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LUXURY CANDLELIGHT WEDDING AT WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Dec 7, 2025
2 min read

Rachael and Nick envisioned a wedding day rooted in faith, family, and timeless beauty—beginning with a religious ceremony inside one of the most iconic sanctuaries in the country: the Washington National Cathedral. Surrounded by soaring Gothic architecture and their closest loved ones, every moment of their ceremony and reception felt profoundly meaningful and undeniably majestic.

Designing a Wedding Centered on Candlelight

During the venue search, one priority quickly rose above all others: candlelight. The couple imagined their celebration bathed in a warm, romantic glow that only real flame could create. After touring several venues with restrictions on open candles, we shifted our entire design strategy to bring this vision to life within the cathedral.

Layers of greenery, white florals, and dramatic architectural lighting allowed the space to truly shine, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate, ethereal, and unmistakably elevated.

Elegant banquet in a cathedral with round tables, white tablecloths, candles, and a lit monogram on the floor. Tall archways and a warm ambiance. — Photos by; Kir Tubin Photography

A Rainy Moment That Became a Forever Memory

A quick summer storm swept in just as portraits began, sending everyone—especially their photographer—running for cover. Despite ending up the most drenched of all, the photographer managed to capture the quintessential cathedral shot moments before the rain fell. It’s an image Rachael and Nick will treasure for a lifetime.

Ceremony & Reception: A Transformative Design

The design vision centered around sheer draping that allowed the flicker of hundreds of candles to glow through during the ceremony. For cocktail hour, guests gathered around a round bar anchored by a towering custom-built tree, creating a focal point that felt both sculptural and inviting.

When the drape dramatically opened for the reception, guests entered a completely transformed environment:

a sweeping 360-degree tree installation
an expansive bar
a sophisticated lounge
an elegant, candlelit dinner space

The palette stayed classic and refined—white florals, lush greenery, and subtle gold accents—resulting in an elevated, romantic aesthetic that felt perfectly timeless.

Gothic cathedral interior with a large floral centerpiece on a bar table, ornate stained glass window, patterned floor, and draped round tables for cocktail hour — Photos by; Kir Tubin Photography

A Production of True Collaboration

Installation began at 6:00 AM to prepare for the 5:30 PM ceremony. More than fifteen vendors worked in seamless harmony to execute the intricate production, layering technical precision with artistic detail to bring the design vision to life.

A Father-Daughter Dance to Remember

One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came during the father-daughter dance—a surprise secretly orchestrated for months. As the music began, Rachael’s sister and best friend stepped onto the stage to sing live. The bride’s father immediately lit up, the guests audibly gasped, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was pure magic.

A Joyful and Playful Grand Exit

For the finale, Rachael changed into a playful party dress and sneakers before hitting the dance floor. The night concluded with a streamer send-off. After the earlier rainfall, the streamers were slightly soggy—creating a moment of sweet chaos as the couple found themselves adorably tangled before bursting through to their getaway car.

Rachael and Nick’s day was a seamless blend of elegance, emotion, and celebration—an unforgettable Washington National Cathedral wedding filled with warmth, romance, and spectacular design.