National Museum of Women in the Arts Wedding in Washington, DC

Some wedding days just have a kind of magic you can’t plan for, and Abby and Curtis’ February wedding in Washington, DC was exactly that. When they chose a winter date, they did it fully expecting cold temperatures. February in DC isn’t exactly known for being forgiving, and they knew that going in. But honestly, that mindset felt very them from the start. Abby and Curtis planned their wedding with this beautiful sense of freedom; not worrying too much about what the weather might do, what traditions they “should” follow, or what anyone else expected. They were simply focused on getting married.

And somehow, the universe rewarded that attitude. Their wedding day turned out to be one of the most beautiful February days I can remember in the district. It was even before “false spring” usually teases us. The snow and ice had finally melted, the air felt fresh, and the temperature climbed to an unbelievable 70 degrees. Truly a one-off kind of day. The kind that feels like a deep breath after a long winter. For Abby, that meant something especially nice: she didn’t have to spend a single moment worrying about being cold in her sleeveless dress. With outdoor portraits planned at the Jefferson Memorial, that warmth felt like a little gift. You could feel the relief and joy as we wandered around taking photos, soaking in a day that felt more like April than February.

Their ceremony and reception took place at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and the setting could not have fit them better. NMWA provided the most beautiful, art-filled backdrop for a day that was entirely about intention and personality. One of the most meaningful parts of the day was that Abby and Curtis actually officiated their own ceremony. Instead of following a standard script, they crafted something deeply personal, weaving in the parts of their religious beliefs that felt authentic to them as a couple. It was thoughtful, emotional, and incredibly genuine.

And then the party started. Because of their shared love of sports (and the city they call home), they surprised their guests by inviting the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents to hit the dance floor during the reception. Watching these giant mascots dancing through the crowd at NMWA was exactly the kind of joyful, slightly unexpected moment that perfectly summed up the entire day. Abby and Curtis truly did their wedding their way. No pressure, no unnecessary expectations — just a celebration of their union on their terms. And honestly? It was one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed.

A romantic wedding at National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC on a beautiful February day that felt like spring!