A Clubby Twist on
1920s Style
The Love Story of
Jessica & David
St. Aloysius Church
The Hay Adams Hotel, Washington, DC
Ten years ago when Jessica and David met at Gonzaga College High School, the oldest educational institution in the old Federal City of Washington, they never thought that after years of college and long distance friendship that they would reunite in Washington, DC, turning their friendship into romance and say their "I Dos" at St. Aloysius Church on the Gonzaga campus.
Engaged in 2006, during her graduate studies at George Washington University, Jessica came home to find David amid countless glowing orange pumpkins (one of her favorite things in the world) with a diamond ring. David proposed to Jessica that day and wedding plans commenced. Jessica knew she wanted - an opulent DC affair with an abundance of glowing orange hues (as inspired by the pumpkins).
Born in Ecuador, raised in the New Orleans, and now a PhD Student in Washington, DC, Jessica, the bride, expressed her desire to incorporate her heritage, experiences, and interests into the wedding décor and overall vibe.
Selected for the black-tie wedding, the historic landmark hotel overlooking the Whitehouse, the Hay Adams was converted into an oasis of orange glow and fire on July 28, 2007. Jessica requested that each part of the wedding to take place in a different area of the hotel, featuring a unique look, sound, and mood.
The cocktail hour featured the sounds of a four piece Latin percussion ensemble on the rooftop of the Hay Adams overlooking the Whitehouse. Creative hors o'douves, such as shot glass shrimp cocktails, were butler passed while guests partook in the La Composita Tango.
A formal dinner kicked off in the Lafayette Room with the wedding party being announced via a jazz guitarist. A solo pianist provided classical music during the four course dinner featuring chef specialties such as lobster bisque, champagne sorbet intermezzo, and fillet mignon. Orange slices, kumquats, orange mokara orchids, orange pin cushion protea, bird of paradise, and green dendrobium orchids were used in various composite and square centerpieces adorned the dining tables with custom made lanterns eluding a fiery glow. Custom made place cards, menus, and table names were all complimentary of the custom designed invitation sent to guests. Belgian chocolate favors, molded into replicas of DC landmarks, such as the White House were placed on dining tables adding to the overall DC theme and ambiance.
The night continued in another private area and featured a six piece band played a mix of Bid Band, Motown, Swing, and Jazz favorites in a lounge-like atmosphere featuring sofas, cocktail tables, an apple dessert bar, a Food Network celebrity designed wedding cake, and free flowing signature champagne.
After a whirlwind weekend of wedding events beginning with a downtown DC guided tour, the celebration culminated with a Sunday send off brunch at the Hay Adams. When asked if the wedding was everything she wanted Jessica replied with, "I could not have been more pleased with ALL OF IT!!! All the guests had a fantastic time...but most importantly David and I had a great time with everything!"
Ceremony: St. Aloysius Church - Washington, DC
Reception: The Hay Adams Hotel - Washington, DC
Florist: Petal's Edge
Photographer: Allure Photography Ltd
