An Immersive Washington DC Wedding with Modern and Intentional Details
Elizabeth and Daniel Larkins first met at a bar in downtown Baltimore. It started out as an ordinary evening, but there was something about Elizabeth that captured Daniel’s attention. There wasn’t a grand gesture or cinematic moment; just a feeling of ease, curiosity, and the kind of spark that quietly stayed with him.
As far as first impressions go, Elizabeth noticed how grounded and kind Daniel was, and how he exuded a “steady presence that makes you feel safe.” Daniel recalls being captivated by Elizabeth’s confidence and warmth. The evening was filled with laughter, a comfortable familiarity, and an immediate sense that their connection might be something special.
A DC Engagement and Wedding Planning Process
A few years later, Daniel proposed at the Declaration of Independence Memorial in the heart of Washington, DC, where the couple now lives and works.
“We paid tribute to our mothers by displaying their wedding gowns – a nod to legacy, love, and the women who shaped us.”
“It was peaceful and private, surrounded by history and quiet beauty,” the couple shares. “The moment felt like us: thoughtful, intimate, and full of meaning.”
The wedding planning process was a flurry of decisions, inspiration boards, and incorporating traditional wedding details in a thoughtful and authentic way.
“From the beginning,” the couple adds, “we envisioned something that felt timeless, elegant, and reflective of our life together. The Hay-Adams was the perfect fit – full of charm, history, and iconic views that made the entire day feel unmistakably ‘DC.’”
With the incredible guidance and support of Katie MacGregor and her amazing team at Rose Gold Events & Styling, everything came together with ease and intention. By the end, Katie helped Elizabeth and Daniel translate their wedding vision into an experience that felt both elevated and deeply personal.
An Immersive Washington DC Wedding Experience
When the wedding day arrived, it felt like every element clicked into place. The bride walked down the aisle wearing a sleek Katherine Tash wedding gown, feeling both beautiful and emotional. The groom, ever calm and centered, waited for her at the altar while dressed in Paul Stuart.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing all your people – family, friends, chosen loved ones – gathered in one place to celebrate your story,” they say. “The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, but it was cocktail hour that resonated with us both emotionally. We paid tribute to our mothers by displaying their wedding gowns – a nod to legacy, love, and the women who shaped us. Seeing our guests pause and reflect at that display was one of the most touching moments of the day.”
The couple summed up their wedding reception with one word: magic. From the moody lighting to the cascading florals by Sweet Root Village that dripped from the ceiling, the immersive ambiance was simply dreamlike. The tablescapes were modern yet elegant, intentionally designed to make guests feel enveloped in something special. Paired with the ceiling installations, each décor detail added a layer of visual storytelling to the experience.
“The dinner was also delicious, the toasts were heartfelt and hilarious, and the dance floor was full until the very last song,” says the couple. “Looking back, the day was everything we had hoped it would be – full of meaning, joy, and the kind of memories we’ll hold onto for a lifetime.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Caterer: Hay-Adams Hotel, Washington, DC; Planner: Katie MacGregor, Rose Gold Events; Floral Design: Sweet Root Village; Rentals: Select Event Group; Cake: Liberty Baking; Entertainment: Spectrum Band;Wedding Dress: Katherine Tash; Bridal Salon: Carine’s Bridal Atelier; Hair & MUA: Amie Decker Makeup; Groom’s Attire: Paul Stuart; Groom’s Watch: Tag Heuer; Photography: Anna Schmidt Photography