Judy and Dylan's Spy Museum Washington, DC Wedding

Photo by Wilderpines Elopement

In spite of the fact that I didn't meet them in person until the rehearsal, I truly want Judy and Dylan to be my BFF's -- if only they didn't live in Seattle!!!  They are two of the sweetest, kindest, most fun people I have ever met!  

The day before the wedding, weird storms were predicted, so I made the decision to do everything indoors at the Spy Museum (including ceremony in their gorgeous enclosed space on the roof).  The day of the wedding dawns, and everyone starts questioning me "It's gorgeous out, are you sure you want to move it inside?!"  I said "I believe in the Capital Weather Gang...let's stick with indoors"  As always...this is why you hire an experienced planner.  Because by the time the ceremony started, there was quite the wind storm outside.  By the time it ended, the winds were so strong even the Spy Museum's former military, VERY strong looking head of security could BARELY pull the doors open -- that's how strong the wind was!!!  In fact, after we had moved all of the guests downstairs for cocktail hour, the bride and groom were practicing their first dance on the roof when he came to me and said "Um...yeah, let's get them out of here, I've NEVER seen winds this strong and I'm starting to get worried!"

Luckily, everyone was safe and sound and no damage occurred to our beloved Spy Museum :)  

Speaking of their ceremony, did I mention that the flower girl and ring bearer were THE COUPLE'S CATS?!?!?!  In my 15 years as a wedding planner, I can truly say that this was a first for me.  I'm not even a cat person, but these cats were SO GORGEOUS, and were the sweetest!!!  

We were thrilled to work with one of our favorite caterers, Main Event, who knocked it out of the park as usual.  And Lisa Lee Florals, who we worked with for the first time last year at Lauren and Peter's wedding, has officially become one of our go-to gals!

These guests came ready to PARTY and another one of our favorites, DJ Kelton Higgins, delivered on all fronts.  

We can't say how much we love this couple, how much we love our vendor partners and, of course, how much we love working at the Spy Museum (even more now that they kept us from blowing off the roof!!)

Judy and Dylan’s vendors:

Venue: Spy Museum @spymuseumprivateevents

Plannery: Rebecca O’Donnell, The Plannery @theplannery

Flowers: Lisa Lee Florals @lisaleeflorals

DJ: Kelton Higgins @luvdupdjs

Caterer: Main Event @maineventcatrs

Photographer: Ashton Campbell with Wilderpines Elopements @wilderpines.co

Rentals: Select Event @selecteventgroup

Why Spring Weddings are the Best

Yes, things are still crazy in the land of weddings due to COVID. But to celebrate the official first day of Spring tomorrow (I love all the crocuses popping up, and the buds on the trees getting ready to flower!), I’ve been thinking about spring weddings. Traditionally the busiest “wedding season” months in the DMV area are May, June, September and October (I blame the humidity). But increasingly, I’ve been seeing more April weddings in this area and I love it.

In the DC area, spring really does come early (or on time, depending on where you’re originally from). While there’s always the risk of April showers bringing May flowers, there’s also the chance that you’re going to get a really beautiful day, as well as more availability for that much-in-demand venue, lower pricing, and - let’s face it - cherry blossoms.

So I thought we would do a round-up of some of our favorite springtime weddings in the area to inspire you to think Spring!

(psst: be sure to click on the photos if you want to see more of these weddings, featured below!).

Outdoor Weddings are Cooler… literally

Photo by Lady Love

Lots of folks want outdoor weddings - but in the DC area that can be quite difficult if you don’t like the heat. And sweat. And thunderstorms. April can sometimes be a good option because you’re more likely to get cooler weather so that outdoor wedding is more do-able.

Beautiful Spring Photo Opps

Photo by Shandi Wallace

Spring is all about flowers. April brings with it stunning flowering trees in the DMV area and they make for a wonderful background to your wedding photos. What better way to bring color and beauty to your wedding than to embrace what nature gives you?!

Embrace those April Showers

Photographer Mantas Kubilinskas

Ok, so no one really wants rain on their wedding day. But spring showers can actually create some beautiful photo moments! Also, embracing the rain (and all of those fun inconveniences life may throw at you) is a wonderful way to start a marriage :)

Joy for the new Season

Photo by Olivia Jacob

Much as I mentioned in my post about winter weddings (and folks wanting a reason to gather and celebrate during those cold months), I love the idea of combining a celebration of a couple with a celebration of a new season. Spring is such a hopeful moment, filled with possibility and growth - all of which create a wonderful time of year to start a new relationship and forge a new path.

Flowers and Color

Photo by Darling Photographers

You know I couldn’t end without mentioning the decor options that come with spring! Whether with a more modern touch (like Kara and Mike’s wedding pictured above), or a full-on cherry blossom extravaganza, spring provides so many colorful options for wedding decor. It’s truly an inspirational season!