Hotel Monaco DC Winter Wedding
Happy Wedding Wednesday! Today is all about Ashley and Todd’s beautiful and elegant Hotel Monaco DC winter wedding this past weekend in Penn Quarter in Washington, D.C.
SMILES AND JOY
You most definitely will remember Ashley and Todd from their engagement session this past summer at the Lincoln and D.C. War Memorial. Their smiles and joy were infectious then, and were even more so this past weekend at their Hotel Monaco DC winter wedding! I know Todd from my former day job and have gotten to know Ashley through planning their wedding photography, as well as over Instagram (that app is good for something!), and it felt like a fun little reunion getting to photograph them on their big day.
SQUAD GOALS
What also felt like a reunion was getting to see my fav hair and makeup artist, Carla Pressley, who did such a stellar job on Ashley’s bridal look – she looked stunning! Ashley put together such a wonderful, talented vendor team, including her planner, Kim Newton Weddings, and florist, Helen Olivia Flowers. All the vendors are listed below the photos but I wanted to give a special shout out to the ladies who helped Ashley and Todd’s day run so smoothly, giving us time to take beautiful photos as well as lots of pretty things to take pictures of!
QUALITY TIME
Ashley and Todd’s Hotel Monaco DC winter wedding day was centered around getting to spend plenty of quality time with each other, as well as their close friends and family. Their getting ready suites were in close proximity so Todd’s mom could spend time with Ashley as she got ready, as well as with Todd. Ashley also had her mom, brother, and good friends with her as she prepared for the day and I could tell everyone was so excited and emotional about being there together. The couple also decided to do a first look so they could spend time together before the ceremony, and also allowed them to attend the entire cocktail hour, so they got to talk to spend time with their guests all evening.
ALL THE BIG MOMENTS
Honestly, all of Ashley and Todd’s big moments of the day were so sweet – it’s really challenging to pick a fav! Their first look was the perfect mix of emotional and joyful. And epic – with that staircase, as you’ll see! I have to say, my fav part of their ceremony was a little comedic relief from one of the readers, who did the first part of the marriage monologue from Princess Bride. She had everyone in stitches, including the bride and groom – and even the officiant! And their first dance – whew, that was a doozy! From the touching song choice, to their romantic and loving dance, and just seeing Todd so happy – I was definitely tearing up behind my camera!
ONE AND ONLY
To officially kick off the reception at their Hotel Monaco DC winter wedding, Ashley and Todd gave a welcome toast. They thanked their parents, who have 80 years of marriage between the two couples, for helping them be the people they are. They thanked their guests for being there to celebrate with them after a challenging past two years. And they gave a special thanks to their vendor team. That was the only toast of the evening – and I think that just goes to show what a special couple they are. They wanted to send out love to all who were participating in their big day, and wanted to leave the accolades at that.
Congratulations and best wishes to Todd and Ashley! I hope your days together are filled with as much warmth, heart, and joy as you shared with all of us on your wedding day.
Besides this bouquet being visually stunning, we were delighted all day by it because it smelled like Christmas!
Ashley: professional bride! Just look at this gorgeous lady and that beautiful dress! And the veil!
These two are literally the cutest.
Again, I have so much appreciation to the vendor team who created a beautiful, elegant, fun day for Ashley and Todd:
Kimpton Hotel Monaco D.C.
Kim Newton Weddings
Photography: Rachel E.H. Photography
Second Photographer: Leah Eversley
Ronald Petrella
Carla Pressley
Helzberg Diamonds
Minted
Helen Olivia Flowers
Rosa Clará
Anna’s Bridal (Alexandria, VA)
Calligraphette & Co.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco D.C.
The Happy Tart
Dan Goldman Events
Select Event Group
Did this post get you excited to book your own wedding, micro-wedding, elopement, or engagement session?! If yes, send me a note and we can chat about what you have in mind: contact me
Hi – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia. I love taking photos of elegant people who love to laugh, as well as of much in-love couples. If you’re a dog owner, that’s a plus! I’m currently booking 2022 portrait sessions, as well as 2022 and 2023 weddings.
Thank you, Rachel! These photos are gorgeous! I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to photograph Ashley and Todd’s wedding. You did an awesome job!
You’re so welcome! It was such a treat to be able to capture their special day – they really are such a great couple – and it was lovely to meet you!