An Elegant Black-Tie Wedding in Washington, D.C.

Something Green

Sugared Fig Paperie created the couple's save-the-dates, which featured a letterpress-printed illustration of the Perry Belmont House on hand-torn paper. The rest of the suite featured a cream invitation, gold foil print, a sage green velvet backing, and a monogram printed in gold foil by Emily Baird Design. The finishing touch? A custom envelope design inspired by the reception venue's oil paintings of botanical scenes with exotic birds.

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A Winter Welcome

Ashley and Jon gifted each of their guests a welcome box, including hand-calligraphed tags by Laura Hooper Calligraphy and some of the couple's favorite items: La Colombe Coffee (the site of their first coffee date), a Jo Malone candle (the scent they burn at home), Virginia Cocktail peanuts (a nod to Ashley's parents' wedding, where they served peanut soup), and Sarah Bernhardt cookies from Buttercream Bakeshop (with buttercream made special for the event, since they were Ashley's favorites growing up).

Dressed for the Day

A long-sleeved lace-covered Monique Lhuillier wedding dress was the perfect frock for Ashley's walk down the aisle. "I loved the color of the dress—Monique calls it silk white and cameo," she says. "The lace appliqué on the dress were white, but the different colored layers of tulle and silk created made the dress look off-white or even blush in some light."

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A Personal Touch

The bride held onto a nostalgic handkerchief prior during the nuptials.

Floral Affair

"My bouquet included gardenias, which was a sweet memory of the perfume that my mother wore throughout my childhood," Ashley says. The floral arrangement was held together with a silk ribbon.

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Shoe Jewelry

A pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps in white lace were the finishing touch.

Magical Moment

After much anticipation, Jon finally got to see his bride ahead of the ceremony. "I remember standing at the top of the grand staircase with my back to her, hearing the shutter of camera lens," he says of the moment building up to their first look. "When I turned and saw her, I was so happy; she looked so beautiful. I truly felt like the luckiest guy ever in that moment."

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Wing Women

Each bridesmaid wore a different black dress, something Ashley prioritized when culling their looks. "I had a small bridal party—a maid of honor and two bridesmaids—and loved getting away from matching dresses," Ashley shares. "My wedding planner, Lauryn Prattes, sourced the dresses from different places and I let each of the girls choose their favorite."

Right-Hand Men

Jon wore a custom tuxedo with a black velvet jacket from Enzo Custom. He also paid tribute to Ashley's family with his ensemble—he wore his bride's grandfather's gold and onyx shirt studs and cuff links (which were all gifts from her grandmother to her grandfather on their 40th wedding anniversary).

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Almost the I Dos

A vintage car transported Ashley to the ceremony—and later, her and her groom to the reception.

Father-Daughter Time

Ashley walked down the aisle at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with her father to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.

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Touch of Florals

Off-white ceramic urns full of lush white florals and greens—including hydrangea, garden roses, ivy, blackberry foliage, and more—lined the altar.

Officially Newlyweds

Ashley and Jon concluded their ceremony with a kiss on the church steps, surrounded by loved ones. To duos planning their own nuptials, the couple says it is important to be fully present. "Make sure to be in the moment. It's not very often that everyone you love is in one room," the bride shares. "Enjoy every conversation, dance, interaction—they will be special memories of your favorite people."

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Sweet Sips

Each guest was treated to a cup of Ladurée hot chocolate and a macaron on their way out of the ceremony.

Here Comes the Bride and Groom

The newlyweds' loved ones rang bells to welcome them into married life.

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Loved Ones

Guests were all smiles—and dressed (warmly!) to the nines—for the black-tie dinner party, which followed the vow exchange.

Golden Hour

Perry Belmont House hosted the cocktail hour and reception—and included provided a lavish, Parisian vibe for the event.

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Right This Way

"At the top of the grand staircase, a display of candles in various heights sat atop a gilded vintage table," Ashley says of their seating chart. "Each guest's name was calligraphed in gold onto a black wrap around the candle. Ivy was intertwined throughout."

Custom Drinks

Two custom cocktails nodded to the married couple's personalities, favorite drinks, and significant relationship moments ( including their first date and proposal). The "St. Asaph Proposition"—which paid homage to the proposal location—included rosemary simple syrup, vodka, lemon juice, and pear brandy; it was shaken and garnished with rosemary. Jon's drink—which honored their first date—was the "7th Street Rendezvous." It featured warm apple cider, a cinnamon stick, and Calvados, and was topped off with star anise and gingerbread grissini.

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One Big Family

Jon and Ashley set up two 30-foot-long tables for their 62 guests.

Parisian Place Settings

The intricate place settings, sourced from Maison de Carine, "were reminiscent of those you may find at a formal dinner in a Parisian home," the bride says.

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Tabletop Décor

To make sure guests could mingle without any obstructions, the couple opted for smaller centerpieces, which were composed of greenery and lush white flowers held in small vessels. The tablescapes were then filled in with topiaries, small greenery urns, more floral compotes, trailing ivy vines, and pillar, taper, and votive candles for texture.

Words of Love

The toasts were a highlight—specifically Ashley's father's. Her dad read a poem that his best man (the bride's godfather) read at her parents' wedding 40 years prior.

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Couple's Confection

Instead of the traditional wedding cake, Ashley and Jon chose a Parisian-inspired confection: a croquembouche. This treat by Buttercream Bakeshop was filled with Nutella and wedding cake cream. The puffs were dipped in white chocolate and decorated with sugar flowers in the style of sweet peas, cherry blossoms, and garden roses, the bride says.

Mini Sweets

The couple gave each of their guests their own mini croquembouche filled with either wedding cake cream or raspberry cream. They were topped with gold flecks and a black bow.

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Live Bar

A bar covered in ivy was placed in the ballroom so attendees could continue sipping as they made their way to the dance floor.

Dancing the Night Away

"(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" by Sam Cooke played as the newlyweds shared their first dance. The song holds meaning for them both. "Jon played this song for me early on in our relationship and it's always been special to us," the bride adds.

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Sources

Photographer, Lisa Ziesing of Abby Jiu Photography
Ceremony Venue, Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Reception Venue, Perry Belmont House
Planner, Lauryn Prattes
Florist, Floral & Bloom
Invitations and Day-of Paper, Emily Baird Design
Calligraphy, Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Save the Dates, Sugared Fig Paperie
Officiant, Paul Brian Campbell S.J.
Bridal Gown and Veil, Monique Lhuillier
Hair Jewels, Jennifer Behr
Shoes, Manolo Blahnik; Magnanni
Hair, Julianne Yapur of Parlour Beauty Boutique
Makeup, Nikki Fraser of Beauty 'N The Bride
Bridesmaids' Dresses, BHLDN; TadashiShoji
Groom's Attire, Enzo Custom
Groomsmen's Attire, Lapel
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Brilliant Earth
Ceremony Music, Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Reception Music, Kushner Entertainment
Catering, Occasions Caterers
Cake, Buttercream Bakeshop
Rentals, White Glove Rentals
Chairs, Nostalgia Event Rentals
Linens, Nüage Designs
Tabletop Rentals, Maison de Carine
Favors, Ladurée Hot Chocolate
Transportation, RMA; VintageLimos.Biz