A Formal Christmastime Wedding in Washington, D.C.

August 16, 2011

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Jessica and Greg

The motto "Virginia is for lovers" rings true for Jessica Wood and Greg Turner, though not from the start. Friends since childhood, they grew up in the same neighborhood; both attended Virginia Tech, though they finally started dating after graduation. Just more than five years later, on December 11, 2010, they wed, just across state lines in Washington, D.C.

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Jessica and Greg

Throughout their engagement, Jessica kept saying she wanted a "wedding during Christmastime, not a Christmas wedding." Their winter nuptials were originally slated for the first weekend of December but they moved the date later in case their beloved college football team made it to the national championships (good thing -- they won).

With help from Ritzy Bee Events, they planned out every last detail, making their day warm, cozy, and full of holiday spirit for their 170 guests.

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The Invitation

Hello Lucky customized its "Gothic Rose" invitation suite, which was letterpressed in charcoal and berry on ecru paper. The response cards and information cards were digitally printed to match. To tie it all together, a guest address label wrapped around the envelope.

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The Location

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Dupont Circle. "We really wanted to embrace D.C. landmarks," Jessica said. The beautiful church is famous for holding the funeral of John F. Kennedy Jr.

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The Processional

Jessica's brother, Eric, escorted her down the aisle.

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The Ceremony

During the Catholic mass, Jessica and Greg exchanged traditional vows and the cathedral's monsignor read Scripture passages.

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The Fashions

Jessica wore a Vera Wang gown that she bought at Saks Jandel and paired it with her grandmother's 1940s mink coat to stay warm in the 40-degree weather. She reworked her mother's old veil and wore diamond earrings given to her by Greg as a wedding present. Her Tacori engagement ring, from Charleston Alexander, finished off the look.

Greg looked sharp in a tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse and a white pocket square.

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The Bridal Party

The bridesmaids wore Amsale dresses from Hitched Maids, along with mittens and sweaters given to them the night before by the bride (they had a sleepover at the Mayflower Hotel). Jessica also gave the girls matching flannel pajamas for their slumber party. She wanted it to feel like they were waking up on Christmas morning as sisters.

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The Bridal Party

The 10 members of the bridal party posed for a portrait on the steps of the cathedral.

To show their Hokie pride, all of the groomsmen sported Virginia Tech suspenders, which were gifts from the groom. The guys also received jerseys of their favorite football and baseball players.

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A Feathery Touch

Jessica wore a hair accessory by LoBoheme.

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The Bouquet

Florist Sidra Forman created the bride's bouquet using 'Polo' roses, white ranunculus, brunia, freesia, seeded eucalyptus, and pepperberries.

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The Bouquets

The bridesmaids carried bouquets of 'High and Fantasy' roses, brunia, freesia, seeded eucalyptus, and pepperberries.

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The Boutonniere

Greg's boutonniere featured white freesia, seeded eucalyptus, and pepperberry.

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The Rings

The wedding rings were carried down the aisle in a custom dish from Paloma's Nest. It was personalized with lyrics from the couple's first-dance song.

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The Portraits

The couple posed for portraits with photographer Kate Headley before and after the ceremony at various locations around the city.

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The Reception

At the reception venue, the Carnegie Institution for Science, mercury-glass vessels filled with candles were placed in the hearth. Above the fireplace hung embroidery hoops stitched with the words "Oh Joy," by Etsy vendor Chez-Sucre-Chez

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The Escort Cards

Jessica wrote guests' names on escort cards that were printed with roses along the top. The cards were placed around an arrangement of magnolia blossoms, white hydrangea, and pomegranates.

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The Reception Decor

Wreaths of New England double-faced evergreens hung in the wall's nooks at the reception.

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The Reception Decor

Garlands of cedar, pine, magnolia blossoms, pepperberries, seeded eucalyptus, princess pine, and balsam wrapped around the staircase's banister.

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The Centerpieces

Varied centerpieces were accented with vintage sleigh bells and old hardcover books in shades of green and burgundy. The couple collected the books, trying to find titles relating to love or Washington, D.C. The clear and mercury-glass vessels contained peonies, berzelia balls, brunia, pepperberries, 'Polo' roses, 'High and Fantasy' roses, green hypericum berries, pieris 'Cupido', super parrot tulips, white freesia, and hellebores.

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The Menu

"Here's the list, check it twice!" appeared atop the printed menu. It came with a golf pencil embellished with "be good for goodness sake!" Guests chose from stations offering sliders, Asian fare, and some of the couple's other favorite foods.

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First Dance

Jessica and Greg danced to "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley.

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The Sweets

A dessert bar, created by RSVP Catering, offered a melange of sweets, including cookies shaped in the logo of their alma mater. RSVP Catering also prepared the evening's menu of comfort foods, including tomato soup with grilled cheese bites during cocktail hour and a cheeseburger and crab cake slider station.

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The Favors

Muslin sacks were rubber-stamped with "naughty" or "nice" and left out for guests, near a sign reading "Please conduct a brief self-evaluation of your behavior this year, and choose one accordingly." The naughty bags held chocolate "coal"; the nice bags were filled with peppermint sticks and peppermint-chocolate bark.

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Sources

Photography and Videography: Kate Headley

Wedding Planning and Design: Ritzy Bee Events

Locations: Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle; Carnegie Institution for Science

Catering and Rentals: RSVP Catering

Flowers: Sidra Forman

Music: Right Food Red; DJ Sountrax

Stationery: hellolucky.com

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Hair and Makeup: Andre Chreky Salon

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