While on a group ski trip during their sophomore year at Cornell University, Molly Bailey and Will Hutton hit it off and remained friends all throughout college. After graduation, they moved to New York City and finally went on their first date. When the time was right, Will proposed during Christmastime in Madison Square Park and surprised his fiancée with a “romantic dinner for two” that night, which was actually an “epic engagement party with family and friends from near and far,” Molly shares. 

Though the bride thought she had found her bridal gown, Molly decided to attend one last appointment at Mark Ingram Atelier in New York City. “I had that moment brides talk about… I found the one! I completely fell in love,” she smiles. When the salon made her a last-minute appointment to show her mom a few days later, Molly was thrilled to meet the designer of the gown that inspired much of the wedding décor. “It was a dream!” 

As the couple had attended 11 weddings together the year they said “I do,” they knew with certainty that they wanted to get married at a hotel in order to have everyone together in one place. They selected a modern site that offers an abundance of marble, greys, and neutrals, creating the ideal setting for their city soirée in Washington, DC. “Will fell in love… and that was the end of it!” Molly exclaims. Upon arrival, guests received curated welcome bags filled with locally sourced items from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, to honor the location so special to the bride. 

“I had that moment brides talk about [at Mark Ingram Atelier]… I found the one! I completely fell in love.”

Loved ones were offered champagne before taking their seats atop Lucite chairs with ebony cushions arranged in the round. Molly and Will exchanged personal vows during the ceremony, which was officiated by one of the bride’s childhood best friends, atop a circular white dais surrounded by airy florals that also lined the aisle. “The ceremony was one of the most special memories for both of us as we looked back on our relationship and described what we love about each other,” affirms the bride.

Following a cocktail hour complete with his-and-hers drinks and tray-passed espresso martinis, attendees found their table numbers calligraphed on a unique "escort card": popcorn boxes. “Popcorn is one of our favorite snacks and also a tribute to Will’s late father, who passed away after we got engaged and owned luxury movie theatres in Kansas,” says Molly. Will loved all of the personal touches. “They demonstrated thoughtfulness, intent, and originality,” he adds. “Molly went above and beyond, executing everything flawlessly.” 

Their wedding-planning team designed the reception to marry modern elements with understated elegance. Lush white blooms, smoke-hued candelabras, and chic black accents filled the space. After enjoying slices of wedding cake inspired by Molly’s dress, guests celebrated all night long. Custom glow sticks were brought out, late-night snacks were savored, and the newlyweds even got on stage with the live band. “I didn’t want the night to end!” says the bride of the best day.

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2024 expanded-digital issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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