Kevin McGrann (staff member of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner) knew Elizabeth Ross was The One while on their first trip to visit his grandmother in Rome, Italy. So, he began to plan a romantic proposal for their next sojourn to the “Eternal City,” joined by their respective parents. Upon their return six months later, being jet-lagged from the lengthy flight, Elizabeth forgot to wash the conditioner from her hair. About to step back in the bath, Kevin insisted she accompany him to the bank. As they walked past the Trevi Fountain, he inquired if she wanted to toss a coin in the famous fountain and make a wish. “I did; then he asked if I wanted to know his wish, and he got down on one knee and proposed,” Elizabeth recounts with a smile.

Deciding on a venue for the reception came easy for Elizabeth, since she had chosen it long ago. She selected the historic private club she had frequented growing up – incidentally, it was also the site where her parents were married 35 years earlier. “It felt so familiar and is always decorated so beautifully at Christmastime,” she shares. These were among the factors that contributed to the date and aesthetic of their big day. A peek into the décor was provided by the emerald invitation with a wreath seal tucked into an envelope with forest green-and-blue plaid liners.

The traditional ceremony was full of emotional moments for Elizabeth. “I loved walking down the aisle with my dad,” recalls Elizabeth, who was the picture of a classic bride in an A-line gown with a short-sleeved lace overlay on the bodice accented by a sparkling bow-shaped pin. She held a holiday-inspired bouquet of red and white roses, pepperberries, pinecones, holly, and foliage. Elizabeth also fondly remembers holding Kevin’s hand throughout the service.

“It felt so familiar and is always decorated so beautifully at Christmastime.”

A bagpiper played as friends and family arrived at the reception. The tartan-clad escort card table featured a tall antler lamp entwined with evergreen, bundles of scarlet and vanilla roses, and antler candlesticks. Guests were guided to three areas for the sit-down dinner. The first was a wood-paneled space with a lofty arched ceiling that felt cozy and intimate. Some of the exposed beams were bedecked with twinkling lights, curly willow, greenery garlands, and golden foliage. Antique chandeliers were encircled by verdure. The last two were luxurious tents with sheer champagne roofs and gilded velvet sides. Lanterns were suspended along the center, flanked by pillar candle chandeliers nestled in greenery and finished with red bows.

Forest green velvet tablecloths or linens with metallic gold embroidery dressed dinner tables. From the lush runner at the head table to arrangements adorning gold five-foot candelabra, an array of festive floral designs was composed of crimson and pearl roses, maroon mokara orchids, chartreuse cymbidium orchids, and a variety of greenery. Clear beaded chargers framed round menus featuring a watercolor wreath – a motif also present in table numbers. Emerald-and-navy plaid napkins and ruby mokara orchid blossoms added final flourishes to place settings.

Loved ones kept toasty sipping beverages tailored to taste at the flavored hot chocolate and spiked coffee bar. Dessert began with slices from the wedding cake featuring exquisite sugar flowers and continued with a selection of sweets. More delicious fare – including mini Angus burgers, pork belly sliders topped with quail eggs, and French fries – was served as late-night snacks at the after-party. For those still hungry, a pizza food truck offered slices of authentic Neapolitan pizza from their onboard brick oven as guests departed.

Following a friend’s advice, Elizabeth made sure to stay by her new husband’s side throughout the festivities, visiting with guests and dancing. “It was a total blast!” she concludes of the magical celebration.