This past Saturday, Joe and Matt gathered nearly 200 of their closest friends and family at the historic Decatur House for an evening that was nothing short of magical. After tying the knot in an intimate backyard ceremony last year, these two have been dreaming of celebrating with their beloved community—and celebrate, they did!
When I plan my wedding coverage, I always ask couples if there’s something extra special they want me to focus on. For Joe and Matt, it was all about their people. They wanted their day to be a tribute to the incredible community they’ve built together. This may be a hop skip and a jump into their wedding recap, but as soon as their first dance song started playing—“Crowded Table” by The Highwomen—it all made sense. The lyrics beautifully encapsulated their journey and the deep connections they’ve cultivated. As they swayed and twirled, surrounded by the joyful faces of loved ones, it was clear: Joe and Matt have created a truly spectacular “crowded table.”
I arrived a little early, eager to scope out the scene.
With Decatur House just steps from The White House—and in the week of a Presidential Election—I wanted to ensure everything would run smoothly. Luckily, it was a breeze!
Joe and Matt arrived soon after, and we dove into their portraits in the venue’s lush back garden. The historic charm of Decatur House paired perfectly with the crisp fall air, creating a timeless backdrop for their love story. We wandered through the elegant interiors, capturing moments of laughter and calm before the evening’s festivities began.
In a “traditional” wedding day twist I’ve been loving lately, Joe and Matt opted for a pre-ceremony cocktail hour.
Standing near the entrance, they welcomed guests with hugs and heartfelt hellos. It was like a receiving line, but with plenty of time for connection—and cocktails in hand! The energy was palpable as their community buzzed with excitement for what was to come.
Guests soon gathered under a tent strung with bistro lights and adorned with stunning white-and-blue florals by Rocking Bird Flower Co. The setup was cozy and inviting, with guests seated at their dinner tables, ready to witness Joe and Matt renew their vows.
Their dear friends, Molly and Mary, shared touching anecdotes about Joe and Matt’s journey together before the grooms reaffirmed their promises to one another. It was heartfelt, intimate, and uniquely them—a celebration of their enduring love.
Dinner gave way to heartfelt toasts and incredible food, but the real magic happened when the dance floor opened.
Joe and Matt described their wedding vibe as classic, elevated, and gay, and let me tell you, they nailed it in all three categories! DJ Sean J of Mixing Maryland kept the music bumpin with a playlist that was vibrant, fun, and fabulously gay. Guests danced like no one was watching, filling the carriage house with laughter, joy, and energy that didn’t let up for a single moment.
Joe and Matt’s love for each other and their people was on full display throughout the night. From their sweet exchanges during portraits to the exuberant dance moves shared by everyone in the room, this celebration was a testament to the life they’ve built together and the beautiful future that awaits them.
Enjoy a look at Joe and Matt’s unforgettable Decatur House wedding day!
Check out a walk through their day below, and don’t forget to hit play on “Crowded Table” while you scroll—it’s the perfect soundtrack for this love story.
A quick shoutout to Joe and Matt’s dream vendor team:
Venue: Decatur House
Catering: Get Plated DC
Wedding Coordinator: ETC. Coordinators
Tent: Sugarplum Tent Company
Bar: Ace Beverage
Floral Design: Rocking Bird Flower Co.
Reception Entertainment: Mixing Maryland (DJ Sean J)
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