Zainep, a vice president at Capital One, and Shawn, an assistant professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, discovered each other on a dating app. Three years later, Shawn proposed as part of the last clue in an escape-room experience—something they’d done together several times, beginning with their second date.
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Applying their love of games to planning a wedding at the Schuyler, the pair worked with a graphic designer on a “secret mission”–themed stationery suite, including a decoder that guests used to make meal selections. Wedding day brought a welcome sign decorated with Scrabble tiles, plus decks of cards featuring an illustration of the bride and groom as queen and king. The day-of paper was among the couple’s favorite details, but the showstopper was a custom 16-by-20-foot candlelit backdrop at the ceremony and reception. After dinner, the newlyweds cut the copper tones of a five-tier ombré cake inspired by the floral detail on the evening’s china. At the end of the night, guests opened custom-printed boxes of sliders and fries.
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The Details
Planning and design: Jayne Heir Weddings + Events
Florist: Edge Floral Event Designers
Rentals: Select Event Group
Lighting, draping, and production: The Lightsource Company
Invitations: Sugar Taylor
Caterer: GetPlated
Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop
Photographer: Terri Baskin
Hair: Natalie Wong-Sang
Makeup: Taylor Simpson Artistry
Bride’s attire: Essence of Australia from the Bridal Room
Groom’s attire: Brian Alexander Bespoke
Bridesmaids’ attire: Bridal Babes
Groomsmen’s attire: National Tuxedo Rentals
Music: DJ Rayvon; Jeremy Green (violist)
Videographer: Vona B. Productions
This wedding originally appeared in the January 2023 issue of Washingtonian.