The Hay Adams Weddings | Caitlin & Conor

It’s been over a year since I first wrote about Caitlin and Conor’s engagement session, and I’m delighted to share an update now. I knew right away that collaborating with them and their planner Kaitlin from Cheers Darling Events on their Washington, DC wedding would be a wonderful experience. But I couldn’t have known how truly special the day would end up being, for so many reasons.

Caitlin and Conor decided on three separate event spaces, beginning with the Hay Adams Hotel for getting ready and their First Look. I must mention the history of the Hay Adams, because it is quite unique. This gracious and historic hotel is named for two famous residents: John Hay, the personal secretary of Abraham Lincoln, and Henry Adams, a Harvard professor and the descendent of President John Quincy Adams. In the late 1800s, the elegant homes of these two esteemed men stood side by side, and they were dear friends. Their wives Clara and Marian were also very close. The group called themselves the Five of Hearts (five because their friend Clarence King spent much time with them as well). Together they hosted luminaries from around the world, including Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt and Henry James. Just imagine the parties! In the 1920s, the Hay and Adams homes were replaced with the Hay-Adams House, an elegant hotel that preserved many historic details from the time of its namesakes. Over the years this stunning structure has remained an icon in Washington, DC and it’s impossible to overstate how impressive it really is in person. Caitlin and Conor selected The Top of the Hay for their first look – and what a view! Conor certainly seemed like he was on top of the world as he waited for Caitlin to reach him. And when he turned around and saw the beautiful woman about to become his wife, the joy he felt was unmistakable!

From the Hay Adams Hotel, we transitioned to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, which stands on Conor’s high school campus. The church is only open to weddings for alumni, which made the venue extra special for these two. I was so excited to work with wedding planner Kaitlin of Cheers Darling Events. She is calm, organized, and all of her weddings are flawless – and Caitlin and Conor’s was no exception. From the bespoke name card display to the live band, the reception at the Army Navy Country Club was stunning in its details. It was clear that everyone was having a wonderful time celebrating this loving couple!

Finally, a word on the bride herself. Caitlin is a genuinely thoughtful person. She gave personal gifts to many of her loved ones and found a way to make each and every guest feel special. I was blown away when I received a gift from her too: a painting of my dog Ronon. If you read my blog, you know that Ronon is my heart. Caitlin’s gift was the sweetest one I’ve ever received.

Thanks Daniel Guinn for shooting this wedding with me!

Design and Planning: Cheers Darling Events / Videographer: Peter Von Kahle / Florist: Maryam Flowers / Stationary: Emily Mayne Studio / Cake Artist: Fluffy Thoughts / Reception venue and Catering: Army Navy Country Club / Ceremony music: Sage String Quartet, Tenor – Eric Lewis, Trumpet: Church Seipp, Bagpiper: Kevin O’Brien, Pianist, Music Coordinator, Consultant – Paul Campbell / Reception music: Round Midnight / Hair and Make-up: Makeup by Ana B / Wedding Dress and veil: Modern Trousseau / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids dress: Adrianna Papell / Groom’s attire – Tom James Groom’s Shoes – Ferragamo / Groomsmen’s attire – The Black Tux