Jake and Ashlyn tied the knot at the stunning National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and every moment of the day felt like a dream. From start to finish, everything was perfect.
I arrived early and first found Jake, who was eagerly waiting to marry his best friend. He was so excited to see Ashlyn and couldn’t stop smiling. We chatted briefly about the ceremony—where he would stand and where the family would be standing. Shortly after, I found Ashlyn in her gorgeous white dress, absolutely glowing. She was so excited to walk down the aisle and see her groom for the first time before saying “I do.”
As the ceremony began, Ashlyn made her entrance, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The garden where they exchanged vows was so vibrant—full of greenery and a beautiful fountain, the perfect backdrop for a beautiful moment.
Jake and Ashlyn exchanged heartfelt vows, slipped on their rings, and said “I do” while their loved ones cheered. Afterward, we spent some time saying hello and capturing a few group photos. The guests had left, it was just the three of us—Jake, Ashlyn, and me—exploring the museum and capturing quiet, magical moments.
We started in the garden where they had just been married and got some of the dreamiest photos. From there, we wandered through the museum, taking in the incredible art and architecture while soaking in the newlywed bliss. I tried to take a “fly on the wall” approach throughout the day, allowing Jake and Ashlyn to be fully present with each other.
One of my favorite sets of images from the day was taken in the museum’s stairwell. The lighting, the soft tones, and the texture of the steps created a perfect frame. Jake and Ashlyn looked absolutely stunning as they walked down the stairs together. We captured sweet moments of them holding hands, sharing kisses, looking into each other’s eyes, and Jake admiring his beautiful new wife.
We wrapped up the day with a private dinner for the newlyweds at a cozy restaurant in the Navy Yard. Over dinner, we talked about their upcoming honeymoon and laughed about the highlights of the day. We also gushed over the photos we had just taken and how excited we were to see the final gallery.
This Washington, D.C. elopement has easily become one of my favorite weddings to date.
If you’re looking for a photographer with a documentary-style, “fly on the wall” approach—someone who captures love and genuine emotion—head over to my contact page and let’s connect!