Elegant Garden Party Wedding in Washington DC

It was during a rooftop party in Chinatown, Washington D.C. where Abby and Marcus first crossed paths.

With both of them only knowing a few people at the party they seemed to gravitate towards each other, striking up a conversation. Ironically, Marcus was set up to meet someone else that evening but fate had other plans. They left the party with a positive impression of the other, thinking about how great the conversation had been. Almost a month later, their friends threw another party, and again they gravitated towards each other – relieved to have the opportunity to pick up where they left off. With both of them feeling as if their coming together had been more than serendipity, they began dating a week later.

Featured in the Summer 2019 issue of Munaluchi Bride Magazine. Order your copy here while available!

Bride & Groom: Abby & Marcus
Wedding Location: Washington DC
Wedding Date: May 26th 2018
Photographer: Elizabeth Fogarty

Throughout the next five years of their relationship, Abby and Marcus had experienced their share of life’s ups and downs, but no matter what they always found comfort in knowing they had each other. During that time they increasingly found moments demonstrating traits that they would consider ideal in someone to spend the rest of their lives with. In Abby’s words, “our years of building a rock-solid relationship, where communication and honesty are at the center, is the reason I knew he was ‘the one.’” And so it was after moving to a new apartment in DC that they decided to host both of their families for the Christmas Holiday – providing Marcus with a perfect opportunity. On Christmas day, surrounded by their loved ones, Marcus asked Abby to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.

Abby and Marcus’ wedding was a romantic and elegant garden party themed event at the Anderson House in Washington DC. A Carribean steel band further added cultural elements to the atmosphere in honor of Abby’s parents who are from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Abby was gorgeous in a dramatic ball-gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline and low-back with lace accents. Marcus stood dapperly at the altar awaiting his bride where, surrounded by the love of family and friends, they were forever joined as husband and wife.

Best Memories: Abby: “I really, really didn’t want to cry during the ceremony and ruin the pictures. But after Marcus’ vows, I was really emotional. By the time we were officially married, the moment just really hit me hard. After all the months of planning, we were finally married. My favorite moment was the one when we were pronounced husband and wife. I cried tears of joy when we kissed. It was an amazing feeling.”
Marcus: “My most memorable moment was watching Abby descend the staircase with her parents. It was a magical moment. So often you see brides walk down the aisle, so seeing her come down this large, ornate staircase in her gorgeous dress made the moment very real and very special.”

Advice for Engaged Couples: Wedding planning can bring out a lot of emotions – some good and some not so good – between you, your future spouse and your respective family and friends. This is a really important opportunity for you all to work on your communication skills, your delegation, and division of labor skills, your ability to do future planning and your ability to resolve disputes. In other words, use this as an opportunity to deepen your relationship. Take time to reflect on your love and don’t constantly focus on the to-do list. Most importantly remember that this is your day and keeping your love for each other front and center is more important than the needs of all the other people in your life who might want things from you as you plan this big moment.

Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridal Salon: Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Bride’s Headpiece and/or Veil: Veil: Aleksa Karina || Headpiece: Untamed Petals
Bride’s Shoes: Aquazzura and Christian Louboutin (reception)
Bridesmaids Dresses: White Runway
Cakes/Desserts: Couture Cakes by Sabrina
Catering: Occasions Caterers
Ceremony Venue: The Anderson House
Event Design: Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations
Entertainment: Ceremony: The String Queens || DJ: Van from My Deejay || Cocktail Hour: Pan Masters Steelband Orchestra
Event Planner: Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations
Florals: Sweet Root Village
Groom’s Attire: Navy blue Max Davloli Baroni tuxedo, tailored by Geoffrey Lewis Custom Tailors. Reception: Dinner Jacket by Ralph Lauren
Groomsmen Attire: Tuxedos from Lapel
Hair: Demetress Valentine, Designs Unlimited Beauty Studio
Linens: Perfect Settings
Makeup: Demetress Valentine, Designs Unlimited Beauty Studio
Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty Photography
Reception venue: The Anderson House
Rentals: Perfect Settings
Stationery: Stephanie B. Design
Videography: Sok Vision