Weddings

These Grooms Married on a Yacht in National Harbor and We are SO Jealous

There are many beautiful wedding venues in the Washington region, but Neal Gima and Brian Yip may have found one with some of the best views ever. Take a look at their elegant nautical wedding in the photos below by Brandon Hunter of BHunter Co.

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When Neal and Brian met up in the middle of the week “just for drinks” it soon turned into something more. Brian was attracted to Neal’s enthusiasm and energy and Neal appreciated how easy Brian was to talk to. Before they knew it, drinks turned into dinner, and a three-year relationship followed.

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After a 14-month engagement, Brian and Neal planned to wed on the National Elite Yacht at National Harbor. Though their wedding date was scheduled during an incredible rainy May, before the wedding started, Neal and Brian watched from the balcony of their hotel as the skies cleared for their open-air ceremony.

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Guests boarded the yacht for the ceremony on the top deck, for which Neal surprised everyone by wearing an elegant, custom sherwani. During the ceremony, the grooms draped each other with Varmala—Indian wedding garlands—which had been designed to match the other nautical-inspired blue and white floral arrangements.

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The party continued indoors on the yacht after the “I do’s.” The newlyweds danced to “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” by Nat King Cole and served up raspberry and lemon cake before sending guests home with anchor-shaped bottle openers. The grooms then kept the nautical theme alive with a honeymoon cruise.

VENDORS

Venue: National Elite Yacht by Entertainment Cruises | Photographer: Brandon Hunter & Benjamin Templar of BHunter Co | Event Coordinator: Entertainment Cruises | Neal’s Attire: Custom made sherwani in India | Brian’s Attire: Tuxedo by Enzo Custom | Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes | Florist: Karin’s Florist | Caterers: Entertainment Cruises | Music/Entertainment: Entertainment Cruises | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Associate Editor

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.