1. Real Weddings

A Soft Spring Wedding in Washington, DC

The Bride Friederike (Freddy) Kaiser, 24, works for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts The Groom Christopher (Chris) Putko Jr., 27, an officer in the US

The Bride Friederike (Freddy) Kaiser, 24, works for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts The Groom Christopher (Chris) Putko Jr., 27, an officer in the US Navy The Date March 31 Picking a central location for all of their international guests was one of the hardest parts of the planning process for this worldly couple. Once they decided on DC (Chris went to Georgetown), they pulled together their crisp, modern wedding using a neutral color palette of white, gray and black.

The men echoed Chris's look in traditional black tuxedos and bow ties.
Custom totes greeted guests at their hotels. They were filled with goodies like a map of DC, gummy bears, peanuts, fresh fruit, personalized koozies and bottled water.
Less was more when it came to the ceremony space - very little additional décor let the simple beauty of the church take center stage.
The couple used these sweet forks for their first bites of the wedding cake.
Each guest's seat was marked by a simple calligraphed white tented card. The table numbers were hand-stamped onto white paper circles.
Freddy's eight bridesmaids wore the same strapless slate-gray taffeta dress.
Freddy loved how her bouquet of fluffy white peonies looked with the layer of tulle in her dress.
The taffeta bodice of Freddy's strapless A-line gown plunged into a deep sweetheart neckline. Chris looked classic in a black tuxedo and bow tie.
Bridal Shoes
The modern three-tiered cake was frosted with white buttercream ribbons.
Half of the girls carried bunches of white tulips.
Ceremony site: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Washington, DC Reception site: Park Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC Photography: Abby Jiu Photography Consultant: A. Dominick Events Gown: J. Crew, New York, NY Hair: Isabelle's Okyo Salon Makeup: DIY Veil: VeilShop.com Shoes: Kate Spade New York Jewelry: Nicole Miller Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew Formalwear: Calvin Klein, Men's Wearhous Invitations: Design: the bride; Letterpress: Twin Ravens Press Flowers: Yellow Door Floral Designs Rentals and catering: Park Hyatt Washington Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes Music: Ceremony cantors: Dr. Kathleen DeJardin and Marie Putko; Ceremony organist: Tim Duhr; Reception: DJ AP Andres Transportation: Atlantic Services Group Honeymoon: Rome and Florence, Italy Registries: Crate & Barrel; Macy's; Williams-Sonoma
Freddy's chapel-length veil was a dramatic addition to her day-of look.
The programs were letterpress-printed on white paper and tied together with black-and-white twine.
Shimmery pewter linens and clean, architectural centerpieces of white roses, calla lilies and hydrangeas made for an elegant look.
Chris chose You and Me by Dave Matthews Band for their first dance.