Sarah Coleman and Brian Matthews’ wedding held to some age-old traditions–jumping the broom during the ceremony–but also brought some fresh touches to their ballroom celebration. Popcorn favors and a custom step and repeat photo booth added a modern twist to their classic nuptials, all captured on camera by DG Photography.
Brian had spotted Sarah in the class they were both enrolled in at the University of Virginia, but he didn’t have the chance to speak with her until they were both seated around a table at a group dinner at IHOP. They began chatting on Facebook shortly afterwards, but it wasn’t until three years later that their relationship really took off. When both were asked to be in the attendants in their mutual friends’ wedding.
They went on a first date–bowling at Pinstripes in Georgetown–followed by a night eating Mexican food and conversation that lasted until sunrise. A year and nine months later, they were both dreading Brian’s leaving for San Antonio, where he was stationed with the army. Teary-eyed at the thought of him leaving, Sarah only cried harder when he turned and got down one knee at Reagan National Airport just before his flight.
For their March 28, 2015 wedding, the pair decked out the ballroom at the Renaissance Arlington Capitol View Hotel with purple floral arrangements and purple lighting, creating a dreamy lavender haze over the space.
The bride and groom passed out Popped! Republic popcorn for their guests to eat on the road, and before leaving the reception, made sure to snap a photo in front of their custom step and repeat.
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Mount Olive Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Renaissance Arlington Capitol View Hotel | Wedding Planning and Design: Perfect Planning Events | Photographer: DG Photography | Bride’s Gown: Victor Harper, Jeanette’s Bride ‘N Boutique | Groom’s Tux: Vera Wang Black, Men’s Wearhouse | Florist: Edge Floral Event Design | Videographer: CJ Jones | Deejay: DJ David Lugo | Music/Entertainment: Tony Craddock, Rodney Whitley | Cake: Gateau | Hair Stylist: Gwynn | Makeup Artist: Dawn Newsome | Photo booth: Lyfe Pix | Transportation: Reston Limousine | Draping: Fabrication Events | Rentals: DC Rentals, BBJ Table Fashions | Lighting: Washington Celebrations | Invitations and Stationary: Perfect Planning Events
Looking for a hotel to host your elegant reception? Try this list of the best hotels for weddings in the DMV.
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.
