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  7. At This Celebration, Contemporary Reception Décor Contrasted Beautifully with the Historic Setting
Martha Stewart Weddings

At This Celebration, Contemporary Reception Décor Contrasted Beautifully with the Historic Setting

By Marilyn Oliveira October 04, 2021
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bride and groom embrace
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

A bold tablescape and statement lighting gave a modern twist to one couple's postponed celebration.

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bride and groom embrace
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Ashley and Daniel met and became friendly over shared classes as high school freshmen, but their relationship grew closer when they partnered up to dance Salsa the following year. A decade-long relationship led to a romantic proposal against the dramatic Washington, D.C., skyline, after which the pair began coordinating an epic celebration. "Planning our dream wedding was incredible," says Ashley. "We thoughtfully considered every detail and were so excited to create a magical experience for our guests." When the pandemic required them to postpone their plans, the couple pushed out the celebration, but not the vow exchange—they eloped close to their original 2020 date in a lovely private ceremony in nearby Virginia, just the two of them.

Fast forward to 2021, and Ashley and Daniel picked up where they left off—albeit with an altered plan. "Our original venue seemed to not be reopening in time to host our [formal wedding]," says the bride, "so we decided to pivot to a smaller head count that could be accommodated at Meridian House." Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the beautiful D.C. venue offered gorgeous outdoor spaces that could beautifully accommodate the pair's 80 guests. "The vision was romantic and lush but with a modern twist," describes the bride. "We loved the juxtaposition of black, white, gray, and metallics, but with a very garden-inspired, floral feel." Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace Inc.—who also coordinated their luxurious elopement—helped Ashley and Daniel navigate the ever-changing district mandates while creating a breathtaking event. The classic look of the ceremony site relied heavily on the natural beauty of the estate, while the reception featured a contemporary vibe complete with bold tablescape and eccentric light fixtures. "We were so excited to finally share this special day together," says the bride, "and with our immediate family and friends present, it felt even more real."

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A Glimpse of Gold

dark blue wedding invitation suite
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The couple's invitation suite from The Dandelion Patch incorporated shades of green, black, and burnished gold, a preview of the color scheme for their big day. "The invites were the perfect introduction to the rest of the wedding itself," says Ashley. "From the wax seals, velvet ribbon, and lots of twisting greenery, it truly set the tone." A custom monogram created for the suite was also threaded throughout the wedding, tying the details together.

  • How to Personalize Your Stationery with a Wax Seal

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Dressed to Thrill

bride wearing an off the shoulder a-line wedding gown
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Ashley's off-the-shoulder wedding dress was incredibly romantic with detailed beading, a sweeping train, and floral embroidery. "It was clear to me that this dress most embodied my personality and the style and mood of the wedding day," she says.

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The Perfect Plait

bride with braided hair with pearl hair accessory
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Golden vines embellished with pearls were woven into the bride's elegant braid.

  • 28 Braided Wedding Hairstyles We Love

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A Good Look

bride and groom outside venue on steps
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Ashley and Daniel took each other in for the first time that day outside of the Meridian House. "It was super cute to have our bridal party peering out the windows of the historical house while we had our first look together!" says the bride.

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Love Languages

bride and groom kiss at wedding ceremony
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The couple exchanged vows beneath arches of flowers, arranged by Sweet Root Village, in a ceremony that was delivered in both Spanish and English. "We made sure that it was bilingual to honor our heritage and values," asserts the bride, who co-wrote the service with Daniel and their officiant.

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Time After Time

wedding escort hour glasses
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Guests picked up personalized hourglasses etched with their names from a display of favors.

  • Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays

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Shape Shifters

glass hourglasses with names etched on them
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The silhouettes of the hourglasses varied in shape and sand color.

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The Royal Treatment

reception dinner table with blue and gold accents with flowers
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

One long king's table was situated in the grove behind Meridian House for the reception. "Having an intimate, singular table with our family and friends to sit around was so special," Ashley recalls. "We loved the dramatic look of it placed between the trees with the historic house behind it."

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Hanging a Round

long banquet table for dinner
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Various vessels overflowing with flowers were situated down the center of the table amid masses of candles. The beautiful linen that hung to the ground featured a bold velvet pattern. Large orbs threaded with greenery and flowers were suspended over the table for a breathtaking effect.

  • Popular Wedding Rental Chair Types

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A Full Plate

table setting with gold charger and black plate
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Each golden charger was topped with a black plate, a noir napkin, and a menu wrapped in gold ribbon. Bi-colored flatware completed the striking study in contrasts.

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Gorgeous Glassware

reception glassware with gold utensils
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Ornate stemware gave each place setting an extra dose of glamour.

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Delicate Flowers

blush and white flowers
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Petite blooms made a big impact when gathered in table arrangements.

  • 50 Wedding Centerpiece Ideas We Love

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First Dance

bride and groom first dance
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The couple's first dance song was an acoustic rendition of "Por Primera Vez" by the Columbian singer-songwriter Camilo and Venezuelan actress Evaluna Montaner, who recorded it as newlyweds. "It celebrates the start of a marriage between two people who for the first time are waking up next to each other and sharing a life together," explains Ashley. The pair also had the DJ play their favorite Salsa music so they could perform for everyone. "Dancing to our special songs under the moonlight, for everyone to watch and clap along to, is a wonderful memory to have forever," says the bride.

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Easy Greenery

two-tiered wedding cake ivy
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The pair's lemon-lavender cake from Design Cuisine was simply adorned with garlands of fresh greenery for a timeless aesthetic.

  • 17 Wedding Cake Accents That Aren't Floral

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After Glow

outdoor wedding dinner reception with candles and florals
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Romantic candlelight and the gentle light from the overhead fixtures enveloped the evening in a gorgeous glow. "The lighting was a 'wow factor' and only got better throughout the evening," says Ashley.

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Caffeine Fix

reception latte by candle
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Guests were offered a generous selection of after-dinner espressos and cappuccinos.

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Exit Strategy

bride and groom exit ceremony
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The happy couple took their leave surrounded by loved ones waving celebratory sparklers; to end the night, Ashley changed into a white satin reception dress with a high-neck halter and ruffled skirt.

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Sources

bride and groom with champagne at cake table
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Photography, Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography
Venue, Meridian House
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace Inc.
Videography, 87 and Smith
Flowers, Sweet Root Village
Invitations and Stationery, The Dandelion Patch
Calligraphy, Jess McSweeney
Officiant, Marajorie D'Ambrosio
Bride's Gown, Eve of Milady/Amalia Carrara
Reception Gown, Bronx and Banco
Veil, Elegance by Roya Atelier
Jewelry, Marchesa; Julia Vaughn
Shoes, Harriet Wilde Shoes
Hair and Makeup, Hair and Makeup Artistry by Claudine
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Rent the Runway
Menswear, The Black Tux
Engagement Ring, Pavé Jewelers
Wedding Bands, Ferkos Fine Jewelry
Music, Premier DJ Services; Sage String Quartet
Catering and Cake, Design Cuisine
Rentals, DC Rentals; Something Vintage
Transportation, Limousines Inc.

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    1 of 19
    2 of 19 A Glimpse of Gold
    3 of 19 Dressed to Thrill
    4 of 19 The Perfect Plait
    5 of 19 A Good Look
    6 of 19 Love Languages
    7 of 19 Time After Time
    8 of 19 Shape Shifters
    9 of 19 The Royal Treatment
    10 of 19 Hanging a Round
    11 of 19 A Full Plate
    12 of 19 Gorgeous Glassware
    13 of 19 Delicate Flowers
    14 of 19 First Dance
    15 of 19 Easy Greenery
    16 of 19 After Glow
    17 of 19 Caffeine Fix
    18 of 19 Exit Strategy
    19 of 19 Sources

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