A Timeless Wedding at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Celebrating Love, Light, and Legacy
Some love stories unfold slowly over time. Allie and Mark’s began in a rush of warmth and light, meeting just after Thanksgiving and quickly falling into a whirlwind holiday romance filled with Christmas traditions and moments that felt instantly familiar. From the very beginning, their connection felt effortless, grounded not only in joy but in shared values. They soon discovered common passions for travel, living abroad, coffee, and fine wine—the kinds of pleasures that invite conversation, presence, and lingering at the table. What began as a seasonal spark revealed itself almost immediately as something more.
It felt only right that Mark proposed the following November in London, one of Allie’s favorite cities. Steeped in history and beauty, the setting mirrored their relationship itself: thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in experience rather than spectacle.
Planning a Wedding at The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
When it came time to choose a place to marry, the decision was clear. Washington, D.C. is where they met and where they both call home. Elegant, classic, and timeless, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. offered the perfect setting for a celebration that balanced sophistication with sincerity. It’s a wedding destination where legacy could be honored without feeling heavy, and the couple’s love story could take center stage.
Allie and Mark’s wedding weekend began with an intimate rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Officina, where hospitality and ritual set the tone for what was to come. Carefully curated wine pairings accompanied the evening’s courses, encouraging guests to slow down, savor, and connect—a reflection of the couple’s belief that some of life’s most meaningful moments happen around a shared table. The evening carried its own symbolism as well. Allie arrived wearing a custom alteration of her mother’s wedding dress, thoughtfully reimagined for the present while preserving its original spirit—a beautiful bridge between generations.
Love, Light, and Legacy
On the wedding morning, the day was calm and intentional in its unfolding. The bride and groom exchanged handwritten notes, which they read in private to ground themselves before the festivities began. Allie prepared, surrounded by the people closest to her: her mother, Michelle; her sister and maid of honor, Natasha; and a small circle of loved ones whose presence felt less like a bridal party and more like a family. Among the most meaningful details were the earrings Allie chose to wear—her mother’s—resting against her skin as a subtle reminder of the lineage she carried with her.
Mark’s attire also held a great deal of significance. He wore Allie’s late grandfather’s watch and pocket square, the latter hand-embroidered and monogrammed by the bride’s aunt, Janina—heirlooms rich with memory and meaning. At the ceremony, a boutonniere was placed on a chair to honor Allie’s grandfather, affectionately known as “Pop Pop,” ensuring his presence was felt. For her wedding gown, the bride chose the Rossini dress by Suzanne Neville, a sculptural design that exudes timeless elegance. Serendipitously, Rossini was also the name of her grandfather’s favorite restaurant.
The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, officiated by a close friend of the couple. As guests gathered beneath the glow of string lights, the Astor Terrace gates opened to reveal an intimate ceremony space. Soft florals in whites, creams, and greenery framed the aisle.
Thoughtfully selected wine pairings were enjoyed throughout cocktail hour and dinner, woven seamlessly into conversation and connection. As the reception officially began, Mark set the tone in unforgettable fashion, sabering a bottle of Italian Spumante sparkling wine from a favorite winery of the bride’s family to open the night. Waterford crystal champagne flutes belonging to Allie’s maternal grandparents were used during the reception, subtly tying more personal details into the wedding day.
An Astor Ballroom Reception
The St. Regis Astor Ballroom glowed as the evening progressed. Candlelight flickered against mirrored walls, classic black-and-white paper goods set a refined tone, and music from the Legacy Band carried the celebration forward. Guests lingered over wine, gathered at the espresso bar, and delighted in a late-night gelato service—small indulgences that encouraged people to stay, savor, and settle in.
The newlyweds shared their first dance beneath soft, dramatic lighting, followed later by a discreet, unannounced dance between Allie and her father. They danced to Vienna by Billy Joel, a favorite of the father-daughter duo and a place Allie and Mark would soon visit on their honeymoon.
Towards the end of the night, Allie changed into white satin, feather-trimmed pajamas and joined the band on stage, dancing and singing as the room erupted around her. It was the perfect closing note—joyful, uninhibited, and unmistakably her.
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Catering: The St. Regis Washington D.C., Washington, D.C.; Planning & Event Design: Margo Fischer - The Bright Occasions; Floral Design: Helen Olivia Flowers; Rentals: Something Vintage; Lighting: Dan Goldman; Wine Sommelier: GVINO Wine Bar; Cake: Frost & Flourish; Invitations: Digby & Rose; Entertainment: East Coast Entertainment, Sage String Quartet; Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville; Veil: Peter Langner; Bridal Salon: Zoya's Atelier; Hair & MUA: Amie Decker Beauty; Groom’s Attire: Sid Mashburn; Photography: Anna Schmidt Photography / Ambre Nuit by Anna Schmidt