Courtney, a lawyer from California, and James, a chef from Stafford, Virginia, met at Tropicalia nightclub in DC. Sparks flew immediately, and seven years after their first date at Bar Pilar, James proposed on a walk to dinner while on vacation in Pebble Beach.
For their art-inspired November wedding, the San Francisco couple chose a vibrant, fall color palette that included pops of gold and teal, and designed the occasion to have an emphasis on family, food, and fun. Among Courtney’s favorite parts of the day was the first look with the couple’s son on the rooftop of the getting-ready hotel before the ceremony. James especially loved the band and the menu, which included passed lobster rolls and other appetizers to start, a first course of mushroom soup and a wedge salad with pears and toasted pumpkin seeds, peppercorn-seared chicken, and an assortment of desserts. Late night, guests were surprised with tater tots and chocolate milkshakes to keep the energy high. Signature cocktails included espresso martinis and harvest margaritas with mulled-spice simple syrup. Another highlight: the escort display and table names were inspired by museums that Courtney and James have visited together. See the details from their wedding day below.
Wedding Details
Fashion & Weddings Editor
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
