Alyssa & Ben | Riggs Hotel DC

A bride and Groom sit in front of a dog at the Riggs Hotel DC.

What an exciting adventure for Ashly McCoy – Wedding Photographer. In May, we had the pleasure of photographing Alyssa and Ben at the Riggs Hotel DC. So, naturally, I made a trip of it and took in many of the sites of DC.

Though, I’m in DC often shooting couples. I don’t always have time to visit the many incredible sites DC has to offer. Often I am flying up to photograph a wedding then I’m leaving for my next destination.

So, when Alyssa and Ben inquired for wedding photos at Riggs Washington DC, I knew I couldn’t pass up such an incredible opportunity to photograph such a historic venue. A venue that so many Washington DC wedding photographers would dream to shoot.

The Bank of Presidents

Riggs National Bank, where Riggs Hotel DC stands today, was built in 1891. Forgoing Jefferson’s love of Parisian architecture like that of the National Portrait Gallery, The Riggs was built utilizing Richardsonian Romanesque Revival techniques. A powerful building in Penn Quarter that stands like a stalwart of defense and elegance.

Though, the name carries even more weight. Before its move to 9th and F, Riggs Bank stood directly on Pennsylvania Avenue, and was used by many US Presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower. It became the most trusted bank for some of the most powerful figures in the world.

Then as time would come to pass, in 2005, it was bought by Pulitzer Amsterdam of the Lore Group and changed its course towards high-end luxury hospitality. Opening its doors as Riggs Hotel DC to go along with other Luxury hotels in the world such as Sea Containers London, Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam, One Hundred Shoreditch and many others.

Within the halls of the Riggs though is a lovely cocktail bar named the Silver Lyan that is a dream for the high-end.

A Riggs Party

There is something so presidential about the hotel that Alyssa and Ben looked as if they were being sworn into office. It might sound like I’m kidding, but I’m not. These two were the absolute height of fashion and elegance.

Beginning our day, I had the couple walk around DC. Not too far, but to near by sights so we could capture them on the steps of the National Portrait Gallery. But, as the rain began to set in, we found it prudent to head back to the Hotel. Which was perfectly fine with me.

Without the use of the rooftop event space because of the rain, I utilized the many incredible rooms inside the Riggs.

After the breathtaking ceremony, we went down into the Silver Lyan, where cocktail hour took place. It was dark in the room, so my flash had to work overtime, but I found myself able to capture some incredible shots, utilizing the cocktail bar’s darkness to my advantage.

After cocktail hour, we all went up to the rooftop event space, where tables and chairs had been set up for the reception. Some brief speeches were spoken, but the energy in the room was becoming electric. The kind of energy that only dancing can release.

As soon as the dancing started, the true celebration commenced. Before long, the bride and groom were hoisted in their chairs and chauffeured around the dance floor.

It was one of those evenings where you never want it to end. The energy, the people, the stunning Riggs Hotel.

Everything was perfect.