This DC Wedding Was Inspired by the Couple’s Favorite Natural-Wine Bars

Allison, from Bethesda, and Ben, from Philadelphia, met on a dating app and their first date included a walk and a wine bar in the West Village. Ultimately, Ben proposed in an “intimate, perfectly imperfect moment” at their apartment as the pair were getting ready for brunch.

Inspired by their favorite natural-wine bars in New York City and fond memories of trips to South America, the couple say they wanted their June wedding to feel welcoming and understated, yet elegant, with a “modern-California-meets–South American-inspired aesthetic” and a farm-to-table menu. The color palette included warm neutrals and earth tones, such as ecru and mustard yellow, plus accents of rust, olive, and apricot.

At the ceremony, guests were greeted with cucumber-lime-mint aguas frescas along with chilled towels, sun umbrellas, and raffia fans. During cocktail hour, the newlyweds stole a moment alone to practice their first dance in the reception space before the guests entered. Design elements included warm wood, textured linens, hand-thrown ceramic urns, plus floral designs that included wildflowers, dried blooms, grassy elements, and rocks. Instead of a traditional guest book, guests signed a favorite New York City photography coffee-table book. At dinner, the “Alice Waters–inspired meal,” they say, showcased local seasonal vegetables. Signature cocktails included a strawberry balsamic concoction with vodka and prosecco, and a bitter sweet bourbon drink. For dessert, the newlyweds skipped the cake in lieu of passed petite sweets and an ice cream taco station that they say was a true crowd-pleaser on a hot summer night.

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.