Alexa + Josh, An Elegant Mayflower Hotel Wedding in Washington DC

Brooke Tyson Photography

On September 2, Alexa and Josh were married at the gorgeous Marriott Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. Alexa and Josh met during their first semester as students at George Washington University. They were friends, but it wasn’t until a few years later that their friendship transitioned to love (over a love of photography, politics, and a last-minute college assignment!). The very first date Josh asked Alexa on was to a restaurant in Chinatown, so it was only fitting that, a few years later, he proposed to Alexa in the exact same spot! And now these two have gone from college friends to husband and wife!

On their wedding day, Alexa and Josh got ready for their first look in separate areas of the Mayflower Hotel, and then after Alexa shared a first look with her father, it was time to see Josh! These two shared a sweet first look in the beautiful grand hall of the Mayflower Hotel, and then it was time for portraits. Alexa had the most INCREDIBLE bouquet (and it must have weighted 25 pounds!). Josh was so sweet to help hold it between portraits for Alexa. After portraits, the cocktail hour began, which was scheduled for before the ceremony. Because Alexa and Josh were having a traditional Jewish ceremony, it began after sundown. At sundown, these two signed their gorgeous handmade Ketubah, then it was time for their ceremony under the most beautiful Chuppah. Just wait until you see this Chuppah – it was SPECTACULAR! Alexa and Josh’s wedding décor throughout the day was stunning, but this Chuppah was truly amazing. There were so many blush and lilac roses on top of the Chuppah, and they paired beautifully with the rose-colored chiffon draping. Alexa’s mother, Sara, planned the entire wedding, and it was truly an act of love. She put so much passion, energy, and creativity into planning this special day, and it paid off. Alexa and Josh’s wedding could not have been more beautiful!

After the ceremony, guests moved to the ballroom for the reception, where each table had beautiful centerpieces in coordinating lilac and blush roses. Alexa and Josh shared a beautifully choreographed first dance (just wait until you see the photos!), and then the Hora started – and what fun! The dance floor was packed and everyone was celebrating Alexa and Josh. It was great! Afterward, family delivered sweet, thoughtful, and funny speeches, followed by a speech by Alexa and Josh sharing how these two met and thanking their guests for joining them. During Alexa’s father’s speech, he surprised the two of them with a caricature of Alexa and Josh – plus a matching bobble head of them as bride and groom! And then he announced that all of the guests would get their own Alexa and Josh bobble head! It was SO sweet! After speeches, the dancefloor opened up and everyone danced the night away – only pausing for a quick break to cut the wedding cake! What an incredibly fun night this was; the dance floor was still packed at the end of the celebration (1:00 am!). I think this group could have celebrated all through the night!

These two are incredibly successful. During Josh’s father’s speech, he noted that Alexa may be our first female president. Love that! I will be voting for you, Alexa! It was so special sharing Alexa and Josh’s wedding day with their family and friends. It is clear that these two are very loved by so many people, and it was so fun getting to know their family and friends. On top of that, Alexa and Josh had such a great wedding party – of 23! What a kind, supportive, and fun group!

Alexa and Josh’s wedding reception ended with everyone singing along to the Chicago Cubs anthem “Go! Cubs! Go!” I have been humming that song ever since! What a fun and beautiful celebration for two wonderful people. Congratulations, Alexa and Josh!!

Mayflower Hotel DC wedding