We love to see a classic DC venue get some modern decor, and Staci Welch and Andrew (Andy) McGarry’s DAR wedding hit the sweet spot of elegant and fresh. Take a look at their day in the photos below by Lissa Ryan Photography.
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As soon as Staci spotted Andyat their Crossfit gym, she was smitten. “I had never seen someone so dreamy and mysterious,” says Staci. “Turns out he’s just very quiet and reserved.” Several months later, a friend made sure to make an introduction between the two of them, and a first date over sushi soon followed.
After dating for a year and a half, the pair moved together to Delaware, where Andy had been matched to a residency program. After living there for five months, Staci arrived home on a Friday night to find a rose on the door to her lobby, and then another rose outside of her apartment door. “As I open the door, I’m overwhelmed with hundreds of candles and roses lining the halls and every room in the house,” says Staci. But instead of proposing on the spot, Andy sat Staci down with a glass of wine for a chat. Only then did he start to talk about marriage. “The proposal was very intimate and personal, which is exactly how I would describe Andy in general, making it even more special to me,” says Staci.
For their DC wedding, the pair took a very classic Washington venue—DAR—and updated it with modern touches of lush greenery and bright copper in the table numbers and escort cards. Though their ceremony was supposed to be outside on the portico, rain caused it to be moved to a foyer inside, where they wed beneath a stunning chandelier.
After dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” and serving chocolate, carrot, and vanilla-flavored slices from their three cakes, the pair departed, with plans to honeymoon in the Bahamas.
VENDORS
Venue: DAR Daughters of the American Revolution | Photographer: Lissa Ryan Photography | Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Bright Occasions | Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana, Meg Guess Couture | Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom | Hair & Makeup Artist: Amie Decker Beauty | Cake: Sweets by E | Florist: Eight Tree Street | Caterers: Well Dunn Catering | Music/Entertainment: Chris Laich Music Services | Invitations: Minted | Cake Topper: Etsy
Need a florist to brighten your wedding day? Here’s our favorite local flower experts.
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.
