Brian and Daniel were married on a gorgeous spring day in Washington DC at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington. Chris Williams of Zoeica Images and I collaborated once again to capture Brian and Daniel’s special and amazing day.
Daniel and Brian chose to get ready together in the magnificent Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons. I loved that they made this choice and got to spend this special part of the day together. They wore gorgeous perfectly tailored Hugo Boss tuxedos. I think all grooms should buy their tuxedos and get them tailored – there is such a huge difference between a properly fitted tux and one that doesn’t. Nothing looks better than a well-fitted suit, and unlike a bridal gown, a tuxedo is something you will wear over and over again. (Of course, I am the granddaughter of a master tailor so I might be biased.)
After the grooms were ready, Chris and I photographed Brian and Daniel’s couple portraits at the Lincoln Memorial and the DC War Memorial. After, we met their families back at the Four Seasons and photographed the family portraits on the C&O Canal in Georgetown. It was nice to get all of these portraits done before the ceremony and it allowed the grooms to mingle with their guests during the cocktail hour after the ceremony.
The ceremony was my favorite part of the day. I love a ceremony where no one but the two individuals standing before their family and friends could be married. Daniel & Brian’s dear friend Kristen Hosack (Rev Ho) married them in a ceremony that included music lyrics, funny stories, and touching memories. In my job, I witness a lot of ceremonies and this one was one of the best. When the couple and the crowd are alternating between laughter and tears, you know the officiant is doing an amazing job.
The reception was spectacular! Toasts that were both hilarious and touching. Amazing food. Fabulous music and non-stop dancing. It was a party that didn’t quit.
Everything about this wedding was perfection: The delicious spicy watermelon signature cocktail. The beautiful Norwegian wedding cake – a kransekake – made by Daniel’s mother and grandmother who had traveled from Norway just for this magnificent occasion. The amazing cake topper designed and made by the couple’s friend, Danielle Festa, in Brian & Daniel’s likeness (how awesome is this!?). The beautiful flowers from one of my favorite vendors Wisteria Florals. The amazing attention to detail by the Four Seasons Hotel staff and wedding coordinators. The fantastic and ridiculously awesome DJing by Khelan Bhatia – possibly the best wedding mix I’ve heard ever.One of the best moments of the day happened after the reception ended and some of the guests headed up to Brian and Daniel’s suite to continue the party. The officiant, Kristen, signed the marriage license, amongst glitter and cheers and pronounced them (once again) legally married in the District of Columbia. I think the cheers were not just for Daniel and Brian but for gay marriage as well. It was such a wonderful moment and I felt really honored to be present for it. Love is love.
For more images from Brian and Daniel’s amazing wedding day, please view the highlights in the slideshow. If you’d like to be added to the guest list to be notified when the gallery is released, please register here.
Venue & catering: Four Seasons Hotel Washington
Flowers: Wisteria Florals
Invitations and paper goods: The Dandelion Patch
Hair: Jayson Bonetti, Salon Blu
Cake Topper: Danielle Festa
Officiant: Kristen Hosack
DJ: Khelan Bhatia
Sound and Lighting: PSAV at the Four Seasons
Tuxedos: Hugo Boss
Photography: Jessica Del Vecchio Photography and Zoeica Images
by Jessica Del Vecchio