Inside This Sophisticated Autumnal Wedding at Historic DAR
Danielle + Brendan
Ambre Nuit
BY ANNA SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ANNA SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
Ambre Nuit
PHOTOGRAPHY & FLATLAY DESIGN / Ambre Nuit by Anna Schmidt Photography
PLANNING & DESIGN / Blue Sapphire Events VENUE / Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) FLORIST / Karin's Florist WEDDING DRESS STORE / Elegance by Roya WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER / Caroline Castigliano, Just Julie gown SAVE THE DATES / Amy Natsios CATERING / Spilled Milk Catering MIRRORS & SIGNAGE / Eriell Creations - Erin Ganson PAPER GOODS / Designs by Allison Rene HAIR & MAKEUP / Makeup by Ana B MUSIC / Black Tie Entertainment DJ Chris Laing PHOTO TEAM / Oscar Navarre, Danielle Lawrance
Classic. Contemporary. Romantic.
This elegant DAR wedding seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern romance, wrapped in a refined color story of crème, neutral tones, and gold accents. As guests arrive, they step into a world of timeless beauty, greeted by the venue’s stately white marble façade, bathed in the golden glow of the autumn sun. The grand portico, with its soaring columns and sweeping views of the National Mall, provides a breathtaking setting for a ceremony that is both intimate and grand. As the sun begins to set, the portico transforms into a chic open-air lounge for cocktail hour. Stepping into the grand O’Byrne Gallery, guests are welcomed by intricate moldings, soaring ceilings, and the warm glow of chandeliers. The space, draped in candlelight, radiates an intimate ambiance. As the evening deepens, the celebration returns to the portico, now illuminated by soft uplighting, framing the circular dance floor beneath the open sky.
about the Wedding
Brendan and Danielle first met during their freshman year at Virginia Tech through mutual friends. Over the years, their journey has been filled with cherished memories—graduating together, starting their careers, forming friendships near their new Arlington home, traveling, and building a life together. It was in that very home where Brendan proposed, marking the next chapter in their love story.
For their wedding, the couple envisioned a celebration of understated elegance, embracing a palette of crème, soft neutrals, and accents of sage green and gold. They fell in love with DAR at first sight, drawn to the grandeur of the O’Byrne Gallery — its barrel-vaulted ceiling, original sconces, grand fireplace, and herringbone-patterned wood floors leading to arched glass doors that open onto the domed portico balcony.
Beautifully designed and coordinated by Kolena Thomas and Nikki Zelenika of Blue Sapphire Events, every detail was curated with meaning. The couple’s artist friend (Allison Rene) hand-painted their ‘Save the Date’ stationery, while a custom cat cake topper paid tribute to their beloved pet, Angelo. The bride’s pinky bore a petite heirloom ring, a delicate homage to her late grandmother—just one of the many heartfelt touches woven into their day.
Scroll to see the breathtaking moments from this magnificent celebration.
Brendan and Danielle first met during their freshman year at Virginia Tech through mutual friends. Over the years, their journey has been filled with cherished memories—graduating together, starting their careers, forming friendships near their new Arlington home, traveling, and building a life together. It was in that very home where Brendan proposed, marking the next chapter in their love story.
For their wedding, the couple envisioned a celebration of understated elegance, embracing a palette of crème, soft neutrals, and accents of sage green and gold. They fell in love with DAR at first sight, drawn to the grandeur of the O’Byrne Gallery — its barrel-vaulted ceiling, original sconces,
grand fireplace, and herringbone-patterned wood floors leading to arched glass doors that open onto the domed portico balcony.
Beautifully designed and coordinated by Kolena Thomas and Nikki Zelenika of Blue Sapphire Events, every detail was curated with meaning. The couple’s artist friend (Allison Rene) hand-painted their ‘Save the Date’ stationery, while a custom cat cake topper paid tribute to their beloved pet, Angelo. The bride’s pinky bore a petite heirloom ring, a delicate homage to her late grandmother—just one of the many heartfelt touches woven into their day.
Scroll to see the breathtaking moments from this magnificent celebration.
“Anna exceeded our high expectations with her excellent communication, incredible attention to detail, and understanding of our vision for the day."
We cannot recommend hiring her enough! We will cherish these photos forever!
- danielle, bride
