The Year in Review: A Milestone of 102 Inquiries
If I had to sum up 2025 in a single word, it would be connection. This year brought more inquiries than any before—couples dreaming of celebrations everywhere from the National Cathedral's soaring gothic arches to the intimate magic of the Treehouse Camp. While I'm intentional about the weddings I take on each season (I want to give each couple the attention their day deserves), it was genuinely moving to see where love is taking people and what venues are capturing their imaginations.
Returning to the cobblestones of Georgetown and the rolling vineyard rows of Loudoun County this year reminded me why I love this work—there's something about witnessing two people choose each other that never gets old, no matter how many times I've clicked the shutter. As I reflect on the venues that defined this year and the conversations I've had with dozens of engaged couples, I'm seeing some clear trends emerging for 2026. Let me walk you through what I'm noticing.
Planning a wedding in the DMV? I'd love to be considered to capture your special day!
The District: Architectural Icons & Metropolitan Grandeur
Washington DC continues to be the heartbeat of my portfolio, with 46 inquiries this year centered around the city’s most storied landmarks. There is a specific kind of gravity found in the gothic arches of the National Cathedral and the neo-classical pillars of DAR Constitution Hall—a sense of history that demands an editorial eye. Whether it was the timeless halls of The Willard or the modern, moody corridors of The Line DC, 2025 was a year of celebrating the intersection of monumental history and contemporary metropolitan style.
The Metropolitan Spotlight
46 Unique Inquiries
The Architectural Anchor: National Cathedral (9)
The Editorial Favorite: The Line DC (7)
High-End Classics: The Willard (4) & DAR (3)
The 2026 Shift A return to monumental, black-tie sophistication with a renewed focus on historic District landmarks.
Virginia: The Art of the Estate & Vineyard Sophistication
Moving into the rolling hills of Loudoun County and the private estates of Northern Virginia, the narrative shifts toward a refined, pastoral elegance. With 38 inquiries across Virginia's premier vineyards, Stone Tower Winery and Raspberry Plain Manor remain the gold standard for my couples seeking an expansive, estate-inspired backdrop. In these spaces, luxury isn't just about the décor; it's about the landscape, the light over the vines, and the quiet sophistication of a weekend spent in hunt country.
The Estate & Vineyard Spotlight
38 Unique Inquiries
The Vineyard Standard: Stone Tower Winery (7)
The Estate Classic: Raspberry Plain Manor (5)
Clubhouse Elegance: Belmont & Madison at the Mill (4)
The 2026 Shift Refined, pastoral luxury emphasizing expansive landscape views and traditional hunt-country heritage.
Maryland: Coastal Refinement & Botanical Escapes
Maryland provided the year’s most serene retreats, offering a coastal refinement that feels worlds away from the city hustle. From the nautical charm of the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club to the lush, botanical seclusion of Woodend Sanctuary, these 17 inquiries highlighted a trend toward 'secluded luxury.' These are the celebrations where the environment leads the way, allowing for an intentional, nature-forward approach to documenting the day.
The Coastal & Botanical Spotlight
17 Unique Inquiries
Coastal Sophistication: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club (3)
Botanical Seclusion: Woodend Sanctuary (3)
Historic Estates: Ceresville Mansion & Musket Ridge (4)
The 2026 Shift Nature-forward celebrations prioritizing private waterfronts, lush garden estates, and high-end botanical luxury.
The 2026 Forecast: Intentionality & The New Editorial
As we look toward 2026, the data points to a major shift. Couples are moving away from "perfection" and toward "presence." I am seeing a massive surge in requests for direct-flash photography, raw candid moments, and weekend-long celebrations that prioritize guest experience over traditional formalities. Luxury in 2026 is defined by intentionality—making bold choices that reflect the couple's true personality.
My 2026 calendar is already filling with these vision-forward weddings; if you are planning your own milestone in the DMV, I would love to hear the story you want to tell.
