Swann House DC Makes for an Extra Fancy Wedding Experience
What draws a couple to any given wedding venue location depends completely on the couple themselves. The values of one might not matter to another so that they choose a location for very different reasons. That’s why I love getting to know my couples from the start so we can tailor the wedding day photography to you. Find out how Swann House DC hit the mark for all that this couple was looking for in their Washington, DC wedding venue.
When a Couple and a Venue Just Click: Swann House DC
Swann House DC is an upscale smaller venue positioned 12 blocks from the White House in Dupont Circle. Formerly a private home built in 1883, the historic site was later transformed into a boutique hotel and unique wedding venue.
Jen and Erdi love the clean and elegant vibes of Swann House describing it as being classy without becoming ostentatious. The couple chose wedding colors to complement the space. Colors were “mainly white with some pale spring colors like light pink and light blue for a clean and minimalist aesthetic.”
I love the site’s updated yet historic charm that creates an elegant space for small and intimate weddings. The couple and a portion of their guests can also stay at the hotel which is outfitted with 10 guest rooms. There are five different options for gathering spaces within the 2,500-square-foot ground floor that are interconnected for easy use and access to the outdoors.
The options for inside and outside spaces worked amazingingly for the couple’s dark and rainy spring day. This allowed us to not even feel a need to go to a secondary location. It made it easier to prioritize the many family wedding portraits that they desired. These are the spaces available for a wedding at the Swann House Bed and Breakfast:
- Various lounge spaces on the ground floor (including one with a baby grand piano)
- Beautiful front terrace (which we used because it was a rainy day!)
- Upper terrace
- Separate terrace part of bridal suite (where we did first looks)
- In-ground pool in the back (which we didn’t end up using because of the rain)
One point to keep in mind is that the indoor ceremony space is very tight. There won’t be much variety in the captured angles. Your micro wedding photographer is here to ensure that we capture all the wedding photos you envisioned!
The Best Features of Swann House DC
Guest Capacity
This wedding had 23 guests.
- Standing Cocktail-Style Reception: 75
- Seated Ceremony: 50
- Seated Dinner: 45
Complimentary Amenities
- Kitchen catering prep area
- Built-in sound system
- Built-in bar area
- Management team for support partnering with Fathom Gallery
- Four dedicated parking spaces
When Things “Get Fancy” for a Wedding Reception Dinner
Following the timeline of wedding day events at Swann House DC, the party moved to the intimate dining space of Rose’s Luxury restaurant called “The Penthouse.” Jen and Erdi are big foodies so they wanted to bring their families into an experience that reflected this part of them.
The restaurant’s private dining team, Extra Fancy, provided a five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu for the evening. The experience grants guests access watching the chefs work their magic in the kitchen while enjoying custom drinks. Even though the rain prevented seating on the restaurant’s beautiful terrace, the inside setup was still amazing. These two loved the fact that having a private chef would be a unique guest experience for everyone!
How Luxury Doesn’t Exclude Personality
Most important to Jen and Erdi on their day were the elements that highlighted their love for one another and their family. These moments included a first look with private vows, the bride getting ready with her mom and sister (instead of a wedding party), and having the groom’s sister officiate. Other family involvement included a bridal reveal with Jen’s dad, and a niece and cousin performing the roles of flower girl and ring bearer.
Their secondary goal was to share the city they love with their families. That’s why it felt so much like them to keep their day small and intimate. Swann House Washington DC provided valuable time to visit and mingle with their family exactly the way that these two imagined!
Wedding Vendors
Photographer | Shelly Pate Photography
Getting Ready & Ceremony | Swann House Bed and Breakfast
Reception Dinner | Rose’s Luxury
Dress | Bri Zan
Bouquet | Lee’s Flower Shop
HMU | Megan Monahan
Cake | Heidelburg Pastry Shoppe
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