1. Real Weddings

A Formal Wedding in Washington, DC

The Bride Katie Styer, 29, a scientist at a biotechnology company in Durham, NC The Groom Mark Vignola, 33, a scientist at Duke University Medical Cen

The Bride Katie Styer, 29, a scientist at a biotechnology company in Durham, NC The Groom Mark Vignola, 33, a scientist at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC The Date May 1 Katie and Mark wanted bursts of color throughout their chic and elegant black-and-white city wedding, so they chose accent hues inspired by azalea bushes—vibrant fuchsia and green. Washington, DC landmarks also played a large role throughout the reception.

Rows of green cymbidium orchids, hydrangeas, pink roses and hyacinths filled colorful glass bento boxes, lined with green ti leaves.
Glass vases in varying heights displayed green fuji mums, hot pink carnations, gerbera daisies and pomander balls for dramatic pops of color.
“Our band was the absolute best,” says Katie of the group Millennium, complete with a horn section. “They even learned a Grateful Dead song for our first dance.”
Rounded, lush pink and green peonies combined with sweet peas, green hydrangeas and cymbidium orchids made up Katie’s fragrant bouquet.
The strapless, cocktail-length bridesmaid dresses in a perfect shade of lipstick-pink added a shot of color to the formal wedding party.
Katie and Mark pre-boxed their wedding cake for guests to take home and displayed this gorgeous black-and-white faux cake decorated with fresh flowers.
Guests followed the ceremony with simple black-and-white programs with an elegant font thanking them for participating in the day.
The bride wanted a classic pair of shoes she could wear again. She knew she had found them when she slipped on black satin Chanel sandals.
Katie instantly fell in love with Holy Rosary Church, with its gorgeous tile and marble detailing.