Sarah & Elliott: Hitched at the Hay

*We're featured this month in Engaged Magazine - this photo on the cover and featured article inside*

Over 10 years ago, Sarah and Elliott met on Sarah's high school trip to South Africa and were (almost) immediately smitten.  Separated by distance, once they returned home (she to New York and he to California) they stayed in touch via letters, emails and phone calls.  When he moved back to Connecticut they shared a year of bliss but she soon left for college and Elliott went overseas.  They tried to make it work but after years of difficult distance they parted ways.  Fast forward some years to S+E both living in DC.  They started seeing each other casually and getting to know each other all over again - this time as adults.  Apparently the connection was still there and deep as ever, so they decided not to wait another 10 years!  The rest is history and I was so happy to be apart of this beautiful couple's great love story.  This is the quintessential DC wedding - a black tie affair coupled with the timeless elegance of the Hay Adams hotel (including panoramic views of the White House and monuments!)  We couldn't publish the pictures until now due to Engaged Magazine picking them up for the cover and a featured article - but we've been excited to share this for 2 months now!  Enjoy :)

Ceremony Venue:  St. John's Church
Reception/Catering:  The Hay-Adams 
Photography:  Eli Turner
Florist/Lighting:  Edge
Rentals:  DC Rentals + Syzygy
Cakes:  Kendall's
Invitations:  The Dandelion Patch
Day of Paper Goods: Little Bit Heart
Band:  Nation/Elan Artists
Wedding Planner/Designer:  Strawberry Milk Events
Hair:  Andre Chreky Salon
Makeup:  Victoria Stiles
Dress:  Ulla Maija
Bride's Shoes:  Prada
Groom's Shoes:  Ferragamo

Not too often you see a groom's shoe shot - but we're loving these Ferragamos!

The Groom's Gift - a Cartier timepiece

S + E opted to take pictures before the ceremony rather than miss out on their cocktail hour -
I love this First Look photo!

The cocktail hour took place in the elegant Lafayette Room at the Hay Adams, where we infused subtle African touches to transport guests to the place where it all began for Sarah + Elliott.

A life-size moss elephant greets guests

 

Guests rode the elevator to the rooftop after cocktail for dinner and dancing.




The reception was glamorous and ethereal with all of the lucite, crystal and mirrors.  Not to mention the rooftop had breathtaking sweeping views overlooking the White House and several monuments.

View from the reception's rooftop terrace

The dessert bar was replenished throughout the night with a never-ending supply of assorted cakes (favorites included Chocolate Raspberry, Tupelo Honey and Almond cake!) as well as mini pastries and french macarons.

The mirrored head tables really emphasized the sparkle of the candlelight and crystal once the sun set.