DC Wedding Planners Spotlight: A Luxe Columbia Country Club Celebration
As one of the go-to DC wedding planners, I have the privilege of helping couples transform meaningful spaces into unforgettable celebrations. Lauren and Kent’s wedding at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland, was the epitome of timeless elegance—a black-tie spring celebration infused with heartfelt family traditions and subtle nods to their ties to Portugal. This wedding showcased just how beautiful it can be when personal history, thoughtful design, and sophisticated style come together.
Planner – O’Neil Events
Photographer – Love Life Images
Venue – Columbia Country Club
Band – Bialeks Music – BROADSOUND
Florist – Love Blooms
Late Night Snacks – Clayboys
Hair and Makeup – MAB Artistry
Transportation – Old Town Trolley
Cake – Fluffy Thoughts
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
Why Columbia Country Club Was the Perfect Venue
When couples ask me about Columbia Country Club, I often tell them it’s one of the DMV’s hidden gems. Just minutes from downtown Washington, DC, the venue offers both convenience and sophistication—making it a favorite for couples who want the best of both worlds.
For Lauren, however, Columbia Country Club was much more than a beautiful venue. She grew up spending countless days there with her family, making it a place already layered with personal history. Choosing the club for her wedding day wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about honoring her roots and weaving her past into this new chapter.
The property’s elegant architecture and manicured grounds gave us an incredible canvas to work with. The grand ballroom—with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and sweeping views—was the perfect setting for a black-tie celebration. The outdoor spaces, framed by lush spring greenery, created a serene backdrop for portraits and cocktail hour.
As DC wedding planners, my team and I know how important it is to maximize a venue’s natural features, and Columbia Country Club gave us endless opportunities to do just that.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
A Spring Wedding with Portuguese Inspiration
Lauren and Kent wanted their wedding to reflect both their personal story and their cultural ties to Portugal. Weaving in Portuguese influence wasn’t about bold statements, but subtle details that carried meaning throughout the day.
Their color palette was fresh and romantic: soft blues, crisp whites, and just a hint of blush pink. These tones carried through everything—florals, stationery, attire, and décor—creating a cohesive, airy look that perfectly suited a spring wedding.
The bridesmaids wore light blue gowns, while Lauren’s sisters, who stood as her maids of honor, wore floral-patterned dresses in complementary shades. This was such a thoughtful way to make them feel recognized and celebrated. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings aren’t just about two people—they’re also about family and the bonds that shape us.
To make the ceremony even more meaningful, Lauren’s uncle officiated. Having a loved one lead the ceremony added such warmth and intimacy, grounding the black-tie atmosphere in genuine connection.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
Meaningful Details Guests Will Never Forget
What stood out most about this wedding was the care Lauren and her family poured into the details. Every corner of the celebration told part of their story.
The invitations were designed by Lauren’s mother, a deeply personal touch that elevated the stationery suite from beautiful to extraordinary. Escort cards doubled as wedding favors—featuring Portuguese-inspired tiles. These same tiles were also used as table numbers, and later repurposed as décor in Lauren and Kent’s home. Details like these are the reason guests kept commenting on how “intentional” and “unique” the wedding felt.
Even dessert carried a personal connection. Guests were treated to Clayboys Ice, a beloved DC summer tradition, complete with their signature Swedish fish surprise at the bottom. It was whimsical, nostalgic, and a crowd favorite. Guests lit up at this local touch, and it was such a fun way to celebrate the couple’s ties to the DC area.
This layering of cultural and family elements is exactly what makes a wedding memorable—not just for the couple, but for every single guest.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
Black-Tie Style and Luxe Atmosphere
Lauren and Kent envisioned a black-tie wedding that felt timeless but not stuffy. The attire set the tone: Kent and his groomsmen in classic tuxedos, paired with elegant gowns in a palette that echoed the spring sky.
The ballroom was transformed with lush floral arrangements in whites and blues, accented by soft pink details. Candlelight flickered across the tables, bringing warmth and romance to the formal setting. The entire space felt luxe, elevated, and yet completely approachable—exactly the balance they hoped to achieve.
It’s moments like these where having an experienced planner matters most. As DC wedding planners, we know how to balance logistics and design—making sure each detail feels intentional and no part of the wedding feels overlooked.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
My Role in Bringing Their Vision Together
One of the challenges in wedding planning is that couples don’t get to “test run” their wedding before the big day. That’s where trust comes in. Lauren and Kent had a strong vision, but like many couples, they had to place faith in the fact that everything would come together exactly as imagined.
My role was to be that trusted partner. From the very beginning, I helped them organize their priorities, manage timelines, and coordinate with vendors to ensure we were all aligned. We walked through design choices carefully, making sure each detail supported the overall vision. On the day of the wedding, my team and I executed seamlessly—so Lauren and Kent could be fully present with their family and friends.
Their testimonial still makes me smile:
“Colleen made the wedding planning process easy and manageable! She kept us on track with clear deadlines and helped us prioritize the long to-do list. I didn’t have to worry about a thing on our wedding day because I knew Colleen had it handled. 10/10 recommend!”
Hearing this feedback is the greatest reward—because my goal is always to give couples a planning experience that feels calm, clear, and joy-filled.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
Why I Love Columbia Country Club Weddings
Having worked many weddings at Columbia Country Club, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite DMV venues. It’s the perfect blend of classic and versatile, allowing couples to bring their own unique style into the space. Whether you’re hosting a black-tie celebration like Lauren and Kent or a more intimate, garden-inspired event, the venue adapts beautifully.
For couples with family ties to the club, there’s an added layer of meaning. For others, it’s simply an elegant, convenient location that feels timeless. Either way, it’s a space that photographs beautifully and provides an unforgettable guest experience.
All Photo Credit: Love Life Images
About O’Neil Events
I’m Colleen, founder of O’Neil Events. With more than 15 years of experience planning weddings in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, my team and I specialize in creating elegant, stress-free celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique story.
Whether you’re dreaming of a black-tie Columbia Country Club wedding, a chic downtown DC celebration, or a weekend getaway in Virginia wine country, we bring calm organization, vendor expertise, and flawless execution to every event.
If you’re considering Columbia Country Club—or any DMV venue—we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
