Mother of: Gloria
Wedding venue: Washington National Cathedral and Cosmos Club in Washington D.C.
Vibe: Stately Black Tie
Dress: Aidan Mattox from Bloomingdale’s
Washington D.C. played a starring role in the nuptials of Gloria and Andrew, who lived in Georgetown and bonded over their mutual love of history, innovation, and the capital. Their wedding ceremony took place at the National Cathedral followed by dinner and dancing at the iconic Cosmos Club, a private social club on Massachusetts Avenue, founded in 1878.
Grand, yet intimate, the couple limited the guest list to 100. “Gloria created a serene, warm, and elegant atmosphere,” says her adoring mom, Susan, who lives in Florida. The wedding was a destination for many, with guests coming in from both ends of the country as well as the United Kingdom and Canada.
When mother and daughter met up in New York to shop for Gloria’s bridal gown, Susan would take a peek at mother of the bride dresses after each appointment. “They were either too beaded or they had more fabric than I could carry off,” says the 5-foot-2 mom. “I was afraid that I would awkwardly fall over walking down the aisle or topple over at the reception!”
Three generations: Grandma Gloria (the bride's namesake!), Gloria, and her mom Susan
Next came a series of online orders, but every dress got returned—until Susan found the one: A blush brocade off-the-shoulder gown. The color matched the wedding party; the neckline complemented the bride’s Monique Lhuillier gown.
With the dress ruched at the waist, Susan says, “First and foremost, I felt comfortable, which was fantastic!” But it was that mix of comfort and high style—thanks to the fabric's subtle shimmer and design flourishes like a kick pleat and that elegant drop sleeve—that sold Susan on the dress for this most special of occasions. “The design of the dress made me feel really beautiful.”
When Susan saw Gloria on the dance floor that night, all she could think of was her own wedding gown, and Gloria dressing up in it at age four and dancing around the house. “I could have watched her dance that night forever. What a loving memory that is for me.”
See our current Aidan Mattox pick—similar neckline; A-line skirt.
| Photography by Liz Banfield
| Wedding planning and design: Devon Pearce for Pineapple Productions