Sequoia

oor to ceiling windows, the beautiful chandeliers, the gorgeous hardwood flooring - all of these things put together made for quite a magical evening. I had the pleasure of working with Heather - who was always quick to respond to any inquiry I had throughout the whole process. She was very informative and knowledgeable, very kind and considerate, and very accommodating of any requests that we had. We were very pleased with a special menu request, to which the chef fulfilled our desire for an passed hors-d'oeuvre that was not on the menu - on top of accommodating such a request, it was absolutely delicious too! On the same topic of food - it was outstanding. Everything served was hot, plated beautifully and served with grace. Our servers and bartenders were polite and quick to attend to anyone and everyone's needs. The reason why I had to give 4/5 stars for service: 1) During the reception, a Sequoia staff member told our DJ and my planner that we needed to turn down our music per the request of whoever was holding a smaller event in their State Room. Considering we had bought out the main dining area for LUNCH and DINNER for a 3:00-9:00 wedding + reception, this request was absurd. 2) When the wedding was over and my planner/vendors were wrapping/cleaning up, someone from Sequoia staff completely (and harshly) rushed my planner and her assistant, saying that everyone had to "get out", and that belongings/boxes that were in a designated area had to be moved immediately, when in the beginning, we were told that these items should go there during set-up. Overall, I still would highly recommend hosting your big day here - but had to make note of these 2 details. Thank you Sequoia for making my wedding SO AMAZING!!

ce I called the events number, I was transferred to the woman who is in charge of weddings, after being told she was in a meeting. I left a voicemail and still haven’t heard back. Extremely disappointing, because this place is beautiful. If they are this careless with establishing connections with potential customers...how will they be with our wedding?

ption for about 50 adults and 20 children, and neither of us had much experience planning large events. The director of catering was very patient answering our many questions and helping with our planning, and on the wedding day, the banquet manager and staff were incredibly helpful keeping everything on track. They even made sure we ate, which I'm particularly thankful because everything - the appetizers and the lunch duet (rib and salmon) - was delicious. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is impressive and somewhat formal, but the bright color scheme, huge windows and outdoor patio make this a place your guests can enjoy themselves.

tstanding gentlemen leading an exemplary and gracious staff! I have had 2 weddings there this year, and there was nothing that I could find to complain about. This team is amazing, the food is amazing, and the view definitely is a bonus. From the time I start working with them with my clients it was painless - from one professional to another. Working with the team at Sequoia is priceless, and they are my number one preferred wedding venue in the Washington, DC metro area!

fect. All of our guests thought it was amazing and everyone commented on how amazing the food was. The venue itself was so beautiful that we didn't have to do much for decor, which was nice. The only thing was it was expensive obviously, but to be honest for the type of venue we were looking for, it was the cheapest that we found in DC and we did get a ton for the money. We loved having the open bar included in the pp price instead of paying by what ppl drank. We absolutely have no complaints and we could not have picked a better venue!

ith great third party vendors. The wedding itself went off so smoothly because of Heather and her efforts. The food was delicious and the venue looked beautiful. You can't beat the location and view of Sequoia (overlooking the river). The space is so unique and breathtaking. The space, combined with an incredible staff who genuinely wanted to coordinate a flawless wedding, made for an amazing night. I can't recommend the venue or the team highly enough.

n addition, to the incredible venue the service here is top notch. Every single person there, whether they were helping with the wedding or not was beyond helpful. Every single person is professional and willing to go above and beyond to make sure you and your guests have everything you could ever need. It was an absolute dream having our wedding here, I highly recommend it!

venues in DC accommodate for larger weddings but Sequoia had a good space for our small wedding of 55 people. Heather Garvin was our wedding coordinator and she was extremely kind and organized. I always received fast responses from her. Chris London from Sequoia helped manage the wedding on the day and he was awesome. He was extremely efficient and kind and even brought h'ordeuvres and drinks out to my limo when my husband and I were sitting in the car for half an hour, waiting until our 6 pm entrance. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reception venue in DC.

as able to make it into town for a visit and our tasting. The food was delicious and the setting was perfect! We had an awesome view of the Potomac while we danced the night away. There was even a dedicated butler for the bride & groom who took great care of us that night! I definitely recommend Sequoia!

into play as the food and service both were exceptional! Very unique venue from the typical wedding reception and of course you can't beat those views! Our guests are still raving about their overall experience at Sequoia and we are delighted!! Additionally, the event planner at Sequoia went above and beyond our expectations during the entire year of wedding planning!

, but everything worked out. Overall, we were incredibly pleased with this reception venue!

June day and the Sequoia sparkled like a diamond that day. The waterfront was vibrant and all my guests cannot stop talking about this venue. We even have one couple that have decided to use the Sequoia for their wedding. I would totally recommend working with Heather Garvin. She went above and beyond her responsibilities to make the day magical for my daughter. She was always available and met us on many occasions... a true pleasure to work with. We searched many venues in the DC area and we definitely found a jewel on the waterfront.

change .. and there were many...with a smile and a "sure, no problem." The floor captain the night of was an exceptionally special person. He sensed our every need and responded with a gentle kindness that this Mother of the Groom so very much appreciated. He kept the event moving flawlessly. The menu was creative and delicious. Everyone commented on how fabulous all the food choices were. The drinks flowed with no one ever waiting. Everyone was served on time with wonderfully hot dinners. Of course, this is all on top of why we selected Sequoia in the first place .. .the State Room is fabulous! The National's Mascots were our greeters and they needed 12 foot ceilings .. and Sequoia had much more floor to ceiling window views of the Potomac with private terraced patios to entice a walk outside. Then as the sun set over the water, glorious lighted trees filled the room with romance. Everyone took a few minutes to go outside for their personal photo op. The Sequoia staff made our son and his fiance's Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Event perfect for all of us and set the tone for a fabulous wedding weekend!

ations. The staff was very attentive to our guests every need. The room setup was perfect. The food was superb with so many of our guests saying it was the best event they had ever attended. We would overwhelmingly recommend Sequoia for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.

mentioned it (maybe for our benefit). Everything else was great, guests complimented the venue and food. Would definitely recommend to others!

the staff is incredibly helpful! The food was amazing (we had the beef short rib and salmon)!! And our personal server, Chris, on the day of the event was so attentive and our parents loved him! We worked with Lila. She was incredibly kind and had great ideas throughout the process. She also worked with us to keep to our budget and treated us like royalty not only on the day of the wedding but throughout the process. On the day of the wedding the cake had not shown up when it was supposed to (even after confirmation the night before!)!! She handled it with such professionalism! My husband and I had no idea it had arrived late (thank goodness it arrived!) and she made sure we enjoyed our special day without the stress. I know I would have freaked out if someone had told me the cake was not there, so I am really impressed she took it upon herself to sort something out that should not have happened. We love coming to Sequoia and remembering our wedding. We took beautiful pictures along the waterfront and afterwards headed over to Modern for an exclusive after-party!

d out. The staff who worked the reception was very attentive. The food was delicious. And the whole setting was magical with the stunning chandelier and large picture windows overlooking the Potomac River. I have already recommended Sequoia to several people for their upcoming weddings.

ghly recommend the Sequoia for a wedding and reception.

ond outstanding. Sequoia is one of the most beautiful venues and you can't beat the location (in Georgetown on the water). I was worried about parking but there is a garage right under Sequoia with an elevator that takes you right into the restaurant. We worked with Scott who helped us plan everything in such detail that there was nothing to worry about on the actual day. He was such a pleasure to work with and was always available to answer any questions. I have heard from so many guests how amazing the place looked and how great the food was. I really cannot say enough good things about Sequoia. Here are just some examples of how wonderful it was to work with them and have our reception there: They provide a special server to take care of the bride, groom, and their parents which just makes the experience even more special (our server, Chris, came by to check on us while we were outside taking pictures and even brought out some wings and fries because I joked I was hungry!). They will work with you to customize their plan so that it fits in your budget and with your vision (Scott helped us tailor ours so that we were comfortable with the price but we really didn't feel like we were missing anything!). They had someone there the day of to help us coordinate little things like the wedding party entrance. They serve drinks at the tables, not just at the bar (which most places do not do). Scott helped us find a great florist and recommend the best choices for room blocs. I know I already mentioned the food, but seriously it was incredible, and Sequoia worked with us to have great kids meal options and allergy friendly accommodations. There were plenty of different options for room layout, including where you would prefer the dance floor and DJ to be located (they'll give you suggestions but they're very flexible). If you get the main dining room, there is a second floor bar with balcony overlooking the main dining room. It's a great space for the cocktail hour with a nice view of the water and reception space. We made our center pieces but you honestly don't even need any. The space looks so beautiful with the lighting and huge windows and high ceilings that you don't need to spend anything on decorating for it to look great. We got married in the winter and there were lights on the trees outside, so beautiful. There's a beautiful fountain outside Sequoia, but in winter it becomes an ice rink! There are countless places outside (and inside) that are perfect for pictures. There were absolutely zero surprise costs. I seriously cannot recommend Sequoia enough. They helped us have a beautiful, stress-free wedding reception.

t everything (including some picky family members who wanted their own special meals), very conscious of our budget, very up front about what worked or didn't work for couples in the past. I cannot count the number of emails we exchanged over the course of planning. From the initial meeting to the tasting to every detail -- we were made to feel like VIPs. Reception: The setting on the waterfront is breathtaking (our reception was at night, so we were overlooking twinkling, lighted trees, and ice skaters!), and the chandeliers and balcony really make Sequoia stand out from your run of the mill hotel banquet room. On the night of our reception, the staff at Sequoia really went above and beyond. Bride, groom, and our parents had a dedicated server who made sure we were never without a drink or a glass of water. Also, when my husband and I needed to hide out during cocktail hour, our server set up a candlelit table for two in a secret back room! Service was flawless and everyone raved about the food (ESPECIALLY the potato croquettes as a starter! Don't miss them!). And the dance floor at Sequoia depends on where you set your tables, so it can be as huge or as intimate as you'd like. Five hundred stars. Such a special, special night in a truly stunning setting with and awesome team.

o he can provide you with immediate and detailed information for any and every question. It's really his patience that I appreciated the most. Outside of the personal service, the Sequoia is a dream venue. Even though the restaurant still operates the night of your event, your guests and you feel like there's only one event happening--your big day.

uplighting on the pillars. The raw bar was a big hit with guests. The transition worked seamlessly (we held both the reception and ceremony in the Sequoia). Thank you Scott.

so glad we had our wedding here it was so much fun the picutres look amazing and the guests loved the location as well. Many of them said it was the best wedding they had ever attended and I agree!

one a lot of weddings there. They were so knowledgeable and helpful. The venue provides a lot of in house extras and has a host of vendors (flowers, cake, etc.) that you can choose to use. Despite planning my wedding from abroad, I was able to stay in contact with Sequoia constantly. Any time I had a question or help, they would respond immediately. They even gave great advice on wedding details I hadn't even thought about. I would definitely recommend Sequoia, especially for very busy working brides. Sequoia really does a lot of the work for you and makes the biggest day of your life a lot less stressful!

ould also know is that from the first emails looking for quotes to the last emails confirming late night snacks, Scott Moon was a pleasure to work with in every capacity. He and his team had many recommendations of menu choices and all the vendors which matched right up to my own rather extensive vendor research. Scott also notified us whenever there were weddings being held so we could watch the setup in action which helped calm a lot of nerves as far as the transition between the ceremony and reception (flawless and speedy!). We even met several of our vendors (photographer, day-of coordinator, lighting, etc.) there on many occasions during the normal dinner business times since I am a rather visual person and wanted it all to be perfect. Everything turned out exactly as we planned, if not more beautiful. It is still one of our favorite restaurants and venues in the DC area and we go back often. I HIGHLY recommend Sequoia as a wedding venue - spring, summer, fall, or winter! You will not be disappointed in the service and will have the most beautiful wedding photo album with photos in Georgetown. Book it now, they are ALWAYS busy and we booked them over a year in advance :o)

e food.

y Center was breathtaking, and the Georgetown location was perfect for all of our out-of-town guests. The floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views beat any windowless ballroom hands-down and made it feel very unique. A great back-drop for pictures! And because Sequoia is a restaurant, we didn't have to deal with separate vendors for catering, linens, chairs, etc. It was all included! And the reception packages are good and flexible depending on what you want to add or subtract depending on your budget. We worked with Heather at Sequoia who was absolutely perfect in helping plan every last detail; she was responsive, patient and made sure everything was on track for a flawlessly-executed reception. It was so nice to just show up and have everything go smoothly...we couldn't have asked for anything more!

location, and we had the whole restaurant plus the patio for cocktails. Sequoia provides a lot of support and offers flexible options for wedding planning: they help with vendors if you need it and provide tables, chairs, linens, silverware, and glassware IF you want it (and if you prefer to bring in your own, that's fine too). Sequoia was responsive throughout the entire process, and on the day of the entire staff was pretty much perfect. My guests kept commenting on how friendly and professional the entire staff was throughout the entire event. I have already recommended Sequoia to other friends who are planning weddings in DC!

s we exchanged our rings. We shifted indoors to the stateroom, which was decorated in blue lights that matched our wedding colors and contrasted well with the white string lighting on the trees outside. The food was truly fantastic and was a major reason we chose the Sequoia. The restaurant also made special provisions for our vegetarian guests which made them feel welcome. We partied all night on the dance floor. It was truly a wedding we will always remember with love.

ng, the wait staff was unfortunately less than stellar. Though we'd made it very clear when we'd made the reservations that we were having a bachelorette party, when we arrived, no one seemed to have a clue. When we alerted the staff that we'd be joined later by several other women, they assured us that they would direct them to where we were seated. However, during the course of the evening, EVERY SINGLE guest had to call one of us directly because the wait staff claimed they knew nothing about our party. It seemed terribly disorganized. Further, our waiter was not particularly attentive (messing up orders, not bringing extra napkins after several requests, not refilling our waters, etc.), either. There are numerous other things that made the evening rather bumpy, but suffice to say that the entire experience was disappointing.

reception there - our guests loved the setting and enjoyed a beautiful sunset during cocktail hour. The food is delicious and of high quality! The staff ensures you are fully satisfied with the menu and they offer great suggestions for set up and anything else guests normally enjoy. They know their stuff! I recommend Sequoia for your wedding venue - we were very happy with everything!

ave to pay extra for a caterer.

ed, knowledgable and responsive. On the day of the event, everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The food and presentation was exceptional and the wait-staff was courteous and professional. And, of course, the setting is absolutely stunning.

better than I had imagined it. We received so many compliments from our guests as well. I would highly recommend Sequoia as a wedding venue.

ve here—it’s right on the Georgetown waterfront and boasts views of the Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and Theodore Roosevelt Island (where we got engaged). But beyond the sentiment, Sequoia’s event manager, Lila Dougly, and her staff, ensured that we had the perfect reception for our DC winter wedding—exceeding our expectations on every level. The service on the wedding night was immaculate. They truly take care of the bride & groom and immediate family. I was doted on all evening, which was not expected at all! The venue looked absolutely spectacular that night, with the chandeliers and dim lighting, and the views overlooking the new skating rink and outside sparkling trees. I think we and our guests alike were overwhelmed by the elegance, actually! Lila Dougly brought delight to my wedding planning experience—she’s practical and professional, and always responsive, accommodating, and thoughtful. What’s more is that she’s an absolute joy to meet and plan with—always with a big smile on her face and excited to talk details. Her recommendations for menu selections and general timeline advice were spot on. And she was absolutely in her element on the wedding day. I would say that she over-delivered on the promise that our special day would be great! Sequoia has some degree of flexibility with their wedding packages (as in, you can add/subtract details and adjust the price accordingly), which we found extremely attractive. We were able to design the reception that we wanted. We are grateful for being able to work with Lila, and Sequoia will always be a very special place for us. We couldn’t have dreamed up a better experience.

d service was great...we all had a wonderful time! We are so happy we picked Sequoia and its location is fantastic in Washington Harbour with the new ice skating rink and outdoor bars with heat lamps. The scenery is beautiful during this time of year. Scott Moon and Heather Garvin from ARK were great to work with...we highly recommend this venue!

s amazing and really made the planning experience delightful. She was extremely professional, creative, understanding and very flexible. Her service was incredible. The Main dining room was amazing and Lindsey was able to help us create an amazing event. I will be honest that the two times my family and I ate at the restaurant we weren't over the moon about the menu and quality of food, but the night of the event everyone was on their A Game. The food was incredible. My dad and I spent most of our father/daughter dance talking about how awesome it was. The staff were great and treated our guests incredibly making everone feel special. Lindsey and I were able to work it out so we could use the restaurants red lounge furniture as well rather than bring in outside furniture and it really helped create the classic, elegant and fun atmosphere we were hoping. Even though it was dark and the middle of November guests were still able to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere and the layout of the place, made decorating very easy. Just some simple table flowers and it didn't even need anything else. I had considered spending extra money for lighting as everyone says lighting enhances the location, but I decided against the extra costs and I am glad I did, as it definitely wasn't needed.

ests. We had both our ceremony and reception at Sequoia and everything was seamless. Lindsey worked with our other vendors to make sure everything was exactly as we wanted it on the day of and any request we made during the wedding was taken care of. Our guests absolutely loved the venue! Choosing Sequoia for our venue was one of the best decisions we made. I would definitely recommend Sequoia (and Lindsey) to anyone who is getting married in Washington DC!

She went above and beyond to set up on the day of which I am truly grateful for! Am so lucky to have worked with her...she had everything covered from day one. The entire staff are true professionals & operate flawlessly. Such a perfect venue from the delicious food, to the gorgeous glass interior, to the perfect views overlooking the Potomac. Also, a huge bonus that Sequoia's covers everything (i.e. food, cake, linens, and furniture rental); made it SO easy not having to deal with separate vendors for each thing. Thank you to all the staff at Sequoia's for making our day so special and perfect for us!

pleasure to work with during the planning process. They really went above and beyond to help make our day extra special! Our guests still haven't stopped talking about how beautiful the venue and night were! I HIGHLY reccommend Sequoia if you are planning a wedding or any event. There is nothing that compares to those beautiful views, the service and the impeccable food! Thank you Scott, Lila, and the Sequia staff!

here was only one word to describe that night for my daughter and son-in-law.."ELEGANCE!" Scott, Lila and their staff were amazing!! I personally like to thank them for making it a wonderful experience for the Parents of the Bride, the Bride and Groom, and our guests!! We will never forget how fantastic everything was...from the appertizers to the dinner!! We did not want that night to end!! Hats off to Scott, Lila and their staff!!!! Sheila Ford

a million. We received compliments from all 86 people who attended. It was truly a remarkable even ing. But be forewarned, it is not inexpensive - but really, you get what you pay for.

d. The food was excellent (we had the filet mignon, red snapper, and a vegetarian option). We were a little concerned about how the meal would turn out considering the amount of people to cook for but it was perfect. The service was flawless. We had great bartenders and waiters. Heather made sure to be there and the manager of the restaurant was also present to handle any issues that might of popped up. And finally, of course we have to speak about the view. It was incredible!! As the sun set over the Potomac and all the city lights sparkled on the water, all our guests were commenting that there just isn't a more beautiful setting along the water in DC. The amazing blue light fixtures were also a hit and look great in pictures. The only problem we had was that we had some dinner patrons from outside sneak up to the upstairs bar and watch the wedding from above but the management was responsive in ushering these people back outside. Once the fountain is finished (which is supposed to be in Sept 2012), we don't see what more you could ask for in a reception venue. Everything is included in the price so you don't have to fuss with a caterer, baker, linen and table rental company, etc. We highly recommend the Sequoia!!

ception there! The food (for parties) is also quite delicious although the regular food is not nearly as good, they have a different kitchen staff for parties and you can tell. The food at our wedding was just amazing! We also worked with a wonderful girl named Lindsey who is in charge of events at Sequoia, she was just a pleasure to work with. However we had a lot of trouble with the owner and it made the planning process very unpleasant. If it weren't for Lindsey we might have picked another place on the waterfront. All in all it was a beautiful venue and I really wouldn't have wanted my reception anywhere else. Food was amazing, staff was superb and the view was priceless!

ey were fine with it. I think the service was a little slow even though there were not that many other people in the restaurant. Overall it was so low key and such a fun night with friends. The waitstaff was so sweet.

A+

that would be different from the more formal wedding. Lindsey Schneider was the consummate professional; she made planning this event from 600 miles away a delight. We choose to have food stations which was a huge hit with our guests. The room was stunning and every last detail was addressed to perfection. Six months after the event, our guests are still talking about this beautiful evening!

that was the best wedding reception they have ever been to! Heather Garvin was great to work with, she was very responsive and every bride needs that! She had the venue set up exactly the way that I wanted it and was completely helpful in every way. I could not be any happier with Sequoia and would refer that venue to anyone! Please contact me through message if you have any questions.

atural light in, its breathtaking. The food was awesome, the staff was amazing and I couldn't have asked for more. Scott Moon is amazing to work with and is always there to answer any questions. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING !!

ce (and ask for Lindsey). Lindsey helped me coordinate the menu, seating chart, name cards, menu cards, cake, dj, flow of the party...you name it. It was all stress-free and Lindsey called me weekly to check in and make sure I wasn't worried about a thing. I would recommend to anyone looking for a naturally beautiful location where you don't have to invest a fortune to have a classy wedding.

ything for our wedding was perfect and exactly as we wanted. He is very nice guy, easy to work with and makes great recommendations for the wedding timeline, set-up, menu, etc.