A Joyful National Press Club Wedding in Washington DC | Carla & Cathy

same sex wedding couple portrait african american museum

Carla and Cathy’s wedding day was a celebration decades in the making. After beginning their morning with a quiet sunrise elopement along the Potomac River in Alexandria, they gathered their church family, friends, and loved ones for a vibrant ceremony and reception in one of D.C.’s most iconic venues: the National Press Club.

Their day moved from stillness to celebration, from whispered vows at dawn to a packed dance floor under chandeliers. It was bold, emotional, and deeply personal—exactly the kind of story we love telling.

A Meaningful Ceremony at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.

Before the reception, Carla and Cathy shared vows with their church family at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C., surrounded by longtime friends and mentors who had walked beside them for years.

Two close friends performed an interpretive dance honoring their ancestors, followed by a heartfelt stone ceremony remembering loved ones who had passed. The room held laughter, tears, and the kind of quiet reverence that only comes from deep community.

It wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a lifetime of love being recognized.

Couple sharing emotional moment as one gently holds partner’s face during church ceremony
Couple sharing emotional moment while holding hands before wedding ceremony in church
Dancers entering ceremony aisle as guests look on inside church
Dancers walking down aisle together during church wedding ceremony
Interpretive dancer seated on steps mid-performance during ceremony opening
Two dancers performing synchronized interpretive dance at beginning of ceremony
Interpretive dancer performing expressive movement during wedding ceremony opening
Interpretive dancer raising arms in expressive movement at start of church wedding ceremony
Excited couple walking down aisle with bouquet as guests look on during ceremony entrance
Couple placing flowers at memorial table during ceremony
Couple embracing and celebrating together at front of ceremony space

Portraits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

After the ceremony, we stepped into the afternoon light around the National Museum of African American History and Culture for portraits that felt powerful and intentional.

The museum’s architecture and symbolism gave their portraits a sense of legacy and strength. Carla and Cathy wanted images that honored their journey—and that location gave us exactly that.

Bold images for bold people. Epic love for epic people.

Wide portrait of couple standing together outside National Museum of African American History and Culture
Close portrait of couple smiling and holding bouquet outside museum
Couple smiling at each other while holding bouquet at museum gardens
Couple embracing in front of museum exterior during portrait session
Couple standing together in front of National Museum of African American History and Culture
Couple walking together along garden path at National Museum of African American History and Culture

A Celebration at the National Press Club

The reception took place at the historic National Press Club wedding venue in downtown Washington, D.C., known for its timeless architecture and elegant ballrooms.

Guests were greeted with joyful energy, live music, rainbow flags waving on the dance floor, and heartfelt speeches that felt like family reunions. When Cathy serenaded Carla instead of a traditional first dance, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

The night felt electric, joyful, and unapologetically full of love.

woman serenading her partner at wedding reception

Why the National Press Club Is Perfect for a Washington, D.C. Wedding

If you’re planning a National Press Club wedding, it’s easy to see why couples love this venue.

Located in the heart of downtown D.C., it blends historic charm with modern elegance. Large ballrooms, beautiful lighting, and flexible spaces make it perfect for both classic receptions and lively celebrations.

Its proximity to iconic landmarks also makes it easy to capture unforgettable portraits around the city before heading into the party.

For couples who want a timeless venue with real personality, the National Press Club is hard to beat.

From Sunrise Elopement to Ballroom Celebration

Earlier that morning, Carla and Cathy shared a private sunrise ceremony at Riverside Park along the Potomac River before their church ceremony and reception.

Seeing their quiet Alexandria vows unfold into a full celebration later that day was incredibly moving.

You can experience the beginning of their story in their Alexandria VA sunrise elopement at Riverside Park.

two women holding hands at elopement ceremony

Capturing LGBTQ+ Love Stories with Ethan Film and Photo

At Ethan Film and Photo, we believe every couple deserves images that feel bold, honest, and alive.

Whether it’s a quiet sunrise elopement or a packed ballroom reception, our documentary storytelling approach lets you stay present while we capture the real moments—the laughter, the tears, the dancing, the joy.

Because your wedding photos shouldn’t feel stiff or staged. They should feel like you.

Want to Plan Your Own National Press Club Wedding?

If you’re dreaming about a National Press Club wedding in Washington, D.C. or anywhere in Virginia, we’d love to help you create something unforgettable.

Explore our portfolio or reach out to start planning your engagement session, elopement, or wedding day story.

Let your wedding day feel like you.

If you’re drawn to weddings that feel real, relaxed, and deeply personal, you’re in the right place. I photograph wedding days as they unfold, focusing on connection over perfection and moments over poses. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear your story.

Let’s Talk About Your Day

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