Glamorous Downtown DC Wedding :: Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC
Their story begins with “It all started on a humid September night in 2013, that also happened to be Friday the 13th.” Even if this were the first page of my favorite book, I’d put it down and walk away. Humidity in August is one thing but humidity in September is awful. Thankfully they had a crowded bar and an adult beverage to cool things down. Who am I kidding? Let’s rewrite their beginning a bit.
Ansley and Thomas’s story began in a whirlwind of an introduction from a friend, polite handshakes, blank stares, and Ansley forgetting that tall, dark, and handsome man’s name. Oh, and no one remembers who texted who first. Y’all, this was going to be the perfect story of romance! But really, the mystery didn’t last long as their first date happened soon after, followed by a surprise proposal and their glamorous downtown DC wedding at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (ITCDC). Their blush, silver, and navy wedding colors were sparkly and romantic at every turn from the gorgeous drapes by Fabrication Events to the towering florals by Edge Floral Event Designers to all of the shimmery wedding details by their DC wedding planner, Alexandra Nesterak Events. We loved the sweet additions of their French Bulldog furbaby, Rex; you’ll find those in their Rex-embossed cocktail napkins and French Bulldog shaped name cards. Oh, and don’t get me started about all of the sparkly candles. Even though we live in Richmond and love being RVA wedding photographers here, there is nothing like being a DC wedding photographer. The city truly has some of the most stately architecture and designs, from the National Arboretum to all of the memorials and monuments throughout, it is just a cool place to photograph.
Before we get to their glamorous wedding pictures at their sleek Ronald Reagan Building DC wedding venue, let’s take a look at their proposal. Dave and I just happened to be there, and it was the sweetest moment. Let me tell you about it.
Thomas *really* wanted to surprise Ansley with his proposal. Being the detail-oriented person that she is, it may have been an incredible task had her two best friends not provided a little help. He reserved Georgetown’s historic Tudor Place, invited their families to attend, and – with the help of Brittany and Alex, Ansley’s Maid of Honor bestie duo – created the lie of a photoshoot for Rex, only the cutest little French Bulldog you’ve ever seen. The line was set, Ansley agreed to bring Rex to a photoshoot for Alex’s wedding planning business. She even dressed up, knowing that the repayment would mean a few family pictures by a professional DC photographers (yours truly). To Ansley, this was in no way a proposal or anything else out of the ordinary, because her friend needed help, Rex would get some more exposure beyond his Instagram fame, and her parents were out of town. There’s no way that Thomas would pop the question when their family wasn’t there. This should sound similar to Nick and Allison’s story. Well friends, her parents weren’t out of town, they were at Tudor Place mansion, and so were we! As Ansley and Thomas walked towards the location of the photoshoot, he yelled out, “Look who’s here!” as their families walked across the gardens. And then, the predictable, yet incredible moment happened when he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She said yes, they kissed, everyone cheered, then had a champagne toast, while Dave and I did the photo session. Ansley and Thomas are such a sweet #sdcouple whom we adore. Now, let’s take a look at their glamorous DC fall wedding.
This space at the Trump International Hotel was the perfect getting ready venue for Ansley and her bridesmaids. The fact that it matched their wedding colors just made our DC wedding photographer dreams reality.
So happy!
Ansley’s Pnina Tornai wedding dress from Kleinfeld Bridal was absolutely stunning.
We love the getting ready photos and all of the anticipation and joy that they bring. Look at Thomas’s smile! He and Ansley were made for each other.
Isn’t his tuxedo from The Black Tux dashing?
With their wedding party standing merely yards away, Ansley and Thomas have their first look. 
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center was the perfect downtown DC wedding venue for all their sparkly and glamorous wedding details.
We love their Revelry navy bridesmaids dresses. So pretty!
Ansley and Thomas had such an elegant DC wedding. Their wedding party crew – as well as their day – was full of so much love and support.
French bulldog wedding details for their little french bulldog at home. We love that they included their little furbaby into their perfect day.
Their day was full of sparkle, glam, and absolute magic designed by the talented Alexandra Nesterak Events and included Fabrication Events, Frost DC Event Lighting and Production, and DC Rentals. 
So sweet!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Bridal Party Getting Ready Venue: Trump International Hotel
Groomsmen Getting Ready Venue: JW Marriott
Planning: Alexandra Nesterak
Bridal Dress: Pnina Tornai from Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Ana B. with M.A.B. Artistry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry
Groom’s Tuxedo: The Black Tux
Florals: Edge Floral Event Designers
Drapes: Fabrication Events
Lighting: Frost Lighting
Reception Music: Millenium of Washington Talent Agency
Ceremony Music: Da Vinci Strings of Washington Talent Agency
Officiant: Emily Guthrie of Christ Episcopal Church Kensington
Rentals: DC Rental
Videography: Whiddon Productions
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