Aiswarya and Blake celebrated their June wedding at St Francis Hall in Washington, D.C., with photography by George Street Photo & Video. Their celebration featured a candlelit church ceremony framed by floral installations, a powder blue and white palette, and an elegant reception hall glowing with lanterns, string lights, and traditional diyas.

At a Glance

• Location: St Francis Hall, Washington, D.C.

• Best for: Couples who want a candlelit church ceremony paired with a grand, warmly lit reception hall

• Ceremony: Church setting with lush floral installations and candle decor

• Reception: Elegant hall with grand lighting, lanterns, tall floral centerpieces, and traditional diyas

• Nearby photo spots: Franciscan Monastery gardens (4 min), Kingman Island (12 min), Meridian Hill Park (9 min), Yards Park (10 min)

• Photography by: George Street Photo & Video

Why Is St Francis Hall a Great Wedding Venue in D.C.?

St Francis Hall gives couples a warm, character-rich setting in the heart of Washington, D.C., with room for both a reverent ceremony and a lively celebration. The space handles dramatic floral installations and layered candlelight beautifully, which makes it a natural fit for couples who want atmosphere over minimalism.

What makes this venue stand out for photography:

• Warm architectural details that pair well with candle and lantern light

• Generous ceiling height that lets tall centerpieces and floral installations breathe

• A central D.C. location with quiet green spaces and monuments a short drive away

• Flexible interior that shifts easily from a candlelit ceremony to a glowing reception

Based on our experience photographing weddings across Washington, D.C., a venue like this rewards a photographer who knows how to balance candlelight with the room's ambient glow. Our photographers lean into the warm tones and layered lighting to build images that feel intimate and grand at the same time.

What Did Aiswarya and Blake's Wedding Day Look Like?

Getting Ready

The day began in separate suites, where Aiswarya and Blake prepared alongside their wedding parties. Our photographers captured the early details, including intricate mehndi designs, a delicate bridal bracelet, and elegant dress photos before the ceremony.

Aiswarya wore a chic strapless gown with a ballgown train, floral embroidery, and a buttoned-down back, paired with an all-white rose wedding bouquet. Blake chose a two-piece black suit with a crisp white shirt, shiny black shoes, a black silk bowtie, and a white rose boutonniere.

Her bridesmaids wore powder blue dresses with white bouquets, and the groomsmen coordinated in classic black suits. George Street documented the quiet anticipation on both sides before the couple met for their first look.

The First Look

Before the ceremony, Aiswarya and Blake shared a first look, just the two of them ahead of the celebration. The private moment gave them space to react honestly, away from a room full of guests.

Our photographers documented those genuine expressions as they turned to face one another. It set a calm, joyful tone for the rest of the day.

The Ceremony

Aiswarya and Blake exchanged vows in a church ceremony rich with meaning and atmosphere. Lush floral installations and layered candle decor framed the space, giving the setting a warm, reverent glow.

The layered styling kept the focus on the couple and their vows. Our team documented the ceremony from multiple angles, balancing wide frames of the florals and candlelight with close, candid reactions.

Photography Tip

Photography tip: Church ceremonies lit by candles and framed by floral installations look stunning in person, but the mix of dim ambient light and warm flame can push skin tones orange and leave faces underexposed. Our photographers recommend metering for the couple's faces rather than the bright candles or stained glass, so expressions stay natural while the florals and warm glow keep their depth. It also helps to position the couple where soft window light or candlelight falls slightly toward them, which keeps faces evenly lit and prevents the dramatic decor from overpowering the moment.

Couple Portraits

After the ceremony, Aiswarya and Blake stepped away for portraits before joining their guests. The powder blue, white, and black styling read beautifully against the venue's warm architecture and floral backdrops.

Our team used the layered lighting and rich textures to build variety into the portrait set. The ballgown train and floral embroidery added movement and detail to several frames without needing a change of scenery.

The Reception

The celebration moved into the elegant reception hall, where grand lighting and lush floral installations set a warm, welcoming tone. Lantern decor and soft string lights filled the room, while traditional diyas added a meaningful, glowing touch. Highlights included:

• Round table settings anchored by tall floral centerpieces

• Warm string lighting and lantern decor layered throughout the hall

• Traditional diyas that brought cultural meaning and a soft glow to the space

• A Lambeth wedding cake finished with delicate blue flowers and vintage piping

George Street captured the first dance and the candid energy as guests filled the floor. The blend of grand lighting, lush florals, and diyas gave every reception frame a warm, personal feel.

What Are the Best Wedding Photo Spots Near St Francis Hall?

Washington, D.C. offers far more than the usual monuments when it comes to wedding portraits. Based on 20+ years of photographing weddings nationwide, here are some lesser-known spots our team recommends:

• Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land gardens (4 min): Rose gardens, stone arches, and quiet walkways that photograph beautifully in June.

• Kingman and Heritage Islands (12 min): Wooded trails and riverside views for natural, uncluttered portraits away from crowds.

• Meridian Hill Park (9 min): A cascading fountain and terraced Italian-style gardens rarely seen in wedding galleries.

• Yards Park (10 min): A modern waterfront boardwalk with a distinctive canal basin and clean architectural lines.

• Dumbarton Oaks gardens (14 min): Historic formal gardens with fountains, terraces, and layered greenery.

• Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (13 min): Lily ponds and lush wetlands that feel worlds away from the city.

George Street Photo & Video has photographed weddings at venues throughout Washington, D.C. Explore our D.C. wedding photography portfolio or check price and availability for your date.

What Made This Wedding Special?

Every wedding George Street captures tells its own story. Aiswarya and Blake's celebration stood out for several reasons:

• Candlelit ceremony: Floral installations and layered candle decor gave the church a warm, reverent glow.

• Cultural touches: Intricate mehndi and traditional diyas wove personal heritage through the day.

• Cohesive palette: Powder blue, white, and black tie wedding party, florals, and cake together beautifully.

• Grand reception styling: Lanterns, string lights, and tall centerpieces turned the hall into a glowing, memorable space.

Planning a Wedding in Washington D.C.?

If Aiswarya and Blake's celebration has you inspired, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Book your photographer early. Popular D.C. dates fill up fast in June, so we recommend booking 9 to 12 months in advance.

• Plan for candlelight. Candlelit church ceremonies photograph beautifully, so give our photographers time to work with the room's light before guests arrive.

• Build in travel time. D.C. traffic can be heavy, so schedule buffer time between your ceremony, portraits, and reception.

• Lean into a cohesive palette. Soft tones like powder blue and white photograph beautifully against warm reception lighting and lush florals.

Key Takeaways

• St Francis Hall in Washington, D.C. offers a candlelit ceremony setting and a grand, warmly lit reception hall in one location.

• Candlelit church ceremonies photograph best when the camera meters for the couple's faces rather than the surrounding candles.

• A cohesive palette, like the powder blue, white, and black used here, ties styling together across the entire day.

• Cultural details like mehndi and traditional diyas add depth and meaning to a wedding celebration.

• George Street Photo & Video offers affordable 8-hour wedding photography packages starting at $1,395, including a wedding coordinator and hand color-corrected images.

• Lesser-known D.C. photo spots include the Franciscan Monastery gardens, Meridian Hill Park, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wedding photography cost in Washington, D.C.?

Wedding photography in Washington, D.C. typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 or more depending on coverage hours, photographer experience, and package inclusions. George Street Photo & Video offers packages starting at $1,395, which include 8 hours of coverage, a wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images. Prices vary by wedding date, with off-peak dates and weekdays often offering better value.

Is St Francis Hall a good wedding venue in Washington, D.C.?

St Francis Hall is a popular Washington, D.C. wedding venue known for its warm architecture and flexible space for both ceremonies and receptions. It works well for couples who want a candlelit ceremony paired with a grand, glowing reception, especially those planning dramatic floral installations. Many couples appreciate its central D.C. location near quiet gardens and monuments.

What are the best months for a wedding in Washington, D.C.?

Late spring through early fall (May through October) is the most popular time for Washington, D.C. weddings, thanks to milder weather and green landscapes. June weddings, like Aiswarya and Blake's celebration, offer long daylight hours and blooming gardens for portraits. George Street offers reduced rates on off-peak dates for couples with flexible schedules.

How do you photograph a candlelit church ceremony?

Photographing a candlelit church ceremony works best when you plan around the warm, dim light. Our photographers recommend metering for the couple's faces so skin tones stay natural, positioning the couple near soft window light or candlelight, and preserving the glow of the florals and candles. This keeps faces evenly lit while holding the ceremony's warm, reverent atmosphere.

What are some unique wedding photo spots in Washington, D.C.?

Some of the best lesser-known photo spots in Washington, D.C. include the Franciscan Monastery gardens, Meridian Hill Park, Dumbarton Oaks, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. These locations offer gardens, fountains, and waterfront views that go beyond the usual monuments. Our photographers recommend them for couples who want distinctive portraits without heavy crowds.

How many hours of wedding photography do I need?

Most weddings benefit from 8 hours of photography coverage, which spans getting ready through the reception. George Street's standard packages include 8 hours, which is more coverage than most competitors who start at 5 to 6 hours. A full day of coverage captures everything from mehndi and getting-ready details to the last dance under the string lights.

About George Street Photo & Video

George Street Photo & Video has been capturing weddings since 2004 across 47 cities nationwide. With 3,000+ five-star reviews and recognition including The Knot Hall of Fame and WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards, George Street specializes in affordable, candid wedding photography and videography. Packages start at $1,295 and include 8 hours of coverage, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and hand-color-corrected images. Take the Style Test to find your photographer match, or check price and availability for your date.