Jory’s Valentine’s Day proposal caught Izzy completely off guard. After dinner in 2025, while she was readying for bed, their dog returned from a nighttime walk with the harness still on. When Izzy went to remove it, Jory insisted she take off the leash too. That’s when she spotted the ring, sparkling in an unexpected place. It was the kind of surprise that set the tone for their wedding nearly a year and a half later.
At the end of May this year, the couple celebrated with a summer garden party at the National Arboretum. The wedding reflected their taste for bright, punchy colors, citrus tones with splashes of pink, coral, yellow, and blue. It wasn’t just about the palette; the vibe was fun and lively, fitting for the late spring day.
Izzy’s dress came from Sareh Nouri’s boutique in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The gown featured floral embroidery that worked perfectly with the garden setting. Bridesmaids wore dresses from Birdie Grey and Revelry, choosing between a blue-and-white floral pattern or solid baby blue, which complemented the wedding’s color story.
The ceremony unfolded with the bride walking down the aisle to an instrumental version of Taylor Swift’s “Lover,” played by a string quartet. Since the Arboretum prohibits rice or flower throwing for environmental reasons, guests instead used bubble guns placed on their seats. The bubbles floated up as the couple exited, creating a whimsical moment that also gave the photographers some memorable shots. Later, those bubble guns made their way onto the dance floor, adding an extra layer of fun during the party.
Reception seating mixed high tops, low café tables, and wooden pub tables, layered with textured linens in the same citrus and blue hues. Lounge furniture in matching tones created cozy corners. The centerpiece was a large white wooden bar, decorated with tall floral arrangements dripping with color. The flowers included fresh citrus slices tucked among the blooms, tying back to the wedding’s palette and theme.
Food honored the couple’s love of French cuisine and comfort fare, inspired by a trip to France the previous summer. Dinner was served reception style, with small plates designed for easy pickup. Guests enjoyed mini southern skillets, a station dubbed “Not Your Kid’s Chicken Tenders,” and a steak and frites option. Drinks included two signature cocktails: a Strawberry Balsamic Vodka Shrub and a French 75, renamed “Penelope’s Prosecco” and “Ben’s Strawberry Shrub” after the couple’s dog and horse.
The wedding cake came from Elan Parker, a three-tiered creation with white marbled icing. Inside, almond cake layered with chocolate buttercream awaited guests. Flowers from Steel Cut Floral Co were added to the cake, tying it visually to the rest of the décor.
Izzy, who practices as an architect and artist, added personal touches to the day. She designed the artwork for the signature cocktail sign and created large stickers placed on the bar’s pillars, bringing a customized element to the setting.
As a late-night surprise, guests were treated to empanadas packaged in “doggy bags” featuring a photo of Penelope, the couple’s dog. It was a small but thoughtful detail that captured the couple’s playful spirit.
The wedding team included event planner Simply Styled Events, photographer Amanda Wose, and caterer Well Dunn Catering. Makeup was by Ana B, while rentals came from Something Vintage, Select Event Group, and Nuage Designs. The DJ from Washington Talent kept the energy up as the evening unfolded.
This summer garden party wedding didn’t just lean on its location for charm. The combination of color, comfort food, and personal touches made the event feel approachable yet special. It’s the kind of wedding that leaves guests remembering little moments, the bubbles at the ceremony, the surprise empanadas, and a ring that turned a nighttime dog walk into a forever memory.
According to Style Me Pretty.
