Pamela Prifti and Christian Cerria met senior year of college at Spring Break in Panama City, Florida. Four years later, they married in DC. Their classically beautiful wedding featured pastel tones of blue, grey, pink, and green, and Pamela wore a ballgown-style Monique Lhuillier dress and a sparkly tiara worthy of a princess. See the photos below from Hieu Pham Photography.
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University of Maryland grads Pamela and Christian met senior year of college at Spring Break in Panama City, Florida. Her first impression was that he was tall, handsome, and well-spoken, and his was that she was beautiful and smart. Their first date was to Outback Steakhouse—“one of the nicest restaurants in the College Park area,” Pamela says. “He asked if I’d ever had a bloomin’ onion (LOL). I hadn’t, and I was pretty stoked. Let’s not forget the Mustang he picked me up in—top down—I thought he was so cool.”
His coolness made a lasting impression, and two and a half years later, they two were engaged. For the proposal, Christian planned an entire weekend in Belize, including a private all-day tour through the Mayan Ruins and rainforest, followed by dinner-for-two on the beach. Naturally, she said yes.
Pamela, a cyber analyst, was traveling for work, so they took their time planning with a two-year engagement.
On August 20, 2016, they married at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with a reception at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The couple opted for a whimsical and romantic feel to their day, including a classic color palette of natural greens, soft pinks, and light grays. He wore a black tux, and she donned a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown and a crystal tiara.
The flowers included garden roses, peonies, freesia, ranunculus, astilbe, and dusty millers, and the menu included favorites such as pan-seared sirloin with red wine reduction and crispy shallots; Chesapeake-style crab cakes and mango salsa with smashed potatoes and heirloom carrots. The signature cocktail was a summer-fresh strawberry basil lemonade, and for dessert, the couple cut a chocolate and red velvet cake.
The newlyweds shared their first dance to a “Let’s Stay Together” remix by Al Green.
At the end of the evening, guests parted with white wine specially made by the bride’s family, with handcrafted labels signed by the father of the bride. Following the celebration, the couple honeymooned in Italy (including Rome and the Amalfi Cost), Dubai, and the Maldives.
Details
Photographer: Hieu Pham Photography | Event Coordinator: Elaine Carpenter | Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Florist: Ultra Violet Flowers | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Caterers: Well Dunn Catering | Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie | Hair & Makeup: UpDos For I Dos | Bride’s Gown: Monique Lhuillier, Carine’s Bridal Atelier | Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux | Videographer: D.P. Weddings | Music/Entertainment: Wizer Productions
Engaged?! Tickets are on sale now for our wedding showcase, UNVEILED. Happening January 28th at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Southwest DC. UNVEILED is the perfect place to meet dozens of our most recommended wedding vendors, watch live demonstrations, relax in the groom’s lounge, and see this season’s most gorgeous gowns at our runway show. New this year, attendees can also sit in on panels discussing such topics as the year’s top trends, budgeting, and how to choose a photographer, all featuring leading wedding vendors and moderated by Bride & Groom magazine’s editor in chief.
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
