DC Cherry Blossom Micro Wedding
Alexis and Keith’s DC cherry blossom micro wedding was a springtime dream. They wanted an elopement experience that blended beautiful gardens, architecture, iconic art, and quality time with their closest loved ones, and DC absolutely delivered.
These two traveled all the way from Arizona because they fell in love with the marble, charm, and history of DC, which is something totally different from the desert landscapes back home. And as someone who loves helping out-of-state couples plan their dream elopements here, I can confidently say: Washington, DC, is one of the most magical places in the country to get married, especially during spring.
Let’s walk through their amazing day together so you can envision what your own DC elopement could look like during peak cherry blossom season.
Their Love Story and Why They Chose to Elope
These two have been together since they were nineteen, after meeting online and hanging out a lot with their mutual friends. They got engaged during a vacation to Puerto Vallarta for Alexis’s 25th birthday.
When it came time to plan their wedding, Alexis shared: “I initially thought I wanted a big wedding, but I realized it wasn’t what would make me happy—it was what I thought was the right thing to do.”
Keith was on board either way, and after helping her mom plan a wedding, Alexis knew deep down that something more intimate would bring them more joy.
“Keith always wanted to elope. He felt that something so important should be shared with only those closest to us—people who genuinely love us as a couple. Realizing that made me feel more peace and less pressure.”
And when they said they loved gardens, art, and architecture? Well… DC was the obvious choice!
Their story is such a beautiful reminder that your wedding day should feel like you. Not what you’ve seen online. Not what others expect. Just you two, creating a day that honors your love, your values, and your shared joy.
Getting Ready at the Hotel + A Sweet First Look
We started the morning at their hotel in downtown DC. Alexis and Keith got ready separately with their families and shared a relaxed, meaningful morning before seeing each other. Meanwhile, I also photographed their gorgeous details, including personalized velvet vow books, a heart-shaped locket, and other elegant pieces that were deeply meaningful.
Once they were dressed and ready, we met downstairs for their first look outside the hotel. Seeing each other in their wedding outfits for the first time made everything feel real! These small pockets of emotion are exactly why I adore documenting elopements.
Why a Private Driver Was a Game-Changer (Especially During Cherry Blossom Season)
One thing I always talk through with my out-of-state couples is transportation. DC is a walkable, beautiful city… but parking at iconic photo locations is nearly impossible. DC is stunning in March and April, but it’s also very busy. With thousands of visitors pouring into the city to see the cherry blossoms, parking can be a nightmare, and traffic becomes unpredictable.
That’s why I often recommend hiring a private driver! Especially for out-of-state couples like Alexis and Keith. It gives you greater freedom and peace of mind. You’re not stressing about directions, traffic, or missing out on locations because you can’t find parking. Plus, you can bring extras like clear umbrellas, snacks, or a change of shoes and just leave them in the car. And you get dropped off exactly where you need to be! 10/10 recommend.
This was especially important because Alexis & Keith’s elopement fell on the exact weekend of Peak Bloom, when the blossoms look like floating clouds and the petals fall like soft spring snow. Beautiful? Yes! Crowded? Also yes. But absolutely manageable with the right team!
And that’s why planning ahead with your photographer (hi, it’s me) makes all the difference.
A National Cathedral Garden Ceremony
Our first big stop for the day was the National Cathedral, where Alexis and Keith had their ceremony in the Bishop’s Garden surrounded by loved ones. The couple loves gardens, art, and architecture so this location couldn’t have been more perfect.
Their guests helped with setup, and live musicians played soft music as everyone arrived. It was a beautiful personal touch, and I always recommend live music if you’re including guests, because they love listening to music while waiting for the ceremony to start!
Alexis and Keith secured a permit for their ceremony (which is a must, and something I help all my couples navigate). A $250 photo permit is required to take professional photos at the cathedral, and it also covers short elopement ceremonies on the grounds for up to 10 people. If you’d like more people by your side, the other wedding permits start at $500.
You can learn more about getting married at the National Cathedral in my guide here!
Afterward, we took a few quick group photos before heading deeper into the gardens and Cathedral grounds for romantic newlywed portraits. If you’re eloping at the Cathedral, I always recommend carving out extra time here!
Cherry Blossom Portraits at the Tidal Basin
Next, we visited the famous cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The trees were bursting with soft, white-pink blooms, creating the dreamiest backdrop. This was Alexis and Keith’s first time seeing DC’s iconic blooms, and they were completely wowed.
Even in the afternoon on a Friday, the Tidal Basin was busy, but with patience and creativity, we captured portraits that made it feel like they had the whole place to themselves. This is why I can’t recommend working with a professional and local DC elopement photographer enough!
Cherry blossom season is unpredictable and fleeting, but it’s also unforgettable. If you’re hoping for spring wedding photos in DC, I highly recommend eloping on a weekday in late March or early April. Peak bloom can shift from year to year depending on weather, so building flexibility into your timeline is key (and I’ll help you with all of that!).
And again, having a private driver was everything here. He dropped us off, circled the area, and picked us up the moment we were ready to move on.
Romantic Portraits at the National Gallery of Art
Next, we visited the National Gallery of Art, one of my absolute favorite places for elopement photos. It’s free, beautiful, and offers elegant architecture, quiet hallways, and endless inspiration.
I always say that photographing in the museum feels like stepping into a living masterpiece, and my couples become the artwork. Alexis and Keith were no exception. Their portraits here are some of the most romantic from the entire day.
Pro tip: Museums are a fantastic backup option for rain, wind, or extreme weather, and they photograph beautifully in all seasons.
And if you’d like to learn more about how to elope at the National Gallery of Art, I have a full guide for you!
Cocktail Hour + Cake at Lyle Hotel
To end the day, we joined their guests back at Lyle Hotel & Restaurant for cocktail hour and dinner. Alexis and Keith mingled with guests while sipping their favorite drinks and enjoying the yummy appetizers.
They also had the sweetest vintage heart-shaped cake decorated with cherries (absolutely adorable!). They cut into it before dinner, and it was a joyful, intimate moment that perfectly matched the tone of their day.
This slower-paced part of the day is one I always love, because it’s a chance to fully be present with your guests, laugh together, and simply enjoy the moments together. I always make sure to get lots of candids of everyone hanging out because I understand how important your guests are to you if you invited them to your elopement/micro wedding. They’re your most important people in the world, and your wedding gallery should reflect that!
Planning Your Own DC Cherry Blossom Micro Wedding?
If Alexis and Keith’s story inspired you, and you’re dreaming of your own DC cherry blossom micro wedding, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Every Elopement and Micro Wedding Package with Juliana Wall Photography Includes:
- 4 hours to two days of Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
- In-depth questionnaires, so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
- Sneak peeks within 3 business days, so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
- Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
- A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
- Photographer’s travel costs included
- A new adventure buddy!
Whether you’re local or flying in from across the country, you deserve a wedding day that feels like home. Let’s create something unforgettable together! Learn more about my packages here! Please contact me if you have any questions, or even if you’d like to dive straight into the fun stuff!
Alexis & Keith’s DC Cherry Blossom Micro Wedding Vendors
Photography & planning: Juliana Wall Photography
Faux Florals: The Faux Boquets
Hair: Hair by Colby (Bride’s friend!)
Videographer: Precious Pics Production LLC
Cake: Home Baked by Eva
Ceremony Musicians: Innocenti Strings
