The Willard InterContinental Wedding in Washington D.C., The Lincoln Memorial & A Sparkler Sendoff…

Melissa & Nick made this Willard InterContinental wedding one to remember. Every from getting ready, to photos at the Lincoln Memorial, to the sparkler sendoff, no detail was overlooked.

Getting Ready with Melissa

As I walked into the bridal suite at The Willard InterContinental to say hi to Melissa (A.K.A. the bride), I had to sit back for a moment to take it all in. This suite was massive. There were 10 bridesmaids plus the moms and grandmas and still room to run around. They had 3 separate stations with hairstylists and a couple of makeup stations. With all that, I still more than enough room for me to stage some beautiful portraits. After the girls had some champagne, I’ll never tell how much. I finished Melissa’s portrait session, we headed out to start off the day.

The First Look

Melissa & Nick (A.K.A. the groom) had decided to do a first look to take advantage of the natural light outside and to do all the wedding party photos as well. So, after the ceremony they would have enough time to visit the Lincoln Memorial to take some iconic D.C. wedding photos – but we will get to that part later.  After all the pre-ceremony photos, it’s time for the ceremony.

A lot of beautiful venues do the reception great but fall short on the ceremony –  that wasn’t the case for this wedding at the Willard hotel Washington DC. The Willard InterContinental is a historical hotel AAA rated 4 Diamonds and is an elegant, beautiful and sophisticated place to host your wedding and reception. The Willard Hotel is centrally located and 1 block from the White House  .  Also, I can’t tell you enough that the service is outstanding – you will be treated like royalty.

Heading to the Lincoln Memorial

After the Ceremony, we jumped in a classic vintage white Rolls-Royce for our photo session at the Lincoln Memorial. Having shot their engagement session and working with them for a year, I knew how much they truly love each other. However, I now see their pride and love for our country by the location (Lincoln Memorial) they chose to have their wedding day photos taken. With the Lincoln Memorial in one direction and then the reflection pool and Washington Monument the other, this is truly a magical place. I do want to remind couples that if you want to shoot here on your wedding day, you will need to get a permit.  You don’t have time to waste on your wedding day, scrambling to find another location to shoot your wedding photos.

Back for the Reception

On our return to the Willard, we were greeted by a room full of eager family and friends awaiting the first dance and the opportunity to celebrate with Melissa & Nick –  and boy did they. It was one of the first times I can remember that the guests out lasted the bride and groom. After all the hugs, kisses, good wishes, celebration, photos, food, a little drinkee drink, Melisa & Nick were starting to tucker out and it seemed as if their guests were just starting to get the party going.

The last song of the night stated and we ushered everyone outside, passed out sparklers for the sendoff. Just like that, another magical moment at the Willard hotel in DC. Congratulations to Melissa & Nick !

Venue – Willard Intercontinental Wedding in Washington DC
Wedding Coordinator – Greta Skinner – Events Services Manager at WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL
Florist – Petal’s Edge Floral Design
Cake – The Willard Intercontinental Hotel
Band/DJ – Nate Clancy with I am the DJ
Hair and Makeup Artist – Ashlyn Landrum with Transformation Artistry
Wedding Dress – Anya Bridal in Atlanta, GA Allure Bridals– Style: 9258
Bridesmaids Dresses – BHLDN by Hitherto / Edith Dress
Groomsmen tuxes/suits – Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant- Sarah Wright, bridesmaid
Photo Booth- Taja Coleman with Sweet Little Notions
Shoes- Adrianna Papell


To read more great info. for planning your wedding, head over to my website at www.weddingsbylee.com or give me a call at 202-744-0341.

Cheers,

Lee

202-744-0341

Lee@Weddingsbylee.com

www.WeddingsByLee.com