Washington Real Weddings: Liz and Matt

The newlyweds share a sweet moment. All photographs by Deb Lindsey Photography

When Liz, a South Carolina native, and Matt, who is from Michigan, decided to marry, they knew exactly the kind of vibe they wanted for their wedding: vintage and romantic, with a nod to Liz’s Southern upbringing. “We spent months looking for the perfect venue that fit both the size of our wedding and our Southern, vintage theme,” explains Liz.

They eventually decided on Daughters of the American Revolution. “DAR not only fit our style, but we also loved the outdoor ceremony space and were attracted to the history and mission of the DAR,” says Liz. The couple married there on May 21, 2011.

The evening ceremony was held on the DAR’s portico. Matt and Liz chose a color palette of gold, white, and blush pink, with peach and cream accents. The decor featured vintage lampposts covered in flowers, floral pomanders that served as aisle markers, and gold Chiavari chairs. Matt’s uncle, a judge, officiated.

Afterward, the couple’s 125 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the east portico, which was decorated with cocktail tables with pink and gold-embroidered linens and white peonies in Mason jars. Vintage family wedding photos were also on display.

“We chose to have our cocktail hour on the east portico so guests could take photos with the monuments in the background,” says Liz.

The cocktail hour featured two signature drinks—the Pink Squeeze, served in Mason jars, and a berry mojito—as well as South Carolina’s Firefly sweet-tea vodka. The drinks were served with hors d’oeuvres including sesame-crusted crab cakes and mini mushroom burgers.

At the reception, in lieu of escort cards, a large seating chart displayed table assignments. The four long tables—each topped with a runner of peonies, garden roses, peach stock, roses, and ranunculus—were named for the maternal and paternal sides of Liz and Matt’s families.

And rather than a guestbook, guests were given vintage DC postcards to write notes to the couple. “A bridesmaid mailed us a card every week to keep the first year of our marriage special,” says Liz.

Guests dined on a vegetable-and-goat-cheese tower, quinoa-crusted rockfish, and filet mignon, followed by praline-and-cappuccino wedding cake and baked Alaska for dessert.

The newlyweds performed their first dance to a mix of “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, and then guests danced to a variety of favorites from the Commodores, Billy Joel, and Jefferson Starship.

“People had so much fun dancing, laughing, hugging, and kissing!” recalls the bride.

Another highlight: speeches from the best man and maid of honor.

“They were beyond perfect, and were written in a way that was inclusive and enjoyable to all of the guests,” says Liz. “People were laughing and crying by the time the maid of honor was done!”

At the end of the night, the couple planned an exit that included all of their friends and family.

“We had Old Town Trolley take everyone on a tour of DC for a perfect end to a perfect night,” says Liz.