When the impeccable eye of Washington DC wedding photographer RUDNEY NOVAES is paired with the talents of stylist CLAIRE DURAN, the end result is pure magic as is witnessed here in this stylish and grand pre-wedding shoot that takes place at one of Washington DC's most iconic event venues. Sweet and delicate florals by LA FLEUR DU JOUR bought in a touch of nature to the grand interior without completing too much with the decor.

Claire tells us, "ANDERSON HOUSE is, without a doubt, one of the most fashionable mansions in town. Formerly belonging to Larz Anderson, an American diplomat, and his wife, Isabel, an author and benefactress, it now serves as an art museum during the day as well as being an event venue. The house provides a grand yet intricate backdrop to any event being held, whether inside or out in the gardens. Artwork and artefacts are spread throughout, giving you a feeling of elegance and grandeur all at once. Thus, with Anderson House's unquestionable beauty and their unapologetic support for same-sex weddings, photographer and friend RUDNEY NOVAES, and I knew that it was the perfect spot for this project. This gallery doubled up as a pre-wedding session for Kyle and James, who are getting married in 2021, and as an inspirational shoot. After 12 years of them dating, we wanted to do something that both spoke of the elegance of the location and of the appropriate merge between the romance of weddings and the minimalist masculinity of their ideal affair. The main inspiration for the elements put together was the White Glove upholstered velvet chairs. From there, we brought in a gorgeous heavy textured linen from NUAGE DESIGNS, and flowers in ceramic bud-vases and bowls displayed in vertical frog-style designs. To finish it up, we added two colour candlesticks (one of my signature tables moves lately) and modern stationery by HONEYSCOPE PAPER. For further balancing the palette-inspired theme, we wanted to play off the maroon colour of the chairs as well as in details of the stationery and in one of the tuxes, while keeping the cake on the more neutral side."

For Washington DC wedding photographer RUDNEY NOVAES, wedding photography has transformed the way he sees people and how he tells their stories. After starting out as a photojournalist for an international non-profit organisation in Africa, Rudney developed an organic yet refined style and the experience influenced him to photograph people in their natural settings and created the photographer he is today. Check out more of his work in his our vendor guide here and be sure to check out this Enchanted & Ethereal Bridal Inspiration in an old barn filled with French Antiques.