It was a chance encounter that brought Lacey James and Joe Echenique together. Lacey, an oncology nurse, and Joe, a police officer, met at a charity event for a cancer foundation, and immediately there were sparks. They began dating, and in August 2011, on the eve of Hurricane Irene, the couple braved the elements to have a special dinner at the Oval Room, during which Joe popped the question. “He got down on one knee in the middle of the restaurant and proposed,” recalls Lacey, who says she would have agreed rain or shine. Luckily there were no weather surprises on July 28, 2012, when the couple tied the knot in a playful summer ceremony.
Details:
Photographer: Eli Turner Studios
Wedding Ceremony Venue: National City Christian Church
Wedding Reception Venue/Cake/Caterer: Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Event Coordinator: Courtney Swierczek, A Sweet Soiree Events
Bride’s Gown: Enzoani
Bride’s Engagement Ring and Wedding Band: I.Gorman Jewelers
Groom’s Tux: Jean Yves
Hair Dresser/Makeup: Ji Cha, Karma Beauty Lounge
Wedding Cocktail: Champagne and elderflower cocktail
Wedding Cake Flavors: Vanilla and buttercream
Florist: Da Vinci’s Florist
Wedding Flowers: Fuchsia calypso orchids, orange and pink calla lilies
Music/Entertainment: Marc Wilner, Washington Talent Agency
First Dance Song: “I Believe in You” by Celine Dion and Il Divo
Invitations: Papyrus
Paper Goods: Tabibi Design
Favorite Wedding Detail: The ring bearer pillow that the bride’s stepmother made out of the bride’s mother’s wedding dress and fabric from the bridesmaid dresses.
Biggest Surprise of the Wedding: “One of the guests took their clothes off in the photo booth!”
Biggest Surprise for the Bride: The groom sent the bride three dozen pink and orange roses the morning of the wedding, along with a card that said, “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Wedding Theme: Summer fun in DC
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Stunning, exciting, stylish, energetic
Honeymoon Spot: Honolulu, Hawaii
