Hay Adams, Washington DC Wedding

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Welcome back from what we hope was a happy and safe holiday spent with the people you love most!  And congratulations to those of you who are newly engaged over the past few weeks and welcome to our blog!  We’re kicking off the new year in high style with high society at the historic Hay Adams Hotel in Washington DC.  This magical event was produced and designed by our friend Julie and her team over at Strawberry Milk Events.  And while Jet Fete a destination wedding blog, this wedding doesn’t exactly fit that description entirely.  What do we mean?  Well, Washington DC wasn’t a destination for the bride and groom, but their goal was to make all in attendance feel like they were far far away in Africa!

Sarah and Elliot met on a high school trip to South Africa, so it was only fitting that their wedding fit that very theme.  After their fateful meeting, the couple spent time apart (she was living in NYC and he is CA).  Their relationship grew from long distance but eventually distance kept them too far apart.  Cut to years later when they were both living in DC and fate would strike twice, leading us to this happy ending.

With our national monuments in the background, this bride and groom said “I do” at a black tie affair with friends and family from all over present to witness their big day.The ceremony took place at the beautiful St. John’s Church, nearby their famed reception site, the Hay Adams.From traditional to anything but, the cocktail hour quickly transplanted guests into a lavish African safari.  Such an incredible idea and executed flawlessly!  We just love, love, love this decor!  Jungle fancy we’ll call it for now…Guests were greeting by this massive moss elephant!  So lifelike!They continued to weave the theme in through place mats, rugs, wooden stumps acting as coffee tables, and even some tusks and animal print pillows to complete the look.  Enhanced by lots of candlelight, the mood was set just right.  How did they ever get guests to leave this cozy area and into the reception?!  I could have stayed here all night!

Table names were of famed spots throughout Africa while the music further transformed the space into an exotic locale.For the reception, the bride and groom opted for a more traditional aesthetic, with formal florals of pink and white cascading up the candelabras.  Julie tells us that no detail overlooked.  “The mirrored head tables really emphasized the sparkle of the candlelight and crystal once the sun set.The meal was amazing (clearly from the looks of these photos), with an exotic flare and lots of seafood delicacies. But it was the dessert bar that truly delighted! With an array of sweet treats, they served up an assortment of pastries, macarons, and cakes including chocolate raspberry, almond cake and Tupelo honey.  Yum!  And the centerpiece to it all – a traditional two tiered wedding cake complete with the couple’s monogram!After dinner, the bride and groom and their guests jetted up to the rooftop of the property for an evening of dancing underneath the stars and overlooking the White House.  What a way to end the night!  Congratulations Sarah & Elliot!Wedding Vendors: Wedding Planning & Designer: Strawberry Milk Events, 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, Hair:  Andre Chreky Salon, Makeup:  Victoria Stiles, Dress:  Ulla Maija, Bride’s Shoes:  Prada, Groom’s Shoes:  Ferragamo