Masculine Washington D.C. Wedding with Twinkling Candlelight and Wild Foliage

Justin and Guy's relationship came full circle as they exchanged vows at District Winery in Washington D.C.

Their first date was on June 26, 2015. Both busy professionals, they opted for a early morning coffee date in case they needed an easy out. Spoiler alert: they did not. “I can’t remember the stories we told each other and the jokes we giggled at, but I definitely remember that our first date was devoid of awkward pauses and the urge to pick up our phones to scroll through social media,” says Justin. “It just felt right. To both of us.”

When they realized that they did indeed have to go to work, they exchanged numbers but before Justin could even save Guy's number in his phone, a news alert popped up: the Supreme Court had legalized same-sex marriage.

Two and a half years later after that first date, the groundbreaking court decision was read at their ceremony. “Having that decision read at the wedding was an amazing full circle moment and one that was really important to us.”

Their ceremony was emotional and intentional, and certainly not lacking of style. The grooms walked down the aisle with their “Dog of Honor” Penny, their pup who they had rescued at the beginning of their relationship. “Obviously, she walked down the aisle like the princess she is,” the grooms laugh. They stood between two tall pillars with cascading blooms as they exchanged heartfelt vows. “Our vows were perhaps the most raw and most emotional part of our ceremony. I had just finished up with several months of very difficult clinical service in the ICU; Guy was in the throes of political fundraising. We lived four hours apart. It is not an exaggeration to say that we were stretched thin going into the wedding. But, we had weathered the distance between us, balanced our professional responsibilities, and supported the other – even when we weren’t sure we could support ourselves. Our vows reflected our struggles but also reflected the depth of our love and commitment to the other.”

Their reception offered an al fresco atmosphere, with summery foliage and candlelight pairing beautifully with the venue's dark woods and metal. “My most memorable moment was standing outside the door of the reception,” says Justin. “The candlelight peeking and flickering through the door, the realness of the moment setting in, the excitement filling me up for the moment when I would be introduced with my husband was overwhelming.”