Ultimate DC Wedding at Hay-Adams Hotel Overlooking the White House & St. Albans Church Ceremony with 2 Day Photography Coverage
Planned by Impact Collective
by Michelle Elyse Photography
Incredible Downtown Washington DC wedding. Ceremony at St. Albans Episcopal Church next to the National Cathedral. Wedding reception atop the Hay Adams Hotel. Classic wedding at iconic luxury wedding venue. Featuring documentary wedding photographer Michelle Elyse Photography.
A few favorites above…now onto the rest of the experience.
This couple chose to book 2 separate sessions of coverage that included their Wedding Day and Engagement Session. I’ll share a brief snippet of their other session to set the tone for their incredible wedding day, which will be shared in detail below.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION:
Sydney and Harrison chose to have their session at the National Gallery of Art along with some of the surrounding buildings in Washington DC. It was a beautiful setting that perfectly suited these two classic souls.
WEDDING DAY:
Sydney & Harrison’s beautiful day took place at two iconic venues within the heart of Washington DC: The St. Albans Episcopal Church for their ceremony. And the Hay-Adams Hotel for their cocktail hour and reception.
The day began with Sydney and her attendants getting ready in the beautifully appointed Presidential Suite of the Hay Adams Hotel
We headed to St. Albans church before the ceremony to take photos with their wedding parties and immediate family in the Bishops Garden next to the National Cathedral.
Above: Sydney had gifted each of her bridesmaids with a unique clutch which she had thoughtfully selected at various shops and vintage stores.
Below: Harrison shares a sweet moment with his mom
Honoring tradition, the couple chose to save their first look for the ceremony moment. What a beautiful setting to be wed.
Those newlywed smiles can’t be topped!
After their ceremony we then headed back into the Hay Adams Hotel for their elegant cocktail hour and reception. Guests were able to appreciate the incredible views of the Capitol as the sun set and into the night. After dusk, red, white, and blue lights shone on the White House in celebration of the finalizing Olympic Games
These two attorneys met in DC while in Law School. Their families came in from across the country to celebrate in the couple’s new home town. And what an iconic spot to celebrate this wonderful occasion!
Thank you so much Sydney and Harrison for asking me to capture these wonderful memories for you and your families! I have cherished getting to know you both and being a part of this with you all! ~XO Michelle
CONTACT ME HERE: Michelle Elyse Photography
View my PORTFOLIO of International and US weddings HERE
A Timeless Washington DC Wedding: Hay-Adams Hotel and St. Albans Episcopal Church
Washington, DC is a city brimming with history, elegance, and timeless beauty. When it comes to planning a wedding that embodies these qualities, few venues compare to the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel and the historic St. Albans Episcopal Church. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a wedding that seamlessly blended classic sophistication with the vibrant energy of the nation’s capital.
The Ceremony: St. Albans Episcopal Church
Nestled next to the National Cathedral, St. Albans Episcopal Church offers a serene and picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony. The church’s Gothic architecture, with its soaring arches and intricate stained glass windows, provided a breathtaking backdrop as the couple exchanged their vows. The historic ambiance of St. Albans added a layer of gravitas to the ceremony. Making it a truly memorable event.
As a documentary wedding photographer, my goal is to capture the authentic emotions and candid moments that tell the story of the day. The quiet anticipation as the bride prepared to walk down the aisle. The groom’s beaming smile as he saw his bride for the first time. And the tearful embrace of family members during the ceremony. All of these moments were beautifully framed by the timeless architecture of St. Albans.
The Reception: Hay-Adams Hotel
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, one of Washington, DC’s most luxurious wedding venues. Overlooking the White House, the Hay-Adams offers an unparalleled view of the city, which served as a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The hotel’s interior, with its classic décor and opulent detailing, provided a sophisticated setting for the celebration.
The reception was a perfect blend of elegance and intimacy. With candlelit tables adorned with lush floral arrangements. The couple’s first dance, set against the twinkling lights of the city, was a highlight of the evening. As the night progressed, the joy and love shared by the couple and their guests filled the room. Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that was a pleasure to photograph.
A Timeless Washington DC Wedding: Hay-Adams Hotel and St. Albans Episcopal Church
Washington, DC is a city brimming with history, elegance, and timeless beauty. When it comes to planning a wedding that embodies these qualities, few venues compare to the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel and the historic St. Albans Episcopal Church. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a wedding that seamlessly blended classic sophistication with the vibrant energy of the nation’s capital.
The Ceremony: St. Albans Episcopal Church
Nestled next to the National Cathedral, St. Albans Episcopal Church offers a serene and picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony. The church’s Gothic architecture, with its soaring arches and intricate stained glass windows, provided a breathtaking backdrop as the couple exchanged their vows. The historic ambiance of St. Albans added a layer of gravitas to the ceremony, making it a truly memorable event.
As a documentary wedding photographer, my goal is to capture the authentic emotions and candid moments that tell the story of the day. The quiet anticipation as the bride prepared to walk down the aisle, the groom’s beaming smile as he saw his bride for the first time, and the tearful embrace of family members during the ceremony—all of these moments were beautifully framed by the timeless architecture of St. Albans.
The Reception: Hay-Adams Hotel
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, one of Washington, DC’s most luxurious wedding venues. Overlooking the White House, the Hay-Adams offers an unparalleled view of the city, which served as a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The hotel’s interior, with its classic décor and opulent detailing, provided a sophisticated setting for the celebration.
The reception was a perfect blend of elegance and intimacy, with candlelit tables adorned with lush floral arrangements. The couple’s first dance, set against the twinkling lights of the city, was a highlight of the evening. As the night progressed, the joy and love shared by the couple and their guests filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that was a pleasure to photograph.
Luxury Wedding Photography at the Hay-Adams Hotel
The Hay-Adams Hotel is not just a venue. It’s a canvas for luxury wedding photography. With its grand architecture. Refined interiors. And breathtaking views. The hotel offers countless opportunities to create stunning images that capture the essence of a high-end wedding. The delicate interplay of natural light filtering through the elegant windows.The rich textures of the furnishings. And the iconic backdrop of the White House all contribute to a setting where every shot can be a masterpiece.
As a photographer, working in such a luxurious environment allows me to elevate the visual storytelling. Ensuring that each image reflects the sophistication and elegance of the day. The Hay-Adams Hotel’s unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury makes it an ideal location for capturing the beauty and grandeur of a wedding that will be remembered for generations.
A Classic and Elegant Affair
This wedding was a true celebration of classic elegance. From the historic ceremony at St. Albans Episcopal Church to the luxurious reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel. Each moment was steeped in tradition and beauty. Making it a day that the couple—and their guests—will remember for a lifetime.
For me, as a documentary wedding photographer, capturing these moments was an honor. It’s weddings like these that remind me of the power of photography to preserve not just the events of the day, but the emotions and memories that make it truly special.
If you’re planning a wedding in Washington, DC, and are looking for a venue that combines historic charm with luxury, St. Albans Episcopal Church and the Hay-Adams Hotel should be at the top of your list. And if you want those moments captured authentically, consider a documentary wedding photographer who can tell your story in a way that’s uniquely yours