District Weddings

Washington, D.C. Wedding Blog – Real Weddings, Inspiring Ideas, Planning Tools, & Top Vendors in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

Archive for the ‘Venues’ Category

Strathmore Mansion and Music Center

You might remember this beautiful “Red Line” wedding that we featured this past spring. Well, whether you are traditional or contemporary, Strathmore Mansion and Music Center is a venue to consider!

The magnificent Georgian Mansion sits high upon a hill, and is surrounded by centuries-old trees, flowering shrubs and perfectly manicured lawns.  The inside features marble and polished oak, glittering chandeliers, gleaming brass fixtures, towering Palladian windows, and a sweeping staircase that just begs for a bridal procession. The Mansion at Strathmore has been the choice for hundreds of couples for their dream weddings.

On the other hand, the grand and contemporary Music Center takes its cues from the rolling hills and park-like setting with a softly undulating roof that appears to merge into the steep hills of the Strathmore property.  A six-story glass wall in the Lockheed Martin Lobby overlooks an 11-acre site of greenery.  With its soaring glass walls and windows throughout, beautiful natural light fills interior spaces of the Music Center, and the accents of natural wood make the spaces warm and inviting.

Both venues provide  a versatile blank canvas that can suit the needs of any individual.  In one campus we have the warm and cozy, historical turn of the century Mansion, and the light and airy brand new, world class performing arts center.

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Top of the Town

One of the best ways to incorporate the lovely city of DC into your wedding is to somehow include the gorgeous and stately monuments – whether as part of a photo shoot, a clever and memorable favor, or, in the case of Top of the Town, a breathtaking backdrop as you say your vows and dance into the night.

Top of the Town, a venue located in Arlington, VA, allows you to host your wedding with the the DC skyline in the background.

Whether looking out the 12-foot windows or from the outdoor terrace, the sweeping panoramic views, including the Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, all the way around to Fort Myer and the new Air For Memorial are breathtaking! I can hear the “oohs” and “ahhs” already!

Couples can choose to host both the ceremony and the reception in Top of the Town’s reception ballroom, which can be divided, if needed, into sections, as well as on the outdoor terrace. Cross your fingers for good weather so that you can dance in celebration as the sun drops, the air chills, and the monuments begin to glow.

Other wonderful aspects of Top of the Town are the beautiful glass enclosed elevator, elegant chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and its classic, gorgeous décor. Plus, it is centrally located and easily accessible from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and is only minutes from both the Reagan National Airport and the Rosslyn Metro Station.

Carnegie Institution of Washington

You cannot help but look elegant when saying your “I Dos” at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The breathtaking building, built in 1908, features gorgeous, shining marble floors, stately columns, winding elliptical staircases, and a grand entrance through 12-foot double bronze doors into the Rotunda from their 16th Street portico.

Couples can host weddings in the Ballroom, Rotunda, and the Boardroom. A typical wedding will begin with a ceremony in the glistening marble Rotunda, move to a cocktail hour in the stately Boardroom, and end with dinner and dancing in the lovely, spacious Ballroom, which connects to the Rotunda.

Photography Credit: Pereda Photography

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Ritz-Carlton Hindu and Christian Wedding

Hello brides and wedding enthusiasts! It has been a while and I have really missed you! It feels GREAT to be back and I am super excited to hit the ground running with today’s standout wedding by Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events. After a bit of worldly travel, I am in such awe of  Heidi and RJ’s Hindu-Christian interfaith wedding – the exotic colorful decor and the seamless combination of traditions has me absolutely swooning.

First, there was a Hindu ceremony complete with a barat, the elaborate procession with the groom on a horse accompanied by his entire family, set to music.  The festivities were outside of the Ritz on 22nd street, and drew quite a crowd. Aimee tells us that they “were nervous when a DC police car showed up — but luckily, the officer was Indian and loved it!!”

How amazing is the Indian Mandap by Sachi Sood? And, the decor by Volanni was so vibrant and absolutely AHH-MAZ-ING! The oh-so-talented Ralph Alswang of Alswang Photography captured the emotion, beauty and excitement of the day – fabulous pics!

The first ceremony was followed by a lunch at the West End Cafe in the Ritz with a Christian ceremony in the afternoon. The team changed the entire set up from oranges and magenta to cool ivory and blue for the Christian ceremony.  It was then that the bride changed into a white “western” style gown. For the Christian ceremony, the bridesmaids wore dresses of a lovely muted teal, with shimmering slate gray sashes and all carried individual bouquets with different types of flowers. Heidi’s bouquet featured flowers from all five bridesmaids’ as a special touch.

The reception had the most amazing entertainment – Two Indian dance troops, an “American” style big band called Fabulous Fantoms, and Indian DJ and a singer flown in from India. Talk about a party!

The guests were treated to a buffet dinner with American and Indian fare and danced until the wee hours.

Even the cake by Kendall’s Cakes had intricate designs, making it appear to be adorned with sapphire beads and jewels! It stood proudly in the room while guests dined at magenta and green tables with urns full of gorgeous flowers.

At each place setting, there was a box of cookies from One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn with baby photos of the bride and groom. Adorable!!

The lighting was done by Frost Lighting and absolutely completed the look and design!

The fabulous vendor team:

Planner: Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events

Photographer: Ralph Alswang

Floral and Decor: Volanni

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Venue and Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Horse: Harmon Carriages

Band: Fabulous Fantoms

Favors: One Girl Cookies

Raspberry Plain

Raspberry Plain, situated on fifty lush, green acres in Leesburg, VA, with views of the expansive Catoctin Mountains, is the perfect spot for couples looking to host their wedding in a quaint, Southern venue, indoor or outdoor, from fifty guests to two hundred guests. It has been around since 1731: rooms are filled with antique furniture, period paintings, gilded mirrors, and ornate Oriental rugs. These features, along with its burgundy walls, elegant chandeliers, and hardwood floors give the mansion an old, stately, and sophisticated feel.

Raspberry Plain provides four ceremony locations and two reception locations – allowing couples to host their entire wedding celebration in one place. Each of these sites has its own unique charm and beauty. The employees at Raspberry Plain are known for their Southern charm and hospitality. The venue has tables and gold Chivari chairs for indoor receptions as well as white wooden folding padded chairs for outdoor ceremonies. Love that those are included!

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