Melodi + Jere couldn’t have been a more relaxed couple on a more relaxed day! We started out with everyone getting ready at the Mandarin Oriental before heading off to Melodi’s family’s church downtown. I believe she is the 3rd generation to get married there which always makes a place special.
In the middle of the ceremony, I find myself staring at the minister thinking “that guy looks a LOT like James Brown from the Fox NFL Pregame show”. Well, that wasn’t a coincidence because that’s exactly who it was. Our brides and grooms almost always apologize to us for crying in a ceremony but we LOVE it — and when the officiant tears up too, even better!
After the ceremony, it was off to a quick portrait session at the US Capitol and then off to Arena Stage for their reception. This made for back-to-back receptions for us at Arena Stage and it is quickly becoming our new favorite place around DC!
The first dance was insane! There aren’t a lot of first dance songs that I haven’t heard or that stand out but “Little Bit” by Lykke Li was so amazing. You definitely need their dance moves to go with it!
Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day! And a big thank you to Christine Godsey and her team from Engaging Affairs for keeping everything running so smoothly!
Wedding 411:
Event Consultant: Engaging Affairs | Christine Godsey | 703.313.7659
Preparation: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Ceremony: Metropolitan AME Church
Reception: Arena Stage
Hair: Debbie Dorsey // Makeup: Tonique Chadwick
Florist: Edge Floral Event Designers
Video: Bella Bride Wedding Films
Photography: Connor Studios | Michael Connor + Joe Eddins | 202.527.9768
