Dreamy black tie winter wedding in Washington, DC has luxurious décor, touching toasts, and stunning attire.
Tiffany & Dante’s story begins with a DM back in 2018. While they already technically met in college back in 2005, the pair instantly re-connected and soon an undeniable love blossomed between them!
Fast forward to February 20, 2022, the couple said “I-do” in front of their closest family members and friends. Set in the historic Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC, their formal black tie affair might just inspire your own winter nuptials!
Keep reading below for more on their love story.
- Couple: Tiffany Hodge & Carlton (Dante) Watkins
- Occupations: Tiffany is a Learning Manager and Dante is a Police Officer.
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: February 20, 2022
- Wedding location: Washington, DC
- Gifts for their bridesmaids and groomsmen: Bridesmaids received custom crystal earrings and black velvet pajamas.
- Gifts for one another: The bride received a pair of pearl earrings (David Yurman) and the Groom received a pair of cuff links (Gucci) and a custom lapel pin commemorating his deceased parents.
- Ceremony entrance song: ‘As’ by Anthony Hamilton and Marsha Ambrosius
- First dance song: ‘Love of My Life’ by Brian McKnight
The bride-to-be…
How they met…
The couple first met in college in 2005 and reconnected in 2018 after a 10+ year hiatus when Dante slid into Tiffany’s DMs. The rest was history!
The proposal…
Dante planned a surprise proposal for Tiffany on her 35th birthday.
He threw her a sexy all-black birthday celebration at one of the first integrated fire stations in Washington: DC Firehouse 4 (which was actually featured on Netflix!). Then, in front of her closest friends and family, he popped the question! Of course, she said yes!
Wedding style…
Their wedding style was a Black Tie formal affair.
The ceremony…
Mr. & Mrs. Watkins…
Venue…
Dante and Tiffany hosted their dreamy black tie winter wedding at the historic Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC. Originally a post office, the now swanky hotel was originally conceptualized by the same architects who designed the US Capital.
Reception space…
The cake…
The reception…
Favorite memories…
Some of their favorite wedding day moments included a touching tribute to Dante’s parents and toasts from their wedding party. They had all of their guests in tears!
Advice for other engaged couples…
Their best advice for other couples is to “communicate, communicate, communicate!”
“And never stop dating each other,” Tiffany adds. “Remember why you decided to get married in the first place and keep that as a focal point always.”
Looking for more dreamy black tie wedding inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Photographer: Deon Washington of Kendrick Kaptures @kendrickkaptures
- Videography: Forever Cottman Films @forevercottmanfilms
- Florals and Decor: JR Flowers @jrflowersweddings
- Live Portrait Artist: Shawn Perkins of SP THE PLUG @sptheplug
- A/V and Lighting: A2Z Music Factory @a2zmusicfactory
- DJ: Wroyal DJ Company @wroyalthedj
- Production: Phemstar Event Productions @phemstar_event_productions
- Rentals: B. Luxe Event Rentals @bluxeventrentals
- Chair, Table & Easel Rentals: Select Event Group @selecteventgroup
- Dinner Plate Rentals: Perfect Settings @perfectsettingsllc
- Mannequin and Floral Stand Rentals: Rue D’Vine (DMV) @ruedvine
- Bridal Gown, Robe, and Bridesmaid Dresses: Pantora Bridal @pantorabridal
- Jewelry and Headpiece: SuReina Bridal @su.reina.bridal
- Hair: Ava W Hair @avawhair
- Groomsmen Tuxedos: The Black Tux @theblacktux
- Groom’s Tux: Garcon Couture @garconcouture
- Cake: Mon Délice @mon_delice
- MUA: Makeup by PNANG @makeupby_pnang
- Stationary and Signage: The Taylored Design, Co @thetayloreddesignco
- Planning and Design: The Matrimony Company @thematrimonycompany
- Day of Coordination: Michelle Baker @labakerdc
- Officiant: Focused Marriages @focusedmarriages
- Venue: Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC
