A Lush Canopy of Flowers Transformed This Winery Ballroom Into a Summer Garden

Wendy, a project manager from New Jersey, and Michael, a vice president of a communications consulting firm from Philadelphia, met on Hinge, where for the first (and last) time in her life, Wendy messaged him first. Sparks immediately flew over drinks at Echo Park in Shaw for their first date one Tuesday night. Three years later, Michael proposed one snowy morning while the pair were vacationing in Park City.

They wanted their early June wedding to feel like a “spectacular kickoff” to summer, featuring a color palette inspired by a vibrant summer sunset, and other details that would make the day feel timeless and elegant, yet whimsical and fun. Wendy’s favorite element of the day was the “Our Love is Magnetic” escort display, which nodded to her family’s long-standing magnet-collecting tradition. Michael’s favorite part was the massive floral canopy installation that hung over the dance floor, transforming the ballroom with a summer garden feel.

Other special details included Wendy’s grandfather’s tallit atop their chuppah; the heirloom challah- and cake-cutting knife that had been used for six generations in the bride’s family; and the photos of both sets of parents and grandparents on display. 

In addition to an expansive menu that included a sushi station and raw bar, plus mini bagels with nova (“a nod to our Jewish heritage”), there was a wine tasting at the cocktail hour, Philly cheesesteaks and truffle fries as a late-night snack, and a candy bar with bags for guests to fill and take home. See the photos from their big day below.

Wedding Details

Amy Moeller

Fashion & Weddings Editor

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.