The Riley-Coleman Wedding at Larz Anderson House in Washington, DC
Set against the stunning backdrop of Anderson House in Washington, DC, the Riley-Coleman wedding goes down as one of our all-time favorite 2020 ceremony designs. Everything about the event was meticulously considered, from the setting, to the decor, and the all-important dress code.
Here are some of the highlights we loved the most.
The Setting
As one of the most beautiful wedding venues in DC, this fifty-roomed mansion’s eclectic interior feels as if it’s been made for weddings. Fusing iconic Italian glamor with classic English grandiose, its fabulous interior boasts walls adorned with intricate carvings, gilded ceilings, and palatial marble flooring.
The ceremony took place in the ballroom - a lavish hall decorated with chandeliers, grand manner portraiture, and a sweeping iron staircase. Though they’re the typical hallmarks of opulence and materialism, these grand elements worked to beautifully juxtapose the radiant love and affection shared by the grooms and their guests.
The Setup
To complement the palpable Italian influence of the venue’s interior, these fabulous O-back chairs, curated by Davinici Florist, gave an enchanting and contemporary twist to the classic romance of it all. The handsome grooms said their vows surrounded by a tremendous garland of white blooms designed by Pretty Petals Florals, which was punctuated by the gentle flicker of a dozen candles. The warmth exuded by this arrangement could only be outweighed by the smiles on Keith and Erwin’s faces as they said ‘I do’.
The marriage of black and gold in both interior design and fashion is one that will stand the test of time. Stunning Soirees did a magnificent job of channeling this harmonious colour scheme into the design and decor of the ceremony. It’s not often you attend a wedding where the guests are all in black, but we think it was an infallible decision, allowing the happy couple’s love to take centerstage.
Another beautiful, yet poignant touch to the ceremony was the framed photographs of those who weren’t able to attend the wedding in person, but were very much there in spirit. As you can tell, every element and aspect of this wedding was thought through to the last exquisite detail.
The Ceremony
We had one intention for this wedding ceremony - to channel the authenticity and tangible effervescence of the couple’s love, while taking full advantage of this fairy-tale setting. Anderson House is a goldmine for the DC wedding photographer - everywhere you look offers the opportunity for an iconic shot.
We used various photographic techniques and angles to really bring out the warmth and luminescence of the black and gold color scheme. It can be a challenge to channel the glowing beauty of metallics through the lens, but we couldn’t be happier with the results.
Shots taken in the estate’s hallways radiate Keith and Erwin’s sheer joy, while those captured in the ballroom highlight the beautifully intimate moments shared between them on their big day.
It shouldn’t be difficult to see why this wedding is up there with one of our favorites of 2020. If you’re searching for the best wedding venue in Washington, DC, we highly recommend this grand estate. And if beautiful photography is what you’re looking for, I’m always happy to capture your big day in exquisite detail!
