This editorial is super close to my heart. The idea behind these images is inclusivity, sisterhood and authenticity. This project was planned, styled and executed by a team of women wedding professionals in the DC area. Our experiences in the wedding industry and the venue inspired our vision.

A background about the club is vital to understand the historical importance the venue has to the community. The Congressional Club was founded in 1908; the original purpose of The Congressional Club was to provide a non-partisan setting for friendships among the spouses of members of the House and Senate in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Club is the only club in the world to be incorporated by an act of Congress and, at the time, it was extremely progressive to sanction a female run club by a body of government.

Since 1912, the club has hosted a luncheon honoring the First Lady of the United States as its largest annual event each year. Although the scope of the Club and the breadth of its activities have increased over the years, its purpose remains the same. The Club’s primary focus has shifted to serving its community and the Nation with not-for-profit partners. The Club provides a space for current and former spouses of Members of Congress, the United States Supreme Court and the President’s Cabinet to promote volunteerism, facilitate bi-partisan efforts, raise awareness of and support charities throughout the nation, and support educational enrichment by preserving, collecting and exhibiting historical memorabilia of Congress and the Congressional Club.

Not only is the club a powerhouse for political activism but it also recently opened its doors to the public for non-governmental activities as of January 2018. Natalie of The McNeese Thomas Group newly manages events at the club, including weddings. She decided to style a session to promote the club and wanted an ‘average’ bride in the space to help with endorsement. Natalie reached out to me to create a DIY inspired tea that promoted inclusivity, glamour and the ‘average’ sized bride. We wanted to feature the every-girl while capturing a fun playful event infused with femininity and empowerment.