Frances and Michael’s Luxurious Museum Wedding

by Amy Serrago

After their intimate, at-home proposal on New Year’s Eve, Frances and Michael got to work planning the wedding of their dreams right away. A traditional couple at heart, they knew they wanted a church ceremony. They decided the stunning Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Washington, DC, with its vaulted ceilings and gorgeous stained glass windows, was the perfect place to say “I do”. The park-like setting outside gave them an opportunity to snap some portraits before they headed to their grand reception at the Society of the Cincinnati at Anderson House museum. With its European-inspired design and classic Italian villa architecture, this former home of 19th century diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife Isabel, had just the right atmosphere for Frances, Michael and their guests to party in luxurious style.

Frances made a beautiful bride in her traditional A-line gown with its delicate cap sleeves and sheer appliquéd bodice. She finished her look with vintage-inspired earrings and a long veil for added drama. Her bridesmaids were pretty in pink chiffon and her bouquet was a stunning mix of peach roses and peonies with wildflower and snapdragon accents. Michael was dapper in his tuxedo with a classic white dinner jacket, while his groomsmen were dressed to the nines in traditional black tuxes.

At the reception, tables were decked out with gold brocade table cloths, centerpieces of white hydrangea with peach and pink roses and plenty of twinkling votive candles to give the room a romantic glow. The head table featured a long runner of lush greenery sprinkled with pink florals that complimented the space’s gilded Beaux Arts styling. The newlywed Princeton grads made a grand entrance down the ornate staircase that leads into the ballroom before sharing their first dance as husband and wife. After dinner and some group photos, Frances and Michael got back up on the dance floor with all of their guests to groove the night away to the sounds of The Original Moonlighters, a Motown and soul band, and when it was time to say goodnight, they exited to a grand sparkler send off. Congratulations Frances and Michael!