Timeless Elegance at Patterson Mansion
Kay and Mitch kicked off the 2023 season for Events Full Circle. Their wedding was in March and held at the historic Patterson Mansion on Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. This iconic location in a building with so much history and personality was just the perfect setting for this couple.
It felt like being home, as they live only a few blocks away, and pass the mansion almost daily. When planning and designing the wedding, the couple wanted timeless, classic simplicity that let the venue shine but also added in their own twists.
A cascading bouquet of white orchids was at the top of the bride’s wish list. Hiring Events Full Circle to coordinate and design allowed more wiggle room in the budget to splurge on this beautiful bouquet made by B Floral Event Design.
“We went super simple on the bridesmaids bouquets to allow room in the budget for this big amazing professionally made bouquet. One trick I use an event designer is presenting the client with something easy my team can make in-house for the bridesmaids. This saves so much money! I also picked up this bouquet on the way to the wedding, instead of having it delivered, which also saves money.” - Stephanie
The bridesmaids had simple DIY (by Events Full Circle) bouquets of white roses, baby’s breath, and olive branches. “You can buy simple florals in bulk from places like Costco, Sams Club, and Global Rose for a fraction of the price. You do need to know how to put them together, but with a little patience, it’s not difficult to make simple bouquets.” - Stephanie
“Most of the spaces just needed a little touch of greenery and candlelight. There was so much to play with including these huge historic fireplace mantles. We used that at the “arch” for the ceremony space. All I did was add a little olive branch greenery and lots of candlesticks. It was beautiful.”- Stephanie
Events Full Circle also brought in decor and designed florals for the reception space. Two large gold goblet arrangements were a splurge while the rest of the tables had gold lanterns, candles, and flat olive branch greenery.
“We also re-purposed the brides bouquet as their sweetheart table centerpiece. All we did was add olive branch to the sides and place the bouquet in the middle. It literally looked like a brand new centerpiece.” - Stephanie
Right before their grand entrance and before guests were allowed into the ballroom, the couple did a room reveal to see what their reception space looked like.
“I’m a sucker for a room reveal. I’ll always add it into the timeline and convince the couples to do it. It’s just one of those moments where everything comes together and I think it’s important for the couple to see and feel that.
Most of the day they are running around getting ready, taking pictures, and don’t actually get a moment to step back and go “wow, this is our wedding!” And that’s exactly what a room reveal does. It’s a chance for the couple to soak in what’s really happening. It’s a moment they usually remember.” - Stephanie
For formal introductions the couple went up on the reception room balcony and gave a brief welcome speech. It was such a neat way to welcome their guests.
Right after dinner, the couple did a cake cutting, followed by special parent dances, and then went right into the party action!
“Most of my timelines always have us knocking out the important stuff early so the couple can just relax and party. I’m not a big advocate for splitting things up throughout the night or trying to do to many things. Choose the things that mean something to you, and then enjoy your guests and the night. The day is already overwhelming, save the last two hours for some fun.” - Stephanie
Vendor Love:
Design & Coordination: Events Full Circle
Venue: Patterson Mansion
Catering: Hotel Tabard Inn
Bouquet: B Floral Event Design
DJ + Lighting: Chris Legend
Photographer: @timelesspv
Videographer: @timelesspv
Cutting Cake: Maple Place Bakery
Officiant: Christina Rock
