KPD Photography
Couple: Rachel Gabbay + Gregory King
Occupations: Rowing coaches for the National Cathedral School
Wedding date: August 24, 2019
Number of guests: 150
Favors: Turkish evil eye bracelets, engraved chopsticks, & maple leaf candy
KPD Photography
KPD Photography
// Love Boat
Before there was romance, there was rowing. In the summer of 2012, Greg King was coaching a competitive crew program in Washington, D.C., when Rachel Gabbay was hired as his assistant. At first, they were just friends who often hung out after work and went to the beach. But, after a few months, they realized their potential as partners on and off the Potomac.
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When it came to decor, Rachel and Greg’s motto was “understate everything!” They chose delicate flowers and a muted color palette of whites and grays, which they accented with pastel pink on the men’s ties.
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// A Regatta for a Ring
Three years later, in 2015, Rachel coached a freshmen class of rowers who struck a crafty bargain. Without knowing about Greg and Rachel’s relationship, they asked to be Rachel’s bridesmaids if they won Stotesbury, the largest high school regatta in the world. At that point, winning seemed like a far-fetched outcome, so Rachel agreed. Three months later, the freshmen prevailed, and they went on to capture the cup their sophomore and junior years, too. The night before their final race, Greg made his own promise: if the girls won Stotesbury for the fourth time in a row, he would propose. Of course, they couldn’t disappoint him. The next day, during the awards ceremony, the team received its trophy and a completely shocked Rachel received a ring. And that’s how Rachel and Greg’s wedding party swelled to 24, including 22 rowers, Rachel’s best friend, and Greg’s sister.
KPD Photography
KPD Photography
KPD Photography
// Her First Paddling Point
Since their livelihoods revolve around the river, Rachel and Greg knew they wanted to have a waterfront wedding. Finding their exact venue was easy. As a girl, Rachel grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay; one of her favorite anchorages was Swan Creek, which can be seen from the bridal suite at Osprey Point. “It’s where my parents first taught me to paddle [by myself] in a dinghy,” she explains.
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Rachel was set on finding a simple, a-line dress; ultimately, she picked a design by Justin Alexander. “I really liked that it had sequins on the bust, which made it feel girly enough, yet the train was plain and elegant,” Rachel says.
// Th-Oar Chuppah
For the ceremony, Greg constructed a homemade chuppah out of rowing oars and Rachel’s great grandfather’s talit. “It meant a lot to me because he is an outspoken atheist,” Rachel says. “While I am not very religious, I am a Turkish Jew and having elements of my culture included in the wedding was very important to me.”
KPD Photography
KPD Photography
KPD Photography
// What's In A Table Name?
To celebrate their love of rowing, Rachel and Greg named each table after a regatta or special trophy, with the exception of their head table, which was named in honor of a beloved coworker and friend. “Ed Magoba served as a National Cathedral School custodian and bus driver, but, more importantly, as an inspiration to all who knew him,” Rachel says. “Although Ed was unable to be at our wedding in person [he passed away two weeks beforehand], he remains with us every day in spirit.”
// The Details
Bride’s gown: Ellie’s Bridal (Alexandria, VA) Bride’s hair & makeup: Salon 854 Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson Bridesmaid dresses: Justin Alexander (designer), David’s Bridal (store) Desserts: Smith Island Baking Company Florals: DIY Invitations: Minted Men’s attire: Hockerty Music: Kennedy String Quartet (Ceremony), Steve Moody’s Entertainment Connection (Reception) Rings: Tiffany & Co. (engagement), Rubini Jewelers (wedding) Venue and caterer: Osprey Point
