their lives—without a doubt. Watch Gigi and Kyle's wedding video by Bowen Films. 01 of 18 Bonjour Mon Amour Abby Jiu Guests opened invitations, designed by the Dandelion Patch and calligraphed by Laura Hooper Calligraphy, to reveal a hand-drawing of the chapel at Georgetown Preparatory, where Kyle and Gigi would ultimately wed. To play off the Parisian theme, the couple chose a sleek palette of black, blush, and white; a vellum wrap featured the gates to the Astor Terrace, where their romantic reception would be held. A custom crest, also by Dandelion Patch, appeared again on the paper items seen at the wedding, and completed the suite's sophisticated vibe. 24 Illustrated Crests and Monograms That Prettied Up Invitations 02 of 18 Petal Power Abby Jiu Gigi's teardrop bouquet by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design was composed of delicate white flowers including freesia, peonies, tulips, veronica, and ranunculus, all of which played to the day's romantic feel. 03 of 18 All the Girls Abby Jiu On the morning of the wedding, the bride gathered with her bridesmaids, all family members, who wore Fame and Partners' "The Claudine" dresses in blush-and-cream gingham. To finish the look, each wore pink wrap sweaters and pearl earrings—gifts from the bride. 38 Looks That Prove Bridesmaids' Dresses Can Be Chic 04 of 18 French Dressing Abby Jiu Gigi says choosing her Liancarlo wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, floral appliqués, and layers and layers of French tulle was the easiest part of the entire planning process. "The dress basically found me," she says. "It was playing peek-a-boo as I walked down the aisles of dresses and was nothing like I'd ever seen before. It felt like my personality was oozing out of this dress. I couldn't stop bouncing and twirling, and spinning around!" 05 of 18 It's a Guy Thing Abby Jiu Kyle designed a bone-colored tuxedo jacket by Knot Standard with a heartfelt message embroidered inside: his wedding date. Under the collar, "Gigi" was written in a pink script. His groomsmen wore black suits from The Black Tux. 06 of 18 Dapper Details Abby Jiu As a wedding gift, Gigi gave Kyle a pair of Boones and Sons Jewelers gold French Bulldog cuff links, a nod to their three-year-old pup, Turtle. He finished off the look with a pair of velvet Ferragamo loafers. 07 of 18 A Sweet Moment Abby Jiu Gigi and Kyle didn't share a first look before their ceremony, but Gigi did spend some quality time with another important man in her life: her grandfather. "My grandparents and I have always been incredibly close, so sharing a moment with my 'Oberdaddy' was very important," she says. "Oberdaddy was at a loss for words and holding back tears of joy. I knew he was proud beyond measure." A few minutes later, he walked her down the aisle. Trending Now: First Looks with Family Members and Friends 08 of 18 True Elegance Abby Jiu The couple exchanged traditional vows during their Catholic ceremony in the chapel where they got engaged. "Seeing Gigi as the doors to the chapel opened was, to date, the best moment of my life," Kyle says. "I have waited for this girl and making her my wife is still the best feeling I've ever experienced." Gigi's perspective is just as sweet: "Kyle was teary-eyed as he saw me coming down the aisle. He kept saying he loved me and how beautiful I looked and I had to remind him we were in mass and we could talk after! I couldn't stop smiling; seeing Kyle was the best moment of my life." 09 of 18 Sweet Ride Abby Jiu The newlyweds pedaled off to their reception in style: on a Surrey bike, emblazoned with their custom crest, from White Glove Rentals. 10 Unique Wedding Transportation Ideas 10 of 18 Smell the Roses Abby Jiu Female guests received handmade Chanel-inspired rose corsages, which were calligraphed (thanks to Laura Hooper Calligraphy) with their seating assignments. Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays 11 of 18 A Chic Setting Abby Jiu The Amaryllis team built two building façades to create a stunning Parisian scene that doubled as interactive escort card walls: at one, named "La Masion des Fleurs de Martha" (named after Gigi's grandmother), women received sparkling rosé and their rose corsages. Next door, at "Cigar et Biere d'Yvonne," men were handed personalized cigars and a beer. Guests gathered in the courtyard for a cocktail hour that was an entirely unique French experience. "I knew I couldn't bring everyone of Paris," Gigi says, "but I could bring Paris to everyone!" 12 of 18 Best Bites Abby Jiu The couple's crest adorned napkins emblazoned with the cocktail hour's menu, which included French faves like foie gras, mousse macarons, and other bites that the couple consistently craves, like mini tacos. 13 of 18 Très Chic Abby Jiu Stylish guests—who had dressed perfectly for the Parisian celebration—gathered in the courtyard for drinks and bites. A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Guest Attire 14 of 18 Blooming with Beauty Abby Jiu Each dinner table at the reception was bursting with blooms, including pink garden roses, tulips, peonies, and lush greenery. An embroidered napkin by Bella Lino rested on each plate. All the details were important to the bride, so much so that when Gigi first met with her planner, Laura at Grit & Grace, she wanted to get going on designing the tablescapes right away. "During the very first meeting, I was very eager to start setting the tables and picking our our flower arrangements," Gig says. "I was 16 steps ahead of the game, and we didn't even have a wedding date yet!" 30 Rose Centerpieces That Will Upgrade Your Reception 15 of 18 Dinner Time Abby Jiu A stunning overhead display of roses and greenery hovered above a long dinner table, while black candlesticks gave off a pretty glow below. When dinner was served, guests chowed down on a poached pear amuse bouche, grilled vegetable towers, a choice of filet mignon or sea bass as a main. After dinner, the newlyweds dug into a two-tiered lemon cake with fresh raspberry cream filling. A pink linen bow from Jefferson Lane added a touch of elegance to the dessert. 16 of 18 Dancing Fools Abby Jiu For their first dance as a married couple, Gigi and Kyle swayed to Michael Buble's "Everything." Then The New Royals took over and played all of the hits. "We never stopped dancing and not a soul left the dance floor," Gigi says. 17 of 18 Merci Beaucoup Abby Jiu At the end of the night, guests took home a Parisian delight: macarons from Ladurée. 37 Edible Wedding Favors Guests Will Eat Up (Literally!) 18 of 18 Sources Abby Jiu Photography, Abby Jiu Venue, Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; The St. Regis Washington, DC Event planning, Grit & Grace Flowers, Amaryllis Floral & Event Design Videography, Bowen Films Stationery, The Dandelion Patch; Bella Figura Calligraphy, Laura Hooper Calligraphy Music, St. Catherine of Sienna Choir; The New Royals Rentals, White Glove Rentals Bride's gown, Liancarlo Bride's shoes, Manolo Blahnik Hair, Remona Solemani Makeup, Blend Bridesmaids' dresses, Fame & Partners Groom's suit, The Knot Standard Menswear, The Black Tux Transportation, Limos Inc Welcome gifts, Ladurée Embroidered napkins, Bella Lino Linens Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit