Morgan Osborne admits there is not a single thing she would do differently in the planning of her wedding to Steven. “Becoming Mrs. Silverman was extremely memorable for me,” she reveals. After six years of dating, the two knew they were destined for more love and laughter together and decided to enjoy their engagement, carefully planning their celebration over the next year. “I wanted the guest experience to be one-of-a-kind, so I added personal touches throughout,” asserts the bride of her vision.
The couple hired the talented event planners at Engaging Affairs to help guide them and coordinate the details of the big day, beginning with securing an interactive museum with a spectacular view of the nation’s capital as the venue. “It was the perfect location for our out-of-town guests,” confirms Morgan of the unique site.
As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were ushered to elevators – each with a cocktail bar inside – that would carry them to the space. A lovely sunset service was planned, centered on decorations in a muted color scheme of blush, white, and gold. “We wanted our wedding to look pretty, but didn’t want the décor to compete with the sweeping view,” explains the bride. A custom aisle runner – that matched the look of programs and menu cards – led to the altar.
Guests rose from their translucent chairs to honor the bride as she made her grand entrance to the tune of “What a Wonderful World” on the arm of her father. Morgan was a vision in a champagne-and-cream-colored gown. Her diamond necklace, designed by her mother, was made from her mom’s engagement ring. “I chose to carry white phalaenopsis orchids because they were clean and [understated],” says the bride of her timeless bouquet.
Bridesmaids wore long blush evening gowns and held nosegays of black-and-white anemones, which offered a lovely contrast. “I loved the uniformity of a single type of flower and the modern look anemones have,” adds Morgan. Boutonnieres were formed from the same bloom and looked sharp against the men’s formal tuxedos.
The reception mimicked the ceremony design, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and whimsy. Once each guest learned their table assignment, they were able to locate their seat by way of tuxedo-clad male models holding large numbered signs. “We wanted to incorporate fun elements throughout the entire wedding to surprise our guests and make it memorable for everyone,” says the bride.
Lush gold linens covered dinner tables, which were bedecked with tall floral arrangements in crystal vases alongside collections of candles. Place settings were elegant and simple: crystal glassware, bullion-rimmed charger plates, and personalized menu cards.
A green hedge wall boasted a timeline created from chalk, illustrating the couple’s relationship, including each city they lived in, memorable trips, and other special events. Another grand verdure wall displayed large golden cutouts of the newylweds’ names, serving as the backdrop for the lively 10-piece band.
Though a sit-down supper and generous slices of cake had initially fueled revelers, Morgan and Steven reenergized their guests with a coffee bar and donut wall covered in scrumptious choices in just about every flavor. The custom white dance floor was put to good use: “The music was rocking!” describes the groom of the late-night festivities. Morgan adds, “I danced all night, and we had so much fun!” The groom even surprised everyone when he got on stage and played guitar with the group. “Nothing was rehearsed or planned… the crowd loved it,” remembers Steven.
The bride was delighted that her new husband loved her décor choices. “I had worked really hard planning the wedding day, so it was very rewarding seeing it all come to [fruition],” she confides. “There were many elements that came together so well, it would be difficult to pick only one favorite,” affirms Steven, who smiles and advises other grooms that brides know best – and in his case, no one other than the newly minted Mrs. Silverman.