1. Real Weddings

Kara & David: An Orange and Red Wedding in Washington, DC

Even though Kara and David were getting married in historic Washington, DC, that didn’t stop them from throwing the tropical celebration they wanted.

Even though Kara and David were getting married in historic Washington, DC, that didn’t stop them from throwing the tropical celebration they wanted. The Bride Kara Heitz, 30 The Groom David Sylvester, 26 The Date July 23 A visual riot of hot pink, red, and bright orange, Kara and David’s wedding was inspired by their midsummer wedding date, and yes, a Miami Vice marathon. The result: spectacular wedding eye candy at every turn, from tropical arrangements to the red fabric–draped after-party lounge.

No two centerpieces were alike, as three to four vases in various heights popped up from tables. Some were filled with colorful citrus fruit, others with brightly colored water and floating candles. And most were topped with loose tropical arrangements of orchids, gloriosa lilies, tiger lilies, ranunculus, roses, cosmos, zinnias, and more.
The Reception
David channeled his inner Don Johnson by wearing a summer-inspired ensemble for the wedding. The colors suited, so to speak, the modern theme. In addition to pink shirts, the groomsmen accented their linen suits with bright orange- and pink-striped ties.
After the couple said “I do,” the courtyard was turned into a lounge area -- with colorful Chinese paper lanterns and teak patio furniture.
Opting for good taste over elaborate design, Kara and David chose a cake from local celebrity baker Warren Brown, who’s known for his buttercream frosting. While the cake was a simple white, fresh flowers provided a punch of tropical color.
The Westin Grand’s main hall was infused with a warm glow with the help of a little mood lighting. To achieve this effect, they switched the chandelier bulbs with amber-colored lights and used dark amber–colored lighting on the walls and columns.
To fit the vibe of a Latin lounge, a bossa nova band entertained the crowd. At the end of the evening, guests went home with CDs of classic bossa nova tunes. The dotted red and pink packaging matched the wedding’s funky style.
The 20-minute civil ceremony was held in the hotel courtyard, where Kara and David were united before a fountain decorated with a mass of Hawaiian red ginger and trailing gloriosa lilies spilling into the lower pool. Tall glass cylinders filled with hot pink water, James Storey orchids, and floating candles lined the aisles.
Kara’s beautiful floral arrangement was composed of a fresh combination of roses, plum celosia, gloriosa lilies, and variegated aspidistra.
The 16 reception tables -- each named after a different tropical fruit or bloom -- were draped with orange iridescent linens and topped with clear chargers and bright orange cloth napkins.