The Couple
"Without any number of other love stories, we would never have been able to have our own," says management consultant Kathryn Bailey of her romance with Jon Bellish, a program development manager. Which is why when planning their fall 2013 wedding, she had each invitation envelope lined with a copy of a love letter written by her great-grandfather in the 1880s to his future wife. It's also why, after their Episcopalian ceremony in Washington, D.C., she and her groom gathered all 135 of their guests for a group photo at St. Alban's church. "I think of that picture as our new family's first heirloom," Kathryn says. "We love looking at it."
On the day it was taken, their nearest and dearest had plenty to look at, themselves, starting with the sweeping city views from the rooftop Potomac View Terrace, where the couple held their reception (though the pair met on a ski trip in Vail, Colorado, and now live in Denver, Kathryn grew up in D.C.). "It's on the National Mall, so you could see almost every monument, from Arlington National Cemetery to the Jefferson Memorial," recalls Jon.
Before tucking into beet and asparagus ravioli, beef tenderloin, and pistachio-crusted halibut, revelers sipped locally brewed beer—a particular thrill for the newlyweds. "Kathryn's high-school history teacher made it," says Jon. "For Coloradans, the only thing better than beer being brewed nearby is knowing the person who did it." (That wouldn't be the only suds-fueled highlight. Postparty, at a nearby bar, Jon's younger brother challenged Kathryn to a beer-chugging contest, which was judged by the priest who had just performed the ceremony. "She lost," says Jon. "That time!")
After dinner came dancing—and an impromptu performance from the groom, who hopped onstage toward the end of the night to play bass with the band on Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic." It was a high point for Kathryn, though Jon singles out a different moment as his most memorable: "I looked around and realized that everyone I care about was there." Well, almost. They didn't know it then, but in 15 months their family circle would widen yet again, when they welcomed their newborn son, Samuel.
The Fashions
One of the first things Kathryn, in Vera Wang, noticed about Jon, in a Jos. A. Bank suit: "He's perpetually in a good mood!"
In Good Company
Bridesmaids wore pale Alfred Sung dresses. "We wanted all the colors to be soft and natural," says Kathryn.
Her White Bouquet
Kathryn's creamy clutch included garden roses, ranunculus, zinnias, and jasmine—"my favorite scent in the world," she says.
A Petite Bouquet
Kathryn's four flower girls carried petite posies of garden roses, green privet berries, scented geraniums, and umbrella ferns.
The View
The view from the couple's reception venue, the Potomac View Terrace, included sweeping vistas of the monuments that dot the National Mall.
Snazzy Signage
A hand-painted sign spelled out the brews on offer.
Signature Drinks
Along with the craft beer brewed by a friend of Kathryn's, drinks included a St. Germain cocktail and a twist on an old-fashioned.
Special Seating
Bay laurel, seeded eucalyptus, and a wooden plaque by Paper Tangent decorated the newlyweds' love seat.
The Reception
Tables were set with copper chargers and compotes filled with fruit, flowers, and greenery.
The Place Settings
The couple made the vellum menu bags (holding bread) from a Martha Stewart Weddings template they found online.
The First Dance
Kathryn and Jon twirled under Edison lights to "Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes," by Taj Mahal.
The Cake
The two-tier cake was ringed with sugar flowers and blackberries and created by Maggie Austin Cake.
Late-Night Sweets
A serve-yourself churros-and-chocolate station fueled the party postdinner.
Sources
Locations: St. Alban's Episcopal Church [ceremony]; Potomac View Terrace [reception]
Event Planning and Design: Simply Chic Events
Catering: Occasions Caterers
Flowers, Décor, Rentals, and Tent Draping: Beehive Events
Photography: Leo Patrone Photography
Videography: A Bryan Photo
Stationery: Simplesong Design [invitations]; Paper Tangent [day-of paper and signage]
Calligraphy: Lee Ann Clark
Cake: Maggie Austin Cake
Music: String Poets [ceremony and cocktail hour]; The Source [reception]
Rentals: Perfect Settings; Festive Fare Charlottesville
Bride's Gown: Vera Wang
Bride's Accessories: The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel [veil]; Siman Tu [veil comb]; Kate Spade [shoes]
Hair: Andre Chreky Salon
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung
Menswear: Jos. A. Bank
Flower Girl Dresses: David's Bridal
Mother-of-the-Bride Dress: Carolina Herrera
Transportation: Sunny's Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation
Lighting: Frost Lighting
Dance Floor and Bistro Lights: Skyline Tent Co.
Childcare: Whitehouse Nannies
Reception A/V: RCI Systems