It was clear from their first date that Michelle Davidson and Michael Sokoloff had something special. “The waiters were actually stacking chairs on tables to clean the floors before we realized how late it was,” Michelle admits. A relationship blossomed, and soon it was time for Mike to propose. Armed with the blessing of his beloved’s father and a ring suggestion from her sisters, the hopeful groom-to-be got down on one knee the day before Thanksgiving. After saying yes, Michelle went to call her parents only to find her whole family downstairs with Champagne, and Michael's family on video chat, ready to celebrate the good news.

Though they currently reside in New York City, the pair decided to tie the knot in Washington, DC, as the bride grew up in the area. They settled on a date before selecting a venue, but Michelle knew they had found the right choice the instant she walked into the luxury hotel. “The ceremony space already had beautiful gold elements that would fit perfectly with the look I was going for,” she gushes. “The ballroom, equally as stunning, had arched mirrors lining the room and modern chandeliers hanging throughout.”

When the big day arrived, Mike awaited his bride underneath the tall, draped chuppah. A large hedge wall formed the backdrop, and smaller versions of the verdure lined the aisle. Before the bride made her entrance, the ring bearers and flower girls held hands as they processed to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. “It was the cutest thing I've ever seen!” Michelle exclaims. She then walked down the aisle with her parents to the tune of The Beatles’ song that shares her name. The traditional Jewish ceremony did feature one misstep, albeit a charming one. “Michelle blurted out ‘Yes!’ before the rabbi could even finish asking her if she would marry me,” the groom reminisces. With the vow exchange and breaking of the glass complete, the lovebirds were now husband and wife.

As with the ceremony, the reception featured a color scheme of ivory, gold, and green. “We were going for modern elegance with a touch of glam,” Michelle reveals of her vision implemented by the team at EVOKE. The mother of the bride owns a gift store specializing in fine china, crystal, and giftware where the couple not only registered (with the sister of the bride acting as their consultant) but also picked out each piece for their table settings at the reception. Three different looks adorned the gold-rimmed tables: A tall arrangement of long-stem white roses in a crystal vase circled by candles, a towering display of banana leaves paired with crystal bowls filled with white roses, and a lower and long centerpiece with the same snowy blossoms surrounded by mums and foliage.

Following dinner, it was time for the newlyweds to truly celebrate with their 200 guests. “I think the only time people left the dance floor was when staff rolled out carts filled with cookies and cake,” affirms the groom. The desserts were a surprise from his new wife, due to Mike’s major sweet tooth. Some weddings offer a late-night snack during the reception, or even a final treat as guests take their leave; however, Michelle and Mike went a step further. For favors, the revelers each got to take home a whole pizza of their choice.

Both the bride and groom agree the night was perfect. Though Mike notes for future grooms that it’s especially helpful to marry a woman whose mother loves weddings and has great taste, Michelle advises: “Don’t sweat the small stuff and try and remember what the wedding is all about. For me that was getting to marry my best friend and spending a weekend celebrating that with everyone who matters most to us in the world.”