Some weddings are beautiful. Weddings like Ellis and Cryss’s are something else entirely, where every single detail feels intentional, every room tells a story, and you walk away genuinely inspired.
Ellis and Cryss met at NC State, where they were both proud Wolfpack fans long before they were a couple. They eventually found themselves living in the DMV, then New York City, building a life full of travel, running, good food, and the kind of adventures that happen when two curious people explore a city together. When it came time to plan their wedding, Ellis knew exactly what she wanted: to be fully present for it. No stress. No managing vendors. Just the people she loves most, all in one place, surrounded by the most beautiful design she had ever put together.
That is exactly what we helped her build.
A Garden Ceremony at Meridian House, Washington, DC
Venue: Meridian House | 1630 Crescent Place NW, Washington, DC
Meridian House is one of those venues that does not need much help. The garden alone, with its grand trees, manicured grounds, and classical stone architecture, creates a ceremony backdrop that is unlike anything else in Washington DC. Ellis and Cryss said their vows beneath one of the estate’s most magnificent trees, flanked by a towering floral installation by Heather Cooper Designs in cascading pinks, coral, orange, and green that looked as though it had grown right out of the garden itself.
The bridal party wore mismatched dresses in a warm, garden-inspired palette, pinks, marigold orange, sage green, coral, and florals, each person choosing their own style within the color story Ellis had set. The result was joyful, vibrant, and completely cohesive without being matchy. It is one of the most striking bridal party aesthetics we have had the privilege of being part of.
Hair was by Makeup by AnaB and makeup by Emily Seeley Makeup Artistry, with Patty Betts Photography capturing every moment beautifully.
The Details That Made This Wedding
Ellis told us early on that the design details were what she was most excited about: the florals, the tablescapes, the overall visual experience she was creating for her guests. Heather Cooper Designs delivered something we genuinely had not seen before.
The reception took place inside Meridian House’s extraordinary library, a room lined floor to ceiling with green-painted bookshelves, antique volumes, and a gilded chandelier that anchors the entire space. Against that backdrop, Heather built a tablescape that was equal parts garden party and Italian still life. Taper candles in coral and pink. Clusters of colorful blooms in mismatched glass bud vases. Scattered across every table, lemons, oranges, clementines, and pomegranates, nestled between the greenery like something out of a painting.
The sweetheart table took it even further. Silver candelabras draped in cascading green grapes and lemons framed Ellis and Cryss against the library windows, with a full fruit spread spilling across the table in the most abundant, joyful way.
My partner and I were quite nervous about our personal preparation and work toward the wedding, but Colleen was completely reassuring with our vision, ideas and process. Colleen was such a great cheerleader for us as we made progress in putting our dream wedding together. We were so ready and prepared for the weekend because of Colleen, which allowed the two of us to greatly enjoy the festivities!
Thank you Colleen!
Sean KellyThe Celebration
Catering was by Main Event Caterers, who brought the same level of care to the food as the design team brought to the room.
Entertainment was provided by Washington Talent, and guests captured memories all night with a photo booth by Photo In A Box.
Transportation was handled seamlessly by Abe’s Transportation, keeping the evening flowing without a single logistical worry landing on Ellis or Cryss.
Seeing all her loved ones in one place was what Ellis said she was most looking forward to, and watching that happen in one of DC’s most beautiful rooms, with a tablescape that left guests genuinely speechless, was everything.
The Vendor Team
- Planning: O’Neil Events
- Venue: Meridian House | Washington DC
- Photography: Patty Betts Photography
- Florals and Design: Heather Cooper Designs
- Catering: Main Event Caterers
- Entertainment: Washington Talent
- Hair: Makeup by AnaB
- Makeup: Emily Seeley Makeup Artistry
- Photo Booth: Photo In A Box
- Transportation: Abe’s Transportation
About O’Neil Events
Your Dream Wedding Starts Here…
Colleen and her team have been planning weddings in DC, Virginia, and NYC for 15+ years. A DC native with deep local connections, she ensures you get top-tier professionals who match your budget and style.
Need help planning your Meridian House DC wedding? Contact Colleen.
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