Nine year after meeting, these college sweethearts tie the knot at a wedding that exceeded any of their undergraduate daydreams.
The bride’s gown was by Mira Zwillinger and the groom’s tux was by Ermenegildo Zegna. Photographed by Abby Jiu Photography
November 9, 2019
Ceremony & Reception: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC
Photographed by Abby Jiu Photography,abbyjiu.com
The bride’s lovely bouquet was from Amaryllis Floral & Event Design. Photographed by Abby Jiu Photography
THE COUPLE
During a small seminar class at the University of Michigan, Jonathan Fox sidled up to Lauren Samet with hopes of pairing up to complete an assignment with her at the Museum of Natural History. Nine years after wandering the exhibits together, Jonathan hatched a plan to propose in the spot where they first met. “While a proposal in front of two mastodons may seem a bit nontraditional, I thought there was beautiful symbolism in the fact that Michigan brought the two of them together—just like [us],” says Jonathan.
The florals were provided by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design. Photographed by Abby Jiu Photography
THE PARTY
With lots of personal touches, the traditional Jewish ceremony was officiated by the same rabbi and cantor who were present at Lauren’s bat mitzvah. Following their emotional vows, the couple was wrapped in the great grandfather of the bride’s tallit before heading to the reception. While guests dined on oysters and red velvet cake, Lauren jumped onstage for an impromptu performance of Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man.” Rolling straight into a University of Michigan-themed afterparty, the DJ kicked off the late-night fete by playing the Michigan fight song, “Hail to The Victors,” while a cannon sprayed the dance floor with yellow and blue confetti. –AD
The bride’s shoes were from Jimmy Choo. Photographed by Abby Jiu Photography
Wedding Planner Jodi Moraru, Evoke Design & Creative, evokedc.com
Bride’s Gown & Veil Mira Zwillinger, Mark Ingram Atelier, markingramatelier.com
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Avenue, saks.com
Bride’s Jewelry Earrings: borrowed from Radcliffe Jewelers, radcliffejewelers.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Remona Soleimani, remonasoleimani.com; Makeup: Carl Ray, carlraymakeupartist.com
Groom’s Tux Ermenegildo Zegna, Saks Fifth Avenue, saks.com
Rings Radcliffe Jewelers, radcliffejewelers.com
Florals Amaryllis Floral & Event Design, amaryllisdesigns.com
Catering The Ritz- Carlton, Washington, DC, ritzcarlton.com; Jumbo Slice Pizza, jumbo-slice.business.site; Oysters XO, oystersxo.com
Cake The Ritz-Carlton, ritzcarlton.com
Invitations Saima Says Design, saimasaysdesign.com
Entertainment Starlight Orchestra, starlightmusic.com
Videographer Suburban Video, suburbanvideo.com
Photography by: Abby Jiu Photography, abbyjiu.com
