One of the interesting quirks of weddings in this second year of covid has been the chance to work at absolutely new venues we have never been to before. The Commandant’s House, located in southeast DC between 8th and 9th, I and G streets, the site is the home for the Marine Barracks and a home for the commandant. It was first chosen by Thomas Jefferson and the second commandant of the Marine Corps in 1801. The site is a short walk from the Washington Navy Yard and easy marching distance to the Capitol. The Georgian-Federalist style house, still in use for it’s original purpose, has been home to all but the first two marine commandants and is said to be the oldest, continuously occupied public bundling in Washington, DC. It was one of the few buildings not burned by the British was they sacked the Capitol in 1814.
With lush seasonal blooms, white, green and blue details, and a tent, Stephanie and Jeffrey’s nuptials had all the makings of a delightful garden wedding at Commandants House. The couple’s outdoor ceremony took place on the steps overlooking the back of the house. The wedding party flanked the couple on each side. An elegant sign adorned with wedding blooms and foliage greeted guests as they arrived to the ceremony. In addition to blue thistle and delphinium touches in the flowers, the wedding party featured shades of blue for dresses and suits. For the reception, crisp white linens were set on each of the tables, a blank canvas for the garden blooms. Glass vases held a lush mix of the season’s dahlia, garden roses, and hydrangea accented with olive leaf, eucalyptus and salal.
Stephanie and Jeffrey were such a delight to work with in pulling together their garden wedding at the Commandants House. We wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
Venue: Commandant’s House
Photography: Ali Rae Haney
Florist: Petal’s Edge
