A Classic and Elegant Wedding With Touches of Blue at Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC

Though Cassie and Greg are attorneys, they overlooked securing a noise permit for what ended up being their favorite wedding memory—parading to the after-party with a New Orleans–style second line band. “Two blocks in, we heard sirens,” Greg says, “but the police blocked off an intersection so that the party could stay together.” What they did plan for, however, went over just as smoothly, from the tandem bike welcoming guests (a nod to their first date) to their ceremony in the round and their interpretation of the “dollar dance.” “We did a ‘donation dance,’” Greg says, “and raised around $250 for the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia and the Humane Rescue Alliance.” 

Cassie’s flowers and color scheme were loosely inspired by the inside of an oyster shell, and oysters made the cut for the cocktail hour menu Cassie redesigned her grandmother’s jade necklace into earrings and a bracelet, and for the reception, she threw on a faux fur jacket borrowed from Rent the Runway.

Guests took their seat assignment with a glass of bubbly as they entered the venue. “I mean, we wanted to start the party,” Cassie says.  The pair designed the reception to be warm and inviting, “like a big dinner party with friends,” Cassie says. Light flickering from blue taper candles and centerpieces made from olive branches and bay leaf helped accomplish that mood. Cheese and charcuterie boards encouraged guests to intermingle as well.