Emma, a training and development specialist from Pennsylvania, and James, a financial intelligence analyst from Virginia, met at a dinner with mutual friends in DC. They connected right away, and met back up later for a first date at Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria. They dated for three and a half years until James proposed at Shipyard Park, before heading back to their first-date spot for dinner with friends and family to celebrate.
On their five-year dating anniversary in November, the pair married at the Basilica of St. Mary with a reception that followed at Hotel Monaco. Emma says she had a vision of a “breathtaking head table of candles and roses” that her planner and florist brought to life better than she ever could have imagined. Other special details included a map of their love story, designed by the bride’s sister, that served as table assignments; chocolate favors from Emma’s hometown; an extensive menu; and signature cocktails named for their dog, “The Winston,” and a Taylor Swift song, “When Emma Falls in Love.” The vibe, they say, was Old Hollywood meets DC, and the focus during the planning was making sure “the guests had the most amazing time.” See the details of their big day below.
The Details
Planning and design: Simply Bold Events
Florist: Petal’s Edge Floral Event and Design
Invitations: Julia Feingold
Venue and caterer: Hotel Monaco
Cake: Finley Sheers
Hair and makeup: Megan Monahan
Bride’s attire: Global Bridal Gallery
Groom’s attire: The Black Tux
Bridesmaids’ attire: Show Me Your Mumu
Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux
Music: DJ Marc Wilner
Transportation: Fredericksburg Limousine
Rentals: Perfect Settings
Day of Signage: By Addison
Photographer: Christina Joy Fox
Second Photographer: Christian Baucom
Favors: Stutz Candy
Venue: Hotel Monaco
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
