How did you meet your Fiance?

Jason and I knew each other, but only on a 'hi' and 'bye' basis for a few years. Coincidentally, one evening in June of 2012 we were having dinner at the same restaurant, Sugo Osteria in Potomac. After I had dinner I ran into him at the bar, and we chatted briefly as I was on my way out with my cousins. Later that evening (and after a few more cocktails), Jason messaged me on Facebook and worked up the courage to ask me to dinner. The following week we went on our first date, and the rest was history.

Tell us about the proposal!

Jason & I got engaged on July 11, 2013 – one of the happiest days of my life. While Jason would like to think I had no idea it was coming, I started to have a feeling something was brewing in the weeks leading up to the proposal.

The day of the proposal Jason picked me up from work to head downtown, but in the car ride I got to thinking ... 'why are we driving to Georgetown, during rush hour... on a Thursday?!'. Maybe to the average person it wouldn't lead to any dead giveaways, but the inner private investigator in me kicked in full gear, analyzing his every move. We arrived at the Capella hotel in Georgetown, which is where Jason proposed. We headed up to the rooftop of the Capella, sat alone near the pool area, and after inhaling an alcoholic beverage and a little [of what seemed like awkward] conversation between us two, he got down on one knee, reached into his sport coat pocket (typical Jason attire ☺) and 'popped the question’.

It did take a couple minutes for everything to absorb on my end, so after I picked my jaw up from the ground from being in such amaze, of course I validated that my answer was, 'yes!’. After somewhat regaining composure and calling our respective families, we made a toast, and went downstairs to have a romantic dinner at the Grill Room. Jason arranged for our closest friends and my close group of cousins to meet us afterwards to join in on our happiness over celebratory drinks. It was an absolutely perfect evening!

How did you choose the location for your wedding? What type of venue were you looking for?

We went back and forth quite a bit about our wedding location and venue. After many site visits, and lots of online research, Jason truly wanted to be married at his family church, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in DC so we wanted to have our reception nearby in the city.

Jason actually suggested that we look at the Park Hyatt Washington since Blue Duck Tavern (he frequents there often as he works less than a block away) caters their events. As soon as we walked into the hotel, we knew that it was 'our venue' and after our meeting their Director of Special Events, Michael Deltette, it was confirmed in our minds. We wanted to choose a venue that was modern with unique features (i.e. the glass cherry blossom box in the entry, seats in the elevators, etc.), and most importantly one that offered amazing food and drinks!!

How did you decide on your bridesmaids dresses? Tell us about your experience at Bella!

I always knew I wanted beaded gold or silver bridesmaids dresses as we wanted our theme to be 1920s/Art Deco. I searched many places but could not find anything that really excited me. I had an appointment at Bella Bridesmaids, but went to Washingtonian Bride & Groom's Unveiled Event (ironically also held at the Park Hyatt last year) before my initial scheduled appointment. Coincidentally, Bella had a booth setup and I spoke to one of their representatives. I told her my vision and she mentioned that Adrianna Papell was actually doing a trunk show at their store in a few weeks with beaded dresses! I changed my appointment date to when the trunk show was being held, and took a few of my bridesmaids with me. They all tried on the dress and all loved it just as much as I did. They were taupe with a art deco beaded pattern and all of the girls looked gorgeous in them! My experience at Bella was amazing. Lacey was great to work with, and made the process effortless for my 10 bridesmaids.

Who designed your bridal gown? Where did you get it?

​Inbal Dror was the designer of my wedding gown and I got it at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in New York City.

What was your favorite part of the day?

My whole day was amazing, but a whirlwind-- It went by so much faster than I imagined it would. My favorite part of the day is when we were announced as husband and wife, and then dancing into our reception. From the moment the reception began we were truly able to let loose and enjoy the evening-- there was a lot of dancing, laughing and [happy] tears surrounded by our closest friends and family. A big thanks to our coordinator, Natalie with Atrendy and Michael from the PH who took total charge and allowed us to enjoy our first evening as newly weds.

What inspired you when you were planning your big day?

Jason loves anything Frank Sinatra related – his music and that era. We both love vintage decor with a twist of modernization, so that set the tone for my inspiration (1920's/Art Deco). There were a few details that I knew I wanted so that helped foster the rest of the planning-- I wanted sequined king’s tables for our wedding party, which were filled with white and ivory flowers and large crystal candelabras, feathers (which were accented in my hairpiece, garter, bouquets, boutonnieres, wedding cake, and even composed our flower girl’s dress!), and vintage popcorn boxes used for the assorted popcorn bar.

What advise do you have for other brides?

The best advise I can give to other brides is to not sweat the small stuff. I know it's easier said than done, but the day goes by so incredibly quickly. Wedding and wedding planning can be stressful, so just make sure to take a moment to soak it all in when the day arrives! Photographer: Elaine Studley of HayMcKenna Fine Photography