I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Kaitlin and Josh’s intimate wedding at Green Springs Garden in Alexandria, Virginia.

Nadine and Luis decided to have a small and intimate wedding at the DC courthouse. It was a special morning for them. After the ceremony, we took some portraits around the city.

Alex and Annika recently had their Gaye Holud wedding in Annika’s childhood home in Virginia.

Hiba and Nick’s wedding day was a beautiful reflection of their multicultural love story, set against the vibrant backdrop of Washington DC. 

I had the wonderful experience of photographing Arland and Avanti’s Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm Wedding in Ashburn, Virginia.

Arland and Avanti decided on Clydes in Ashburn as the perfect venue for their intimate celebration. Surrounded by only their closest family and friends, a total of 10 guests, they exchanged vows in a small and personal ceremony. It was a joyful and emotional event. Arland and Avanti are planning to have a big wedding in India someday, but did not want to wait another day without being married to one another. Instead of going to India, they worked with industry talent from all over Northern Virginia to create a truly special event that honored Indian heritage and also the quirkiness of their relationship. Clydes’ Willow Creek’s patio was the perfect backdrop for their outdoor wedding, officiant Jeff of Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff drafted a completely custom wedding ceremony that honored all of their important pieces, and Oliva of Twin Brook Floral Design created a ceremony arch and bouquet that tied all vendor efforts together with summer blooms and petals. Right after the ceremony, Arland and Avanti Facetimed Avanti’s grandmother in India before sitting down to celebrate over lunch and champagne. 

As a photographer, it was an honor for me to capture the beauty and intimacy of Arland and Avanti’s special day. Small weddings like theirs in Virginia offer a unique charm, allowing couples to focus on the love and connection they share with their closest circle. Clydes in Ashburn provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate ceremony, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love.

If you’re considering a small wedding, whether it be in Virginia or elsewhere, remember that it can be a wonderful choice. The intimacy of a smaller gathering allows for more meaningful moments and a chance to truly savor the love and joy of the day. Whether you choose a venue like Clydes in Ashburn or a different location, an intimate ceremony with your closest ones can be just as memorable and beautiful as a larger affair.

So, if you’re thinking about a small wedding in Virginia, keep in mind the enchanting possibilities it offers. It can be just as beautiful and memorable as this Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm Wedding. The intimacy and love that fill the air during a ceremony with a limited number of guests can create a truly magical experience. Clydes in Ashburn, in particular, is an excellent choice for an intimate wedding that will leave lasting memories. Whether you decide to have a small wedding in Virginia or choose a different location, embrace the beauty of an intimate celebration – because love knows no bounds, no matter the size of the guest list. 

Vendors: Venue: Clydes, Officiant: Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff, Florals: Twinbrook Floral Design Weddings

Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm Wedding by Virginia Wedding Photographer Samia

 

Kristen and Harry’s decision to have a Washington DC elopement comes from the beginning of their relationship. Kristen and Harry’s love story began in the beautiful city of Paris. They met while studying abroad, as Harry came all the way from London and Kristen from Georgia. It was fate that brought them together through a mutual friend who planned a fun pub night. Their first date was a memorable one. After meeting at an Irish pub, they discovered their shared love for museums with stunning architecture, so they decided to visit the Musee de Jacquemart Andre. It was the perfect way to start their journey together. But the evening didn’t end there. Harry wanted to make it special, so he took Kristen to the top of the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Unfortunately, the weather took an unexpected turn as freezing rain started pouring down. However, instead of dampening their spirits, it turned into a hilarious moment. Kristen couldn’t stop laughing when she noticed fluff from Harry’s sweater sticking to his face. It was a genuine, belly-aching laugh that they both shared. They sought shelter from the rain at a cozy wine bar, where they talked for hours about their lives, dreams, and families. It felt like a rom-com movie, and it was in that moment that Kristen knew she had strong feelings for Harry.

Since that night, Kristen and Harry have been inseparable. They strongly believe that destiny brought them together. They have talked every day, and their bond continues to grow. As they started planning their wedding, they both agreed on one thing – they wanted it to be special and timeless. That’s why they chose the beautiful Jefferson Hotel for their Washington DC elopement. The hotel’s historic ambiance perfectly reflected their love and the history they were creating together.

The day of their wedding was filled with many emotions. During their First Look in the hotel lobby, their love for each other was so evident it caught the attention of passersby. 

They then had chosen the perfect location for their portraits around DC. The city’s stunning architecture and landmarks provided a picturesque backdrop for both playful and posed moments. One of the highlights was capturing them playing a game of mini tag by the reflecting pool. 

Their love story continues to unfold, and the photos from this day serve as a reminder of their incredible journey together. Kristen and Harry are proof that true love exists and that when you find it, even in the middle of a crazy city like Paris, you hold onto it tightly.

Vendors: Venue: The Jefferson Hotel in Washington D.C, Florals: Bloom Reston Floral

Washington D.C Elopement by Washington D.C Wedding Photographer Samia

Veronica and Nayke’s DC War Memorial wedding was such a beautiful day. They had the most precious of ceremonies gathered by a small group of family and friends at the DC War Memorial. We started with a small ceremony at 8am, as Veronica and Nayke had big plans to go out for pancakes and mimosas right after. The ceremony started with Veronica and her parents walking down the path to the DC War Memorial. Veronica also wore her mother’s wedding dress. What I love about the DC War Memorial is that no matter what time of day you come, the lighting is great because of the reflection from the water across the street and the reflection of the white columns. This great even lighting makes for the best skin tones, it is usually my first recommendation if you are looking for a small place to elope. What also makes DC War Memorial weddings great is that there are lots of steps that help for big family photos. 

After their ceremony we took family photos followed by bride and groom portraits. For Veronica and Nayke’s portraits we walked over to the water even found a couple of willow trees for backdrops. Fall is also the best time of year for using trees for backdrops, and it turned out to be so beautiful. The day ended with Veronica and Nayke’s small private stroll back to their families. 

DC War Memorial Wedding photos captured by DC Wedding Photographer Samia: