Christmas Wedding at The Mayflower Hotel

A Christmas wedding at The Mayflower Hotel, is a dream come true for a lucky couple and a treat for their guests. If you live in the area, you know how beautiful The Mayflower hotel is at Christmas. Now image that being your wedding. As a DC wedding photographer, I’m fortunate to photograph in some of the best venues DC has to offer, and The Mayflower lives up to the hype. With style, sophistication, elegance, and impeccable service, this venue is a perfect place for a wedding.

The Mayflower Hotel is located in the Historic neighborhood of Farragut Square. Wikipedia list it has the largest and longest continuously operating luxury hotel in Washington, DC. Click here for more information on planning a wedding at The Mayflower.

Angela and Ryan instantly fell in love with The Mayflower and looked no further. That’s right, I said they only visited one venue. Angela’s parents had a Christmas wedding and she wanted the same. Once they saw The Mayflower all decked out for the holidays, they were quickly falling in love with the space. Then they walked into the ballroom with an overlooking balcony and that was all it took. They canceled the rest of their site visits and book their date.

Getting Ready

When I showed up to start working with Angela, she was cool as a cumber. Her bridesmaids were in matching red robs and Angela in white. I wish all my bridal parties could be this fun and relaxing. After shooting the finishing touches of makeup, Angela was helped into her dress by her tearing mother and sister. Staying in their suite for Angela’s portraits was an easy choice, with large windows and great natural light. With very little direction and her sense of calm, her portrait session flew by.

First Look / No Look

Angela and Ryan wanted to see each other for the first time as Angela walked down the aisle, so they decided to do  first-look-no-look. These are so much fun to do. They had a wall separating them as they reached around an open doorway. As they were holding hands you could see the emotion build up as they spoke of the love they have for each other.

Ceremony

There is something so magical about a Christmas wedding at The Mayflower Hotel. The guys dressed in classic black tuxedo’s and the girls in full length red gowns, all played in well for a Christmas color scheme.

Ryan never once, looked away from the doorway where Angela would appear to him for the first time. Then it happens, Angela appears with her dad and slowly walks towards a very emotional Ryan. As the ceremony moves forward there were moments of tears and outright laughter by Angela. As they have their first kiss the guest irrupt, and cheer them on as the begin the procession.

Portrait Time

We now get to explore all the beauty The Mayflower has to offer. The main Hallway is 300 feet long and decorated with several Christmas trees and is one of my favorite locations. After finishing with the bridal party, we took Angela and Ryan outside for a more intimate shoot away for their guest. I love when a couple sees the true value of photography and doesn’t rush through the photo process. Understanding that we are creating images, that when they have kids they can share their wedding album with them, and relive the wedding day all over.

Reception

The ballroom is filled with guest engaging with each other, kids running around and the DJ getting the music flowing. Then, without warning the lights go down, the music lowers, and a spotlight appears as Angela and Ryan emerge on a balcony to greet their guest. The spotlight follows them as they make their way to their first dance as husband and wife. When it came time for Angela and her father to dance, it quickly turned into her immediate family in an emotional group hug in the middle of the dance floor.

As the hours passed, the energy never slowed down. As I packed up my equipment I thought

to myself, what a great way to start the Holiday season.

Wedding Coordinator – Mallory Rood
Videographer – Paul Kwak 
Florist – Edge Floral Event Designers, Jessica Ornstein
Cake Artist – Fluffy thoughts
DJ – Marc Augenbraum DJ Services
Hair and Makeup Artist – Kaley Weakley
Wedding Dress – Bridals by Elena
Bridesmaids Dresses – David’s Bridal
Menswear – Formal Bridal
Officiant – Pastor Chris of Centerville United Methodist Church in MD

If you are planning a wedding click here to read more information on some of the best wedding venues in DC. You can also sign up to receive my Wedding Planning Guide and tips on how to pick your wedding photographer.

If you need any help, you can fill out my contact form  or you can give me a call at 202-744-0341. I hope to hear from you soon and happy planning.

Cheers,

Lee

Lee@weddingsbylee.com

www.weddingsbylee.com