Laura and Charles’ Gorgeous Classic Wedding in Washington DC

It was during a night out with friends that Laura and Charles first became acquainted. An attraction between them was immediate, and the more they spoke the more they found out how much in common they shared. Seeing each other from time to time only reaffirmed their attraction as they shared heavy glances… Spending time alone together brought them even closer, and before long their friendship turned to love, leading them down the path of happily ever after…

Read all about Laura & Charles’ loves story, New York engagement, and experiences in their gorgeous classic wedding in Washington DC.

Bride & Groom: Laura & Charles
Occupations: Pharmacist & Bentley Sales Manager
Wedding date: June 17, 2017
Wedding location: The Westin Georgetown in Washington, D.C.

How did you meet? Laura and Charles met in Charles’ hometown of Richmond, VA where Laura was living at the time finishing pharmacy school. During a night out at their favorite bar, Laura and Charles were acquainted after realizing they had a few mutual friends. They would see each other out often and made a little too much eye contact to NOT say something! It was a couple months before the two actually made plans to hang out one-on-one. Although Charles would visit Richmond often, he lived two hours north, just outside of Washington, DC, close to the city where Laura grew up. The two made plans to hang out one weekend afternoon, walking around DC, grabbing lunch and taking in the beauty of the nation’s capital. Their friendship quickly turned into romance and it was evident that neither one of them wanted to live life without the other. Over the next 5 years, they’d go on many trips and adventures together. They’d vacation all over the country, as well as take trips to Europe and annual Caribbean getaways to wind down and enjoy time with just each other.

Tell us about the proposal. The pair was coming up on their five year anniversary and decided the only way it felt right was to take another trip up to New York, a city they had visited multiple times and created so many memories in already. Just shortly after getting off the train and beginning their anniversary weekend, Charles got down on one knee and asked the question Laura had been so patiently waiting to hear. Laura, of course, said “Yes!” and couldn’t wait to start planning for the rest of their lives. Their love for each other continues to grow with each passing day and they can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them next!

Describe your wedding attire. Laura wore an off-white Wtoo gown by Watters. The A-line gown featured a delicate lace bodice with a deep, plunging V-neckline. The dress featured ivory illusion tulle with lace motifs. An ivory, double faced satin ribbon was placed at the gown’s natural waist followed by soft net skirt and a chapel train. Laura’s bridesmaids wore long dusty rose chiffon gowns in different styles that complimented each maids’ personal style and body. Charles and his groomsmen each wore timeless Vera Wang black tuxedos with matching black grosgrain vests and bowties.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? The wedding shopping experience was smooth sailing, thanks to Laura’s sister, the matron of honor, and her mother. Laura is very organized so the planing was all done early leaving her and Charles to just focus on enjoying their last moments of their engagement before the wedding weekend began. There were no major hiccups during the planning and shopping process which was definitely noted and appreciated!

Wedding part gifts: Each bridesmaid was gifted a Tiffany Twist knot necklace in sterling silver from Tiffany & Co. while Laura’s matron of honor was presented with a pair of Tiffany Twist knot earrings. Each groomsmen was gifted a Bentley travel duffle bag.
Gifts for each other: Charles gave Laura the Double Interlocking Drop Pendent from Tiffany & Co. while Laura gave Charles a generously sized bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whiskey to enjoy.
Ceremony entrance song: “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
First dance song: “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo

What is your best memory from your wedding? The best memory from our wedding was the intimate moment we shared before the ceremony. We opted to take photographs before the ceremony of just the bride and groom. We were able to capture our First Look followed by the time we spent together before we shared the evening with our loved ones. Being able to connect with one another beforehand really provided a warm, calming effect as we prepared to kick off the ceremony.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? The best advice we can give is to remind one another that this day is truly YOUR day and you deserve to have it be everything you have always dreamed and wished for. It is very easy to get caught up by details, various vendors, and expectations but always stay true to what you envision for your day. Your wedding day is just ONE day that begins your future as one so be sure to fully embrace the day and take it all in. If we could relive the day and experience it again, we’d do so over and over. You are surrounded by your closest family and friends who are all there to celebrate your union and it truly is an experience you will never forget.

Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Wtoo by Watters
Wedding dress salon: Katherine’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Hair: Kate Noda
Makeup: Makeup by Shirin
Ceremony/reception: The Westin Georgetown
Catering: Provided by The Westin Georgetown
Photography: Wolfcrest Photography
Florist: Maryam Flowers
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Stationery: Minted
Groom/groomsmen’s attire: BLACK by Vera Wang Tuxedos
DJ: DJ Dayve