Nicole and MacKenzie’s Intimate City-Chic Wedding in Washington DC

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Summer 2018 Feature: Nicole & Mackenzie
Print Copies Available for Pre-Order HERE!

“Few things bring people closer more completely than overcoming obstacles together. At the University of North Carolina’s beautiful Chapel Hill campus, Nicole and Mackenzie’s love blossomed from the seats of a crew shell, competing together on the same rowing team. Partners in athleticism, fate would also have it that they were destined to become partners in life. Their bond in the boat revealed itself to be much more over time, as their friendship glided into the waters of love, developing into the relationship of trust and support that it is today…”

Continue reading all about Nicole & Mackenzie’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their intimate city-chic wedding in Washington D.C. – featured in the Summer 2018 issue of MunaLuchi Bride magazine.

Wedding Couple: Nicole & Mackenzie
Occupations: Senior Strategist & Marketing/Business Development Manager
Wedding date: October 7, 2017
Wedding location: Fathom Gallery, Washington, D.C.

Few things bring people closer more completely than overcoming obstacles together. At the University of North Carolina’s beautiful Chapel Hill campus, Nicole and Mackenzie’s love blossomed from the seats of a crew shell, competing together on the same rowing team. Partners in athleticism, fate would also have it that they were destined to become partners in life. Their bond in the boat revealed itself to be much more over time, as their friendship glided into the waters of love, developing into the relationship of trust and support that it is today.

For the proposal, Mackenzie planned the perfect romantic day, beginning first with brunch at urban-chic, table-to-farm restaurant Pilar. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, and featuring an eclectic menu and artisanal cocktails. The next stop, naturally, was for coffee and pie at the aptly named Dangerously Delicious.

Feeling deliciously content, they then made their way to the Arboretum; 446 acres of inspiring gorgeous garden landscapes. Mackenzie mentioned how they needed more pictures together, and selected a beautiful place to set up a tripod. As Mackenzie “nervously fidgeted” with the camera, Nicole was completely unaware of the imminent proposal, asking Mackenzie what was wrong and that “the pictures weren’t going to turn out well if she didn’t relax.” Mackenzie pressed record on the camera, and steadied herself before dropping to one knee, presenting Nicole with “the most perfect ring,” before asking her to spend their lives together in marriage.

Their intimate city-chic wedding took place at Fathom Gallery, located in the Greater 14th Street Historic District of Washington D.C. – a main artistic and cultural hub. For the ceremony Nicole was breathtaking in a classic Vera Wang with modern cuts, and Mackenzie was exquisitely debonair in a custom tux complete with floral sash and backless suede slippers. For Nicole and Mackenzie it was important that the ceremony reflect both of them people, and incorporated the inspirational poem, “Human Family,” by Maya Angelou.

Quick Facts:
Wedding party gifts: Mackenzie gave engraved wooden hangers, and Nicole gave monogrammed leather makeup bags.
Gifts for each other: Mackenzie gave Nicole a pre-wedding celebration in box seats at The Kennedy Center to see Solange, and a rose gold cuff bracelet on the wedding day. Nicole gave Mackenzie a gift box with a record of their first dance song, a watch, an embroidered handkerchief, Jo Malone fragrance and a few other goodies.
Ceremony entrance song: “Truth” by Balmorhea
First dance song: “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding

Best memories: Nicole: “It’s a tie! 1. Walking down the aisle seeing Mackenzie standing in the sunlight, so confident and happy. 2. Walking back down the aisle at the close of the ceremony, holding her hand and hearing the cheers of support from our loved ones.”
Mackenzie: “There were so many cool moments at our wedding, but I’d have to say the short toast Nicole and I gave before cutting our cake. The amount of love emanating in the room was so incredibly palpable; it was overwhelming. We knew how unbelievably fortunate we were, especially as a biracial, LGBTQ couple, to be so embraced and uplifted by an entire room of people from all walks of life. We shared the depths of our gratitude for their support and encouragement—it was such a special moment for us.”

Advice for engaged couples: “Have fun and be confident – this is about the two of you, and no one else.”

Vendors:
Planner: Elizabeth Carberry
Photographer: Emma Weiss Photo
Venue: Fathom Gallery
Florals: Sidra Forman
Catering: Heirloom Catering
Cake: Fleur and Flour
Hotel/Preparation Space: Mason and Rook
Dress: Vera Wang
Salon: Salon Revive
Hair styling: Jordan Pringle of Bristle Salon
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Custom Tux: Michael Thomas Clothiers
Makeup: Jan Scott
Rentals: DC Rentals