Craig and Kara didn’t plan to elope during Cherry Blossom Season— they had already decided to forego a traditional wedding due to a family health situation, and opted for a quick and intimate ceremony at DC’s Moultrie Courthouse instead. But when the date for their wedding just happened to coincide with DC’s peak blooms, they decided to take advantage of the beauty.

We met just moments after sunrise, right on the Tidal Basin, and spent the next hour wandering around the Yoshino Cherry Trees, and breathing in the sweet fresh morning air. Craig and Kara were both so calm and steady, so confident in each other, so tender. We finished up at the Tidal Basin just as a large tour bus unloaded, and then moved to the Library of Congress for a few more portraits before their ceremony. I got to be the witness to their vows, and they departed directly from their ceremony to the airport for their mini honeymoon getaway weekend.

Every single wedding I get to be a part of is a privilege for me, regardless of the size, the length, or the venue. Craig and Kara’s sweet elopement was such a joy to witness!