Sometimes Plan B is better than Plan A. Thanks to the pandemic Dora and Patrick had to switch plan and go with a more intimate wedding.
They opted to say I do at the DC War Memorial with just 15 guests person but nearly 100 more joining in via Zoom from around the globe!
Check it out below!
Photography: Megan Rei Photography
Ceremony: DC War Memorial
Beauty : Jamie D’Agostino Makeup Artistry and Charming Henna
Video : Kathykins Creative
Reception Venue: Del Mar
Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: Patrick and I met on the dating app Hinge. We hit it off right away! A year-ish later we went to my mothers house in Ireland for her birthday. Patrick proposed while we were taking a walk through the countryside. It was so special to me to tell my mom about the proposal in person. Especially since she ended up not being able to travel to the actual wedding.
Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A: Our wedding was not the one we spent a year planning, but in the end it was perfect. We had to cancel our May wedding because of COVID-19 . Initially we tried to reschedule, but soon it became more clear that COVID was not going anywhere, anytime soon. We ended up doing a small intimate ceremony at the DC War Memorial. We had just 15 guests including our officiant who is also my sister in law. I wore my white sari and Patrick wore a navy blue suit, which looked absolutely classic and endlessly elegant at the Memorial. Patrick’s twin brother played a lovely Hawaiian song on the ukulele as my best friend walked me up the stairs and to the center of the memorial (Patrick grew up in Hawaii). We had a camera set up as well which allowed a 100 plus people to attend from around the globe as I have family in India, Ireland, UAE and beyond! Our friends and family who were present at the ceremony said it was one of the most beautiful weddings they have been to. The size definitely made the occasion tremendously intimate and raw. It was also amazing to be able to sew some love in the world in a time when nothing felt safe in the world anymore.
Q: Did you personalize the day in any way ? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A: It was the most simple wedding, and it ended up being beyond perfect. Our favorite parts were definitely the entrance, with the gentle strum of a ukulele and the sunset stroll down the Wharf we were able to take afterwards.
Q: Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY? What were the florals like in your wedding?
A: Though we had already purchased table runners, candle holders, and other décor for our May wedding, we did not use much at the Memorial. The beauty of the structure itself was more than enough. At Del Mar, where we had a private reception in Del Mar’s outdoor ‘cafe’, the restaurant did a flawless job making everything beautiful.
I had a bouquet and flower arrangements that were created by my amazing sister in law (the same one who also married Patrick and I) and her sister. Honestly, my bouquet ended up being more beautiful that I could have imagined.
Q: Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look?
A: Patrick wore a simple and classic navy blue suit that he already owned with a slim black tie. I wore a traditional Indian sari. The sari was cream with gentle gold accents threaded into the fabric. I also had the joy of wearing more jewelry than I ever have before! From a head piece to earrings that were threaded into my hair to the intricate henna on my hands; I looked like the bride I have always wanted to be.
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Just have fun! Less is more, and just focus on the love you are sharing into the world!
