A Modern, Irish-Inspired Wedding at W Washington DC Hotel in Washington, DC

In a city filled with history, Maura McGraw (27 and a logistics officer) and Jim Prial (26 and an infantry officer) went with a more modern approach for their wedding at the contemporary W Washington DC Hotel in Washington, DC. With enough space to fit 200 guests, Maura and James envisioned one big party that celebrated their Irish heritage and reflected their relationship as a whole. It began with the bright green and white invitations, accented with their family crest design that symbolized the start of a new life together. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, with an ornate interior that needed little additional decorating. Maura walked down the aisle to the sound of bagpipes playing "Highland Cathedral" while wearing her ivory strapless dress designed by Peter Langner. As Maura and Jim exited the church, they were greeted by the groomsmen dressed in military uniforms, forming a traditional "Saber Arch." Inside the dim reception space with purple uplighting, dining tables in all shapes and sizes had centerpieces of moss and blooms. Instead of a traditional cake, they served an array of Georgetown Cupcakes (Maura's favorite), ranging from cherry blossom cheesecake to birthday cake and red velvet flavors. Putting all the other details aside, we loved the one-of-a-kind escort card hedge wall displaying shot glasses with each guest's name written in calligraphy. They were put to good use with Irish whiskey shots before sitting down for dinner. See more modern details that reflected Maura and Jim as a couple, below.