Shira and Graeme got married at VisArts in Rockville, MD this past June. I worked with them as a Month-Of Coordinator which was interesting because they both live in London. We communicated mainly via phone and email, and I finally got to meet this fab couple the day of the rehearsal!
VisArts is a wonderful venue - gotta say that off the bat. It’s a super fun, modern option that still has a fairly traditional ballroom-style room (with a built in dance floor to boot) that maintains its chic edge. Cocktails are held in the Artists’ Concourse and the Gallery can remain open during cocktail hour for guests to view some awesome artwork (though drinks are not allowed).
Shira and Grame did their first look in the gallery at VisArts which I thought was a beautiful backdrop - but frankly, how can you even notice the artwork when there’s such exuberance and love on this guy’s face?? That’s a man in love.
They did some beautiful portraits around Rockville (all photos shot by the always talented and always awesome to work with Amber Wilkie), and then headed to the synagogue for their ketubah signing.
Shira’s father is a Rabbi and he performed their ceremony at the beautiful B’nai Israel Congregation.
And that herbal chuppah. The chuppah, as well as the centerpiece herbs (we’ll get to that shortly), were provided by Willow Oaks Farms. That synagogue smelled AMAZING, people. Use the herbs if you’re into it - your sense of smell is the one most connected to memory so how great would it be to smell rosemary (or mint, or thyme, or whatever herb you love) for the rest of your life and think of your wedding day?
After cocktails, Shira and Graeme’s reception was beautiful, simple, with a touch of rustic. Their tables were so warm and inviting, and their centerpieces were herbs designed for guests to take them home (I may or may not have one of the leftovers on my back porch).
And then... the dancing began. Guys. This was the hora to end all horas. It was about 30 minutes of incredible movement, joy, dance, silliness, and love. Basically, the best.
And they served lamb as their main course. Apparently this was somewhat controversial, but I adored the choice and am officially recommending more couples serve lamb at their weddings. Do it. Tasty, amazing and why not stretch your guests' palates a bit?
The evening ended with a little more dancing, some final blessings, hugs, and beautifully fragrant favors clutched in the hands of some very happy guests.
Shira and Graeme's wedding vendors:
Event Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery
Ceremony Venue: B'nai Israel Congregation
Reception Venue: VisArts
Photographer: Amber Wilkie
Florist: Willow Oak Farms
Caterer: Glorious Kosher
Music: Cherry Blossom Music Associates
Lighting: Precon Events
Rachel and Michael had a beautiful wedding at Riverside on the Potomac this past November. I must admit, I was a bit nervous at their hopes for an outdoor wedding in November - but they got lucky and we had stunning 60 degree weather that afternoon! Although the cold definitely creeped in once the sun went down, all the dancing, food and merriment kept everyone good and toasty. They started the day with a casual tisch/bedeken followed by the signing of the ketubah. A beautiful ceremony was down by the water - and Rachel hand-made their chuppah! Cocktails were back up in the stables, with dinner, dancing (and ingenious jump roping!) in the barn. We were accompanied throughout the day by the excellent band, Golem. And the evening ended with a stunning view of the super moon! Big thanks to Charlie at Charles Archambault Photography for the photos, and congrats again to Rachel and Michael!
