District Winery Wedding | Chelsea and Wesley

Chelsea and Wesley’s District Winery wedding in Washington, DC

Chelsea and Wes celebrated their wedding day at District Winery after being together just shy of 10 years. It was a wind-swept day filled with so much laughter, happy tears, and sweet, tender moments. Read on for more from Chelsea and Wesley’s District Winery Wedding.

WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Chelsea & Wes’s Washington, DC wedding celebrations began the night before with their rehearsal dinner at The Point in DC. It was an intimate gathering of their family, wedding party, and close friends to kick off the weekend. I actually met Chelsea and Wes the year prior while photographing her sister Emily’s wedding, so it was great seeing their family once again.

TENDER MOMENT FOR MOM AND DAUGHTER

Both Chelsea and her sister Emily had their veil made from their mom’s wedding veil with the beautiful craftsmanship of Marie from Headpiece.com. As a surprise to her mom, Chelsea had Marie make a few pieces for her mom to wear as well.

It was such a tender, full circle moment watching Chelsea place the hair pieces in her mom’s hair, just as her mom had done for both her daughters.

AUTHENTIC & PURPOSEFUL

After a private first look on the rooftop of their hotel, we headed over to District Winery for portraits. Their two corgis, Waffles & Butters, joined us for some family photos. It was the part of the day that felt most like “them”, just being with each other and their dogs.

For Chelsea and Wes, their District Winery wedding day wasn’t about disappearing for hours of photos, but more importantly celebrating with their people. So we photographed most of their portraits ahead of the ceremony, allowing for candid moments to mix naturally with posed shots. This gave them the freedom to head to cocktail hour and soak in the excitement with their guests.

“TO WHATEVER END”

Chelsea and Wes built a connection over their love for books. So it was no surprise that book references showed up in their vows. Chelsea talked about her favorite childhood book, a love story with a girl and a boy named Wesley. Through tears, happily exclaiming that she found her ‘real life Wesley’.

And Wes, who recently read Chelsea’s all-time favorite series Throne of Glass, ending his vows with “To whatever end” (if you know we should be friends).

While they spoke their vows, you could see just how deeply their love touched the people around them. Chelsea’s parents squeezing each other’s hands, friends quietly wiping away tears, and smiles breaking across their guests faces as they listened to the promises being made.

A BOOK LOVERS DREAM

The book theme showed up throughout their decor as well, including a jaw dropping escort wall. Underneath the words “and at every table, I’ll save you a seat”, guests could find their table numbers amongst the couple’s favorite reads, including classics by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw and modern stories by Nicholas Sparks and Sarah Dessen.

Their District Winery wedding reception space transformed into a warm, welcoming, candle-lit space where their loved ones came together sharing stories and a meal.

HONORING LOVED ONES

When it came time for the parent dances, Wes joined his new mother-in-law on the dance floor. His own mom had passed away and the moment felt incredibly meaningful. A tribute to the love that shaped him and a reflection of the new family surrounding him that day.

DANCING IN THE DISTRICT

Chelsea and Wes alongside their guests danced the night away, with the help of DJ Morriscode. Capping off the night with a sparkler exit outside of District Winery. A few tearful embraces were had at the end of the night because they just didn’t want the night to end.

VENDOR TEAM:

Looking for more? Check out Chelsea & Wes’s Old Town Alexandria engagement session.

If you are a couple reading this, I’d love to chat about your wedding day in Baltimore or DC! Please feel free to reach out. Now booking for 2026 and 2027 weddings.

Nicole Simensky Photography is a Baltimore wedding photographer for the modern couple, blending authenticity, elegance, and storytelling to capture your wedding day. Creating a comfortable experience that captures heartfelt, authentic memories. Nicole Simensky Photography serves Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and beyond.