We met Caterine and Mark in the Fall of 2001 in Ellen and Marc's Aerials classes. Everyone was drawn to Catherine, because after years of Ballet, she could twist herself into a pretzel while keeping a brilliant smile on her face. She and her fiance, Mark Walvoord caught the Swing and Vintage bug big time over the next few months. They are probably two of the nicest people who have ever graced the swing dance scene and we were thrilled when they announced their engagement and even more thrilled when they invited us to their wedding. And What a Wedding it was!

The Ceremony

At One o'Clock in the afternoon, family and friends gathered at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Chevy Chase Circle, just inside the District. The lovely English Country style building was the perfect setting for the intimate ceremony

Catherine, with her Mom and Dad


Mark, with his Mom and Dad


Mario provided spectacular accompaniement on the violin


Ellen and Marc
Due to a last minute glitch, Marc was drafted as a Groomsman



Tony, Connie and David


Catherine and Mark Walvoord


A Lindy Wedding from the Git-Go!!!


For more photos of the Ceremony, check out Ellen Engle's Photos of the wedding

The reception was held at the Ballroom of the McLean Gardens apartment complex. This is a wonderful building dating to 1942 when the Defense Housing Agency built the entire complex to ease the wartime housing shortage in DC. The ballroom is in the Georgian style and is perfectly proportioned. Of note to Lindy Hoppers, the couple had installed a very large lemonade dispensing station right outside the door. This should be a part of our regular dances!!!

Everything was perfectly done. The setting was elegant, but everyone had a relaxed time. The food was especially good. Members of the band (who get lots of experience at these things) commented that the chesses were among the finest available. Since Catherine and Mark met in Paris, we assume that they learned their cuisine well! I was very partial to the Camembert...

Lush Life provided the music


The Lindy Hoppers manged to focus on the food!
l. to r. Ellen, Tony, Connie, Sonia, David, Karyn, Mario


Mr. Dirk Walvoord, Vocalist
Mark's Dad fronts a band called The Grateful Dads
He electrified the audience with a spectacular version of Rock around the Clock


Tommy and John treated us to
Big Noise from Winnetka


Cutting the Cake


Tossing the Bouquet


Taking the Photo


All the best to you, Catherine and Mark!


For more photos of the Reception, check out Ellen Engle's Photos of the wedding

Counter for the Entire Site (not just this page..)