Sarah, a digital marketing director from Charlottesville, and Michael, an export policy analyst from New Orleans, met on Hinge, and sparks flew on a first date at Beauchert’s Saloon in Eastern Market. One year later, they got engaged on a trip to Nantucket.
Their “simple, stress-free,” intimate December wedding included just 12 guests (their immediate families), with a green-and-white color scheme and details that nodded to the holidays, including the handmade ceramic place tags that were tied with red bows and doubled as Christmas ornament favors. They chose December 20th in honor of Sarah’s grandparents, who share the same anniversary, and said with the date so close to Christmas, they knew they wanted to lean into the holiday vibe with lots of candlelight in a small, cozy, private restaurant room. Sarah stayed in their newlywed suite at the Ritz the night before, and they saw each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle at the church—the moment they both report was their favorite part of the day. After the ceremony, they made a stop at Beuchert’s Saloon, then joined their loved ones for the reception dinner in Georgetown at Chez Billy Sud, where guests were able to order their choice of salad, entree, and dessert from the full menu. At the end of the night, they served a white, heart-shaped chocolate raspberry cake that read “‘til death” on the top.
For their honeymoon a few months later, the newlyweds traveled to Vienna, Prague, and Budapest.
The Details
Photography: Katelyn Alexandria Photography
Venue: St. Marks Episcopal Church (ceremony) and Chez Billy Sud (reception)
Florist: She Loves Me
Cake: Superbloom Cakes
Hair and makeup: Glamsquad
Bride’s attire: Anne Barge (dress); Staud (veil); J. Crew (coat)
Groom’s attire: Suitsupply
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.
