If you’re looking for a Washington DC wedding photographer who documents weddings as rituals rather than performances, Becca and Lin’s day is a beautiful example of what’s possible when couples choose intention over expectation.
Their wedding unfolded across two days in Washington DC, centered on privacy, flexibility, and celebrating their love in ways that felt honest to them. From a quiet morning apart, to a self-solemnized ceremony in a park they love, to two evenings spent around really good food with the people closest to them, their wedding felt deeply personal from start to finish.
Getting Ready in Washington DC, Separately and Intentionally
The day began slowly and separately, exactly how Becca and Lin wanted it.
Becca got ready alone in a nearby hotel, giving herself space for stillness before the day unfolded. Lin spent the morning getting ready in their Washington DC apartment, surrounded by familiarity and the kind of comfort that only home brings.
As a Washington DC wedding photographer, these quiet, intentional beginnings are some of my favorite moments to document. They set the tone for a day that isn’t rushed or performative, but grounded and present.
A Private First Look at Home
Before heading out, Becca and Lin shared a private first look together in their apartment. No guests, no audience, just the two of them.
Early afternoon light filled the space as they took in the weight of the moment together. They were real, lived-in moments that already felt like memories.
This part of the day is a reminder that you don’t need a grand backdrop for something to feel meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful images happen exactly where you already are.
A Self-Solemnized Ceremony in a Beloved DC Park
Due to a last-minute change caused by the government shutdown, Becca and Lin pivoted their plans in a way that felt even more aligned with who they are.
They chose to self-solemnize in Meridian Hill Park, which holds deep meaning for them, surrounded by their immediate family and grandparents. The ceremony was quiet, honest, and deeply emotional.
There was no performance, no pressure. Just vows spoken intentionally in a place they love.
As a wedding photographer, it’s an honor to witness ceremonies like this. They’re a powerful reminder that marriage doesn’t need spectacle to be sacred.
Dinner at Big Bear Café with Family
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for dinner at Big Bear Café, a space that feels warm, communal, and very DC.
Dinner unfolded slowly, filled with conversation, laughter, and the kind of connection that happens when people are truly present. It felt less like a reception and more like a long, meaningful dinner party.
This was exactly what Becca and Lin wanted: time, space, and the people who matter most.
A Second Night of Celebration at Elle in Washington DC
The celebration continued the next night with an intimate gathering at Elle, where Becca and Lin welcomed the rest of their friends.
This evening felt lighter and more celebratory, still intentional but full of joy. Food played a central role, which felt fitting for a couple whose love language includes sharing meals, lingering conversations, and community.
By spreading their celebration across two days, Becca and Lin created space for both intimacy and togetherness, without forcing everything into a single timeline.
Why This Washington DC Wedding Felt So Meaningful
What made this wedding stand out wasn’t the structure or the locations. It was how clearly the day reflected who Becca and Lin are.
They chose privacy when it mattered.
They chose flexibility when plans changed.
They chose celebration in ways that felt nourishing and true.
This is what weddings look like when couples give themselves permission to do things differently.
Planning an Intentional Wedding with a Washington DC Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding in DC and looking for a Washington DC wedding photographer who values presence, storytelling, and intention, days like this are at the heart of my work.
Whether you’re self-solemnizing, planning a multi-day celebration, or keeping things beautifully simple, your wedding deserves to be documented in a way that feels honest to you.
x B
