Classical & Colorful DC Wedding at the Army Navy Country Club full of In-The-Moment Documentary Photos
Planned by Sonder Event Co.
by Michelle Elyse Photography
Beautiful wedding at the Artlington, Virginia Army Navy Country Club with a whimsical color palette and classical ballroom setting. Washington DC Wedding captured with a fine art documentary style, filled with “in the moment” photos by Michelle Elyse Photography.
“I cannot recommend Michelle enough! On the day of my wedding, they were everywhere yet unobtrusive, capturing the most candid, heartfelt moments and the classic, beautifully composed shots I had dreamed of. They truly listened to what I wanted, but their creativity and expertise took it to a level I couldn’t have imagined.
The photos are absolutely breathtaking. The way they captured the golden hour lighting during our couple’s portraits is stunning. Every detail, from the flowers to the dance floor energy, feels alive in their work. Looking through them brings me back to each special moment, and I’ll treasure these images forever.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will capture the most candid day, Michelle is your girl!! Thank you for making my vision come to life!”
-Emily and James
A few favorites above…now onto the full experience of the day.
Emily and James knew they wanted to enjoy this day to the fullest and be fully present in the moment- which was mentioned even in our very first conversations. Even if you are looking through this wedding as a couple planning their wedding, I hope that you can feel the joy and the excitement of the many beautiful moments of their day. XO, Michelle
The day started out with Emily getting ready at her friends beautiful Georgetown home. The colors and whimsy matched beautifully with the aesthetic of their wedding. ( I may also have taken some notes on the wallpaper and decor for my ongoing home renovations)
Emily is absolutely radiant! We did an emotional first look with her girls before heading over to the Army Navy Country Club to meet up with James and start the day.
I’m getting Sophia Richie bride vibes and can’t get enough of this gorgeous cathedral blusher veil!
Their beautiful ceremony on the Second Floor Terrace of the ANCC was full of happy tears
This fresh and unique palette of dress colors paired so beautifully together, and the simple calla lilly bouquets paired perfectly. Keep scrolling to see the sweet handkerchief her bridesmaid stitched for her bridal bouquet.
After a perfect sunset, the couple and their guests headed inside for a gorgeous candlelit dinner in the Army Navy Country Club’s Five Star Ballroom
In the moment photos and fully enjoying the day were their goals, and they absolutely nailed it!
Icon level in-the-moment reception style and I am here for it. The band absolutely KILLED IT!
Vendor Credits:
Planning: Sonder Event Co.
Venue: Army Navy Country Club, Arlington Virginia Location
Photography: Michelle Elyse Photography
Capturing In-the-Moment Wedding Photos at the Army Navy Country Club
As a documentary wedding photographer in Washington, D.C., my approach is all about capturing the moments that unfold naturally—those fleeting glances, joyful tears, and unguarded laughter that tell the true story of a wedding day. Recently, I had the honor of photographing a stunning celebration at the Army Navy Country Club, a venue steeped in history and elegance. With classical and colorful cottage-core details and a bride exuding Sophia Richie-inspired grace, this wedding was a dream to document.
The Essence of Documentary Wedding Photography
Unlike traditional posed wedding portraits, documentary photography is about preserving the authenticity of the day. My goal is to blend into the background and let the magic happen organically, ensuring each image feels genuine and timeless. This wedding at the Army Navy Country Club was the perfect setting for such an approach—grandeur without pretense, elegance with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Bride’s Effortless Elegance
The bride embodied modern sophistication with a touch of old-money charm. Her gown and veil, reminiscent of Sophia Richie’s understated yet effortlessly chic bridal style, featured clean lines, delicate lace, and an air of grace. Her soft, glowing makeup and timeless pearl accessories complemented the aesthetic beautifully. As she prepared for the ceremony, I captured intimate moments—the careful fastening of a bracelet, a deep breath before stepping into her dress, and the way her mother’s eyes shimmered with pride.
The Cottage-Core Meets Classical Romance
The reception space was a whimsical blend of classic and colorful cottage-core aesthetics.Vintage-inspired candelabras and delicate table settings. Soft pastel hues mingled, creating a layered and textured visual experience. Each table felt like a storybook, a perfect backdrop for storytelling through photography.
Capturing the Unscripted Moments
Some of the most compelling images from the day were the ones my couples never expect. The groom’s quiet tears as the ceremony began, and the bride’s infectious laughter during toasts. At golden hour, the couple strolled across the club’s lush grounds, their silhouettes bathed in the soft evening light, completely wrapped up in each other. It’s these in-between moments that make wedding photography truly meaningful.
The Dance Floor Came Alive
As the evening progressed, the energy shifted from romantic elegance to full-on celebration. Thenight gave way to a lively band, and guests twirled beneath twinkling chandeliers. I documented everything. The spontaneous dance-offs, heartfelt embraces. The images from this portion of the night were filled with movement and joy, a perfect reflection of the couple’s love story.
The Beauty of Letting Go
The magic of documentary wedding photography is in the trust between the couple and the photographer. This couple fully embraced the experience. Allowing me to capture their wedding exactly as it was. Unfiltered. Beautiful. And real. These images not only remind them of how their wedding looked but how it felt.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Army Navy Country Club or anywhere in the D.C. area and want your day captured in a way that’s authentic and timeless, I’d love to tell your story.