Catherine and Sebastian met at a conference in Boston, soon after they’d each moved there for post-doctoral fellowships at two different pharmaceutical companies. Two year after their first date—a trip to a nearby seaside mansion that turned out to be the first of many excursions—Sebastian proposed on a hike while the pair were vacationing in the Bahamas.
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For their October wedding they envisioned a day that incorporated their cultural traditions—she’s Taiwanese and he’s half Persian—and blended the elegance of their venue with some fun elements that celebrated the couple’s shared love for “all things horror.” Their playful and spooky “’Til Death Do Us Party” escort card display, featuring dancing skeletons, was the pair’s favorite detail of the day. Other special details included the imagery of a lion dancer’s head and the Chinese double happiness symbol that were incorporated throughout the day as a nod to Catherine’s heritage; and the honey exchange at the ceremony and Persian knife dance that took place before the cake cutting that highlighted Sebastian’s background. Other favorite touches included the table numbers, which featured photos of the bride and groom at the corresponding age, and the traditional Chinese lion dance that is meant to bring the newlyweds good luck and fortune.
Following the honeymoon, the newlyweds vacationed in Japan. See the photos from their big day below.
The Details
Photographer: Lindley Battle
Planning and design: Havard Events
Venue: Meridian House
Catering: Spilled Milk Catering
Cake: Blue Lace Cakes
Florals: La Moya Weddings & Events
Hair and makeup: Hair and Makeup by Claudine
Bride’s attire: Justin Alexander
Groom’s attire: Custom
Groomsmen’s attire: Generation Tux
Music: Forest Hill
Rentals: Select Event Group
Transportation: Sunny Limo
Videography: Vona B. Productions
Officiant: Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff
Lion dancers: CYC Lion Dancers
Lighting and photo booth: Dan Goldman Events
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.
