When it comes to the story of how Kate Fletcher and Nick Morgan met, the bride says the details are a little hazy. “The consensus seems to be we met at a fraternity party at Northwestern University, where we both went to college,” she says. But there’s absolutely no confusion over their engagement. After three years of long-distance dating, Nick popped the question when their stars — meaning zip codes — finally aligned. “He lured me out of bed with a promise of coffee. Then, on bended knee, he asked me to marry him.”
The couple threw their September 12, 2015, wedding in Washington, D.C., where they finally lived together after many years apart. Kate and Nick envisioned a classic, elegant event with a navy, pink, and gold color palette, complete with whimsical details chosen specifically to delight guests. “Most of all, I wanted to throw the best party I have ever attended,” Kate says. With the help of Pineapple Productions, the couple did just that — and Kate Headley was there to capture it all.
Choosing their invitations was one of the bride’s favorite parts of wedding planning. “Our custom-designed invitation suite was classic and personal, with touches of whimsy,” says Kate. “I absolutely adore it.” The duo also personalized guests’ welcome bags, printed with an image of Washington, D.C., and stuffed them with goodies like champagne, popcorn, and a city guide.
Kate wasn’t sure what she wanted in a wedding dress. Luckily, she spotted what turned out to be the perfect gown — a silk chiffon and lace Monique Lhuillier — while browsing Pinterest. She tracked down the elegant style at a local bridal boutique and the trip confirmed her initial thoughts: It was definitely the one.
Kate’s bridesmaids wore gowns that mimicked her own, with illusion necklines and soft, A-line silhouettes. “I love the preppy navy blue,” says the bride, “and I love how the length allowed my bridesmaids to truly join the party.” Like Kate, her ‘maids carried ivory bouquets with touches of blush blooms.
Nick and his groomsmen donned gray suits, and the groom gifted each guy their shirts and blue neckties. On their lapels, the men wore ivory spray rose boutonnieres.
Between the two of them, Kate and Nick have ten nieces and nephews, so they asked three to step in as their flower girls. The girls wore ivory dresses with blue sashes, plus flower crowns on their heads.
Kate and Nick tied the knot inside St. John’s Church at Lafayette Square, which is also known as the Presidents’ Church because of its proximity to the White House and the fact that every U.S. president since Madison attended services there. With its beautiful sanctuary, the couple needed little in the way of décor, placing just two white and green arrangements by the altar.
The couple’s wedding fell close to the Supreme Court’s historic decision to rule same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states, and the couple wanted to honor that decision during their day. They asked their officiant to read a passage from the ruling that explains the real meaning of marriage. “Guests from across the political spectrum approached us afterwards praising the readings selection,” the bride says. “After our wedding ceremony, Nick and I stood alone in a receiving line and greeted each of our guests. We had the opportunity to greet and hug each guest and invite them to the festivities.”
The couple held their reception at The Hay-Adams, located just across the street from the church where they wed. “Providing an easy, seamless weekend for our guests was really important to us,” says Kate.
Guests found their seating assignments pinned to a green board that was bordered with a green-and-ivory garland. As cards were removed, a sign with the couple’s wedding hashtag was revealed. “It was a beautiful and fun focal point,” says Kate. And beyond that, a stunning view awaited guests inside the reception hall and outside the windows.
Inside, guests were greeted by a mix of high and low centerpieces made from ivory and blush roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, snow on the mountain, and acacia foliage. “We used clear glass vases so guests could see clearly across the table and across the room to see the White House,” Kate says. What’s more, the couple mixed and matched china and chairs to create different looks so that some tables were surrounded by ghost chairs and polka-dot plates, while others were decorated with Chivari chairs and sunray-style dinnerware.
“At each place we provided a navy and white menu card with a trellis border that echoed our invitation suite,” Kate says. “Place cards and table cards had the same border and were finished with custom calligraphy.”
Doughnut favors were wrapped in ivory and navy boxes and placed at each seat. “We also had a decal that matched our invitation suite on a mirror that read ‘What a Day at the Hay!'” Kate says.
The couple’s cake was simple and tasteful, decorated with Kate and Nick’s monogram and blush flowers, and made from layers of coconut cake with cream cheese frosting and almond cake with milk chocolate ganache.
Kate and Nick shared their first dance to Jason Mraz’s “Quiet,” performed by the couple’s live band. “Out of all of the decisions in the planning process, we were probably the most indecisive when it came to picking a band,” Kate admits. “All told, we watched 13 videos, attended two live performances, and crashed one wedding in the service of picking our band. After all that, we were convinced that our band, The Source, was the best one for us.”
After leaving through a shower of confetti, the couple honeymooned in Turks and Caicos. And Kate reflects, “I kept marveling that day how each detail was more beautiful and special than I expected. I’m convinced this is because we hired professionals we trust and we allowed them to exercise their judgment.”
Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Church || Reception Venue, Catering and Accommodations: The Hay-Adams || Wedding Planner: Pineapple Productions || Bride’s Wedding Dress, Veil & Shoes: Monique Lhuillier || Jewelry & Wedding Bands: Greenwich Jewelers || Hair: Christophe Jouenne || Makeup: Johny Saade || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew || Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren || Groomsmen’s Attire: Menguin || Florist: Amaryllis, Inc. || Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper; Arney Walker Calligraphy || Music: The Source || Cake: Kendall’s Cakes || Rentals: DC Event Rentals || Favors: District Donut || Videographer & Photographer: Kate Headley
Looking for more Washington, D.C., wedding inspiration? Then check out another couple’s big day, below.
