Peaceful Boat Wedding at Sunset in Washington, DC
This is a love story of a couple that found love out on the water. Having spent a three-week trip in Italy, these two got engaged on a sailboat along the coast of Tuscany. They originally found each other through sailing and were so excited to make more memories on their wedding day. The couple exchanged vows along the Potomac River with the U.S. Capitol in the background at this perfectly fitting boat wedding.
When a Shared Hobby Leads to Love
Both active members of the Washington, DC boat club at The Wharf, it was through a shared love of sailing that they first found one another. Now a beloved hobby they engage in together, every year Katherine and Matt choose a worldwide destination to sail around.
They went on an Italian adventure through Rome, spending time in the Chianti region of Tuscany and Florence. Along the Tuscan coast, Matt got down on one knee marking another serendipitous step in their relationship story.
Because of these loves, they decided to use a schooner from their boat club as the location for a boat wedding ceremony. The couple’s chosen sailboat was one they had previously sailed called the American Spirit utilizing a fellow club member at the helm.
The scheduled date was a sunset in October setting off from The Wharf along the Potomac River and landing at the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The only planned “stop” along their tour of the Potomac was pausing for the ceremony with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background. My 2nd shooter remained on land to get some distance shots of the festivities during these moments!
How to Make A Boat Wedding Happen in Washington, DC
The day started with the couple getting ready at their Airbnb in Old Town Alexandria. There they held a first look and exchanged personal vows in the outdoor courtyard. The bride couldn’t stop laughing when she saw her groom’s vows written out on Post-it notes!
In preparation for potentially not being able to hear one another well on the windy water, they opted for these private vows first and traditional wedding vows during the boat wedding ceremony. We left early for The Wharf to do couples portraits where we caught the smallest bit of sun even though the day was mostly overcast.
Katherine and Matt made the day such a great time placing their trust in the wedding vendors to take care of all that was necessary to make it all come together. Putting the wedding style into the hands of their team, the florist was told that they simply wanted lots of flowers that were white and blue.
The nautical wedding theme with its coordinating colors of blue and white were used throughout the day. The groom incorporated this style into his own look wearing a blue and white tie covered with sailboats. The bride covered her bases with “something borrowed, something blue” donning blue wedding shoes and rings borrowed from both sides of the family.
The ship itself was covered in flowers with a model of the ship (decorated in identical floral arrangements) serving as the guest book for friends and family to sign the sails. Several DIY elements included a full charcuterie and hors d’oeuvre spread made by the bride’s sister.
Wedding Photographer Tip
Even when planning a micro wedding, I always recommend that you hire a wedding coordinator for the day. We could not have done this day without Rebeka Ogren from Happily Hitched! She guided guests to the American Spirit after they arrived at The Wharf via water taxi from Old Town Alexandria. She also aided the florist and came along for the ceremony ride even pouring champagne for guests during cocktail hour. It was my first time on a sailboat and I had fun coordinating with her throughout the event.
Who You Should Bring Along For A Sailboat Wedding Ride
Katherine and Matt’s love for being on the water ties together so much of their life as a couple. That is why it was so important to them that they share this with their immediate family and closest friends. While it became too windy to sustain sparklers, the couple still had a grand exit from the boat sharing yet another celebratory moment with their loved ones.
The day concluded with a reception at Virtue Feed & Grain, a restaurant found at the center of Old Town Alexandria. It is a beautiful destination perfect even for engagement photos like these cocktail bar themed sessions. The wedding reception venue can host up to 175 guests (with a full upstairs buyout). This intimate wedding utilized the smaller Clipper Room. The private back room’s one long table was better suited for the 25-person guest list while the room is capable of hosting up to 40 guests.
Katherine and Matt selected the location due to their history of having their first date at the restaurant. We had them return to the spot on the stairway to recreate the moment when they first met! The couple kept the guest experience very simple. Their only request was that guests were to wear “nautical chic attire” as their participation in the themed day.
Everything from this boat wedding meant something to the couple including ensuring that nothing was stressful. The newlyweds felt zero pressure to stick with a traditional wedding venue, making their day tied entirely to the experience of being on the boat. Katherine and Matt are two people madly in love with each other who were able to surround themselves with a super genuine and sweet family that was there to celebrate them.
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony | American Spirit at The Wharf DC
Reception Venue | Virtue, Feed & Grain
Photographer | Shelly Pate Photography
Coordination | Happily Hitched
Cake & Desserts | Amphora Bakery
Florals | Blooms Reston Floral
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