When Carri and Damiisa struck up a conversation at the Gryphon in Dupont, Damiisa thought she had a sweet smile and was captivating; Carri says he was charming and persistent. Their first date was a Backyard Band show at Society Restaurant & Lounge, and a few years later the couple went full circle and hired the go-go band as entertainment for their wedding.
The big day was marked by a “moody Secret Garden” theme in dark blue, purple, and green hues. Carri’s favorite element was the floral fountain at the reception; Damisa’s favorite was the ombré floral installation that lined each side of the ceremony aisle, going from purple to blue to green. Their slogan—WELCOME TO DC—was a nod to the couple’s initials as well as the District, with DC-inspired details including an ode to old-fashioned go-go posters on the escort wall and late-night appetizers like half-smokes, fries, chicken wings, and mumbo sauce.
The details
This wedding originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of The Washingtonian.