Intimate Dinner Party Vibes With Understated French Flair in D.C.

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, ivory, and soft peach [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Intimate dinner party with French vibes An intimate outdoor ceremony – Both Luke and Molly felt strongly about getting married outside and having an intimate ceremony that felt like a true reflection of who they are and what they value. The guest experience – with Molly’s background in luxury hospitality, there was a big emphasis on little details to improve the overall guest experience. They offered fans during the ceremony, chilled lavender-scented towels immediately after (it was HOT!), and handwritten place cards at each seat to make guests feel extra special. Our guest experience was also important from a timeline perspective – our ceremony was only 30ish minutes; our cocktail hour was extra long (1.5 hours) to allow plenty of time for guests to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and take photos; we spaced out the speeches, the dance floor didn’t open up until the sun had set… It’s all about the vibes! If your guests are having a good time, then your event is a success. Understated elegance was the guiding principle throughout the entire design process. We wanted everything to feel effortlessly chic, timeless, and undeniably And of course, music! A talented, energetic, crowd-pleasing band with saxophone and trumpets was definitely a huge priority for the couple.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

To celebrate our 30th birthdays, we decided to spend a week in Paris! Molly had lived in France for a couple of years after college, and Paris has a special place in her heart. Luke was eager to go (and to see if it lived up to all the hype). After experiencing Paris through Molly’s eyes, he fell in love with it. Molly had told Luke the Luxembourg Gardens is one of her favorite places in Paris. She had spent a semester at Institut Catholique de Paris in 2013, and Luxembourg Gardens was just a short walk from school. She didn’t know anyone in Paris when she first arrived, so she would spend many afternoons here reading, writing, and just watching the world go by. Fast forward to 2023, and Molly and Luke spent the 2nd day of their trip exploring the left bank. They walked by the school where Molly studied, strolled down Boulevard St Germain, and had lunch at Cafe de Flore. Then, after grabbing a bottle of rose at Monoprix (bien sur!), we walked to the Luxembourg Gardens. After pouring us a couple of glasses of wine, Luke got down on one knee! Everyone clapped (even French people!!) and it was truly perfect. While we obviously contacted our families and close friends right away, we didn’t announce our engagement until we got back from our trip. That way, we were able to just soak it all in, be super present, and just enjoy each other… and Paris! It was such a special time for us.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Wellesley by Suzanne Neville, featuring a custom bodice and straps (purchased at Zoya’s Atelier in Falls Church, VA)

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Various dresses in champagne/beige/ivory Simkhai, Sachin & Babi, Reformation, Sabina Musayev, Dress the Population, Needle & Thread, Ieena for Mac Duggal

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Various classic tuxedos

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Cocktail hour: Fresh mozzarella with basil and cracked black pepper Potato and chive tartlet with Sevruga caviar and crème fraîche Fresh Sashimi grade tuna tartar, sesame salad with wasabi caviar Miniature Maryland crab cake with saffron aioli Coconut shrimp with mango chutney Organic skirt steak skewer with caramelized pearl onions Plated Meal: ORGANIC FIELD GREENS grape tomato, asparagus, fresh basil vinaigrette NORWEGIAN SALMON lemon horseradish and dill crust, creamy vegetable pearl pasta, saffron coulis or HERB MARINATED FILET chive-scented potatoes, demi-glace Wedding cake flavor(s) and/or dessert(s): Almond sponge cake, buttercream icing, vanilla cream filling Signature wedding cocktails: Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Olives Old Fashioned

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Soft creams, taupes, and a hint of peach from garden roses and sweet peas pulled the florals together. Paired with chic stoneware plates and ceramic compotes on the tables, these felt distinctly understated and French. A hint of metallic sparkle in the soft, neutral Nuage linens added a bit of flair from the reflected light cast by graceful crystal candelabras while flickering taper candles and votives added to the gentle glow and intimate dinner party vibes.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Wedding cake flavor(s) and/or dessert(s):
Almond sponge cake, buttercream icing, vanilla cream filling
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Custom menus with tassels and vellum name tags attached for each guest

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Chic crystal candelabras cast a warm glow over the tabletop.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Custom white hats “The Smiths EST. 2024”

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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