Kicking off our 2023 wedding season, we could not be more excited to share Alisa and Justin’s winter wedding in DC on the blog today. Like we mentioned last week, when featuring a stunning Virginia wedding at Fleetwood Farm and Winery, by the end of 2022, we were all feeling a little burnt out (and by we – I mean the entire wedding industry). The ONLY thing that got us through was the fact that we truly believe we work with the best couples here at Simply Breathe Events. When it was time for Alisa and Justin’s winter wedding, we were reenergized and excited to bring their vision to life!

We have the most incredible weddings to feature this year, so stay tuned. We will be sharing everything in real time over on Instagram too!

Warm + Inviting Getting Ready Photos

While the weather outside was frosty, we could count on this sweet couple and their family and friends to bring the heat. Looking back at these photos we can’t decide which moment is more precious – Alisa’s first look with her father or her sweet flower girl’s reaction to seeing her in her dress! Either way, we knew from the moment that Alisa and Justin started getting ready at their hotel that we were in for an extraordinary day. Throughout the planning process, Alisa and Justin were the absolute SWEETEST couple and we couldn’t wait to watch their day unfold!

A Catholic Ceremony at St. Joseph’s in Capitol Hill

Alisa and Justin’s Catholic ceremony was a beautiful event, with an atmosphere of solemnity and joy all at once. The church was full of people, all of which were eager to celebrate these two and their love for one another. St. Joseph’s in Capital Hill served as the perfect backdrop for the intimate celebration – its stained glass windows illuminated the entire venue with a warm golden glow. Plus, there truly is no more incredible winter wedding location in DC than on Capitol Hill.

After their ceremony grand exit, Alisa and Justin were ready for their closeups. The Senate Lawn (where they had their first date) served as the perfect backdrop, providing a scene that was both striking and classic. Together with their wedding party, it was a picture-perfect location to capture their love for each other in the city where they have created (and will continue to create) countless memories.

Winter Wedding Reception

We need more than just a moment to gush over this winter wedding in DC reception. Alisa and Justin were always so open to our design suggestions and really valued our opinions throughout the full wedding planning and design process, and as you scroll through the photos below, I think you’ll see their trust paid off! It was 360 degrees of gorgeous.

When Alisa and Justin first came to us, they knew they wanted a wedding that was both modern and moody and joyful and bright. We brought their vision to life in an elevated way by playing with luxe textures (like their velvet dinner linens) and a well-rounded color palette that included pops of blush florals that brought a vibrant flair to their deep emerald and modern black elements. In order to make sure the design still felt warm and inviting, we added in an ABUNDANCE of candles. You can never have too many candles.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this extravagant seating chart display. Not only did the chic luggage tags guide guests to their seats, but they also doubled as delightful favors and made a stunning statement piece for the reception decor.

Wedding Reception Details at St. Francis Hall

As DC + NYC wedding planners, it’s safe to say that no detail is ever too small. While we ensured each precious detail was perfectly in place before guests arrived, we loved watching them actually enjoy all of our hard work over the last year! We included charming winter wedding details throughout, but a few of our favorites were the warm apple cider welcome bar upon guest’s arrival and their fun s’mores station toward the end of the evening (it was a HIT – by the way).

Another DC Wedding For the Books!

We are so grateful to have kicked off the 2023 wedding season with Alisa and Justin, and our hearts are just fluttering knowing what incredible couples we get to work with this year (and truly – every year). If you are currently in the middle of planning your DC wedding (or beyond – we travel!), our team of experienced wedding planners would love to help you create a unique and personalized feel for your special day. Get in touch with us here and let us bring your dream wedding to life! We would love nothing more!

DC WEDDING VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Simply Breathe Events

Photographer: Angelika Johns Photography

Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Capitol Hill

Wedding Venue: St. Francis Hall at the Franciscan Monastery

Florist: Love Blooms

Bridal Attire: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique, Dress by Justin Alexander

Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux

Bridesmaid’s Attire: Bella Bridesmaids, designed by Jenny Yoo

Catering: Main Event

Decor: Something Vintage

Bridal Hair + Makeup: Behind the Veil

Videographer: Feeling Wedding Films

Entertainment: Dan Goldman Events

Invitations: Minted, Olivia Raufman

Transportation: Regal Limousine

Tiffany Rivera is a DC & NYC Wedding Planner & Event Planner. For more of SBE’s latest weddings, check out this stunning Virginia wedding at Fleetwood farm and winery.