A Minimalist, Luxurious Fall Wedding With Tons of Dancing & Music at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC
Kertiste and Mike’s first introduction almost didn't happen, with Mike showing up late to the date in September 2017. If he’d been a minute later, Kertiste might have missed him altogether, but the timing worked perfectly for these two kindred souls. They spoke for hours at a beer garden, and just weeks later, that memorable first date led to a birthday trip for Kertiste in Belize, planned by Mike. Thus, a new tradition of visiting a new country each year with one another was born. By October 2021, Kertiste knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life traveling to new places with Mike. At Kertiste’s military retirement party, he proposed to Mike during a thank-you speech for friends, family and loved ones. Mike says, “It’s kind of a blur, but eventually, I said yes and held out my hand to accept an outrageously gorgeous ring. Once the shock wore off, I was annoyed that he co-opted his retirement party to propose. But my mind had been made up long before that night, and I was honored that he took his special night to put a ring on it.”
With Kertiste’s military history and their special proposal, the two knew they wanted their wedding venue to reflect the things most significant to them, so they chose the National Arboretum for its “breathtaking beauty, historical significance and intimate connection with nature,” Kertiste says. Kertiste originally hails from Dominica, where tradition and natural beauty take the forefront, while Mike’s origins in Phoenix, Arizona, meant he brought vibrant culture with a modern outlook. They designed their day around these elements, and the historic venue’s outdoor spaces offered a tranquil space that allowed for minimal decor around its gardens and towering columns. “By blending traditional elements with contemporary touches, we created a space where our guests could experience the richness of our combined heritage. We wanted our wedding to be a testament to the power of love and acceptance, shared with 120 loved ones who have been part of our journey and happiness, making the event a true reflection of our lives,” Kertiste says.
On the autumn day of their wedding, the grooms decorated the National Arboretum grounds with low floral meadows arranged in a half circle to frame the two as they exchanged vows. Complementing the black, white and gold tones of their day and the natural greenery, they opted for fall colors, like “fiery reds for the roses and ranunculus, vibrant yellows for the dahlias and chrysanthemums, and burnt oranges for the scabiosa and majolica sprays,” says Kertiste.
The color palette and even the forecast for the venue helped guide these grooms on their wedding day attire. Mike and Kertiste wore bespoke, black tuxedos for the ceremony, one double-breasted and the other with a peak lapel. For a special addition, the tuxes were embellished with custom ivory and gold leather magnolia flower brooches. Before the two celebrated at the reception with their loved ones, they changed into white brocade jackets adorned with designs of feather-inspired motifs to match their “fur and feathers” theme for their looks. “This theme drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the National Arboretum and celebrates the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the fall season, combining elements of nature with luxurious textures such as plush furs, elegant feathers, and warm earth tones,” Kertiste adds.
As guests entered the reception space, they were met with hues of black, gold and white, including a checkerboard-style dance floor. Estate tables were draped in elegant, silky black linens and their fall florals added a touch of color to the opulent theme. Dinner was lit by the stars, the overhead string lights and pillar and taper candles for a whimsical, fairytale feel. As for their place settings, Kertiste says, “Another unique touch was the individual food selection cards printed on wildflower seed paper that guests could plant at home for their own special blooms.”
The reception allowed two families to unite and two cultures to blend into one. That included serving authentic Caribbean food and drinks, like jerk chicken, braised oxtails, za'atar spiced salmon and more. After the two newlyweds jumpstarted their reception with a choreographed first dance to “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross, a special guest made an appearance: All-Star drag performer Trinity K. Bonnet, who performed a selection of Whitney Houston’s and Beyoncé's greatest hits.
After these performances, a memorable and impromptu Soul Train line brought everyone to their feet. Kertiste says, “The Soul Train line allowed every guest, young and old, to participate in a communal dance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy. As couples and individuals took turns leading the line, the tent echoed with laughter, cheers and the rhythmic beat of feet stomping on the dance floor.”
Mike and Kertiste say a big reason why their wedding day was seamless was because of their wedding vendors, like the string quartet and DJ, who kept the dance floor alive throughout the night. Also, their photographer, who they affectionately dubbed their “Fairy Godfather.” It was crucial to the couple that they worked with vendors who could bring their vision to life and help with the planning process. Kertiste adds, “Each decision, from the venue to the entertainment, was made with love and thoughtfulness. This ensured our day was not only beautiful but also a reflection of our shared history, our love for each other and our appreciation for our diverse backgrounds.”
As for the advice they offer to future couples? They have a few ideas: “Prioritize self-care. Focus on what truly matters. Embrace imperfection; be flexible and adaptable. Finally, reside in and celebrate your love, knowing that you're celebrated and surrounded by the immense love and support of family and friends.”