When it comes to planning a stress-free and intimate wedding, Tony and Lena absolutely nailed it—starting their day with stunning bride and groom portraits at the Lincoln Memorial (check out permit policies here) in Washington, DC, and then celebrating their love with a cozy backyard ceremony in Arlington, Virginia surrounded by their closest family and friends. If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in the DC area (or wondering if a pre-ceremony portrait session is right for you), this one’s for you!
Tony & Lena: A Perfect Match of Fun, Relaxation, and Elegance
From the moment I met Tony and Lena on our initial consult call to their engagement session (view their engagement session here), I could tell they were the kind of couple who just fit together. They have this effortless connection—totally laid-back, yet completely in sync. Lena’s go-with-the-flow energy perfectly complements Tony’s easygoing nature, and together, they bring out the absolute best in each other.
They’re not just relaxed—they’re fun-loving and goofy, the kind of people who make every moment feel light and joyful. But don’t be mistaken—while their wedding was simple and relaxed, every detail was absolutely immaculate. Tony and Lena found the perfect balance between their adventurous, easygoing nature and the classic elegance of a Washington, DC wedding. Their day was proof that you don’t have to choose between having a chill, intimate vibe and elevated, timeless wedding aesthetics—you can absolutely have both!
Why a Pre-Ceremony Portrait Session at the Lincoln Memorial Was the Perfect Choice
Tony and Lena decided to take their bride and groom portraits at the Lincoln Memorial before their ceremony, and it was an absolutely brilliant decision. Here’s why:
- It’s Iconic. If you’re getting married in the Washington, DC area, taking wedding portraits at one of the city’s most famous landmarks is a no-brainer. The Lincoln Memorial offers a jaw-dropping backdrop with its grand architecture and sweeping views of the National Mall. It’s classic, timeless, and let’s be honest—your wedding photos will look like they belong in a magazine!
- It Relieves Wedding Day Stress. Doing portraits before the ceremony allowed Tony and Lena to have a relaxed and enjoyable experience without the time crunch that often comes later in the day.
- It Gives You More Time to Celebrate. Because they took their portraits ahead of time, they were able to fully enjoy their ceremony and reception without feeling rushed or pulled away for extra photos.
- It Adds an Extra Layer of Fun. Weddings are full of tradition, but adding a pre-ceremony portrait session brings a refreshing, playful energy. Tony and Lena got to soak in the moment together in an iconic setting, creating memories before their intimate vows.
A Cozy Yet Elegant Backyard Ceremony in Arlington, VA
After their DC portraits, Tony and Lena headed back to Arlington, Virginia, where they tied the knot in an intimate backyard ceremony. With just their closest family and friends, the atmosphere was warm, personal, and deeply meaningful.
One of the best things about intimate backyard weddings is that they allow you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love with the people who mean the most. And for a couple like Tony and Lena—who thrive in a fun, relaxed setting—this was the perfect way to say “I do.”
But despite its intimate nature, their wedding still had a touch of DC elegance and sophistication. Thoughtfully curated details, a beautifully decorated space, and their effortless style brought together the best of both worlds—an adventurous, carefree celebration with just the right amount of timeless class. Their wedding is a perfect inspiration for couples who want a laid-back yet refined experience.
Why Consider a Pre-Ceremony Portrait Session & Intimate Wedding?
If you’re planning a Washington, DC wedding or elopement, incorporating a pre-ceremony portrait session and keeping your guest list small might just be the perfect combo. Here’s why:
- DC Has Some of the Most Stunning Portrait Locations – From the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial, the Tidal Basin, and even charming city streets, DC is a dream for wedding photography.
- Pre-Ceremony Portraits = More Time to Celebrate – You’ll get more photos, more time with your partner, and less stress.
- Backyard Weddings Keep It Personal Yet Elegant – Whether in Arlington, Alexandria, or elsewhere in Northern Virginia, small backyard weddings let you skip the stress of a big venue while still having a beautiful, intimate experience with stunning details.
Are You a Fun-Loving, Laid-Back Couple Who Loves a Touch of Elegance? Let’s Chat!
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Washington, DC, I’d love to help capture your love story! Whether you want epic portraits at a DC monument or a relaxed, joy-filled ceremony with your favorite people, I’m here to make sure your day is documented beautifully.
If you and your partner love to laugh, keep things stress-free, and embrace the adventure of your wedding day—while still incorporating impeccable details and timeless elegance—we’re probably a perfect match. Let’s create some magic together! Reach out today to book your DC wedding or elopement photography.
xoxo,
Victoria V
