Aida & Brian | District Winery Wedding | Washington, D.C.

Once again, District Winery shines through as an oasis of class and calm in the non-stop energy of DC: it’s no wonder we are here yet again to regale you with a step-by-step recounting of another gorgeous wedding at our home away from home. While we know our favorite venue like the back of our hands, sometimes we also have the privilege of a bride who radiates the same sense of instant familiarity. Aida was as warm and welcoming as a longtime friend. Our consultation with Aida crystalized the suspicion we all had – that we were destined to work together – and our mutually vibrant energy created a proposal marinated in good vibes.

DC Wedding Florist at District Winery Wedding - Designs by Oochay with Compass Studios Photography

Aida and Bryan are the couple with the cutest smiles, dispositions, and – most importantly – nicknames! They call each other “Pepper” (we suspect it’s because they spice up each other’s lives; it’s adorable) – and they remind us how much we love love. With Aida’s Ethiopian heritage and Bryan’s Jewish background, a delightful mix of traditions played in a tasteful setting of white and green, including Ethiopian dancers and the Jewish custom of glass breaking.

Aida’s cloud-like bouquet of crisp white roses and fluffy peonies showed off a secret bit of glam with a glittering silver brooch. Fluttery accents of eucalyptus gave the bridal piece an air of animated life that drifted whimsically alongside Aida as she glided through her day in a stunning lacy gown.

The couple’s ethereal chuppah seemed simple at first glance with its winding braid of smilax, yet the natural glow of the setting sun engulfing dripping arms of leaves is beyond description in the feeling it evokes. Either side of the base was anchored with beautiful bushes of greenery and roses which later migrated to rustic wine barrels positioned behind the head table. The ceremony walk was thematically underscored with sweet bundles of seeded eucalyptus, affixed to aisle chairs with silky ivory ribbons. Before the reception, Aida and Bryan captured their affectionate moments riverside where they made a picturesque couple obviously in the throes of complete adoration.

District Winery doesn’t make it hard to dress up nice – if you’ve ever scrolled through our blog, you know we speak the truth! We adore the long gleaming staircase leading up to the reception area and one of our favorite techniques includes dramatically garnishing the landing. We make it clear you’re on your way to a special event with sparkling gold mercury geometric lanterns and a scenic body of smilax, stock, and the iconic white roses. A similar plush garland fronted the sweetheart table backed by the aforementioned decorative barrels. Aida & Bryan chose a delicate train of eucalyptus garlands to grace the guests tables, woven around floating candles in monet glassware of staggered heights but uniform elegance. Eucalyptus is an important homage to Aida's Ethiopian roots: the native plant is a central part of life and culture. Picking the best greens and flowers to finish the gold-flecked, four-tiered cake was the (almost literal) cherry on top!

The most important takeaway for the DBO team is that our couples enjoy themselves in the magical space we’ve curated to celebrate them. The perfect endings to our projects always come in the form of the photos we receive capturing the pure joy at large in the room – that’s what we’re all here for. Peeking back at Aida and Bryan’s experience between champagne toasts, crowdsurfing, and eskimo kisses, we think it’s safe to say: mission accomplished.