Michael (left) and Chris began dating near the end of their senior year at Johns Hopkins University; Michael proposed to Chris in 2009 during a trip to India.
"We were having a private candlelit dinner at a castle in Jodhpur when Michael decided it was the right time," says Chris. "It was very sweet."
Both grooms wore J.Crew suits and Seigo ties.
Real Weddings
Michael & Chris in Chevy Chase, MD
Published on September 6, 2011
Lush woodlands provide the backdrop for one couple's festive celebration featuring vibrant colors and modern florals.
Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Site
Grooms' Ties
Bridesmaid Dresses
Ceremony Music
Flowers
Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs
Wedding Planner
Simply Vintage Event Management
Catering and Cake
Reception Music
The couple, who legally wed in Washington, DC, the day before, hosted a ceremony and reception at the Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD.
"We chose Woodend because of its natural beauty," says Michael. "It provided a rustic backdrop that complemented the formality of the event."
Two family friends officiated the 6:30 p.m. ceremony, which included a reading of Kahlil Gibran's poem "On Children."
The ceremony also included jazz renditions of Nina Simone's "Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You" for the processional and Etta James's "At Last" for the recessional, performed by the Kevin Pace Trio.
The bridesmaids wore dresses by Simple Silhouettes in vibrant shades of red, pink, and orange.
Following the ceremony, the 150 guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the lawn, where they sipped the couple's signature drinks: a gin cocktail with muddled sage and sparkling wine, a whiskey-pear sour, and a dirty martini on the rocks.
At the reception, each table was named after a restaurant where the couple had shared a memorable meal, such as The Prime Rib, a restaurant in Baltimore where they went on their first date.
The couple worked with Molly Bartkowski of Simply Vintage Event Management on the wedding details.
The centerpieces included gloriosa lilies, dusty miller, dahlias, and seeded eucalyptus in hues that complemented the wedding's color scheme of poppy red and slate gray.
All florals were by Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs.
"We described our vision, then gave our florist artistic freedom," says Michael. "We were thrilled with the results."
Occasions Caterers created a four-course menu that featured seasonal ingredients, including mushroom bisque, butternut squash ravioli, and beef short ribs.
The caterers also created the buttercream-frosted "funfetti" cake embellished with piped polka dots and a cascade of fresh flowers.
"The rainbow sprinkles in the cake batter were our subtle nod to gay pride," Michael says.
Friends and family members congratulated the couple with heartfelt toasts.
The couple started the party with their first dance to "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. Music was provided by seven-piece band Jukeboxx.
"Everyone was on the dance floor," Chris recalls. "There was an epic, 10-minute rendition of 'Don't Stop Believin',' and guests went crazy."
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