Washington National Cathedral  - The High Altar

Wedding Day

Wedding

Washington National Cathedral - The Nave

Reception

Washington National Cathedral

Celebration

In the Fall of 2015, Amanda published&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amanda-hite/coming-out-to-my-grandpar_b_8119838.html">an article</a>&nbsp;she wrote about her grandparents’ love story. Her grandfather was one of the greatest loves of her life, so on the anniversary of his passing, she honored him with this moving piece about her grandparents’ marriage of 64 years. She remembered how they treated one another with such tenderness, all the way through the final moments of his life. She reflected on their warm response to her when she&nbsp;came out to them. And she shared her grandfather’s wish for her life: that she would find a love like he shared with her grandmother.

That article was Julie’s introduction to Amanda.











We met at a restaurant in Chicago about a month later and knew we had stumbled upon something special (you can read more about it&nbsp;<a href="http://www.julierodgers.com/meet-my-fiance/">here</a>). Over kale salads and french fries, we talked about politics and theology, shared our histories and hopes for the future. We had both grown up in conservative communities, where we heard God loved the whole world, but God didn’t like people like us. So we did what we had to do to survive: Julie tried to change her orientation to become acceptable to the people around her, and Amanda went out looking for a place&nbsp;to&nbsp;be honest and loved. By the time our paths crossed, our long searches had led us both into a more progressive Christianity, with leaders who celebrated our presence and saw beauty in the way we were wired to love.











We were attracted to each other because Julie thought Amanda was super hot and vice versa, but also because we saw in one another the traits we most admire in people: humility, generosity, compassion, and a desire to be healers in our communities. We quickly realized we could do that better together than we did on our own. Our hope is to build a home together, where we bear witness to all kinds of people as they process&nbsp;the fears, questions, and sorrows life brings. We want to be a place where people can bring the unedited versions of themselves and be assured they’re not alone.&nbsp;











Growing up, we never imagined we would find someone to share life&nbsp;with in&nbsp;this way––we never imagined&nbsp;marriage. And we don’t take a moment together for granted. We cherish the mediocre vegetarian food we cook together and the days we’ve wasted&nbsp;binge watching&nbsp;Scandal or The Americans. We love traveling together and wrestling with questions together. We love reading books together and, oh my gosh, we love watching videos of&nbsp;our cats. We&nbsp;are so incredibly thankful we get to share in this life together.











Our marriage is not just about us, though. It’s also about the people who have shaped us into who we are today, and the ones&nbsp;who will support us as we build this new life together. We can’t wait to celebrate all the love in our lives: the love we have for one another, and the love we feel for our dear friends and family.











See you in September!

All the Love

Special Connection To The Cathedral

Family

The Washington National Cathedral is our spiritual home here in DC. They've accepted, supported and&nbsp;celebrated us in ways neither of us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/julie.rodgers.58/posts/10100380158960809">had really experienced</a> before at a church.&nbsp;&nbsp;We were touched when&nbsp;<a href="https://cathedral.org/staff/rev-dana-colley-corsello/">Rev&nbsp;Canon Vicar Dana Colley Corsello</a>&nbsp;offered to marry us there.&nbsp;Shorty after,&nbsp;Amanda found out she&nbsp;has a relative,&nbsp;<a href="http://t.sidekickopen05.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XZs5w6vXMVcVYTY1qMTvFVQBb2Y56dzJHf8hYB6002?t=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAngus_Dun&amp;si=5992300614778880&amp;pi=0a3dc07c-3d35-4933-9687-bcf71f614dc4" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Dun">Angus&nbsp;Dun,</a>&nbsp;who served as the&nbsp;4th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Angus's&nbsp;ashes, along with his wife Kitty's,&nbsp;are displayed&nbsp;in <a href="https://cathedral.org/what-to-see/exterior/bethlehem-chapel-2/">Bethlehem&nbsp;Chapel</a>, the Cathedral's foundation stone..

In an editorial about Angus's&nbsp;life, The Washington Post wrote:







“During his 18 years as the Bishop of Washington,&nbsp;Angus&nbsp;Dun&nbsp;was a force for tolerance, for interracial understanding and for freedom. Behind the austerity of his official mien, there lay a wealth of humor and kindness. He was concerned more to help than to punish, to heal than to condemn.... Such a life must bring its own rich sense of duty done and of rewards that lie beyond any earthly grasp.







The connection&nbsp;to Bishop Dun is through Amanda's beloved&nbsp;grandfather Don&nbsp;Hite&nbsp;who passed away in September of 2014 that Amanda wrote the story&nbsp;about, the article that was Julie's introduction to Amanda.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's deeply&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;to know that&nbsp;there is this family&nbsp;connection to Amanda's grandfather&nbsp;in the Cathedral, where he would've loved to have been able to be with us there for our wedding.







If you have time while you're at the Cathedral, make sure to&nbsp;visit the Cathedral's foundation stone,&nbsp;<a href="https://cathedral.org/what-to-see/exterior/bethlehem-chapel-2/">Bethlehem Chapel</a>.

Program Features

Syrian Violinist Mariela Shaker, Refugee from Aleppo

We are grateful&nbsp;to have Syrian Violinist&nbsp;<a href="http://marielashaker.com">Mariela Shaker</a>, a refugee from Aleppo joining us to share her story and music.

‘’Fled Syria And Found Refuge On The Stage. Mariela Shaker is singular. A virtuoso’’&hellip;.BuzzFeed



Mariela Shaker, born 1990 in Aleppo, Syria, started playing the violin at the age of ten when she joined the Arabic Institute of Music in Aleppo (1999).&nbsp;





Mariela is a member of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony Orchestra. Mariela appeared as a concert violinist when she performed solo with Mesopotamian Symphony Orchestra in California Theater. On June 20, 2015 Mariela performed a recital at the Kennedy Center in celebration of World Refugee Day which has been organized by UNHCR. Mariela has been named as a Champion of Change for World Refugee by president Obama and was honored at the White House, 2015.&nbsp; In December she played for members of the U.S. legislature. Recent engagements in 2016 include an invitation by Cate Blanchett for a performance in London and a performance for the first Scottish Minister in Scotland at Beyond Borders International Festival. In November, 2016 Mariela got an invitation from International Rescue Committee to perform in present of Queen Rania of Jordan.





Mariela recently performed and spoke at the White House, Brooking Institute, Pentagon Conference, United Nations, Arab American Institute, Georgetown and George Washington universities, Asfari and Saied foundations, Harvard University, Points of Light, International Rescue Committee, Aspen Ideas Festival among many others.





Mariela is trying to use her music to build bridges and promote peace and raise awareness for the plights of the Syrian people. Mariela is the peace ambassador of World Council of Arameans. What is remarkable about Mariela is that as a refugee, not only her music is heard, but her voice for refugees in need! Though her own family has no electricity and many times she is unable to have contact, she perseveres for this noble cause.

Kris Perry and Sandy Stier

We are thrilled and honored that our friends Kris Perry and Sandy Stier will be sharing brief&nbsp;remarks at our reception. Kris and Sandy were pioneers in the movement for marriage equality: they were the lead plaintiffs in the Supreme Court Case that overturned Proposition 8 and restored marriage equality to the state of California. They are also two of the kindest women we've ever known. Since the two of us both grew up in communities where we weren't exposed to many same-sex couples, we didn't have role models to show us what a healthy, life-giving same-sex relationship might look like. That makes us all the more grateful for couples like Kris and Sandy, who have become dear friends to us over the past few years. You can get to know them through their memoir,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NSMH5Y/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" target="_blank">Love on Trial</a>, and through this powerful documentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/the-case-against-8" target="_blank">The Case Against 8</a>. We can't wait to introduce them to you on&nbsp;September 1st.&nbsp;

CHECK BACK CLOSER TO THE WEDDING FOR MORE PROGRAM DETAILS

Catering

Hor d'oeuvres & Dinner

Catered&nbsp;by Foodhini

Foodhini's&nbsp;Mission:

Foodhini was founded on the idea that food can be used to create new opportunities for their&nbsp;immigrant and refugee communities,&nbsp;and also satisfy the appetites of hungry foodies in search of authentic multicultural meals.



Many immigrant & refugee communities face financial, educational, and cultural barriers that can limit their access to sustainable living wage jobs. By providing a platform for communities of diaspora to use their existing culinary skills to prepare and sell their home cooked cultural cuisines, Foodhini empowers these communities to bypass those barriers and create new opportunities. Through their&nbsp;shared revenue model, a significant portion of the money spent&nbsp;on a Foodhini meal goes directly to the incredible chef that prepared your meal.(check back closer to the event for menu details)

Our Story

Our Wedding

Event Schedule

Ceremony 

We are thrilled to invite you&nbsp;to join us for the celebration of our marriage. If you enter the Cathedral through the main entrance, signs will lead you to The High Altar, where the ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM.&nbsp;

#RodgersHiteWedding 















 









CEREMONY







5:00pm&nbsp;<a href="https://cathedral.org/what-to-see/interior/high-altar-3/">The High Altar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cathedral.org/">Washington National Cathedral</a>

Immediately following the ceremony, we invite you to join us for a cocktail hour and reception, also at the Cathedral. There will be light programming, a vegetarian dinner, storytelling, and dancing.&nbsp;

#RodgersHiteWedding 

 











COCKTAILS &&nbsp;HORS&nbsp;D'OEUVERS













5:40pm The Nave, <a href="https://cathedral.org">Washington National Cathedral</a>













RECEPTION CELEBRATION













6:40pm The Nave, <a href="https://cathedral.org">Washington National Cathedral</a>













Light programing, followed by dinner, storytelling,&nbsp;entertainment, desserts and dancing













EVENT ENDS













11:00pm

Details

Registry

Wedding Party

Photos

CROWD FILMING NOTICE

CROWD NOTICE - FILMING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2018- CONSENT AND RELEASE

A small, trusted crew will be filming for an independent documentary production about the intersection of LGBTQ issues and faith. The cameras will primarily&nbsp;be on Julie and Amanda and won’t be focused on the crowd as friends and&nbsp;family celebrate this special day.&nbsp;If you have any questions or concerns please contact producer Jessica Devaney at (561) 373-4701.

CROWD NOTICE - FILMING ON&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 1, 2018- CONSENT AND RELEASE

Paper Bridge Films LLC will be filming at the National Cathedral and Grounds on&nbsp;September 1, 2018. By entering&nbsp;the&nbsp;National Cathedral and Grounds, you irrevocably consent to and authorize Paper Bridge Films LLC, its successors,&nbsp;assigns and licensees, to recordings of you and to use said photographs and/or recordings for worldwide exploitation,&nbsp;in perpetuity and in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for any purpose whatsoever. All such&nbsp;photographs and sound recordings shall be the sole property of Paper Bridge Films LLC, its successors, assigns and&nbsp;licensees, from any and all liability on account of such usage.&nbsp;

Filming Notice

Q + A

<a href="https://www.lyft.com/rider">Lyft</a> - On demand car service app<a href="https://www.uber.com">Uber</a> - On demand car service appDC&nbsp;Taxi Transportation - 202-398-0500<a href="https://cathedral.org/visit-us/directions-parking/">Directions &&nbsp;Parking at the Cathedral</a><h1></h1>

<h3></h3>

Ground Transportation Options

The Kimpton Glover Park Hotel is located 0.5 miles from the Washington National Cathedral.&nbsp;





Kimpton Glover Park Hotel offers the best of all worlds &mdash; approachable luxury that puts you in close proximity to downtown DC, yet in a calming, walkable neighborhood near Embassy Row and American and Georgetown universities. Perched on a hill that gives sweeping views of the Potomac River and National Mall, the hotel pays homage to nearby Rock Creek Park with its naturally inspired design by renowned artist Michele Oka Doner, whose original artwork, handmade light fixtures, and other organic touches foster a creative, contemporary vibe that welcomes the outdoors in.





Urban intrigue melds seamlessly with quiet comfort in this serene Upper Georgetown retreat where attentive service meets down-to-earth indulgence. On-site perks range from a cocktail garden and <a href="http://www.gloverparkhotel.com/georgetown-boutique-hotels/fitness-center/?mrkgcl=996&mrkgadid=3191941583&rkg_id=h-4470d33e6d2b2d08f23bb8cb635a244d_t-1524929195&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand-Hotel%2520Name_Exact&utm_term=kimpton%2520glover%2520park%2520hotel%2520dc_99239242-VQ6-264274853654-VQ15-1t1-VQ16-c&adpos=1t1&creative=264274853654&device=c&matchtype=e&network=g">athletic club</a> to dazzling dining destination <a href="http://www.gloverparkhotel.com/georgetown-restaurants/?mrkgcl=996&mrkgadid=3191941583&rkg_id=h-4470d33e6d2b2d08f23bb8cb635a244d_t-1524929195&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand-Hotel%2520Name_Exact&utm_term=kimpton%2520glover%2520park%2520hotel%2520dc_99239242-VQ6-264274853654-VQ15-1t1-VQ16-c&adpos=1t1&creative=264274853654&device=c&matchtype=e&network=g">Casolare,</a> where James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schlow prepares delicious coastal Italian fare.

Kimpton Glover Park Hotel

<h1>Street Address</h1>

The Cathedral is located at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues in northwest Washington, D.C., on a piece of land known as Mount St. Alban.

The street address is:
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016

<h1>Driving Directions</h1>

From downtown Washington

Take Massachusetts Avenue north to Wisconsin Avenue. Turn right onto Wisconsin Avenue. The Cathedral is on your immediate right.

From Maryland and the north

Take I-95 to I-495 west, the Capital Beltway. Exit south on Wisconsin Avenue. The Cathedral is approximately 6 1/2 miles on your left.

From Virginia and the south

Take I-495 over the American Legion Bridge into Maryland and take the Wisconsin Avenue/Bethesda exit. The Cathedral is approximately 6 1/2 miles on your left.

From Virginia and the south (alternative)

Take the Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, bearing right onto Rock Creek Parkway. (Note: Rock Creek Parkway is one way south bound during morning rush hour; buses cannot exit on Massachusetts Avenue.) Follow Rock Creek Parkway to Massachusetts Avenue, turning left onto Massachusetts Avenue. Then follow directions “From downtown” as above.

<h1>Metro Directions</h1>

From Tenleytown

Take the Metro Red Line to the Tenleytown/AU station. Exit on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue. Take any 30 series bus (30N, 30S, 31, or 33) going south on Wisconsin Avenue. Ride approximately 1 1/2 miles until you reach Woodley Road; the Cathedral is on your left. (This is a downhill walk, if you prefer to walk.)

From Dupont Circle

Take the N2, N3, N4, or N6 bus until you reach the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues. Walk north on Wisconsin 1/2 block to the Cathedral.

From Woodley Park

Take a 96 or X3 bus toward Tenleytown. Get off the bus at the corner of Woodley Road and Wisconsin Avenue. The Cathedral is on the east side of Wisconsin Avenue.

For more information on Metro, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wmata.com/">www.wmata.com</a>.

<h1>Parking</h1>

We recommend parking in the Cathedral’s underground parking garage. There is very limited parking on the Cathedral grounds and in the surrounding neighborhood.

<h3>Underground Parking Garage</h3>

Entrance:&nbsp;Enter via Wisconsin Avenue, at the traffic signal just south of Woodley Road.

Garage Hours:&nbsp;6 am to 11 pm.

Maximum height:&nbsp;7’ 6” including rooftop accessories. No trailers or RVs are permitted in the garage or on the grounds.

Handicap parking spaces:&nbsp;located on each level of the garage near the elevators.

Security office:&nbsp;located on level B1 of the garage next to the Wisconsin Avenue entrance.

Pay station machines:&nbsp;located by the elevator lobbies on the B1 and B2 levels and also at the Wisconsin Avenue exit. Pay machines accept cash or credit cards. Credit cards or small denomination bills preferred. Change is issued in coins.

Directions & Parking

With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Washington Embassy Row, you'll be centrally located in Washington, convenient to Dupont Circle and White House.  This hotel is close to George Washington University and Ford's Theater.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 158 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and plasma televisions. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while video-game consoles and premium TV channels are also offered to provide entertainment. Partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.Amenities Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Dining Enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 2367 square feet (220 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms.

Courtyard by Marriott Washington Embassy Row

With a stay at Kimpton Rouge Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, convenient to Dupont Circle and White House.  This boutique hotel is close to George Washington University and Ford's Theater.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the  137 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.Amenities Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a 24-hour fitness center, or other amenities including wireless Internet access (surcharge) and concierge services.Dining Enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Meet other guests and eat at a complimentary reception. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 0 square feet (0 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).

Kimpton Rouge Hotel

A stay at The Jefferson, Washington, DC places you in the heart of Washington, minutes from Franklin Square and White House.  This 5-star hotel is close to George Washington University and Ford's Theater.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 99 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and minibars. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 37-inch flat-screen televisions with premium TV channels provide entertainment. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.Amenities Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and a fireplace in the lobby.Dining Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.

The Jefferson, Washington, DC

With a stay at The Darcy Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton, you'll be centrally located in Washington, convenient to Dupont Circle and White House.  This 4-star hotel is close to George Washington University and Ford's Theater.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 226 air-conditioned rooms featuring MP3 docking stations and LCD televisions. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.Amenities Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a terrace. Additional amenities at this hotel include wireless Internet access (surcharge) and concierge services.Dining Enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 2 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Breakfast is available for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and luggage storage.

The Darcy Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton

With a stay at Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House, you'll be centrally located in Washington, convenient to Franklin Square and White House.  This hotel is close to Ford's Theater and George Washington University.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 212 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.Amenities Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, an arcade/game room, and gift shops/newsstands.Dining Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 2564 square feet (238 square meters), including a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House

A stay at The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection places you in the heart of Washington, minutes from World Bank and White House.  This 4-star hotel is close to George Washington University and Ford's Theater.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 581 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.Amenities Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a 24-hour fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Additional amenities at this hotel include gift shops/newsstands and wedding services.Dining Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 42,000 square feet (4 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms.

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection

With a stay at Kimpton Donovan Hotel in Washington (Downtown Washington D.C.), you'll be minutes from Franklin Square and close to White House.  This 4-star hotel is close to Ford's Theater and George Washington University.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 193 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations and minibars. Flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.Amenities Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include wireless Internet access (surcharge) and concierge services.Dining Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Relax with a refreshing drink from a poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 10000 square feet (929 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms.

Kimpton Donovan Hotel

Travel

Wedding Reception Speeches

All Reception Speeches, Toast & Performances

Video by <a href="https://rivionweddings.com">Rivion</a>

Julie Rodgers Wedding Speech

Julie Rodger's reception&nbsp;speech on September 1st at the Washington National Cathedral after her wedding with Amanda Hite.

Video by <a href="https://rivionweddings.com">Rivion</a>.

Wedding Ceremony

Full Wedding Ceremony Video Julie Rodgers & Amanda Hite 

Professional video footage by <a href="https://rivionweddings.com">Rivion</a>

Highlight Video Julie Rodgers & Amanda Hite Wedding

Highlight Video Julie Rodgers & Amanda Hite Wedding Sept 1 2018 at the Washington National Cathedral

Videos

See the amazing monuments of the nation’s capital lit by the glorious sunset and the spotlights that come on after dark. And do it all from the back of a green and orange trolley.
Board the waiting trolley as the sun sinks in the west. As you drive past the memorials of D.C., the sunset bathes them in its red and yellow glow, and their shadows grow slowly longer. Seeing the impressive Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Vietnam Memorial at twilight adds power to their commemorative message.
When the sun is gone, the spotlights come on to illuminate the city’s famous buildings. Now you see the grand buildings of the Capitol and White House lit up and towering above the city. Their structures stand out against the night sky in all their glory.
Through everything, your guide tells you historical facts about these landmarks, as well as some amusing anecdotes and spooky ghost stories.
It's one beautiful site after another until your trolley pulls back into Union Square.

Moonlight Trolley Tour of National Monuments

Experience the brilliant splendor of Washington, D.C. on this evening tour of the capital city. Hop aboard an open-air electric vehicle and admire some of the iconic illuminated monuments and memorials including the White House, Washington Monument, as well as the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Jump aboard an all-electric open-air vehicle and prepare to see the world-famous sights. Pass by the Washington Monument—recently reopened after major repairs from earthquake damage—as well as the Jefferson and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials. Keep your camera handy to snap a picture of the FDR Memorial’s cascading waterfalls and sculptures depicting President Roosevelt's 4 terms.
Pay your respects at the WWI and WWII memorials and admire the spectacular view of the city from the illuminated Lincoln Memorial. Your tour carries on toward the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where you can read the names of 58,000 fallen service members, and the must-see White House glittering from all angles.

Small-Group Monuments Night Tour

Delve into the African American heritage of the United States and its capital city on this local-led tour of D.C. Visit landmarks like Frederick Douglass' house and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and get tickets at the end of your tour to visit the powerful new National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Meet your guide and group and climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach to set off through D.C. Drive to the home of Frederick Douglass, which he named Cedar Hill, and spend some time visiting the grounds and visitor center. From there, make your way back into the city, exploring historic neighborhoods around Capitol Hill as you seek out landmarks like the statues of Mary McLeod Bethune and Abe Lincoln in Lincoln Park.
Pass by the Howard Theatre, one of the first theaters in the country to be built specifically for African American audiences to attend, and see Dunbar High School, one of the first black high schools in the US. Ride down U Street—the old &quot;Black Broadway&quot;—and pass the campus of Howard University. At the White House, hear the stories of the African American men and women who built this presidential estate and labored within its walls, and then make a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial.
Your tour concludes at the Museum of African American History and Culture, where you're given tickets to go inside and spend as much time as you'd like exploring exhibits on community, the visual and performing arts, religion, civil rights, slavery, and segregation.

African American Heritage Tour

Your all-encompassing tour includes 2 full days of incredible sightseeing opportunities.
Spend the first day visiting the main sights in the city center. One the second day cross the Potomac and head out of town and spend the morning wandering the grounds of Mount Vernon, the former home of founding father George Washington. On your way back into town, make a detour for the solemn sites and powerful tributes at Arlington National Cemetery.
DAY 1: D.C. In a Day tour itinerary includes:
Stops:
<ul>
<li>U.S. Capitol Building (Monday through Saturday only)</li>
<li>Smithsonian Air and Space Museum or American History Museum (Sunday only)</li>
<li>White House Visitors Center</li>
<li>White House (Brief photo stop only)</li>
<li>World War II Memorial</li>
<li>Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial</li>
<li>Lincoln Memorial</li>
<li>Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall</li>
<li>Korean War Memorial</li>
<li>Iwo Jima Memorial</li>
</ul>
Views only:
<ul>
<li>FBI Building</li>
<li>Federal Triangle</li>
<li>House and Senate Office Building</li>
<li>National Gallery of Art</li>
<li>Tidal Basin</li>
<li>National Archives</li>
<li>Washington Monument</li>
<li>Grant Memorial</li>
<li>American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial</li>
</ul>
DAY 2: Mount Vernon &amp; Arlington National Cemetery tour itinerary includes:
Stops:
<ul>
<li>Mount Vernon Estate</li>
<li>Arlington National Cemetery</li>
</ul>
Views only:
<ul>
<li>Potomac River</li>
<li>Fort Washington</li>
<li>Old Town Alexandria</li>
<li>Pentagon</li>
<li>The White House/Ellipse</li>
<li>World War II Memorial</li>
<li>Jefferson Memorial</li>
<li>Tidal Basin</li>
<li>Washington Monument</li>
</ul>

Two-Day Washington DC Grand Tour

Adopt a character and explore the evolution of espionage through the centuries. As you walk around the museum, discover the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies, and trace more than 50 years of spy technology developed by agencies like the OSS and the KGB—some of which is still in use today.
Classic film and audio clips, interviews with real intelligence community members, psychological profiles of the villains, and interactive experiences help you understand the connection between fantasy espionage and reality.
Admire a 50-year collection of exclusive vehicles, props, and costumes that belong to James Bond and his villains—many of which are on public display for the first time. Because it's not all about Bond, get an in-depth historical context of Bond's adversaries, and learn how they have changed over the years to reflect the times.

International Spy Museum

Travel over the Potomac to Arlington, Virginia to walk among the sober gardens and clean white gravestones in the 600-acre (242-ha) Arlington National Cemetery. Explore the reverent monuments and memorials of this hallowed ground on a convenient trolley that takes you to the cemetery's major sites.
The land that is now Arlington National Cemetery has played an important role throughout American history, serving as a camp for Federal Troops during the Civil War and as a safe haven for slaves entering the free North. It began to be used for military burials in 1864. Learn about some of the 400,000 heroes, presidents, and veterans buried here, and watch the somber Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
You can move through the cemetery at your own pace, stepping off the trolley for a closer look at different stops which include:
<ul>
<li>Marine Corps War Memorial</li>
<li>President John F. Kennedy Gravesite</li>
<li>U.S. Coast Guard Memorial</li>
<li>Pershing Gravesite</li>
<li>Memorial Amphitheater</li>
<li>Robert E. Lee Memorial</li>
</ul>

Amanda & Julie

Amanda & Julie

Photos