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."
