The natural fall colors at the Hotel Monaco Alexandria coordinated perfectly with Casey Shaw and Justin Shaw’s October nuptials. From the warm red dahlias to the red brick courtyard where they said “I do,” their wedding, captured by Ashley Peterson Photography, is an excellent example of how to pull off a fall wedding in Washington with panache.
Like B&G on Facebook | Follow B&G on Instagram
Both Virginia natives, Casey and Justin first met online at OKCupid. She messaged him first, and soon they were meeting up for coffee. She found him hilarious when he told her his job involved teaching dogs to use computers (he was at the time developing a website for airport working dogs), and he was surprised by how similar their personalities were. A dinner of duck-a-roni (upscale macaroni and cheese that included duck) followed, the beginning of their three-year relationship.
For the proposal, Justin planned a brunch with friends on the Georgetown waterfront, after which Casey snapped some photos of the river for a photography class she was taking. When Justin asked their friends to snag a photograph of himself and Casey, he used it as the opportunity to get down on one knee while the camera captured the moment.
A year later, the pair wed at the Monaco on October 25, 2014. They planned for the fall weather with rich jewel-toned flowers and rust-red accents that matched the brick courtyard where they wed. Letters spelled out their matching last name, “Shaw,” across the escort card table, and a beer-theme brought craft brew bottles into the centerpieces and decor.
After a night of dancing, dining from the pie bar, and sipping his and her’s custom cocktails, the happy couple sent their guests home with flavored popcorn favors before heading off to honeymoon in New Orleans.
VENDORS
Venue: Hotel Monaco Alexandria | Photographer: Ashley Peterson Photography | Bride’s Gown: Allure, Ellie’s Bridal | Groom’s Tux: Wolf vs Goat | Hair & Makeup Artist: Up Do’s for I Do’s | Event Coordinator: Davis Talley Events | Flowers: King Street Farmer’s Market, Conklyn’s Flowers Nationwide | Caterers: Hotel Monaco, Jackson 20 | Music/Entertainment: DJ KC of DJ D Mac and Associates | Calligraphy: Hello, Bird.
Looking for a hotel to host your nuptials? We’ve listed the best local hotels for weddings right here.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
