back

Weddings

Ian & Sarah’s Classic Catholic Wedding Ceremony with Georgetown Portraits | D.C. Wedding Photographer

The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer

In my nearly five years of being a D.C. wedding photographer, I’ve come to really appreciate the gorgeous architecture and style of Catholic cathedrals around the city. Not only do they make for such beautiful church wedding venues in D.C., they also seem to make ceremonies feel more reverent and sacred. Ian and Sarah’s classic Catholic D.C. wedding was one such example.

From the beauty of the Basilica School of Saint Mary to the simplicity and intimacy of their high tea style reception, every detail was so intentionally planned and seamlessly representative of Ian and Sarah’s story.

For this wedding, I served as Alex Crawford‘s second shooter. The entire day, we worked like ninjas to get all the inspired images you see below… and something just told us in those moments that this couple was born for Black & White. Not sure if it was their elegant & gracious personalities or the style of the venue and Sarah’s dress. Whatever the reason, we both felt we were on set for an Old Hollywood film.

Lessons you can learn for planning your own D.C. Wedding

  1. Don’t miss out on having your photographer take styled groom details! Ian’s memories were so beautifully captured just by taking a little time to honor each sentimental piece of his attire.
  2. Make the ceremony truly yours! Sarah and Ian wanted to share their Catholic faith and the beauty of its culture with their loved ones. To do this, they held a mostly Latin ceremony and took advantage of every segment of a traditional Catholic ceremony.
  3. Even church basements can be used to make romantic wedding photos! (especially if your photographer knows how to capture it in an editorial way… and especially edited in black and white.) Wanting a simple, intimate reception, Sarah and Ian still twirled around the plain church basement. And their joy was all the decor that place needed to light up!
  4. Just because your venue is in one part of the city, doesn’t mean you can’t take portraits elsewhere! Sarah had always envisioned romantic wedding portraits near the Dumbarton Oaks Museum gate, and around Georgetown. Thanks to a flexible timeline, we made it happen… and the results were magic.

Groom Details & Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos

Flat lay of military Groom details | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom getting ready for wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom details and getting ready photos for wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom getting ready for wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy and Marine servicemember groomsmen photo | D.C. wedding photographer
Brackish bowtie on military groom for wedding day | D.C. wedding photographer
Brackish bowtie on military groom for wedding day | D.C. wedding photographer
Brackish bowtie on military groom for wedding day | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom getting ready on wedding day | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom and groomsmen | D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom portrait on wedding day | D.C. wedding photographer

A Sentimental, Classic Catholic D.C. Wedding Ceremony at the Basilica School of Saint Mary

The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
The Basilica School of Saint Mary - D.C. wedding ceremony venue for a classic Catholic D.C. wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Catholic wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Catholic wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Catholic wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Catholic wedding ceremony | D.C. wedding photographer
Catholic wedding ceremony and military sword arch send-off | D.C. wedding photographer

Classic Catholic D.C. Wedding Portraits Inside the Basilica School of Saint Mary

Traditional catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Portrait of a bride holding tulip bouquet at her traditional Catholic wedding at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Portrait of a bride and groom at their traditional Catholic wedding at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer

A High Tea Inspired Catholic D.C. Wedding Reception at the Basilica School of Saint Mary

Bride and groom share a first dance after their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Bride and groom share a first dance after their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Bride shares a Father-Daughter dance after her traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom shares a Mother-Son dance after his traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom shares a Mother-Son dance after his traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Navy servicemember groom and his bride cut the cake after their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer

Wedding Portraits near Dumbarton Oaks Museum | Georgetown Wedding

Military black tie wedding bridal party photo in front of the Dumbarton Oaks Museum gate in Georgetown, taken after a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Military groom and his bride share a kiss in front of the Dumbarton Oaks Museum gate in Georgetown, taken after their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Basilica School of Saint Mary in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Bride and groom walking across the street in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Bride and groom share a kiss in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer
Bride and groom share a kiss in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. | Photo taken by D.C. wedding photographer

Thanks for viewing my work!! I hope you enjoyed it… if so, here are a few other posts I think you should check out next:

featured

Every detail of the Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase 2025 was pure magic. As an Atlanta wedding photographer, I had the joy of being invited to capture not only the beautifully curated spaces but also the intimate behind-the-scenes moments that made this spring showcase possible. From lush florals to elegant table settings, the event was a treasure trove of spring wedding inspiration for brides dreaming up their perfect day.

Hosted at Nova Studio in the heart of Atlanta, this carefully crafted experience was designed to set the tone for the upcoming wedding season—and it did not disappoint.

Spring Wedding Inspiration for Modern Southern Brides

The design vision for the showcase–Prima Flora–embraced soft pastels, delicate textures, and fresh seasonal styling. Think romantic blush tones, textured linens, and floral-forward installations. Madelyn and her talented team created a setting that felt simultaneously elevated and welcoming. It was truly a perfect exhibition of what sophisticated spring weddings can be in Georgia.

As I arrived early to document the event setup, I was able to photograph the team in their element: adjusting linens, styling stationery, and rehearsing the layout one last time. These behind-the-scenes moments revealed just how much heart went into this event. It’s easy to see why so many brides trust Madelyn Tenney Events to bring their dream weddings to life.

Behind the Scenes with Madelyn Tenney Events

Before the doors opened, I had the privilege of capturing team headshots for the women behind Madelyn Tenney Events. Their energy, collaboration, and vision made it clear this wasn’t just a design showcase—it was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and community.

The environment was buzzing with excitement as florists arranged final stems and vendors fluffed the final cushions. The team’s chemistry was undeniable, and it translated directly into the seamless flow of the event itself.

The Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase

At the heart of the showcase were the intentional design vignettes. Each space told a story, offering spring wedding inspiration tailored for modern Southern brides. One standout element was a centerpiece floral installation by Marigo Flowers, assisted by Pollen Floral Company. It floated above a table layered with blush-toned linens from BBJ La Tavola, catching the light beautifully throughout the afternoon.

An eye-catching ice sculpture by Ice Sculpture Inc. ATL added a playful, elevated touch to the scene, while live entertainment from Jewel the Ballerina captivated attendees with ethereal movement, bringing life to the experience. Glasswing Rentals curated tableware that sparkled under the natural light of Nova Studio, and JC Rental Collective and Party Bound contributed pieces that gave each setup personality and polish.

Why This Event Matters for Atlanta Brides

If you’re a bride planning a wedding in Atlanta, Savannah, or North Georgia looking for fresh spring wedding inspiration, events like this one are invaluable. They don’t just showcase trends—they display the talent of local, trustworthy vendors who are passionate about what they do.

Every vendor at this showcase brought their A-game. Seeing each one’s work in person—and getting to document it as a film-inspired wedding photographer—was such an honor.

What I Loved Most as an Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Photographing this spring wedding inspiration at Nova Studio was a dream. The soft filtered light made the colors pop in a way that felt timeless and true-to-color. My goal is always to deliver film-inspired wedding photos that feel both editorial and authentic. The setting created by Madelyn Tenney Events was ideal for that.

Being trusted to document the designs and the passion behind them—team portraits, set-up, genuine laughter—reminds me why I love this work. These are the moments that couples don’t always see. These are the images that reveal the effort, energy, and heart poured into a couple’s day long before they say I do.

Want more from this amazing showcase? The full gallery is available for your viewing and inspiration!

If you’re planning a spring wedding in Georgia, take this as your sign: romantic color palettes, thoughtful texture layering, intentional florals, and a dream team of vendors are always a winning combination. And if you’re looking for a light and airy wedding photographer, I’d be honored to capture it all.

Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me to inquire for more information about pricing and packages!

Vendors:

Join my newsletter for more Photography tips & inspiration for atlanta weddings

MORE TO EXPLORE

Image Hover Zoom Effect
Savannah Georgia Wedding Photographers | Bride And Groom In Front Of A Coastal Wedding Venue With Spanish Moss
Image Hover Zoom Effect
Descriptive Alt Text

Top Georgia Wedding Venue Recommendations

Read on the Blog

Our Favorite Savannah Wedding Venues

Read on the Blog