Michael and Rose met through mutual friends at church, and hit it off immediately. Though different in personality and backgrounds, their shared love of good food, engaging conversation, entertaining friends, and adventure made it easy for love to quickly flourish.

Michael’s Christmas gift to Rose that year was a series of original artwork, each piece showing a place around DC that held significance to them as a couple. Rose was so excited to such lovely artwork, and since the gift was followed by a casual dinner, she didn’t suspect anything more. But during a walk, Michael said he had one more piece of artwork for her, and handed her a sketch of the piece still to be made— the gazebo on the water where they were currently standing. He then dropped to one knee, pulled out a ring, and asked her to marry him.

Michael and Rose planned their wedding at one of those significant locations— The Yard’s Park, along the waterfront in Washington, DC. They wanted to give their guests an authentic DC experience, while still reflecting their own style. Michael was in the process of renovating their house, so they brought in some industrial elements to reflect that important interest of his, and Rose loves modern DIY projects that reflect her California upbringing, so much of their wedding had these elements. And being self-proclaimed Foodies, they had DC food trucks cater their wedding to provide an authentic DC experience to their out-of-town guests. So many people collaborated to make the day perfect, and Michael & Rose did much of the decor themselves (including dip-dying all of the silverware, crafting the table numbers, and creating the perfect invitation suite). And since Rose loves deserts and popcorn, they had a color-coordinated sweets bar for the guests to enjoy.

In addition to these, Michael & Rose had an army of friends and family that pulled their wedding together for them, and they know it wouldn’t have been possible without so many loving people willing to literally bend over backwards to make their day perfect.

They ended the night by dancing under café lights and stars, surrounded by those who love them most.