Kara and Sterling’s summer wedding in Washington, D.C. was nothing short of beautiful! Their ceremony and reception was held at the Sequoia Restaurant in the suburb neighborhood of Georgetown. They held their first look and bridal party photos at the Kennedy Center, and we captured sunset portraits at the end of the evening by the waterfront.

A Summer Wedding in Washington, D.C.

Since Washington, D.C. is Kara’s hometown, they both came back to get married here. They currently reside in Connecticut where Kara is completing medical school. Even though Kara is very busy with school, she found time to create their wedding invitations. She loves DIY projects! After lots of moves, many late nights studying, and distance between them, the love between them has survived. Kara and Sterling were so excited to celebrate with family and friends on their wedding day!

Kara and Sterling met their freshman year of college at Syracuse University while living in the largest dorm on campus with nearly 800 students. Out of all of those freshman, Sterling’s roommate, who also Kara‘s friend from high school, introduced the two of them. While neither of them expected it to happen, they have spent nearly every day together since then. Through study sessions and daily trips to the dining hall, it wasn’t long before they fell for one another.

For their first date, Sterling asked Kara to accompany him to a film on campus being directed by one of his friends. Because the weather can be unpredictable in New York, it ended up being really cold, rainy, and windy. They had to huddle under an umbrella walking across campus to the film, which Kara thought was romantic. When they got there, Kara and Sterling realized that the film started at 6:00, rather than 7:00 as they originally thought. When Sterling’s director friend Anthony approached them later, he was pleasantly surprised to see that Sterling has brought a date. Kara was also surprised as she didn’t realize that this was an actual date. However, this ended up being the first of many dates to come!

After Kara had been accepted into medical school, they made the big move to Connecticut from Texas. They made a stop along the way to visit Kara’s family in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was very surprised to see all of her family including a lot of cousins and her best friends. She was told the party was to celebrate her acceptance into medical school. Little did she know, Sterling planned the party to propose to Kara. Sterling’s cousin brought out a cake that read, “Will you marry me?” Kara saw the cake, turned around, and Sterling was on one knee with an engagement ring! She of course said yes! Sterling did a great job organizing the party and couldn’t have done it without the help of Kara’s sister and best friend.

After some getting ready and detail shots, Kara and Sterling had their first look at the Kennedy Center. Soon after, the entire bridal party joined them for portraits along the outdoor architecture of the building. Kara’s parents walked her down the aisle at the ceremony at the Sequoia Restaurant surrounded by their close family and friends. After the ceremony, they enjoyed their reception with a lot of fun dancing and cutting their cake! The same company that made the cake for their engagement party also made the cake for their wedding reception!

Kara and Sterling made time during the celebration for some bride and groom portraits! We started first at the Kennedy Center again, and then concluded with more photos at the waterfront. They make the most stunning wedding couple! I was so honored to be able to document this special day for them! Congratulations Kara and Sterling!

Vendors

Planning: Dantus and Co, lead planner Courtney Rose Dantus

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Sequoia Restaurant DC

DJ/Band: Wroyal DJ Company, DJ Spade

Florist: Shirley Goodwin at JR Flowers

Hair Stylist: Jasmine Cardwell and Sharice Pina

Makeup Artist: Kristina Menaker

Wedding Dress: Impression Bridal Store, Houston

Wedding Dress Designer: Ashley & Justin

Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux

Cake/Desserts: Buttercream Bakeshop

Catering: Sequoia Restaurant DC

Videographer: Henry Adewale Films

Photobooth: Hot Pink Photobooth

Invitations: DIY (The Bride)