No. Robert and Davis will have already exchanged vows during a private elopement in Shenandoah National Park. This event is a post-elopement reception, a celebration of their marriage with the friends and family who have supported them along the way.
Dinner will not be served at the reception. Guests can expect a cash bar for drinks and a celebratory atmosphere, but it is highly recommended enjoying dinner beforehand, as Number Nine does not serve any food. If you’re looking for nearby dining options, some favorites include Le Diplomate, Gypsy Kitchen, The Hamilton, and Barcelona Wine Bar, along with many other great restaurants in the area.
For those that may want to continue to dance the night away with Robert and Davis, they will likely have an afterparty at another location. These details are not finalized but will be socialized during the reception, if not shared prior.
Eloping felt like the most authentic way for Robert and Davis to begin their marriage. Surrounded by nature in Shenandoah National Park, they chose a setting that reflects their shared love of adventure and nature. Eloping also allowed them to keep wedding costs low and intentionally save toward their future goals, including growing their family through adoption. That said, celebrating with their community has always been just as important, which is why this reception means so much to them.
A lively, joyful evening focused on celebrating Robert and Davis as newlyweds. Expect a busy bar, music, mingling, and plenty of time to connect. This is one of the few moments in life nearly all of Robert's and Davis social circles and families will overlap in one place. This is meant to feel social, relaxed, and celebratory, so come ready to grab a drink, catch up with friends, grab a picture and raise a glass.
The elopement reception venue is a bar, which must require all patrons to be of a legal drinking age. All guest should bring an ID, as DC law requires them to confirm upon entry.
For those who have asked, Robert and Davis have chosen to have their registry focused on contributions toward their adoption fund. This is a meaningful way for those closest to them to support their hopes of growing their family, but it is entirely optional and never expected.
There will be no formal first dances or traditional wedding programming. There may be a few brief remarks or toasts, but the evening is designed to feel natural, social, and celebratory.
If you are traveling in, Robert and Davis highly recommend staying in downtown DC and flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA). No rental car should be needed, as DC has one of the best public transit systems in the country. They do not have hotel blocks for guests, but Robert and Davis did add a listing of hotel recommendations located near the reception venue on the travel page of this website for your convenience.
Unfortunately, the elopement location and special use permit cannot accommodate a large group and Robert and Davis have chosen to keep that experience to a small handful of people. Those that are invited to the elopement are in close communication with the grooms to get all necessary details.
Robert and Davis plan to have all gifts/donations during their wedding go into a high-yield-savings account until they are emotionally and financially ready to begin the adoption process. They plan to wait a few years before starting this next adventure of growing their family.