A Spring Wedding at the DC War Memorial | Carl and Mackensie

Bride and groom candid wedding photo at the DC War Memorial | Megan Rei Photography

Carl and Mackensie were married on a beautiful April day at the DC War Memorial. During a spring season where the weather has been all over the place, they were fortunate to have an absolutely gorgeous Saturday with blue skies and 80 degree temperatures!

These two met back during their college days in Rochester, NY (where they were both political science majors) before moving to DC together. They made the excellent decision to exchange their wedding vows in DC instead of their hometown. On their wedding day, Rochester was actually getting hit with a big ice storm! I know their families were happy to escape the never-ending winter up north and enjoy some sunshine :)

I loved all the personal details that Carl and Mackensie incorporated into their big day. Carl's sister Dana officiated their ceremony, continuing their family tradition of family member officiants. And they had a talented violinist (Brooksley Bishop) playing some of their favorite songs before the ceremony and for the processional. I think my favorites were Despacito and Call Me Maybe. It's amazing how beautiful and fancy they can sound when played with the right instrument!

Another special touch was the surprise letter Mackensie wrote for Carl. She had his mother give it to him to read just before the ceremony. He may or may not have teared up, you'll have to scroll down to see!

Are you getting married at the DC War Memorial? Read my tips on how to plan your wedding there, with advice for everything from the permit process to figuring out parking.

I'm not crying, you're crying.

Emotional groom reading a letter from the bride | Washington DC Candid Wedding Photography

Emotional groom with his mother | Documentary wedding photographer in Washington DC

Candid moment captured of the groom and his friends | Candid wedding photographer in DC | DC War Memorial Wedding Photos

Carl's sister - and my good friend - Connie, had the very important responsibility of learning to tie a bowtie on Youtube and providing touchups on site.

Wedding music provided by violinist Brooksley Bishop | Best DC and Northern Virginia Violinists

Wedding violinist Brooksley Bishop | Best DC Wedding Musicians

Guests watching the bride walk down the aisle | Candid DC Wedding Photography

View of the wedding ceremony at the DC War Memorial | Washington DC Wedding Photographer

The strong breeze that kept everyone comfortable on this warm day also gave Mackensie and Dana some supermodel hair!

A windy outdoor wedding ceremony in Washington DC

Wedding guests watching the couple exchange vows | Best DC Wedding Venues | Megan Rei Photography

The first kiss | Small wedding ceremony at the DC War Memorial

Just married and walking back up the aisle at the DC War Memorial | Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Washington DC

Bride and groom get a moment alone after the ceremony

I love this one of Carl admiring his ring!

room admiring his wedding ring | Candid DC Wedding Photographer

Wedding couple portraits at the DC War Memorial | Washington DC Wedding Photography

Wedding couple posing in the DC War Memorial on their spring wedding day | Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

A kiss with the dome of the memorial above the wedding couple

Beautiful wedding rings from Mann’s Jewelers in Rochester, NY | Bridal bouquet from Allan Woods Flowers, Washington DC Wedding Florist

Bride and groom go in for a kiss during the spring wedding in Washington, DC

Bride and groom walking up to the DC War Memorial where they had their intimate wedding ceremony

The wedding couple at their DC War Memorial Wedding | Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Megan Rei Photography

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon during cherry blossom season, of course the area was packed with tourists. But the DC War Memorial is directly across the street from the Tidal Basin, so we had to take advantage of the beautiful blossoms and brave the crowds! It was actually so fun maneuvering our way through all the tourists - many of them were shouting congratulations to Mackensie and Carl everywhere we went!