Michelle and Adam’s black-tie Willard wedding at the Willard InterContinental in Washington DC was a celebration of love, family, and history. After meeting by chance on a rainy Halloween weekend in New York City and spending their first 48 hours together on a whirlwind first date, it felt fitting that their wedding would blend their New York beginnings with the historic charm of Washington DC.
With deep ties to the capital, Michelle and Adam chose the Willard for its storied architecture, grand interiors, and connection to the city they both love. Their September wedding embraced the character of the hotel with a refined palette of creams, champagne, and soft greens, allowing the historic spaces to take center stage while adding thoughtful details that reflected their families, cultures, and journey together.
A Historic Willard Wedding Filled with Romantic Details
Michelle and Adam knew they wanted their wedding to feel like an extension of Washington, DC itself — classic, refined, and rich with history. The Willard was the perfect fit. Rather than competing with the hotel’s grand architecture and historic interiors, they embraced it, choosing a palette of creams, champagne, and soft greens that let the space speak for itself.
Although Michelle had always imagined exchanging vows outdoors, everything changed when she stepped inside the Crystal Ballroom. With the help of Edge Floral Event Designers, the room was transformed into what felt like an indoor garden. Layered florals spilled across the ceremony space, creating the feeling of being surrounded by blooms while still celebrating the grandeur and character of the ballroom.
It was one of those ceremony designs that felt completely immersive. Wherever you looked, there were flowers, candlelight, and thoughtful details that softened the scale of the room while drawing every eye back to Michelle and Adam as they said “I do.”
A Persian-Jewish Wedding Ceremony Honoring Family Traditions
Rather than centering their wedding around a single tradition, Michelle and Adam thoughtfully incorporated both of their families’ cultures throughout the day. Their ceremony began with a Persian Sofreh Aghd, a symbolic wedding spread with layered candles, florals, and meaningful elements. They also honored Adam’s Jewish heritage with the traditional breaking of the glass before walking back down the aisle as husband and wife.
That focus on family continued into the reception. Both sets of parents joined Michelle and Adam at the head table and delivered toasts together, while a memory table honored loved ones who couldn’t be there to celebrate. Adam also carried his great-grandfather’s pocket watch — a quiet reminder that this day wasn’t just about the two of them, but about the generations and traditions that brought them here.
A Black-Tie Reception at the Willard in Washington DC
Following the ceremony, guests celebrated with a reception that embraced the grandeur of the Willard while incorporating personal touches throughout the evening. The couple wanted their guests to experience a true celebration, and every detail was designed with that in mind.
Cocktail hour featured an abundant spread inspired by New York entertaining, including a seafood tower, charcuterie station, passed hors d’oeuvres, and Maryland crab cakes. Guests also enjoyed two signature cocktails inspired by the couple’s story: the Naztini, a nod to Michelle’s favorite New York martini, and Adam’s Apple, a Manhattan-inspired cocktail honoring the city where they first met.
The reception continued with a stunning multi-tiered wedding cake decorated with orchids and strands of pearls, along with late-night favorites including sliders, fries, milkshakes, cookies, and Persian pastries provided by Michelle’s family.
Music was another major part of the evening. With a DJ, saxophonist, and drummer bringing energy to the dance floor, guests celebrated late into the night with a party that perfectly reflected Michelle and Adam’s love of music and bringing people together.
A Wedding Day Rooted in Story and Tradition
Throughout the day, some of my favorite images came from the quieter moments Michelle and Adam shared together. Before the ceremony, they exchanged personal vows during a private first look in the courtyard, taking a few minutes to pause before celebrating with their friends and family.
From the Persian Knife Dance honoring Michelle’s heritage to the Hora celebrating Adam’s Jewish roots, each tradition Michelle and Adam chose to incorporate into their day reflected the families and cultures that shaped them. As a Washington DC wedding photographer, I love documenting celebrations where the setting and story are equally important. Michelle and Adam’s Willard wedding was a beautiful reminder of how a historic venue can become the backdrop for a day filled with meaning, movement, and connection.
Featured on Washingtonian Weddings
Vendor Credits:
Photo: Molly Lichten Photography
Planning & Design: Exclusively Events by PG
Venue, Catering & Cake: The Willard InterContinental
Florals: Edge Floral Event Designers
Hair: Hair by Remona
Makeup: Makeup by Shirin
Gown: Pronovias
Party Dress: V. Chapman
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Rings: Verstolo
Entertainment: DJ Kia Saxbeast Chris Garcia Dahov
Video: Bowen Films
Photo Booth: Winks Photo Booth
To see more weddings, click here!
To view Michelle and Adam’s chic Jefferson Memorial engagement session, click here!
Explore More Washington DC Wedding Venues
If you’re still searching for the perfect Washington DC wedding venue, I’ve put together a full guide featuring some of my favorite historic hotels, estates, and unique spaces throughout the city.
→ Best Wedding Venues in Washington DC
If you’re drawn to historic Washington DC wedding venues like the Willard, you may also love:
- Black-tie Anderson House wedding with French blue details, lush florals, and old-world elegance
- Elegant spring Anderson House wedding with emerald bridesmaid dresses and a lush garden-party feel
- Classic fall black-tie wedding at DAR
- Colorful summer DAR wedding with vibrant florals and black-tie style
Planning Your Willard Wedding in Washington DC
The Willard InterContinental is one of Washington DC’s most iconic wedding venues, known for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, historic significance, and beautifully designed interiors. From intimate ceremonies to grand black-tie celebrations like Michelle and Adam’s, the Willard offers a setting that feels connected to the history and character of the city.
If you’re planning your own Willard wedding in Washington DC, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning!
