We’ve featured several stunning DC weddings that took place at the Ronald Reagan Building, but Courtney and Mike’s is the first of it’s kind! They were the first to hold their wedding reception outside the building in it’s Woodrow Wilson Plaza. And what a fun and funky reception it was! I love Courtney’s message behind choosing a circle motif as a theme for the day (read more about that below!), and I adore the vibrant colors she used throughout. Take a look, through the lens of Documentary Associates, and get inspired for using this classic DC wedding venue, and a simple decor concept, in a whole new way!

From Courtney: Being an event planner in DC, I have seen a LOT of weddings. While planning ours, I really wanted to think outside the box and do things differently than guests were used to… I did a tent, we did large communal tables and we had a buffet instead of a plated dinner. I transformed a circle shape into my primary decor item. I felt a circle really represented eternity, which best describes my feelings for my now husband.

My personal favorite memory from my wedding day is marrying my best friend. Seeing Mike’s face as I walked down the aisle is something I will never forget.

Courtney’s advice to other DC-area couples:

I think this best advice is to decide first what is most important to you as a couple. The little details that you can really get stuck on are the ones that people tend to forget. What really drives an amazing wedding is the love the couple has for each other and their amazing family and friends.

The following Washington, DC area wedding vendors contributed to Courtney and Mike’s wedding:

Venue: Ronald Reagan Building
Photographer: Documentary Associates
Floral Designer: Elegance & Simplicity
Ceremony Music: Sage String Quartet
Officiant: Chaplain Ken Sampson
Rentals: DC Rentals
Lighting: Projection
Reception Music: Chris Laich
Stationery: Spec Production
Transportation: Linder & Associates
Hair: Silk Salon Spa
Wedding Dress: Watters from Katherine’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew
Groom’s Attire: Tommy Hillfiger
Cake: J&C Bakery

Don’t forget to visit our vendor guide for more fabulous Washington, DC area wedding professionals or our real wedding gallery for more beautiful Washington, DC area weddings!

Photo Credits: Documentary Associates

* Chris Laich, Elegance & Simplicity & Ronald Reagan Building are a few of our fabulous sponsors. For more info, please review our editorial policies or consider becoming a sponsor.