Modern Downtown Art Gallery High Energy Bash

Long View Gallery

Photographed by Lauren Balingit

THE STORY

Excerpt from Washingtonian Weddings: Because they live continents away from their families, they wanted a wedding weekend that focused on spending time with loved ones and sharing their love story. The welcome party—where DJ D-Mac spun Motown tunes all night long for Pete, who grew up in Flint and Detroit — was at the Mexican Cultural Institute, a nod to Sara’s heritage. The pair—who now live in Singapore—married at Sara’s parents’ home with just 30 of their closest friends and family in attendance. After a Champagne toast, everyone decamped to Long View Gallery for a larger celebration with a chic, sultry lounge vibe reminiscent of Asian cocktail bars and street-food markets. Spanish flamenco music filled the cocktail hour, and themed food stations celebrated the couple’s time in Shanghai as well as Pete’s Syrian roots. The celebration culminated the next day at Sara’s parents’ home with a Texas-style barbecue (she is from San Antonio) and tequila shots.

For dinner, guests traveled under an installation of paper umbrellas to communal tables. Large hanging trees in the Japanese kokedama style evoked the couple’s hikes. Parting gift boxes included Texas-cedar scented candles and a selection of DC-themed favors.

IN THEIR WORDS

Literally a dream team...and a powerhouse planner. Vieira Events is a force.Julie and her team are the best choice if you want style, flair and precision. Our vision for our wedding weekend was a bit unconventional....Vieira Events listened and executed flawlessly. They put their heart and soul into the planning process and the weekend itself. She's incredibly attuned to nuance and reacts with grace to curve balls.

— SARA & PETER, THE HAPPY COUPLE