Since Ron Burgundy and I have been engaged for six months, we decided it was time for us to live in the same city. I was sad to leave Washington, but excited to finally be with Ron in Philadelphia (and also to watch him on the news, which makes me giggle). I can’t stay away from DC for too long, though—I’ve already been back twice in two weeks. And I’ll be back many more times before the wedding for food tastings, dress fittings, the bridal shower, etc. So even though I’ve moved, it won’t really feel like I’m gone.

Ron and I drove down to DC last weekend for the wedding of our very good friends, Jessica and Matt. Jessica and I have been friends for 13 years—half our lives! We met in middle school and then went to Madeira together for high school. I was thrilled to be her maid of honor.

Photo courtesy of Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

The festivities started Saturday with a rehearsal at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria. Then we were off to Le Gaulois on King Street for a ladies-only luncheon. That night, we met again for a rehearsal dinner at Agraria in Georgetown. The rehearsal dinner was very special. It was a small group—just Matt, Jessica, their parents, and the wedding party (15 people). We were in a cozy private dining room, which gave everyone the opportunity to chat and get to know one another. I’d highly recommend it for an intimate rehearsal dinner. The food was delicious (butternut squash soup with corn and avocado), and the service was great.

After the rehearsal dinner, Jessica’s two other bridesmaids and I went back to her hotel room to shower her with a few gifts and hang out before the big day. Jessica was staying in a suite at the Hotel Monaco, which was really awesome. A sitting room and bathroom were on the first floor, and the second floor was a loft with a bedroom and second bathroom. It made for some really cool getting-ready photos (courtesy of Mary Kate McKenna photography).

The day of the wedding was perfect. The weather was great—a little chilly, but better cold than hot so no one starts sweating for pictures, right? Jessica and Matt had the ceremony outside in the hotel’s courtyard, and then the reception was in the Paris ballroom. Jessica’s dress was a beautiful lace sheath from Hitched in Georgetown, and the bridesmaid wore fuchsia v-neck dresses from J. Crew.

Jessica and her mom hired Myrna Grossman from For All Occasions to help coordinate the day and set up the ceremony and reception. This woman really knew what she was doing. She not only looks a little bit like Judge Judy, she’s also no nonsense. She actually shushed me before the ceremony started because I was talking to one of the other bridesmaids (my bad). She was incredibly organized and made sure everything went according to schedule, which allowed Jessica and her mom to relax and not worry about a thing. My mom and I are definitely going to look into getting a day-of coordinator for my wedding in April.

I liked the low centerpieces in square vases from Wisteria Florals, silver Chiavari chairs, and lots of candy adorning the tables at the reception. We got to choose from beef, chicken, or cheesy pasta for dinner, and the dessert options were plentiful: cupcakes and a sundae bar. There was lots of chatter and laughter at the wedding, which is always my favorite part. I made sure not to drink too much before my maid of honor speech, but after that, I had my fair share of Champagne. Good thing my parents were invited because they drove me and Ron home.

Congratulations to Jessica and Matt! Weddings make me so happy. What’s not to love about good food, good music, good wine, and lots of love and happiness?

Eleni, a local bride-to-be, writes every Wednesday about planning her wedding, which will be in Washington in the spring. To follow her adventures from the beginning, click here.

If you like reading about Eleni, make sure to check out our other blogging bride-to-be, Lisa Marie, who writes every Friday. Follow her adventures here.

To read the latest Bridal Party blog posts, click here.