I met Noemi and Kyle beneath a giant Christmas tree brilliantly displayed in front of Alexandria City Hall on a mid-December afternoon. Noemi arrived in a stunning, full-length gown paired with a white fur stole. Beside her, Kyle sported a dark olive suit. There was a buzz of excitement between the two soon-to-be-newlyweds and the small gathering of immediate family members who came to witness their heartfelt elopement in Old Town Alexandria. Under the glow of the Christmas lights, Noemi and Kyle tied the knot with a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony. This was followed by happy tears, tight hugs, and an air high five shared between the new Mr. and Mrs. (in tribute to The Office, of course).

A First Dance at Carlyle House

Following the ceremony, we made our way over to Carlyle House for some post-wedding portraits. Kyle’s parents were such good sports – they tagged along to help carry bags and warm beverages for when it started to get a little chilly. They even provided music (an unexpected Prince tune) for Noemi and Kyle’s unplanned first dance in Carlyle House’s private garden.

Sunset at the waterfront

We ended the evening with sunset portraits overlooking the Potomac. The couple then strolled down King Street before meeting up with family for a celebratory dinner at Josephine.

Final Thoughts

Noemi and Kyle’s day is a good reminder that weddings don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Elopements allows for a small guest list, an intentional ceremony, and the freedom to actually be present. No logistics spiral. No year-long planning process. Just the two of you (and maybe a few of your favorite people) doing exactly what you want, the way you want it.

Elopements have a way of cutting through the noise. You get a real ceremony, real portraits, and a day that actually feels like you, without the two-year engagement and $40k price tag. Noemi and Kyle had an unplanned first dance to Prince in a historic garden and watched the sun set over the Potomac. Hard to beat that.

To Noemi + Kyle – thank you for allowing me to capture your special day. It was such a joy to be a part of.

With love,

Kelly

Planning your own heartfelt elopement in Old Town Alexandria?

Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite places to document an elopement, and Noemi and Kyle’s day is a perfect example of why. If you’re dreaming of cobblestone streets, historic gardens, and golden hour on the Potomac, I’d love to be there for it.

Kelly Wineinger Creative is now booking 2026 and 2027 weddings and elopements in Northern Virginia and DC. Ready to start planning? Inquire here!