Washington Real Weddings: Jenny and Pat

The newlyweds post-ceremony. All photographs by Meredith Montague Wedding Photography

Potomac couple Jenny and Pat wanted their May 14, 2011, wedding to be “classic and timeless with a fresh color scheme”—navy, light blue, and white, with green accents.

The pair married at Dahlgren Chapel at Georgetown University (Pat’s alma mater). The bride wore a Modern Trousseau gown, switching from a white sash to a navy one between the ceremony and the reception to create two unique looks. The groom paired his tuxedo with patent leather Chuck Taylors.

“Pat’s shoes were such a hit; people are still talking about them!” says the bride.

Jenny’s favorite moment was entering the chapel and seeing her groom at the end of the aisle.

“Pat and I didn’t see each other until I walked down the aisle,” she explains. “We loved keeping that tradition, and it was really special and memorable.”

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and reception at the Four Seasons Hotel. A coffee table book of DC scenes served as the guestbook, and the appetizers were a big hit.

“We had some really fun hors d’oeuvres—fries, truffle mac and cheese, and pigs in a blanket,” says Jenny.

At the reception, tables were adorned with low glass vases filled with orchids, as well as tall vessels of hyacinths, hydrangeas, and tulips.

“It was a beautiful, fresh, and colorful combination,” says Jenny of the floral arrangements.

The bride’s favorite reception detail was the menu cards, which included a heartfelt thank-you note from the couple.

“My sister, who created all of the stationery items, designed the menu cards, and they were perfect,” says Jenny. “I had one of them matted and framed so I can keep it forever.”

The couple performed their first dance to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Then guests hit the dance floor and, later in the evening, enjoyed snacks including mini meatball subs and pizza.

The biggest surprise of the day?

“I didn’t realize how sad I would be when it was all over!” says Jenny, who honeymooned in Hawaii with her new husband.