What do we mean when we call a wedding “timeless?” Usually, a timeless wedding is one that skips what’s trendy in favor of what’s classic. This could include a simple color palette, a historic venue, and touches that never go out of style, like lots of greenery and flowers.
If that’s how we define “timeless,” then Doug and Dana’s wedding was completely off the space/time continuum. From the stunning vintage-style venue to Dana’s 50’s-inspired gown, this beautiful and fun wedding will look as lovely in 30 years as it did in October. Renowned photographers Hayes & Fisk were on hand to capture every moment.
The setting for the big day was the newly remodeled Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC.
This 1922 hotel was built on the site of a previous Hamilton Hotel, dating back to 1851. It was named for Mrs. Hamilton Holly, daughter of Alexander Hamilton. (Maybe you’ve heard of him?) New owners bought the property in the 1920s, and rebuilt the Hamilton in Beaux Arts and Art Deco style.
A 2018 remodel restored the hotel back to its former glory, and added the Art Deco Schuyler Grand Ballroom. This is where Doug and Dana held both their ceremony and reception, among the glowing lucite columns and a double-height ceiling.
The wedding party made their entrance to the Piano Guys cover of Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman. For Dana’s processional, she chose A Thousand Years, also performed by The Piano Guys. When she reached the front of the room, she met Doug at a truly magical chuppah, made of intertwined branches and dripping in white roses. After the ceremony, Doug and Dana shimmied back down the aisle to Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon.
The room was reset during cocktail hour, and given a soft glow with white uplighting by Washington, D.C. DJ Jordan Solender. Jordan got to do his thing in one of the most extra DJ booths we’ve ever seen (and we mean that in a good way). The chuppah was opened up to create a rose-covered arch that spanned the end of the room, and the floor around was scattered with more white roses and candles. It was like DJing in an ethereal fairyland, and it was awesome.
One thing we loved about this wedding was while it looked classic, Doug and Dana chose some wonderfully unexpected music. For their big entrance, they chose Feel So Close by Calvin Harris. They enjoyed their first dance to It Would Be You by Ben Rector. Dana and her father danced to Little Miss Magic by Jimmy Buffet, while Doug and his mom chose How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor.
When the dance floor opened up, they asked DJ Jordan to play lots of cool alt-rock, with bands like Sister Hazel, Blues Traveler, and the Mighty Mighty Boss Tones in the mix. The dance floor was packed all night long, even though this was a Sunday wedding!
We were so proud to be part of Doug and Dana’s beautiful wedding. (And Jordan is going to be dreaming about that DJ booth for a while.) To bring this kind of magic to your big day, get in touch! We can reserve your date and connect you with the right DJ to help you pick music and plan your perfect playlist.
All photos by Hayes & Fisk Photography
Published on:
Friday, December 17, 2021
