INTRODUCTION

A few days before their wedding, P & S reached out to me for an urgent last-minute wedding photography request due to their original photographer having an emergency. Luckily, I was available for their wedding date and quickly provided a consultation to learn more about the wedding details and their vision for the day. Their wedding was to take place at Tudor Place Historic House And Garden, an enchanting oasis nestled in Washington DC's Georgetown, where history meets natural beauty, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding ceremony. It was to be an intimate celebration with close family and friends.

Wedding ceremony setup at Bowling Green of Tudor Place for spring wedding

GETTING READY IN STYLE at Tudor Place

On the day of the wedding, as I arrived at Tudor Place first meeting with P as he got ready inside the historic Victorian Dower House, built in 1867. I documented P getting ready, transforming into a stylish groom in the library room with gold-leafed wallpaper.

Groom getting ready inside Dower House at Tudor Place
Groom getting ready inside Dower House at Tudor Place
Groom getting ready inside Dower House at Tudor Place
Groom getting ready inside Dower House at Tudor Place
Groom getting ready inside Dower House at Tudor Place

UNFORGETTABLE FIRST LOOK:

Looking absolutely dapper in his grey suit and blush tie, P and I headed over to a nearby Airbnb for the couple's first look. I got into position inside the Airbnb to capture P's expression. (There was a different photographer on the outside documenting S's reaction.) The moment was magical as they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire. Their faces lit up with joy, and their smiles were infectious.

Groom's reaction to dressed up bride at private first-look in Georgetown for Tudor Place wedding
Groom's reaction to dressed up bride at private first-look in Georgetown for Tudor Place wedding
Groom's reaction to dressed up bride at private first-look in Georgetown for Tudor Place wedding

The grand entrance

After the first look, P & S were enroute to their ceremony at the Bowling Green, a secret garden at Tudor Place. Hand in hand, the excitement in the air was electric. The wedding guests watched eagerly as P & S made their way through the garden aisle to the altar.

Music filled the air

As a music lover, I was captivated by the enchanting traditional Irish melodies that filled the air at this Tudor Place wedding. The bride, S, showcased her vocal talent with a heartfelt melody that resonated through the lush green gardens. Prior to the ceremony, the pianist (Matt Mulqueen) set the tone with elegant compositions, while the accordionist (Peter Brice) added a touch of whimsy and charm. The harmonious blend of the pre-ceremony music and the bride's soulful performance created an ethereal atmosphere that enveloped the entire celebration. It was a wedding where music became the language of love, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness this melodic celebration.

Peter Brice playing a diatonic button accordion at Tudor Place wedding.
Matt Mulqueen,  pianist playing the keyboard at Tudor Place wedding.

Tears and laughter at CEREMONY:

What made this ceremony especially unique and profound was that the bride's mom was the one officiating the ceremony. With an intimate knowledge of the couple's journey, the officiant weaved in inside jokes, shared personal stories, and delivered heartfelt words that touched the hearts of everyone present.


Surrounded by the lush green gardens of Tudor Place, P and S exchanged their vows in the presence of their closest family and friends. The bride spoke with such depth and sincerity that tears welled up in the eyes of many. The atmosphere was filled with love, and there wasn't a dry eye in sight.

DC Wedding ceremony at Bowling Green garden of Tudor Place in Washington DC
Wedding ceremony at Bowling Green garden of Tudor Place in Washington DC
Wedding ceremony at Bowling Green garden of Tudor Place in Washington DC
Wedding ceremony at Bowling Green garden of Tudor Place in Washington DC
Officiant laughing with groom at garden wedding ceremony at Tudor Place
Officiant laughing with groom at garden wedding ceremony at Tudor Place
Groom reading vows to bride at Tudor Place wedding
Wedding guest wiping away tears at garden wedding inside Tudor Place
Bride reading wedding vows at wedding ceremony at Tudor Place
Groom smiling at bride during vow exchange at Tudor Place wedding
Wedding guest wiping away tears at emotional vow exchange at Tudor Place wedding
Bride wiping away tears during vow exchange at Tudor Place wedding

A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND TOGETHERNESS

With the wedding ceremony came to a joyful close, P and S exchanged their wedding bands. With smiles beaming on their faces, they were announced as a married couple, and the garden erupted in cheers and applause. The newlyweds took a pause in their walk down the aisle, sharing a tender kiss. After the ceremony, the Bowling Green filled with heartfelt congratulations as family and friends embraced one another, sharing in the joyous moment. As their photographer, I captured these beautiful authentic moments as well as requested family and group portraits to commemorate this special day.

Exchange of rings at Tudor Place wedding
Wedding guest wiping away tears at garden wedding inside Tudor Place
Wedding guest wiping away tears at garden wedding inside Tudor Place
Bride and groom embrace at wedding altar inside Tudor Place
Officiant announcing bride and groom to be wedded at Tudor Place wedding
DC wedding photographer Tudor Place
Newlyweds walking away from the wedding ceremony as husband and wife at DC Tudor Place wedding
Wedding guests hugging each other in joy after ceremony at Tudor Place wedding
Wedding guest wiping away tears at garden wedding inside Tudor Place
Wedding guest wiping away tears at garden wedding inside Tudor Place
Family portrait at Tudor Place wedding
Family portrait at Tudor Place wedding
Floral detail shot at garden wedding inside Tudor Place in Washington DC

Everlasting love

As the sun began to set on this beautiful day at Tudor Place, I guided P & S through a romantic couples portrait session. We ventured to the picturesque South Lawn, with the historic house and the Temple Portico in the picturesque backdrop. The couple danced and walked down the gentle slope of the grassy hill, their happiness radiating through every step. The soft golden light created a dreamy ambiance. We stopped by the magnificent millennium poplar tree, its towering presence and the dappled light filtering through the canopy creating an artistic and serene setting.

Bridal portrait with floral headpiece and heirloom earrings at Tudor Place
Bride and groom share an intimate moment at Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom walking down South Lawn at Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom walking down South Lawn at Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom at millennium poplar tree inside Tudor Place
DC wedding photography Tudor Place
Bride and groom looking at each other at Temple Portico of Tudor Place
Bride and groom sneak in kiss at wedding portrait session for Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom at Tudor Place Wedding
Bride and groom at Tudor Place Wedding
Bride and groom share an intimate moment at Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom share a dance at Tudor Place wedding
Floral details with wedding bands for Tudor Place wedding
Bride and groom show off wedding bands as they kiss at Tudor Place wedding

Conclusion:

P and S's intimate garden wedding at Tudor Place was a remarkable celebration of love, laughter, and beautiful moments. As their wedding photographer, I felt privileged to have the opportunity capturing authentic emotions and preserving memories in photographs. May their path be adorned with everlasting love! Congratulations, P & S!