Cynthia and Hwu wanted to do things differently. They knew they wanted to get married in Washington DC and decided to plan their ceremony at the DC War Memorial and inviting all their families and friends to celebrate at Zaytinya by José Andrés. What a treat!
Wonder how to plan a wedding at the DC War Memorial? Check my blog post here.
Riggs Washington DC
For the first part of the day, Cynthia got ready at the Riggs Washington DC, very close to the National Mall. I have to say that I was impressed with the room: so much natural light available and the decor is clean and minimalist, which is exactly what I love.
We stopped by the bar to get a few shots of Cynthia and her best friend, which was a great moment for them and more pictures of their friendship on this special day.
DC War Memorial Fall Wedding
The DC War Memorial is one of the best wedding locations in Washington, DC, especially in the fall. The surrounding trees lining the National Mall start to change colors, adding depth and texture to the background. The soft, even light on overcast fall days works beautifully for portraits, and when the sun does come out, the warm tones of the season complement the white marble perfectly.
During the fall, the foot traffic on the Mall is quieter, especially compared to spring and summer. That makes it easier to shoot uninterrupted and allows couples to have more privacy during their ceremony or portraits. The open space around the memorial offers multiple perspectives for photos—whether framed by the autumn foliage or capturing the memorial’s clean lines and symmetry.
Another advantage of a fall wedding at the DC War Memorial is the comfortable weather. Temperatures are generally mild, and couples can stay outdoors for longer without worrying about heat or humidity. Plus, the National Mall provides convenient access to other iconic DC landmarks for additional portraits, making it easy to build variety into a photo gallery without needing to travel far.
Cocktail Hour on a Trolley Tour
Trolleys are a charming and practical way to transport your guests between your ceremony and reception. They provide a sightseeing experience through the historic streets of Washington, DC. During the fall, a trolley tour is especially memorable as guests can take in the autumn foliage and iconic landmarks.
One of my favorite moments from this non-traditional cocktail hour has been taking night portraits at iconic DC landmarks. The monuments, particularly the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, are beautifully lit at night and create a timeless, dramatic backdrop for portraits. These sessions are relaxed, intimate, and offer a striking contrast to daytime photos, capturing the romance of the city after dark.
Wedding Reception at Zaytinya by José Andrés
Zaytinya by José Andrés offers a chic, modern setting for a wedding reception in the heart of Washington, DC. Known for its vibrant Mediterranean menu, this restaurant has a sleek and airy design. It is perfect for couples who want a stylish and intimate celebration.
Why Choose Zaytinya for Your Wedding Reception?
Zaytinya’s bright, contemporary interior features high ceilings, whitewashed walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an open, welcoming space for your guests. The restaurant can accommodate wedding receptions of up to 300 guests for larger events. It also offers more intimate settings for smaller gatherings. With private dining rooms and customizable event spaces, it’s versatile enough to fit your wedding vision.
Beyond the décor, Zaytinya’s biggest draw is its culinary experience. Chef José Andrés’ menu features mezze-style dining. It is inspired by Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese flavors. Zaytinya’s location makes it perfect for couples who love DC’s vibrant cityscape. The restaurant is situated near iconic landmarks like the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It’s an excellent spot for post-ceremony portraits.
