It’s hard to imagine going to the same school and even running in the same circles with your future mate, but for Keisha and Jason it wasn’t something they imagined at all. They both attended the University of Virginia and even had some of the same friends but they didn’t know each other at all. Ten years after graduating, fate sat Keisha and Jason next to each other at a homecoming football game. Somewhere between a field goal and a touchdown they connected and journeyed to love.
The couple had a romantic evening wedding at the W Hotel in Washington D.C. Black and white gave the occasion a classic and elegant feel. The bride’s Monique Lhuillier dress was the perfect style for the timeless event. Take a look at Keisha and Jason’s lovely night with photography by George Street Photography.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu – Braised Short Ribs
First dance song – “Nothing Even Matters” by Lauren Hill featuring D’Angelo
Bride: Keisha Dowling
Groom: Jason Dowling
Wedding date: 07/03/2015
Wedding location: W Washington DC Hotel
Tell us all about the proposal!
We got engaged after almost 5 years of dating. The proposal was sweet and thoughtful; I am a very private person but incredibly close with my mom and brother. Jason waited until we were at my mother’s house for the Christmas holiday to pop the question. We were alone at the house and I noticed he was incredibly nervous—very uncharacteristic for him. I asked him why he was acting so weird and as I turned to walk out of the room he grabbed my hand. When I looked down, he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring. He told me how special I was to him and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said YES. It was perfect because although it was just the two of us, it meant so much to me to be home near my family.
Describe your wedding dress. How was your shopping experience?
I love to shop and the wedding dress experience was no different. To minimize the stress and number of opinions (thank you “Say Yes to the Dress”), I invited only two of my closest, most trusted friends. I had no preconceived ideas about what I wanted, I just knew it had to be unique and not white. As soon as I saw the blush Monique Lhuillier Bliss dress on the rack, I knew it was mine. It was the first dress I tried on and I knew in my heart, the one I would marry Jason in. However, wedding dress shopping is a once in a lifetime experience, so of course I dragged my friends, Beverly and Samantha, all over DC and Virginia trying on dressed! However, nothing measured up to the blush dress, and ultimately after trying on 10 or so dresses, I knew I was wasting time—I headed back to Nordstrom and purchased the dress.
What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?
The first look was magical and I’ll always remember that intimate moment between just the two of us. The moments just before the ceremony were so special and it was the only time we were completely alone for the rest of the day. It also gave me a chance to calm my nerves and breathe before the big moment.
What was your wedding theme?
Our wedding theme was “All Black Everything” and we suggested our guests wear formal, black attire. Since we didn’t have a wedding party, we thought it would be fun to have everyone wear a singular color. Initially, we worried that some guests might be put off by the idea, but everyone embraced the idea and we had 100% participation. Since my dress was blush/pink, in most of the pictures, I am the only “pop” of color. The pictures are amazing and our friends look stunning! We couldn’t be happier about how our theme wedding turned out.
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
Have fun! Getting married is a big deal, but try not to take wedding planning so seriously. Don’t get bogged down in the details or sweat the small stuff. Plan a wedding that reflects the two of you and embodies your personality; it will make it more special.
Vendors
Photographer – George Street Photography
Venue – W Washington Hotel
Wedding coordinator – Sparkling Events & Designs
Lighting – I Want Ambiance Lighting
Floral design – Amaryllis Event Floral and & Design
Makeup – Blend Make-up Artistry
Cakes – Fancy Cakes by Leslie Bakery
Wedding dress – Monique Lhuillier Bliss
Hair – Signature Image Salon
Beautiful!!!