Fort Washington couple wins National Harbor wedding

Katryna Fernandez and James Hicks met in college while playing Quidditch, the fictional, flying-broomstick sport of the "Harry Potter" books. But the Fort Washington couple said it was a blessing, not wizardry, that allowed them to tie the knot Sunday night — a $50,000 wedding provided by National Harbor.

"It’s the biggest difference. It’s the biggest blessing," Fernandez said. "To be honest, the wedding we would have been able to afford and plan years out would not even compare."

Fernandez, 24, and Hicks, 26, started dating in 2013 and were engaged last December. The couple, both special education teachers, started saving money for a summer 2016 wedding, but when Fernandez’s car got totaled in an accident in March, they considered pushing the date back even later.

The budget would have been tight to begin with, Fernandez said — Hicks attended the University of Maryland, College Park, while Fernandez attended Virginia Commonwealth University, which left the couple with student loan debt.

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That all changed after Fernandez’s cousin told her about National Harbor’s destination wedding giveaway, which awarded the winning couple a preplanned $50,000 wedding for up to 100 guests. The application required couples to explain in just 250 characters why they should win the prize, so Fernandez and Hicks wrote about how they met, their careers and financial challenges.

"It’s time something nice is done for them because they’re always donating their time and energy to help others who are less fortunate," said Christina Cosca, 32, of National Harbor, one of Fernandez’s bridesmaids.

Deborah Topcik, the marketing manager for National Harbor, said the couple’s story and energy swayed the judges in their favor.

"We wanted a couple that was very joyful and happy and in a good position," Topcik said. "Katryna has just recently been in an accident, but their story was very cute and uplifting and that’s really the reason why we chose them."

Fernandez and Hicks entered the contest at the end of March and found out they were finalists April 6. The prize winners were publicly announced April 16 and the wedding date was only 10 days later.

"It was so surreal. At the same time it was a heavy load off of my shoulders," Hicks said. "Everything was done for us and it was really a blessing."

Despite the tight schedule, the couple got hitched without a hitch. Fernandez and Hicks wed at the Sunset Room at National Harbor and held their reception at the East Pier tent.

The couple put a "Harry Potter" twist on one wedding custom — instead of jumping a plain broom, the couple jumped over Hicks’ first Quidditch broomstick.

Hicks’ mother, Ronda Hicks, 51, of New York said her son and daughter-in-law were the ideal couple to win the contest, not just because of the love they have for each other, but also for their dedication to special-needs students.

"My husband and I believe when you give up yourself to others it comes back sevenfold," Ronda Hicks said. "It’s no surprise they did because they give out, so they deserve it."

The couple took a brief honeymoon before returning to teach at their schools this week, but said they are planning a longer honeymoon in the summer.

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