Immaculate Conception Church Wedding – Washington DC – Gretchen and Dakota

Weddings

Some wedding days feel like coming full circle. For Gretchen and Dakota, their Immaculate Conception Church wedding in Washington, DC was the final, joyful chapter of a story I’ve had the privilege of witnessing from the very beginning. From photographing their proposal at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to their spring engagement session at the Catholic University of America, I had already seen how deeply their love is rooted in faith, friendship, and fun. And when their wedding day finally arrived – it was everything we hoped for and more.

A Joyful Wedding Morning at the Viceroy and Hotel Zena

The day began in two vibrant hotel suites, each with their own energy. Gretchen got ready at the Viceroy Hotel with her closest friends, all in matching pajamas and surrounded by vintage charm. They sipped coffee, streamed NPR Tiny Desk concerts, and took in the view of her beautiful gown hanging in the window.

Meanwhile, Dakota and his groomsmen gathered at Hotel Zena. Their easy laughter and impromptu bed-jumping photo moment made for some of my favorite groom’s prep images to date. As a Washington DC wedding photographer, moments like these – where real personality shines through – are always a joy to document.

A Reverent and Musical Immaculate Conception Church Wedding

Immaculate Conception Church is one of the most breathtaking churches in DC. The Gothic Revival architecture, the Marian artwork, the way the bright altar with a state of Mary as its centerpiece… It all undoubtedly creates an atmosphere that feels timeless and holy. As a Catholic wedding photographer, this church is one of my favorite places to witness the beauty of the sacrament.

Gretchen and Dakota’s wedding Mass was deeply meaningful. Gretchen is a Catholic high school music teacher, and the choir was composed of her students and friends. Their voices filled the church with sacred music that truly felt like a choir of angels. In fact, it was the kind of liturgy that reminds me why I love Catholic weddings. Rooted in tradition, reverent in tone, and bursting with joyful praise.

After the ceremony, we captured portraits in front of that stunning bright altar space straightaway – always a must for an Immaculate Conception Church wedding.

Smithsonian Castle Portraits & A Theater-Inspired Celebration

Before the reception began, we made a quick stop at the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems in the city for portraits. In just fifteen minutes, we created a collection of photos with lush greenery and DC architecture framing every shot. As a Washington DC wedding photographer, it’s such a gift to have so many iconic and romantic portrait spots within a short drive of most church venues.

Their reception at Studio Theatre was as personal and playful as the ceremony was reverent. Mismatched vintage ceramics lined the tables, hydrangeas bloomed in charming arrangements, and the custom drink cups featured illustrations of their three cats – a touch that made every guest smile. Gretchen’s band, The Sidecar Six, performed during cocktail hour. Instead of a traditional first dance, she sang a duet with her dad. And when it came time to open the dance floor? The newlyweds rocked out with their friends to “Shut Up and Dance”… with Gretchen on the mic and Dakota on drums, using a pair of spoons after his drumsticks went missing.

It was chaotic. It was hilarious. It was them.

Reflection as a Catholic Wedding Photographer

What I loved most about Gretchen and Dakota’s wedding wasn’t just the music or the laughter (though there was plenty of both). It was the way they centered everything around their faith, their community, and their love for one another. Their Immaculate Conception Church wedding was more than a ceremony – it was a sacred celebration that reflected the depth of their commitment.

As a Catholic wedding photographer, these are the days I live for. The ones filled with sacred vows, choral harmonies, joyful chaos, and genuine romance.

Gretchen and Dakota, thank you for inviting me into your story from the very beginning. It was an honor to capture every chapter – from Meadowlark to the altar – and witness your love grow into something so joyful and so holy.

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