Weddings

Real Wedding: Christina and Brandon

This couple transformed their reception venue into a speakeasy celebration.

All photographs by Kristen Gardner.

When Brandon Adams met Christina Brockett at a University of South Carolina versus University of Florida tailgate party, he instantly felt a connection. In fact, he liked her so much that the very next weekend he drove down to Raleigh, North Carolina, where Christina was attending graduate school to become a CPA, to take her on a first date. When it came to the proposal, two and a half years and one move to Washington later, Brandon, now a student, popped the question in a romantic setting near the willow trees by the Reflecting Pool. A year later, the couple got married at the Fairmont Hotel in a Prohibition-inspired wedding, complete with a speakeasy reception, themed cocktails, and feather arrangements as over-the-top decor. 

Details:

Photographer: Kristen Gardner Photography

Venue/Caterer/Cake: Fairmont Hotel Washington, DC

Event Coordinator: Aimee Hardenbergh, True Wedding Events

Bride’s Gown: Justin Alexander, Blush Bridal Boutique

Hair: Tammy Chesnutt

Makeup: Marti Wright, Tica

Groom’s Tux: J. Crew

Cake Flavors: Vanilla

Cocktail: Prohibition ale

Florist: Bergerons

Flowers: Hydrangeas, tea roses, peonies, and stock

Music/Entertainment: The John Winntet band 

First Dance Song: “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

Invitations: Beacon Lane

Bride’s Favorite Detail: Flowers

Groom’s Favorite Detail: Speakeasy bar

Biggest Surprise: “How perfect everything looked once it came together and that everything ran perfectly on time.”

Favors: Glitter covered bonbons

Theme: Vintage glam/summer soiree

Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Vintage, elegant, classic, and glamorous

Honeymoon Spot: Aruba

Where They Currently Live: Alexandria, VA