“It was love at first sight,” shares Aloysius Oliver Carr, who is known to loved ones as Wish, of his first date with Chandler Hueth. “We just had so much fun together; it didn’t feel like a first date.” One year later, Wish began making plans to propose and received the blessing of his beloved’s parents. On their way to see the Christmas decorations and enjoy dinner at a historic hotel in Washington, DC, Wish led Chandler up to the rooftop. Though usually prohibited due to its proximity to the White House, the groom-to-be received special permission from the Secret Service to propose overlooking the city. 

When it came time to plan their wedding celebration, Chandler and Wish desired a traditional church ceremony followed by an elegant reception at the very property where they became engaged and celebrated the happy occasion with their parents over dinner. “We knew we wanted a classic vibe with a modern twist,” confirms the bride of their vision. “We shared that with Jeannette [Tavares of Evoke Design & Creative], and she knocked it out of the park.” 

Friends and family took their seats at pews facing the exquisite altar decorated with lush arrangements of blooming branches, white florals including delphinium blooms, roses, and snapdragons, as well as trailing verdure. Traditional hymns sung by one of the bride’s best friends filled the sanctuary as Chandler walked down the aisle wearing a stunning scoop-neck trumpet gown featuring a low back accented with a beautiful bow – one of the groom’s favorite moments of the day, especially as they opted to not have a “first look” and see one another for the first time in the church. 

“We knew we wanted a classic vibe with a modern twist. We shared that with Jeannette [Tavares of Evoke Design & Creative], and she knocked it out of the park.”

Following the service, attendees made their way to the reception venue to enjoy a lively cocktail hour before dinner. Meanwhile, Chandler and Wish shared a special moment together, spending 20 minutes before their grand entrance to view the impeccable décor, savor the hors d’oeuvres they selected, and take it all in. “Being alone even just for a short time allowed us to really appreciate the moment and each other,” affirms the groom. 

Though the couple originally planned to host their reception in the hotel ballroom, their plans changed two weeks before the wedding due to Covid. To create a safer alfresco experience for loved ones, the courtyard of the property was tented – something that had never been done before. Clear-top tents with open sides were draped with ample grey velvet to create warmth throughout the space, and a custom blue-and-white fabric valance was incorporated to complement the bar design and set the tone for the elegant event. 

Friends and family found their seats at an array of different table designs created to keep the space captivating. Oval-back white chairs surrounded long, custom blue tables decorated canopies of greenery and vanilla-toned florals and topped with place settings showcased azure designer china, blue-and-gold flatware, and smokey glassware with gilt rims. Round tables surrounded by either upholstered or Ghost chairs were strewn with either light or slate grey linens and decorated with low arrangements of alabaster blooms and sage green taper candles that created a romantic ambience throughout the traditional sit-down dinner service. 

With their palates satiated, guests traversed into the ballroom. The bride and groom shared their first dance to “Better Together” by Jack Johnson, followed by the special dances. As Chandler’s father had passed away suddenly in the months leading up to the nuptials, Wish’s mother-son dance became a family experience where the bride took turns dancing with her grandfather and uncle, Wish’s father, and other important people in their lives. “It was my mother in law’s idea, which was very special and helped stifle what would have been a hard moment for me,” she says of the special family moment. 

A live band performed until midnight, with a DJ taking over into the early morning hours. “When we moved to the ballroom for dancing, there was a completely different feel – almost a mid-century retro, Hollywood vibe,” expresses Chandler of the jubilant décor. “The band was absolutely amazing, and the dance floor was wild,” remembers the groom of their special day, which concluded with hours of revelry surrounded by their dearest friends and family. “It was our perfect day,” smiles the bride.

Some of the links included may be affiliate; however, everything we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. When you make a purchase, we may receive revenue. Thank you for your support!