Who says you can’t have your closest loved ones AND that dreamy “just us” elopement vibe all in one day? Karen and TJ’s colorful summer micro wedding in DC perfectly blended a heartfelt gathering with a private adventure, proving you truly can have it all!
From getting ready at their hotel with their parents by their side and a dreamy pre-ceremony session at the Smithsonian Castle Garden & National Gallery of Art, to their ceremony at the DC War Memorial, their day was filled with so much love and intimacy. Walk through their summer micro wedding in DC below to envision what your day could look like, if you’d like to keep things small, but still include your loved ones!
Getting Ready at the Hotel
We kicked things off at their hotel in Bethesda, MD, where Karen and TJ decided to get ready together. I’m all about couples ditching tradition and making their own rules, and this choice made the morning extra special! While capturing their vibrant summer floral-themed details (yes, even small weddings and elopements can totally have invites and personalized details if you want them!), I could feel the excitement building.
Karen’s big dress reveal to TJ and their parents was the sweetest moment. Even without an official first look, seeing TJ’s face when Karen stepped out was priceless. The couple also decided they wanted to give a few gifts to their parents, which really was such a sweet, thoughtful gesture. Just look at the smiles on their dads’ faces!
Capturing Dreamy Photos at the Smithsonian Castle Garden
Even though Karen & TJ’s micro wedding was about 45 guests, they still wanted to dedicated a part of the wedding day to a private elopement adventure for that “just us” experience. That’s when we hopped into a private car and headed into DC and made a few stops at some of their favorite locations for photos.
Driving in DC can be stressful, especially if you’re not used to it, so I always recommend my couples to use ride share apps like Uber or Lyft or hire private drivers for the day to ensure a smooth and stress-free transportation experience.
Our first stop was the Smithsonian Castle Garden. It was a gorgeous, sunny June day and passersby waved and shouted congratulations, it was so wholesome! It’s cool to feel like a celebrity for the day. I really loved this part of their day! Karen’s veil was perfect to use for movement in the photos and create some unique and beautiful photos with the iconic red brick castle in the background.
Stunning National Gallery of Art Wedding Photos
Next, we headed to one of my favorite indoor DC spots, the National Gallery of Art. Not only is this museum gorgeous (talk about becoming your own work of art!), but it’s a lifesaver when you need to cool off from the summer heat. And it’s free!
We explored the gallery and had so much fun! Karen & TJ loved the airy atrium lit by skylights in the ceiling, filled with plants and trees indoors, with all the marble columns, and even a fountain in the middle of the room. And talk about serendipity— there was a room with a bright blue wall, which matched their wedding colors!
Pro Tip: Real flowers aren’t allowed inside, so plan ahead with faux blooms or leave your bouquet behind for this portion of your adventure. And if you’re thinking about eloping here, check out my guide: How to Elope at the National Gallery of Art!
Their Micro Wedding in DC War Memorial
Then, it was off to the DC War Memorial for their micro wedding ceremony. The guests arrived with a pre-arranged bus to the site and were greeted by a bagpiper the couple hired to play music before and after the ceremony.
Their ceremony was incredibly personal. Karen & TJ had one of their friends as the officiant which made the ceremony even more special. The couple also chose to include a ring-warming ceremony, letting guests pass their wedding rings around to share blessings and good wishes. A few special readings rounded out the emotional, intimate ceremony beautifully. Everyone cheered as they shared the first kiss and were announced married!
We then did family and friends group photos in front of the memorial. I always ask my couples for a list of people’s names and combinations so I can print that list out and call people’s names. It makes the process of family photos more fun and efficient! As guests returned to the bus, Karen & TJ shared an intimate first dance right there at the memorial. It was the perfect way to end this part of their day, and after a few more newlywed photos here, we joined the guests on the bus to make our way to the reception.
Curious about getting married here? Check out my guide: How to Plan a DC War Memorial Wedding!
Kind Words from the Couple
“Juliana made what could have been a stressful day easy and enjoyable! She made sure that we were comfortable and confident each step of the way. We planned “long distance” with Juliana and had full faith in her process and plan. She heard our vision and made it come to life. She created a beautiful “day of” plan for our micro wedding and found the most beautiful locations! We just received our “sneak peeks” and we are so blown away. The photos are more incredible than we could have ever imagined! Thank you, Juliana!” -Karen & TJ
Cozy Dinner at Caruso’s Grocery to Celebrate their DC Micro Wedding
Finally, we arrived at Caruso’s Grocery for their cozy reception. Karen & TJ booked a private room in the back of the restaurant and it was decorated beautifully with personalized touches like a custom crossword puzzle themed around their love story.
They enjoyed a lovely cocktail hour, and after a delicious family-style Italian dinner and heartfelt toasts, Karen & TJ cut their adorable cake topped with bright florals and a miniature figurine of their dog. It was the most perfect day from start to finish!
Planning Your Own Micro Wedding in DC?
Karen & TJ’s micro wedding in DC proves there’s no one-size-fits-all for weddings. You can absolutely have your favorite people around AND sneak away for an adventure, making your day uniquely yours. Do what you want, and enjoy it forever!
Do you see yourself having a beautiful micro wedding in DC like Karen & TJ? I would love to photograph your wedding and assist you in planning out the details. From location scouting to planning logistics, I’m here to make sure your elopement is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. You deserve to remember your wedding day exactly as it was! You can learn more about my photography services here. If you want to work together, fill out your inquiry form here, and I will be in touch with you soon!
Juliana Wall Photography | Washington DC Elopement & Micro Wedding Photographer
View more of Karen & TJ’s DC micro wedding day photos and save your favorites to Pinterest as you plan your big day!
The Vendors From this Beautiful Micro Wedding in DC
Private Driver & Bus for guests: Chariots for Hire
Officiant: Matthew Moore, ordained mister and friend.
Hair & Makeup Artist: Gina from Best Face Forward
Florist: Poppy Weddings
Reception & Dinner: Caruso’s Grocery
Cake: Buzz Bakeshop
Stationary: Zazzle
Chair Rentals for ceremony: Select Event Group
