While so many A. Griffin Events designs center on the classic, elegant DC vibe, we love it when couples come to us looking to break out of the mold, forget the rules, and make a modern, unique statement with their wedding day aesthetic.

Cue Marla and Ben: a fun-loving, stunningly gorgeous, sophisticated couple living in San Francisco who wanted to get married in their hometown of DC at Arena Stage, a venue with strong connections to Marla’s family. We had worked in the space before and love how it overflows with natural light and features a number of unique architectural features. We were in!

Our goal with our couples is always to create a ceremony and reception that feels exactly like them from the moment their guests walk in — who they are, how they celebrate, and what they value. For Marla and Ben, this meant a boundary-less, cosmopolitan event with a multi-faith ceremony, gourmet dinner, and an unforgettable dance floor that morphed into a silent disco after-party late into the night. 

On the design front, their personal style was expressed in Jackson-Pollock-inspired stationery and ikebana-style centerpieces in natural hues also echoed in Marla’s bridesmaids dresses. And who could forget the reception’s pièce de résistance: a champagne-and-beer filled bathtub borrowed from the theater’s prop department that their guests are still talking about months later. We couldn’t think of a better signal to encourage their friends and family to PARTY hard and celebrate them all night long!

Creative Team: