A Modern, Black-Tie Wedding in Washington, D.C.

The Stationery Suite

"We wanted something very simple and classic, and we both have really been into marble everything lately, so we decided to get a custom marbled liner for each invitation," explains Arielle. Keeping to their color palette of black and white, the couple worked with Paperzest to create their stationery suite.

The Location

Arielle and Matt chose to wed at The National Headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Located right next to The White House and The Washington Monument, the venue provided guests with a quintessential D.C. experience.

The Welcome Chocolates

"Since we had a lot of guests flying in from out of town, we thought a welcome gift would be great when they checked into their hotels," says Matt. Keeping with their marble theme, little welcome boxes had custom chocolates that said "Welcome to Washington" created by Buttercream Bakeshop.

The Fashions

"I had my eye on an Alexander McQueen gown when we first got engaged, but I didn't know if it would be acceptable to wear, since it wasn't your typical bridal gown," says Arielle, "I went to San Francisco to try on wedding gowns and realized very quickly that I am NOT a bridal gown girl. So, after thinking about it I realized that I needed to just order the Alexander McQueen dress and see how I felt after trying it on—it fit perfectly, and I completely fell in love!"

Keeping her look simple and classic, Arielle wore nude Christian Louboutin pumps and David Yurman jewelry. Matt looked dapper in a Vera Wang tuxedo, velvet bow tie, and black velvet loafers.

The Bridal Bouquet

"From the beginning, I knew I wanted to go with white flowers," says Arielle, "We had a mix of different flowers, but my favorites were the fringe tulips." Sweet Root Village created her clean, white bouquet, which also included smilax vines, garden roses, spray roses, ranunculus, peonies, and a mix of greenery.

The First Look

Arielle and Matt took photos on the balcony of their bridal suite at the J.W. Marriot Hotel and later at DAR.

The Bridesmaids

Arielle's six best friends from college served as her bridesmaids, and wore different black dresses from Alice & Olivia, Norma Kamali, Nicole Miller, and Halston Heritage.

The Groomsmen

Matt's groomsmen, including his brother, Arielle's two brothers, and his three best friends, looked sharp in their tuxedos from Vera Wang.

The Bride's Mother

Arielle and her mother, dressed in Badgley Mischka, took photos at DAR. "My mom has always been my biggest supporter," says the bride. "Throughout the months leading up to the wedding, she kept assuring me that I needed to choose what I liked and not to worry about what anyone else thinks. Even though that was really difficult for me, I think it's probably something that everyone goes through and it was advice I stuck to."

The Ceremony Location

The ceremony took place on the portico of DAR with the Washington Monument in the background and was anchored by a large tree for décor. "After choosing a location like DAR, it was almost like it didn't matter what we put there because it was already so beautiful," says Arielle.

The Bride's Entrance

Arielle's father walked her down the aisle as a string quartet played "Samskeyti" by Sigur Rós.

The Ceremony

During the service, Arielle and Matt exchanged traditional vows.

Following the ceremony, on the other side of the portico, a string quartet played as guests enjoyed different Northern California wines and ate a variety of hors d'oeuvres including fried macaroni and cheese bites, raw zucchini lasagna, glazed beets with mozzarella, and raspberries and brie.

The Seating Chart

Grit & Grace created the blackboard seating chart that sat atop a clear easel draped with greenery and surrounded by black candles. "Having the seating chart was a last-minute decision, and it turned out to be a really cool addition to the wedding," says Arielle.

The Reception

The seated dinner took place in a room connected to the portico, allowing guests to pass through and be both inside and outside. Two long tables were decorated with vibrant eucalyptus from Sweet Root Village, which provided enough greenery to forgo florals. Candles in smoke glass vessels provided elegant décor and a warm glow. The room's architectural details and high ceilings added the finishing touch.

The Place Setting

Paperzest created the marble-themed menus, which rested on top of white dinner plates that were decorated with a small sprig of greenery.

The Dinner

For dinner, guests ate baby arugula with garden strawberries, beef short rib, short smoked salmon, and asparagus spears with velvety mashed potatoes prepared by Main Event Caterers. Afterwards, instead of serving a traditional wedding cake, s'mores on a stick were passed with berries and cream. Following dessert, the newlyweds and their guests walked over to the after-party location—which happened to be right nearby, with a backdrop of the Washington Monument and White House at night.

Sources

Photography, Adam Barnes Photography

Location, National Headquarters of the Daughters of American Revolution

Event planning, Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace

Catering, Main Event Caterers

Stationery, Paperzest

Flowers, Sweet Root Village

Videography, Bowen Films

Officiant, Matthew McCabe

Music, The Long Rangers

Rentals, DC Rental

Bride's gown, Alexander McQueen

Bride's accessories, Christian Louboutin (shoes); David Yurman (jewelry)

Hair, Bridal Hair by Remona

Makeup, Carl Ray Makeup Artist

Bridesmaids' dresses, Alice & Olivia; Norma Kamali; Nicole Miller; Halston Heritage; Illusion Band

Groom's suit, accessories, and menswear, Black by Vera Wang

Chocolates, Buttercream Bakeshop