An Ethereal, Dreamy Wedding With Elegant Decor at the Fairmont Washington, DC

While working side by side at Marriott International, Ariana Dejan-Lenoir and Stephen Johnson kicked off their relationship on a purely professional note. Ariana recalls, “We started out as friends, which soon transformed into a love story.” The gradual shift from colleagues to confidantes and ultimately to partners was marked by an undeniable chemistry. As their bond grew stronger, it became clear that what they had was truly special. Ariana sums it up beautifully: “The rest is, as they say... history.”

The couple sought a wedding day that would act as a chronicle of love and style. From the outset, the bride and groom searched for a setting that encapsulated both elegance and romance, a theme that would resonate with their journey. Ariana had always envisioned a “modern romantic garden theme,” and their hearts were set on finding the perfect venue to bring this vision to life.

While perusing potential venues online, Ariana stumbled upon the Fairmont DC’s Colonnade ballroom. With its majestic architecture and ethereal ambiance, “we immediately fell in love,” she recalls. The Colonnade, with its crystal chandeliers and glass ceiling, offered the perfect canvas for their dream wedding. It offered the promise of a fairy-tale beginning to their married life.

As the planning unfolded, Ariana and Stephen decided on a delicate color palette of white, blush and gold. This choice set the tone for a “very romantic and dreamy atmosphere,” as the bride puts it. The colors were a beautiful reflection of their love—pure, gentle and radiant. When it came to wedding fashion, the couple desired attire that would be sophisticatedly whimsical. The bride chose a breathtaking off-the-shoulder ballgown from Eve of Milady, adorned with floral appliques that sparkled at every turn. She knew the moment she tried it on, “It was the one!” The groom, complementing Ariana’s elegance, opted for a custom white tuxedo jacket paired with black tuxedo pants, black Ferragamo shoes and a sleek black bow tie. Together, they were the epitome of grace and style.

The wedding day arrived with a buzz of excitement in the air. Guests gathered in the Colonnade, awestruck by the transformation of the space into an enchanting indoor garden. White and pink blooms filled the room, and crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow, adding to the magic. The aisle, lined with lush floral arrangements, led to a breathtaking backdrop where the couple would exchange their vows.

“Walking down the aisle and saying our vows to one another was the most special moment of our day,” the bride reflects. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail hour while the ballroom underwent a stunning transformation. The decor, a harmonious blend of ivory, blush and gold, was accentuated by floral-adorned pillars, creating a captivating focal point. An enlarged seating chart, adorned with photos of the newlyweds, guided guests to their seats, adding a personal touch to the elegant setting.

The reception was a true celebration of love and happiness. The couple’s attention to detail shone through every aspect, from the twinkling white candles to the custom escort wall that became a popular photo backdrop. Guests enjoyed signature drinks crafted by the Fairmont team, relishing in the unique flavors of “his and hers” cocktails.

Beloved guests danced the night away with the new Mr. and Mrs., and in a delightful surprise, they were treated to late-night pizza. The photo booth captured memories, creating a treasure trove of joyous moments that would be cherished forever.

The planning process, while intricate, was made seamless with the help of a wedding planner. “Always use a wedding planner, if possible,” Ariana advises other couples. For those in the DMV area, she recommends MasterPlan, the planner who played an instrumental role in orchestrating their special day.

As the evening wound down, the couple reflected on their favorite moments. Other than their trip down the aisle, they reveled in “seeing our family come together as one and enjoying the happy occasion with us.” Each element, from the lush floral arrangements to the sparkling attire, told a story of love, commitment and impeccable style.

Their advice to other couples planning their wedding echoes the wisdom gained from their experience: invest in a wedding planner, cherish every moment and let your love story guide every decision. As they embarked on their new life together, Ariana and Stephen carried with them the memories of a day that was not just a celebration but a beautiful beginning to their forever.