We’re always impressed when a couple manages to take a ballroom and make it feel intimate, no matter how many guests are included in the day. Romantic low lighting helps, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Pike and Evan Mannis had an abundance of it at their elegant chandelier-filled St. Regis wedding, captured below by Rhinehart Photography.
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A Maryland native, Betsy had just finished law school when she moved back to the DC area. Her friend, who had lived in DC since college, was at an event with Betsy and took the opportunity to introduce her to Evan. His great sense of humor and her quick wit helped them hit it off, leading to a first date at Lincoln restaurant.
Three and a half years later, Evan and Betsy had plans to go to dinner with Evan’s father to celebrate Evan’s birthday. Though Betsy realized after the fact that she probably should have been suspicious when Evan said they were meeting at the Dupont home of some unheard-of friend of his father’s, she didn’t bat an eye when Evan told her they’d walk to Dupont from their place. They ended up at the Spanish Steps, and just as Betsy was beginning to worry they were lost, Evan got down on one knee to propose while a hidden photographer captured the moment.
Almost one year to the day of their engagement, Betsy and Evan celebrated their wedding with an elegant ceremony and reception at The St. Regis Washington, DC. Floating candles and chandeliers gave the ceremony space an elegant, romantic feel, while monochromatic floral arrangements dripping with crystals made for chic reception decor.
During the reception, guests donned blue sunglasses and filled the dance floor. Betsy’s favorite surprise of the night was, “seeing my 92-year-old grandmother rocking out on the dance floor with her party shades on until the end of the night. It was so special to have her there and we will cherish that memory forever.” After cutting into their chocolate wedding cake and giving out koozies with the DC flag and their wedding hashtag (#evanstobetsy), the newlyweds departed with plans to honeymoon in Turks and Caicos.
VENDORS
Venue: The St. Regis Washington, DC | Photographer: Lisa Rhinehart, Rhinehart Photography | Event Coordinator: Elizabeth Leibundguth, Cherry Blossom Events | Bride’s Gown: Vera Wang, The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel | Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom | Hair Dresser: Peggy Ioakim, Karma Beauty Lounge | Makeup Artist: Erwin Gomez, Karma Beauty Lounge | Bridesmaid Gowns: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Caterers & Cake: The St. Regis Washington, DC | Florist: Jeff Johnson, Blue Vanda Designs | Music/Entertainment: Amaretto Band; harpist and jazz duo via Washington’s Best | Invitations: Emily Brannon | Rings: Gary Gosnell | Koozies: Custom Ink | Officiant: Reverend Clare Palace, Capitol Hill Celebrant
Nothing can transform a space into a wedding venue quite like amazing florals. Find a florist that can bring your wedding dreams to life through our wedding vendor guide.
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.
