The Proposal: After 6 short months together in the Bay Area, and 21 months of long distance between San Francisco and Chicago, they reunited visiting Washington DC. The couple met up with several of Maddie's girlfriends, including Max's co conspirator, Erin.
Maddie announced that Erin had planned a walk to the Capitol and a private tour of the Speaker of the House's gallery, ending with champagne on the Speaker's balcony. (Max played along)
The docent and Capitol staffer, was waiting at a side entrance to the Capitol, bypassing the long lines of tourists. If anyone had been paying close attention, it was at about this time Max started get visibly nervous.
Entering Speaker Boehner’s office, the balcony doors swung open revealing the breathtaking view of that spring day bringing the gravity of what Max was about to do to full realization.
This was Maddie's friends cue to leave for a minute, and to keep Maddie on the balcony all Max could muster was, “Maddie, come look over here,” pointing past the Washington Monument. She came over, camera in hand, as Max nervously clamored for the words he had written weeks ago:
“I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the history of this site. So much of our daily lives and freedoms are predicated on the significant moments that took place right here on Capitol Hill. No matter where the influential ideas where born, this was the place where they were executed. The idea of being together forever was conjured not long after we met in San Francisco. I cannot think of a more inspiring place to start our history together, right here in Washington DC. That is, if you say yes. Will you marry me?”
However, that's not what came out. Max fell to one knee and managed to choke out, “Will you marry me?”
Maddie announced that Erin had planned a walk to the Capitol and a private tour of the Speaker of the House's gallery, ending with champagne on the Speaker's balcony. (Max played along)
The docent and Capitol staffer, was waiting at a side entrance to the Capitol, bypassing the long lines of tourists. If anyone had been paying close attention, it was at about this time Max started get visibly nervous.
Entering Speaker Boehner’s office, the balcony doors swung open revealing the breathtaking view of that spring day bringing the gravity of what Max was about to do to full realization.
This was Maddie's friends cue to leave for a minute, and to keep Maddie on the balcony all Max could muster was, “Maddie, come look over here,” pointing past the Washington Monument. She came over, camera in hand, as Max nervously clamored for the words he had written weeks ago:
“I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the history of this site. So much of our daily lives and freedoms are predicated on the significant moments that took place right here on Capitol Hill. No matter where the influential ideas where born, this was the place where they were executed. The idea of being together forever was conjured not long after we met in San Francisco. I cannot think of a more inspiring place to start our history together, right here in Washington DC. That is, if you say yes. Will you marry me?”
However, that's not what came out. Max fell to one knee and managed to choke out, “Will you marry me?”
Maddie fumbled her camera as the rush of tears and happiness took over she nodded emphatically in acceptance and the champagne was popped.
The Wedding: The day was planned by Jaclyn Duffield of JDetailed Events and we started with getting ready at the JW Marriott. Maddie's makeup was by Anastasia Tews and hair by Jahnne Valez. Her gown was designed by Junko Yoshioka, her shoes were by Betsey Johnson, with jewelry by Haute Bride. Bridesmaids wore pretty Donna Morgan dresses, with accessories custom made on Etsy. The men looked great in Calvin Klein.
After getting ready it was time to go outside for some photos around town, including the Board of Trade and Kinzie St. Bridge. The traditional ceremony at Old St. Pat's where Maddie and Max became husband and wife went flawlessly. Then it was time to head to the Medinah Country Club for more photos and the reception. We arrived in time for golden hour and got some beautiful images in the day's best light! The wedding florals were by Elizabeth Wray, cake by Cake Chicago, and entertainment by the amazing Gold Coast All Stars. Halfway through the night Maddie and Max got to shared a kiss under fireworks, a surprise gift from her father. For the end of the night portraits, we kept it simple and took a few cute images of the couple together on the couch inside the club.
Congrats Maddie and Max!
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