We’re embracing the season upon us with a winter wonderland Washington DC wedding today! Carla and Peter brought the wintry outdoors in for their elegant wedding from Irene Abdou Photography and infused their reception in with beautiful cultural touches. I love their unique wedding ceremony set-up and the floral arrangements that flanked their “I do’s,” dripping in crystals, and I adore their favors, straight from Bolivia!

From Carla: At our wedding we wanted to share our joy with food, fun, and friends (in any order). Just that, relaxed and international, with touches of winter and involvement from those closest to us.

One of my favorite memories is sharing of our self-written vows.

Our family and friends help do the centerpieces and other decorations, creating a winter and Christmas touch to the theme and making it ever more special.

The cutting of the pig instead of the traditional cake cutting was fabulous, as was the small bits of tradition we incorporated such as the first dance, father’s dance, and crushing of the glass. We incorporated great international foods, including Latino/Bolivian touches such as Saltenas. Also, our family brought wedding favors up from Bolivia in the form of small dolls which were a great touch.

Carla’s advice to other DC-area couples:

Be creative, shop around, and try to perhaps find a person to do the food who can help with the other items, rather than simply hire a catering company to handle everything. I think we saved over a thousand dollars that way. Shop around and be flexible – we found our caterer when we met his wife while she was picking up food at a local ethnic restaurant for another event.

The following Washington, DC area wedding vendors contributed to Carla and Peter’s wedding:

Venue: Stroga
Caterer: Mario Barreda
Photographer: Irene Abdou Photography
Men’s Attire: Macy’s Menswear, Pentagon City
Bridal Attire: Elegance by Roya

Don’t forget to visit our vendor guide for more fabulous Washington, DC area wedding professionals or our real wedding gallery for more beautiful Washington, DC area weddings!

Photo Credits: Irene Abdou Photography

Submitted via Two Bright Lights