Purple and Green National Arboretum Wedding in DC

flutter wedding dress with black groom tuxedo at a national arboretum wedding ceremony

Today’s National Arboretum wedding is drop-dead gorgeous! Like all other national park weddings… leaving us weak without even trying. A nature-filled venue, sandstone columns, and purple-colored florals, boy, didn’t they hit all the right notes? And we did say purple on purpose, being the favorite color of the bride, it was juxtaposed nicely with the garden’s breathtaking views. Paired with green, gold, and white, expect to see an ultra-glam wedding reception ahead. Let’s get right to the images!

We’re instantly sold by these stunning images captured by Audra Wrisley Photography and with planning executed by Christine Godsey of CG & Co Events and florals tackled by Edge Floral Designers, they know how to complement the overall look of this special day to the effortless beauty of the National Arboretum.

From the event designer, Christine Godsey of CG & Co Events: Our couple envisioned a wedding that was unique with a modern feel, using the bride’s favorite color (and 2018’s Pantone color of the year) purple. The wedding took place at the National Arboretum, a stately green venue that had previously hosted only one other marriage celebration. This national treasure was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress and features 446 acres of fabulous flora and fauna. The couple wished to complement the beautiful natural surroundings when making all their design decisions, from their invitations with garden-feel liner and royal gold letterpress to the clear walled tent for their reception space.

The ceremony was set just mere steps away from the iconic National Capitol Columns, remnants of the old Capitol building, and included a reference to the brides love of elephants. Embodying strength, honor, stability, and tenacity, two moss-covered giants formed the base for the greenery covered chuppah, holding up the front poles that were made of a modern, clear lucite, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the green surroundings.

After the ceremony, the guests were ushered to the outdoor Herb Garden where they could wander around the expansive space for stunning views of the Columns, along with the herbs growing in the Arboretum’s garden. A three-piece jazz band played as guests entered the garden where three tall white walls held their escort cards in individual bud vases filled with herbs. As the sun went down and cool October temperatures set in, guests were welcomed into the glowing dinner reception tent for dinner and dancing. Purple linens and gold vases filled with tall green “elephant” ear centerpieces graced each of the dinner tables while chandeliers hang over the dance floor.