
Yen and Ryan celebrated their intimate 50 guest wedding at the iconic DC War Memorial. Their wedding day began in their home in Alexandria, Virginia, just hanging out with their closest friends while getting ready.
That morning, the 41st Annual Army Ten-Miler race was happening in the city, which added a little chaos (and a lot of laughs) to the day. We ended up stuck in traffic, so we decided get out of our Uber and stroll through D.C. to find some shortcuts. And honestly? Walking past the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool in their wedding outfits, suitcase in hand, was kind of magical! When else are you going to do that?!?



Their ceremony was officiated by one of their best friends, which made the whole thing feel so personal and meaningful.You could really feel the love from their family and friends. It was such a heartfelt moment, and it reminded me why I love capturing these kinds of days.







After the ceremony, we spent some time capturing portraits around the DC War Memorial and nearby landmarks. The Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and National Monument made for absolutely stunning backdrops. Watching Yen and Ryan laugh and truly enjoy their day makes these memories feel so authentic and special.







For their reception, we headed to Maketto, the restaurant where they had their very first date after meeting on Hinge in 2021. How perfect is that?! The restaurant’s Cambodian and Taiwanese-inspired cuisine brought so much personality and flavor to the day. It was delicious and their service was top notch.







We even took a few photos at the exact spot of their first date. It was such a full circle! The restaurant, the vibes, the food, everything! It was the perfect way to celebrate their marriage!!










If you’re thinking about having an intimate wedding at the D.C. War Memorial, here are a few tips from my experience as a D.C. wedding photographer:
Hi! I’m Mariandree, a D.C. wedding photographer who loves capturing love stories at the DC War Memorial. It’s one of my favorite spots for elopements and intimate weddings! It feels so personal, even right in the middle of the city.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will capture your love story exactly as it feels, I’m your girl. I’m all about the real moments and little details that make your day uniquely yours.
I’d love to chat and hear about your plans! Send me a message HERE.