Elegant French Blue Willard Intercontinental Wedding
I hope everyone had a wonderful and contemplative Memorial Day weekend! I celebrated with Allison and Preston’s elegant French blue Willard Intercontinental wedding in Washington, D.C.
2020 Engagement
You probably remember Allison and Preston from their adorable Capitol Hill engagement photos. They’re still some of my all time fav engagement photos because these two were so cute and lovey-dovey in front of the camera! That session took place in 2020, shortly after their engagement. Since that time, Allison and Preston moved to Williamsburg, VA, so Allison could attend law school. They’re also pup parents to Winston – a fluffy, lovable chocolate brown Newfoundland.
New to Me Sessions
You might also know of Allison if you followed me on Instagram in mid-March of this year. At the time, I shared about how I was excited to be doing two new-to-me photo sessions: a bridal portraits session and a bridal details flat-lay session. Allison’s family has southern roots, where it’s a tradition for the bride to take bridal portraits before her big day. We took those photos in March, and while I was at it, she also wanted me to take some bridal details photos. That gave me extra time to focus on those photos outside of the rush of a wedding day. (I’m going to do another blog post on all of this at another time, but that’s all good background info for you to have!) I’m excited for you to finally see some of the photos from that day!
Floral Focused Wedding
Back to Allison and Preston’s elegant French blue Willard Intercontinental wedding! I started the day in the gorgeous and spacious bridal suite at the Willard, where all the ladies were gathered. My favorite part of the afternoon was when the florals arrived! You know my love for flowers and oh my goodness, was I in heaven! Allison had mentioned how excited she was for the flowers – and wow – I could see why! All of a sudden the bridal suite was filled with the scent of roses, peonies, and a handful of other delicate varieties. Not to mention how visually stunning they were with all the vibrant colors! Little did I know that was just a taste… wait until you see the floral arrangements at the ceremony and reception!
Allison and Preston decided to a first look (woot woot!) so they could spend time together and with their full wedding party before the ceremony. The thing that sticks out in my mind about these two is that Allison just lights up when she sees Preston! And vice versa. Preston is a warm and funny guy, and he keeps Allison in stitches! When these two are together, they’re usually laughing and that is such a beautiful thing to witness and capture on a wedding day.
The Weather Cooperates!
I know it’s cliche to talk about the weather, but I just have to mention it! After a month of rainy weddings (and one blazing hot and humid wedding), it was so nice to have an enjoyable temperature and some blue skies for our outdoor portraits. We popped over the new WWI Memorial across the street from the hotel for wedding party portraits. (Special thanks to Allison’s sister, Claire, for the train assist to get us over there!) It was such a beautiful outdoor space, perfect for us to be able to spread out a little.
Elegant Wedding Vibes
Back inside the hotel a veritable floral feast for the eyes had come together in the ceremony space! Between the florals, the string quartet, and the ornate decor, Allison and Preston truly had an elegant French blue Willard Intercontinental wedding ceremony. Preston’s great uncle was the officiant. I always like to hear a ceremony performed by a family member or friend because they have specific and tailored advice to offer the newlyweds.
I could go on and on about how beautiful Allison and Preston’s elegant French blue Willard Intercontinental wedding was (a lot happens in eight hours! haha), but as always, it’s probably best to allow the photos to speak for themselves. Congratulations and best wishes to Allison and Preston!
I would be remiss if I didn’t pop in to say these photos are basically an advertisement for asking your florist to include loose stems for details photos. 😉
Now this is one good looking bunch!
The entire room smelled like flowers!!
Allison & Preston’s Vendor Team:
Venue: Willard Intercontinental Hotel
Michelle Taylor LLC
Photography: Rachel E.H. Photography
Second Photographer: Leah Eversley
Al Menconi
Vintage Veils
Ring Concierge, Tiffany & Co.
Empress Stationary
Victoria Clausen Floral Events
Caroline Castigliano
Riziks
Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaids
Empress Stationary (menus, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, ceremony programs);
Essential Market (signature cocktail signs, guest book sign, and cocktail napkins)
J Hilburn
Willard Hotel
Bachelor Boys
String Quartet: Two Rivers Chamber Music
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.
