An ob-gyn resident from Maryland and a sales vice president from Georgia, Courtney and Sheldon clicked on Instagram. “From that first message,” says Courtney, “everything just seemed to fall into place.” Their first date was at the lobby restaurant in the former W Hotel, and five years later, Sheldon proposed on a beach in Cancún.
Their wedding design—in black, white, emerald green, and gold—featured a lush romantic-garden theme that nodded to Sheldon’s green thumb. Courtney’s favorite element was the floral centerpieces, which she says brought the reception to life. Sheldon appreciated the windows at the ceremony, which let in natural light for a sense of elegance and warmth during their vows. Among other special touches were the intricately designed gold-and-white menus and the black-and-white dance floor, a focal point they say was a last-minute choice that transformed the room.
The Details
Photography: Terri Baskin
Planning and design: B Astonished Event
Florist: Sophie Felts Floral Design
Invitations: Little Carabao Studio
Hairstylist: Dommie Cole
Makeup artist: Lo Nicely Skin & Beauty (bride); The Bridesmaids Exclusive
Bride’s attire: Elegance by Roya (ceremony); The Bridal Room (reception)
Groom’s attire: Alton Lane
Bridesmaids’ attire: Bella Bridesmaids
Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux
Music: DJ Analyze from Gold Boot Entertainment; Aladdin Da Prince (emcee)
Rentals: Something Vintage; Table Manners
Escort wall: Sweet Gifts
Production: The LightSource Company
Videographer: Alex Franco Films
Photo booth: Smile Social Photo Booth
This wedding originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
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.
