When Carri and Damiisa got to talking at the Gryphon in Dupont, Damiisa remembers thinking she had a cute smile and was intriguing; Carri says he was charming and persistent. Their first date was a Backyard Band show at the Society Restaurant & Lounge, and some years later the couple brought things full circle and hired the go-go band to entertain at their wedding.
The big day featured a “moody Secret Garden” theme in dark blue, purple, and green hues. Carri’s favorite element was the flower-adorned fountain at the reception; Damiisa’s was the ombré floral installation that lined each side of the ceremony aisle and blended from purples to blues and greens. Their tag line—WELCOME TO DC—nodded to the pair’s initials as well as the District, with DC-inspired details including an ode to old-school go-go posters on the escort wall and late-night bites of half-smokes, fries, wings, and mumbo sauce.
The Details
Planning and design: B Astonished Events
Florist: Sophie Felts Floral Design
Menus: Luckie Design Co.
Caterer: Ridgewells Catering
Hairstylist: Casey Mac
Bride’s attire: Lumnije Krasniqi (ceremony); Timmy Ajulo (reception)
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Connoisseur Paris
Bridesmaids’ attire: ChicSew
Music: Kenny Allen (ceremony); Imani-Grace Cooper (cocktail hour); Backyard Band (reception); DJ Schemes (reception DJ)
Transportation: C London Travel
Videography: The Digital Age Media
Bridal-suite decor: Moments by Mick
Late-night food: Munchiez Kitchen
Dance instructor: Kevin Tisdale
Video: Stunt Media Productions
This wedding originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of Washingtonian.
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.
