Wedding Portraits at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC

When Anel and Kenny got engaged, they didn’t think they’d have a wedding ceremony. Since Anel’s family is in Mexico, the two planned to have a small dinner with Kenny’s family and take wedding photos another day. But the best laid schemes (o’ mice an’ men) often turn out better than expected. “When we were making plans for the dinner things got out of control, in the best possible way,” Anel remembers.

She remembers Kenny’s grandparents grabbing a calendar and saying to pick a date for a ceremony. Kenny’s Mom helped her with the necessary shopping. One of his aunts made the wedding cake and another made a piñata (“I’m Mexican, so there is not a celebration without a piñata,” Anel says.) Anel ordered several dresses online and then got together with the ladies of Kenny’s family and Anel’s dear friend Angelica to choose the perfect one.

Anel got a ticket for her mom to fly in from Chihuahua and a few days before the ceremony so she could share their special day. Then everyone got together to cook the food they would eat during their celebration. What started as a plan for a simple dinner ended up being an intimate, collaborative, personalized ceremony with close friends and family in Kenny’s parents’ backyard. “It was unplanned and unexpected,” says Anel, “but it was beautiful.”

I asked Anel what she would say to couples planning a private wedding and unsure about getting professional wedding portraits. “The only thing that I would say to someone who is on the fence about hiring a photographer for wedding portraits is to DO IT!!!!” she replies. “I understand that everyone’s budget is different but I see the photoshoot as a great investment, and it’s so heartwarming to see the photos and it’s such a happy reminder of your special day.”

And there you have it! Anel & Kenny’s elegant and oh-so-fun wedding portraits at the Lincoln Memorial. I hope you enjoyed looking at them as much as I loved taking them.

Location: Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC
Anel’s Dress & Shoes: Nordstrom Rack
Kenny’s Suit & Shoes: H&M
Bouquet: Anel arranged it using artificial flowers from Hobby Lobby. She chose fake flowers so she could have them for the photoshoot exactly like they were at her wedding.