Government is often a divisive topic, but in 2009 it brought together John Burroughs alum Lauren Zuckerman and Miami native Javier Gomez. Both work for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where they met and became friends. Friendship blossomed into something more, and on an October night in 2012, Javier proposed on the rooftop of Charlie Palmer Steak House. “It has a beautiful view of the D.C. monuments and the Capitol,” Lauren says.
The following fall, Lauren and Javier became Mr. and Mrs. at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va. “It reminded me of St. Louis, like something in Ladue or Clayton,” Lauren says. “It’s elegant and patriotic, too, which we love.”
The night before their nuptials, friends and family attended a rehearsal dinner at Afghan Grill, the site of the couple’s first date. The next day, Lauren prepared for the wedding with her bridesmaids and a few female relatives. The women traveled from near and far—St. Louis, California, Texas and Spain—to be there. “It was really special, because when else are you going to get your best friends all in one place?” Lauren says.
‘I dos’ were exchanged outside the country club under a flower-adorned chuppah, with views of the Washington Monument providing an iconic backdrop. The ceremony incorporated Lauren’s Jewish and Javier’s Catholic traditions, and the reception following celebrated the couple’s roots. “We tried to make everything St. Louis- and Miami-themed,” Lauren says. “The appetizers included toasted ravioli, and our signature cocktail was a key lime martini. We also played salsa music, because Javier is Cuban, and country music for the St. Louisans.”
[resources]
Gown | Alyne, from Fleur de Lis Boutique (in St Louis)
Caterer | Army Navy Country Club
Baker | Alexandria Pastry Shop
Honeymoon | Dubai and Thailand
Florist | Petal’s Edge
Reception Music | DJ Cuban
Wedding Planner | Amanda McCabe
[wedding party]
Maids of Honor | Emma Birge-Osborne, Katie Taylor
Bridesmaids | Ariella Brodecki, Whitney Kent, Carlota Pico, Hailey Woldt, Rebecca Berg, Emily Berg
Best Men | Eduardo Gomez, Adrian Gomez
Groomsmen | Mitch Delgado, Richard Marquez, Timothy Serin, Rehman Javaid, Andrew Schwartz, Jacob Osborn
Bride’s Parents | Dr. Gary Zuckerman and Susan Zuckerman, St. Louis
Groom’s Parents | Ricardo & Alina Gomez, Miami
Ushers | Teddy Felker, Jon Wolff, Paul Grever, Adam Dahlgren
Photos by Lisa Boggs
