Patterson Mansion Wedding with Liad and Eitan

When Liad and Eitan told me they planned to host a small, winter wedding at the Patterson Mansion in Washington, DC, I pictured something cozy, with the sweet chaos only a handful of little ones running around can provide. Turns out my imagination was spot-on: a brisk winter breeze, about sixty people total, and a crowd of energetic kids who pretty much stole the show.

Morning Magic at the St. Regis

They kicked off the day at the St. Regis—think grand hotel vibes, but with a soft, wintery glow pouring through the windows. Liad, sporting a calm excitement, slipped into her dress while Eitan handled a last-minute suit check (and probably some silent nerves). Together, they created a relaxed, almost cinematic start to the morning. You know that feeling where you can sense something big is about to happen but everything still feels wonderfully ordinary? That was the St. Regis in a nutshell.

Arriving at Patterson Mansion

Next stop: Patterson Mansion, perched near Dupont Circle. If you’ve never been, imagine a venue soaked in history, complete with grand halls that once hosted folks like President Calvin Coolidge. It’s the kind of place that oozes old-world elegance, while also staying pretty approachable for modern couples. Liad and Eitan greeted their guests—yes, including lots of kiddos—right in the foyer. The kids zoomed around, giggling like it was a recess playground, which added a fun, upbeat energy to the usually stately setting. I’m a big believer that nothing breaks the ice like a few little ones running around in fancy clothes.

A Jewish Ceremony in the Library

When it came time for the ceremony, everyone gathered in the library of the Patterson Mansion —famous for its bold black walls and, ironically, zero books. That space is typically quite sophisticated, but toss in the melodic hum of conversation and a few toddlers peering curiously at the décor, and you get this delightfully personal vibe. Liad and Eitan’s Jewish ceremony, complete with a ketubah signing and the breaking of the glass, felt extra special against the historic backdrop. It was as if centuries of refined history suddenly made room for tradition, family, and a hint of playful chaos (thank you again, kiddos).

Dinner & Toasts

After the formalities, everyone transitioned into dinner mode—a chance to savor the warmth of good food, happy company, and the occasional squeal of children darting between tables. The Patterson Mansion’s team had every detail under control, meaning Liad and Eitan could actually relax and mingle. I can’t emphasize enough how rare that is—most couples are so busy they barely get a bite. But here, they laughed, toasted, and even got a minute to catch their breath and take it all in.

Why Patterson Mansion Is Just… Cool

If you’re hunting for a venue that merges historic charm and modern functionality, Patterson Mansion is definitely worth a peek. Its ballroom can handle a bigger crowd if you need, but it also works incredibly well for a more intimate affair (like this one). The vibe is elegant yet friendly, which mirrors Liad and Eitan’s winter wedding perfectly. For me, snapping photos in a space where each corner holds a layer of DC’s storied past made the day feel both timeless and completely their own.

Final Thoughts

Liad and Eitan’s wedding was a gentle reminder that a smaller guest list doesn’t mean skimping on energy or style. In fact, with only about sixty people—and a good handful of little ones—there was more than enough spirit to fill every nook of Patterson Mansion. It was sweet, it was simple, it was meaningful. And, honestly, it was a joy to photograph such genuine warmth on a crisp winter day in DC. If you’re considering an intimate, historic spot that can balance a formal setting with a relaxed atmosphere (and room for a bunch of kids to roam), Patterson Mansion might just be your dream come true.