Terracotta, pink, and white with pops of yellow and red made up the perfect vibrant spring wedding color palette. Add in the full bloom rose gardens at the Franciscan Monastery, a perfect sunny day, a gorgeous Mass, an epic reception and you get the magical combination that was Paola and Matt’s wedding. 

Paola and Matt have waited an awfully long time for this day and God blessed their patience and perseverance a hundredfold. After making the difficult decision to postpone their wedding last year, Paola and Matt decided to have a betrothal ceremony last July. And finally, after months of waiting, they were finally married last weekend on the most glorious May day. 

Paola and Matt chose to do a first look which I am always a big fan of. We did it right outside their church under the shade of the trees that lined the sidewalk. After admiring each other, laughing (and crying), they immediately chose to pray together asking God to bless their marriage.

Their wedding Mass was held at St. Dominic’s in Washington D.C. This was my first time inside this particular Church and it is absolutely stunning! Following Mass, we headed across the city to the Franciscan Monastery Gardens. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend going! I have been there a few times before but this was the first time I photographed anything in the gardens and it was such a great location. The roses were all blooming and we really couldn’t have asked for a better time of year for the garden. We did all their portraits in the gardens and I honestly have a hard time believing that we never left D.C. It felt like we were transported to some magical tropical paradise and I was more than ok with that! 

Their reception was held at St. Francis Hall which is right across from the gardens. Talk about another beautiful location! String lights crisscrossed across the ceiling and framed the archways that lined both sides of the room. One of the many fun surprises of the evening was the sparks on either side of the doorway as Paola and Matt were introduced and shared their first dance. However, the best surprise was the Hora Loca (“crazy hour”). Paola’s family is Peruvian and so this tradition was a must. I had never heard of this Latin American tradition before this wedding, but oh my goodness it was an absolute blast. And I’m honestly not sure why it isn’t a tradition everywhere! Brightly colored balloons, glow sticks, crazy costumes, and the very best music made for the most fun ending to a wedding reception. 

Paola and Matt, I have loved becoming your friend and it was such a joy to finally celebrate your wedding with you both! I hope you love reliving your day through your photos!!

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, DC

RECEPTION VENUE // St Francis Hall

FLORIST // Floral Focus by Design

VIDEOGRAPHER // Emmaus Films

DJ // Metro Party Productions

CATERING // Papa’s Bistro

DRESS //  Couture Bridal MD

HAIR & MUA // VR Makeup and Hair

BRIDESMAID’S DRESSES // Birdy Grey

GROOMSMEN ATTIRE // The Black Tux

INVITATIONS // Kwynne Design