Elegant and timeless wedding in Washington DC has two stunning dresses, classy décor, and so much love!
Natalie and Sheldon’s love story is a modern tale beginning with “likes” on Instagram and ending in “I-do!”.
As Natalie puts it, “Our story began in 2016 when a South Florida girl met a handsome Brooklyn-born New Yorker. Who would have thought a few “likes” would lead to eternal love?”
After the pair connected online, 5 1/2 years later they tied-the-knot surrounded by their closest friends and family. Their elegant and timeless nuptials captured their love perfectly – and even included a special guest appearance from the Chick-Fil-A Cow!
Keep reading below for more wedding details including emotional vows, epic dance routines, and more.
- Couple: Natalie Jones & Sheldon Powell
Quick Facts:
- Location of Wedding: Grand Hyatt, Washington DC
- Wedding Date: July 17, 2021
- Wedding flowers: Peonies
- Favorite item on menu: The steak! And the surprise Chick-Fil-A!
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: earrings for the bridesmaids and whiskey glasses for the groomsmen
- First dance song: John Legend “Stay with You”
How they met…
The events leading to their first connection really starts with Natalie’s upbringing.
“I was raised by a single mother who instilled in me at a young age the true importance of family,” Natalie explains. “My mother passed her own lifetime motto on to us called “The Three D’s: Dedication, Determination, and Desire. Your Desires will be realized through hard work, Dedication, and Determination.””
Living by these words, Natalie followed her passions and in 2014 made a major career move to the state of Virginia. Two years later, on a late September evening while scrolling on Instagram, she came across a page that took her breath away!
“Although I was nervous, I liked 3 photos on [Sheldon’s] personal page and went to sleep. The next morning, I had a direct message from [him] asking to get to know me better. We Exchanged phone numbers and went on our first date two weeks after that.”
The proposal…
Looking back, Natalie recalls Sheldon’s proposal as “absolutely beautiful and intimate.”
That night, Sheldon and Natalie actually had evening dinner plans with close friends – or so she thought! At the last minute, Sheldon told Natalie his old basketball coach was in town. He really wanted Natalie to meet him and said they needed to make a stop before dinner.
“I was kind of annoyed,” she admits. “But I said OK.”
When they arrived at the restaurant, they walked upstairs to the second floor towards a small room.
Inside”…was our parents, siblings, and a handful of our closest friends. I immediately started to cry and [then] Sheldon got on one knee – it was the best day of my life!”
Describe your wedding style…
They describe their wedding style as “classic, timeless, and simple elegance.”
The ceremony…
Wedding dress and favorite accessory…
Natalie donned two beautiful dresses: one for the ceremony and one for the reception.
“My first dress was traditional strapless that highlighted my curves, but was classy. My 2nd dress made by Brides by Nona was flirty with lots of jewels but still gave bridal!”
Her favorite accessory was her “Keeled hair piece.”
“It was so gorgeous and actually kept my hair lined in all night! I absolutely loved it.”
Mr. & Mrs. Powell…
Reception space & décor…
The reception…
Cultural elements…
For their entrance into the reception, the couple prepared a dance routine that took them back to their roots!
“I am [from] Florida and Sheldon is from New York,” Natalie explains. “[So] we prepared a dance routine for our entrance…featuring a mix of New York and Miami vibes songs.”
Outfit change…
Second entrance…
Best wedding day memory…
Their favorite wedding day memory was by far “reciting their vows to one another in front of their closest family and friends.”
A close second favorite memory for the couple was dancing with the Chick-Fil-A cow!
“It was such a statement of who we are!” Natalie exclaims. “Stay true to yourself no matter what.”
Wedding advice for other engaged couples…
Natalie’s advice for other engaged couples is to “remember to keep each other FIRST.”
She admits, “The wedding planning process can become hectic and overwhelming. However, if your remember the reason for the special day… everything else is irrelevant.”
Advice for brides…
No matter what, Natalie says to “Always remember this day is about YOU and your husband!”
“Do what makes you happy. You will never regret [it] because it will the most SPECIAL day of your lifetime!”
Looking for more elegant & timeless wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Wedding Planner/Designer: Master Plan Events
- Venue & Catering: Grand Hyatt DC
- Photographer: Tunji Studio
- Florist & Rentals: Dacceni Occasions – Luxury Event Planning & Design
- Production (Lighting, Dance Floor): The LightSource Company
- Draping: 27 Studios
- Make up Artist: Shandy
- Hair Stylist: Dolledbynueye
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Ashford by Sadiq
- Bride’s 2nd Dress: Brides by Nona
- DJ: DJ P Drama
- Cake: Buttercream Bake Shop
- Rentals: Garden of Eden
- Submitted via Two Bright Lights
To the Powell family those photos of you and your husband is beautiful and everything about your wedding was elegant also I pray 🙏🙏 that you two be married for years to come