Most DC weddings default to the same handful of venues — stately, marble, a little predictable. Allison and Ben skipped that script entirely and got married at The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s newer, architecturally striking addition overlooking the Potomac. It’s bold, modern, and not what people picture when they think “DC wedding” — which made it exactly right for two people who never needed to do things the expected way.

The whole day had that same energy: gorgeous without being precious, elegant without anyone performing for a camera. My favorite parts of shooting Allison and Ben’s wedding were the moments in between — the real laughs, the quiet glances — set against a building that’s basically a love letter to natural light and clean lines.

Getting Ready

The morning started quiet and unhurried — good light, good music, and the kind of nervous excitement that’s impossible to fake.

Portraits at The REACH

The REACH’s curved concrete and glass made for some of my favorite portraits of the year. We chased the afternoon light along its terraces and let the architecture do a lot of the work.

The Ceremony

Vows overlooking the Potomac, with one of DC’s most iconic skylines as a backdrop — it doesn’t get much better than this.

Cocktail Hour

Golden light, real conversations, and a crowd that clearly adored these two.

Reception & Toasts

Toasts that actually made the room laugh and cry in the same breath — my favorite kind.

Dancing & Send-Off

The night ended the way every good wedding should: everyone on the dance floor, nobody checking their phone.

The Vendor Team

• Planning & Design: Vieira Events
• Venue: The REACH at the Kennedy Center
• Photography: Lindley Battle
• Florals: Steel Cut Flower Co., Steel Cut VA
• Beauty: Caitlyn Meyer Pro
• Attire: Pnina Tornai, Brioni
• Entertainment: Pop Culture Strings, Sound Connection Band
• Linens: BBJ La Tavola
• Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals, Table Manners DC
• Stationery: Isidore & Augustine