A few years after a first encounter at Cafe Milano, Rebecca Grunfeld, an attorney, and Ryan Samuel, a real-estate developer, bumped into one another at a Wizards game (her dad is team general manager Ernie Grunfeld). A few weeks later, Ryan called Rebecca to ask her out for coffee, which turned into watching the US men’s soccer team in a World Cup game at Logan Tavern, followed by an early bite at Le Diplomate. On Rebecca’s grandparents’ wedding anniversary a few years later, Ryan proposed in the home he and Rebecca had bought and renovated.
They married in an intimate ceremony at Rebecca’s parents’ house, where Rebecca’s sister-in-law officiated and Ryan’s two children (Rebecca’s “bonus babies”) read a book they made for the bride entitled Ten Things We Love About Becky. In the pool, inflatable swans adorned with floral wreaths added a whimsical touch, and reception decor included embroidered napkins, Chinese statues representing good health and happiness, and Rebecca’s mother’s china. For dinner: a family recipe for Caesar salad, beef tenderloin, penne alla vodka, and mushroom risotto. Dessert included mini cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats, and brownies à la mode, plus a vanilla funfetti wedding cake with strawberry buttercream.
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The Details
Photography: Abby Grace Photography | Venue: Private Home | Event Planning: Sara Muchnick Events | Florals & Design: Amaryllis Floral & Event Design | Caterer: Susan Gage Caterers | Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Hairstylist: Hair by Giselle | Makeup Artist: Rachelle Glorioso | Bride’s Gown: Oscar de la Renta; Your Dream Dress | Groom’s Attire: J. Crew suit, Tiffany cuff links | Videographer: Bowen Films | Tent: Sugarplum Tent Company | Calligraphy: Meant To Be Calligraphy
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.
