Fairmont Washington, DC Wedding

VIRGINIA & ALEX

A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Washington, DC

GROOM'S SUIT DESIGNER — Emporio Armani
GROOM'S WATCH — Rolex
RENTALS & LINENS — DC Rental
LIGHTING — Encore Décor Inc.
ENGAGEMENT RING — Tiny Jewel Box
CALLIGRAPHY — Just Write Studios
ENTERTAINMENT — Rhythm 6, Washington Talent Agency
HONEYMOON — The St. Regis Florence, Villa di Piazzano, Hotel Vilòn in Rome

Creative Team:

PHOTOGRAPHY & FLATLAY DESIGN — Anna Schmidt Photography
PLANNING & EVENT DESIGN — Amanda McCabe (Beacon and Berkeley Events)
VENUE & CATERING — Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown
CEREMONY VENUE — Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
FLORALS — Floral and Bloom Designs
HAIR & MAKEUP — Amie Decker Beauty
BRIDAL GOWN DESIGNER — Monique L’Huillier
DRESS STORE — Carine’s Bridal Atelier
RECEPTION DRESS — A.L.C.

Some weddings feel rooted in a particular moment. Virginia and Alex's wedding felt rooted in something much older.

From the beginning, their celebration was shaped by an appreciation for tradition—not as something static, but as something carried forward and made personal by each new generation.

The day began at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, where family, faith, and centuries-old ritual came together beneath soaring mosaics and golden light. Central to the ceremony was the Rite of Crowning, a defining tradition of the Greek Orthodox faith that symbolizes unity, commitment, and the shared journey of marriage.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered at the Fairmont Washington, DC for a reception that balanced timeless elegance with thoughtful personal touches. Inspired by an English garden in bloom, the design featured soft florals, layered textures, and a palette of blues, creams, and blush tones that felt both classic and inviting.

Some of the most meaningful details were also the most personal. Blue-and-white china incorporated throughout the reception paid tribute to Virginia's grandmothers—one an avid collector of Spode Italian Blue, the other known for her love of Delftware. Rather than serving simply as décor, these elements connected the celebration to the women whose influence helped shape her life.

Throughout the day, there was a sense of continuity woven into the experience. Family traditions were honored. Faith remained at the center of the ceremony. Meaningful heirlooms and personal references appeared throughout the design. Yet nothing felt overly formal or bound to the past. The celebration felt unmistakably their own.

One of the things I loved most about photographing this wedding was the way it balanced refinement with warmth. Beneath the beautiful details and elegant setting was a gathering centered on relationships, shared history, and the people who have supported Virginia and Alex along the way.
Even the smallest details reflected that spirit—from beloved family traditions to thoughtful nods to their pug, Dolly, who made her own appearance throughout the celebration.

Years from now, guests may remember the beautiful cathedral, the candlelit reception, or the garden-inspired design. But what made the day memorable was the way every element felt connected to something meaningful. Tradition made personal.