Sunrise Cherry Blossom Elopement at the Tidal Basin
With the uncertainty of whether or not the Tidal Basin would even be accessible to the public, we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best–and imagine our surprise when we crossed the bridge and saw the blooms had popped overnight! It was the perfect (and best!) wedding gift for Tim & Lauren. 🙂 Just in time to give them a sea of white & pink buds for their portraits around the Tidal Basin, and Jefferson Memorial, a favorite DC wedding backdrop for a Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Elopement.
Lauren & Tim’s DC Elopement
To give a quick backstory, Tim & Lauren were high-school sweethearts, reconnected years later, they had just begun long-distance dating before Covid hit. With Lauren in NYC, and Tim in the military, this made things quite difficult–but they thought fast, and Lauren made the move to DC while work from home was an option. They quickly realized that they didn’t want to NOT do life together–they had found their person, and began the plans of a small, intimate wedding in DC.
Lauren had never visited the Tidal Basin before, so she was completely trusting Tim when he suggested they do it during Cherry Blossom time. Knowing the unpredictableness, plus the crowds that throng to DC to catch a glimpse of the trees with a monumental backdrop, we guessed a date and wished for the best.
When peak bloom was announced, it looked like it was going to be a couple weeks off, giving us hope for maybe life starting to happen with the trees, but certainly not peak bloom. The week prior to their wedding day, unseasonably warm temps rolled into the DC metro, and this helped give a boost to all the blossoms.
It was such a fun morning with these two, I wish that we could relive it every year for their anniversary. (Hint hint!) We stopped at some of my favorite portrait spots around the Tidal Basin, and then ended at the DC War Memorial, where they were joined by both parents.
Best Elopement Spots in DC
Under the marble dome of the DC War Memorial, overlooking hundreds of blooming cherry blossom trees. I can’t think of a more beautiful or fitting place to share vows, exchange rings, and have a first kiss as husband and wife It truly was magical!
Following their intimate elopement ceremony, we ventured off to some early morning Lincoln Memorial portraits. Another DC classic wedding spot for portraits, and I absolutely agree. The way the light hits is different in the morning, versus the evening, and I truly don’t think there’s ever a bad time there. Crowds can be a nuisance, but when there’s a bride & groom involved, you can almost part the ocean!
After capturing all the classic D.C. wedding portraits, it was time for an intimate brunch reception at Cafe Riggs. Like most companies during Covid–they’ve had to pivot, and cater to the need at hand. They did not disappoint! They had renovated a handful of guest rooms in the hotel to a private cafe space. With a multi-course brunch, and champagne to celebrate, it makes me even more excited for the ability to plan and host a small wedding here in DC.
Without further ado, I am most excited to introduce to you the lovely couple–Tim & Lauren!
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