When Kendal Berner found out that her W Hotel colleague, Shawn Colligan, had tricked her into getting drinks with just him, rather than with a group as planned, she almost backed out of it. But the woman who didn’t believe in dating coworkers decided to give it a shot, and she soon changed her tune over drinks and appetizers at the Four Seasons. “Managers and guests kept coming up to us all evening to say hello, and they surprised us with a bottle of Champagne to enjoy,” says Kendal “Needless to say, I was swept off my feet right away.”
After the pair had been dating for two years, Shawn asked Kendal to get drinks with him once again, this time at POV. He excused himself from the table midway through the night, returning with Champagne, a ring, and a question. A hidden photographer snapped shots of the proposal, and then Shawn whisked Kendal off to a restaurant where their families awaited them, ready to celebrate.
The couple wed on September 20, 2014, at the Four Seasons, where they’d had their first date. Their favorite details: the gorgeous white orchids, a serenade of Leanne Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” by Kendal’s high school dance coach, and Shawn’s football-themed groom’s cake. At each guest’s place setting was a package of white Jordan almonds, which read, “Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat, to remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife: health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life.”
Take a look at the wedding photos below, then check out their wedding video.
Ceremony Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Four Seasons
Photographer: Genevieve Leiper Photography
Bride’s Gown: “Bliss” by Monique Lhuillier, Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Groom’s Tux: Black by Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse
Hair: Julie Flury of Jewel Hair Design
Makeup: Carl Ray
Event Coordinator: Katie Shannon, Four Seasons
Cake: Four Seasons Pastry Team
Florist: Amaryllis
Caterer: Four Seasons
Transportation: Reston Limousine
Videographer: Freddy Galea of Bowen Films
Music/Entertainment: Spectrum, Washington Talent Agency
Invitations: The Dandelion Patch
Groom’s Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Nordstrom
Rings: Dominion Jewelers
Lighting: PSAV
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
