Photographer Mantas Kubilinskas — Most recent wedding and engagement sessions by Mantas Kubilinskas

Photographer Mantas Kubilinskas

Elegant St Regis Wedding Washington DC: A Venue that Speaks Romance

Are you planning a wedding at the St. Regis Washington DC? This revered venue offers more than just luxury; it provides an experience where every detail is finely tuned to your desires. In the following sections, you can expect to find out the secrets that make a St Regis wedding Washington DC, not just an event but a landmark in your personal history.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Regis Washington DC offers a luxurious and romantic wedding setting with European elegance, historic grandeur, and personalized experiences for intimate and grand celebrations.

  • Couples can customize their wedding at St. Regis with tailored culinary experiences, personalized event space design, and attention to detail, ensuring their wedding is as unique and memorable as their love story.

  • Guest and vendor accommodations are prioritized at the St. Regis Washington DC, with stylish rooms and suites, seamless coordination, and bespoke services to ensure a comfortable and exquisite experience.

Celebrating Your Union at the St. Regis Washington DC

The St. Regis Washington DC, with its historic grandeur and luxurious ambiance, is a dream come true for couples seeking a memorable wedding venue. Imagine yourself exchanging vows in a venue that stands a stone’s throw away from the White House, enveloped in the aura of European elegance and sophistication. The St. Regis Washington DC is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s a fairy-tale setting that comes to life, endorsed by 97% of couples for its beautiful facilities and exceptional service.

Join us as we explore the opulent spaces and upscale amenities that the St. Regis Washington DC offers for your special day. From the grand Astor Ballroom to the intimate Astor Terrace and exclusive amenities for your next wedding reception or party, every corner of this amazing venue whispers a unique story of romance and grandeur.

The Grandeur of the Grand Astor Ballroom

Step into the magnificence of the Grand Astor Ballroom and be greeted by an atmosphere of exquisite luxury. The sparkle from lavish crystal chandeliers dances above as you admire the grandeur of stately Palladian windows, providing a majestic backdrop for your wedding reception. Accommodating up to 200 guests with ease, this expansive ballroom is ideally suited for celebrating your momentous occasion in style.

The European design influences within the Astor Ballroom evoke the splendor associated with Italy’s Renaissance period, lending a touch of timeless elegance to your nuptials. In this space where historic allure fuses with contemporary finesse, you and your guests will bask in a celebratory experience that promises to leave an indelible imprint on everyone present during one of life’s most treasured events – your wedding day.

Intimate Moments on the Astor Terrace

The outdoor Astor Terrace is an idyllic choice for a cozy and personal atmosphere. This space, adorned with decorative fencing and surrounded by vibrant greenery, offers a refined setting ideal for holding a wedding reception, ceremonies or hosting cocktail hours.

Visualize exchanging your promises while accompanied by the gentle murmur of a water fountain as cleverly placed up-lighting casts a delicate luminescence that augments the peaceful surroundings. As a blossoming haven, the Astor Terrace delivers an exceptional experience, ensuring your nuptials are imbued with an almost dreamlike enchantment.

Exclusive Amenities for Your Wedding Party

Ensuring the comfort of your wedding party is a top priority at the St. Regis Washington DC. The hotel offers exclusive dressing rooms for the wedding party on the big day. These rooms, designed to provide both comfort and style, ensure the wedding party can prepare in an environment that complements the sophistication of their event.

These exclusive amenities are a testament to the St. Regis Washington DC’s commitment to providing a luxurious experience for the couple and the entire wedding party. From the grand event spaces to the most minor details, every aspect of your wedding at the St. Regis Washington DC is designed to ensure an event that is as seamless as it is memorable.

Tailoring Your Dream Wedding

Recognizing that every wedding is unique, the St. Regis Washington DC works to bring your distinct vision to life in a spectacular way. Recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as the ‘Best Hotel for Small Weddings,’ the St. Regis Washington DC is committed to hosting exceptional intimate wedding festivities catering to each couple’s preferences.

Whether it’s crafting your culinary experience or designing your event space, the St. Regis Washington DC offers a personalized approach to wedding planning. Discover how the hotel’s skilled chefs and event experts can create and customize your dream wedding to mirror your unique style and preferences.

Crafting Your Culinary Experience

At the St. Regis Washington DC, your wedding is enhanced by an unparalleled culinary journey that speaks to your own tastes and love story. The hotel’s esteemed chefs collaborate with you to customize a dining experience that encapsulates your individuality and relationship.

Imagine whether it’s a sophisticated cocktail reception filled with delicious hors d’oeuvres, an opulent dessert table, exquisite service, or a refined multi-course dinner. The exquisite décor and exquisite service at the St. Regis in Washington ensures every gastronomic desire is met with elegance for an unforgettable wedding reception.

Designing Your Event Space

At the St. Regis Washington, D.C., envision your wedding venue not simply as a location, but as a blank canvas ready to bring your dream ceremony to life. With eight distinctive event spaces on offer, this hotel is perfectly equipped for nuptial events of every scale, welcoming everything from small, cozy gatherings to grand celebrations.

The professional catering and events team at the St. Regis collaborates closely with couples in order to infuse personal details that craft an event space mirroring their individual flair. Whether it’s the opulent Grand Astor Ballroom or the more secluded Astor Terrace, each area is ripe for transformation into a memorable backdrop that truly captures the essence of your unique romantic journey.

The Details That Make the Difference

At the St. Regis Washington DC, every meticulous detail is meticulously crafted to elevate your wedding experience. Initiatives for environmental sustainability and options for personalized dance floor illumination are just a few examples of their dedication to creating an unforgettable event.

Incorporating sumptuous decorations and refined touches throughout the ceremony and reception venue ensures that each aspect of your special day adds to its opulent atmosphere, making it a celebration that will be cherished long into the future. Experience how these elaborate details infuse magic into your momentous occasion at The St. Regis in Washington DC.

Decadent Decorations and Elegant Accents

Imagine dancing under a canopy of customizable lights, creating an atmosphere that perfectly matches your wedding, ceremony and reception theme. At the St. Regis Washington DC, you can transform your reception, ceremony, reception, and dance floor with customizable lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your ceremony and reception.

The hotel’s commitment to excellence extends to providing top-notch audio equipment, ensuring clear sound quality for music and speeches during your wedding. And if you’re planning a winter wedding, the St. Regis Washington DC can arrange candle-lit dinners and cozy decor to create a warm and intimate setting, adding another layer of elegance to your event.

Capturing the Moment

The day of your wedding is destined to be filled with memories you’ll cherish eternally. The historic and sophisticated architectural design of the St. Regis Washington, DC serves as an exquisite canvas for these timeless snapshots.

Every corner within the hotel’s walls presents the guest count a bounty of visually stunning scenes perfect for capturing both tender portraits and majestic group portrait and photographs. The ambiance provided by the St. Regis Washington, DC will impart an air of splendor to each page of your marriage album.

Ensconce your nuptial celebration in surroundings that promise to evoke warmth and nostalgia long into the future—make it a chapter in your life story set against the storied charm synonymous with this iconic venue in Washington, DC.

Vendor and Guest Accommodations

Making certain that your guests and vendors experience comfort is a vital element of orchestrating wedding events. The St. Regis Washington, DC provides sumptuous accommodations while managing all coordination and transportation needs meticulously, allowing you to concentrate on the joyous occasion.

The St. Regis Washington, DC invites guests to indulge in luxurious rooms and suites and assists vendors through well-maintained partnerships, ensuring seamless delivery of every wedding detail on request.

Exploring how the St. Regis in Washington ensures a memorable stay filled with ease for both your esteemed guests and trusted vendors reveals their commitment to excellence during such significant celebrations.

Welcoming Guests in Style

At the St. Regis Washington DC, guests are treated to an opulent arrival with accommodations that boast lavish decor and plush comforts. The pinnacle of these offerings is the Presidential Suite, which features two bedrooms and a library—truly embodying elegance and relaxation.

The indulgence extends beyond mere lodging at this luxury hotel too. Those who opt for suite stays not only experience refined living quarters but also benefit from service from the esteemed St. Regis Butler Service alongside a plethora of upscale amenities available round-the-clock, including dining options at their restaurant, spirited moments at their bar, physical wellness in their fitness center, and 24-hour room service.

For travelers bringing along pets, the St. Regis Washington ensures everyone is catered to by offering pet-friendly rooms so every member of your family or group of friends can enjoy comfort without compromise—no matter how many guests there are in total.

Collaborating with Preferred Vendors

Collaboration with preferred vendors is a breeze at the St. Regis Washington DC. The hotel supports seamless execution of wedding details through established relationships, service and ample setup space for vendors. A streamlined communication system with the hotel’s in house in-house team ensures effortless coordination.

Whether it’s managing ceremony vendors, planning room layouts, or contributing design ideas, the St. Regis Washington DC’s wedding planners offer extensive guidance. Preferred ceremony vendors are renowned for exemplary service, adding to the luxury experience of a St. Regis wedding. With specialized meeting spaces that cater to intimate ceremony vendor meetings, planning your dream wedding is as easy as saying “I do”.

Planning Your Event Timeline

The thrill of organizing your wedding should be on par with the celebration. At St. Regis Washington. DC, we customize your planning journey to ensure a flawless flow through each aspect of your nuptial festivities. With hands-on guidance and meticulous timeline creation from our seasoned wedding planners, every event unfolds without a hitch—tailored specifically to fit the schedule you envision.

From the seamless hand-off between your rehearsal dinner and wedding reception to providing tranquil moments for relaxation before embarking on life’s next chapter, St. Regis Washington DC is dedicated to crafting an effortless itinerary that allows you to savor every second of these monumental events fully.

From Rehearsal Dinner to Reception

At the St. Regis Washington DC, the progression from rehearsal dinner to wedding reception is expertly orchestrated, ensuring every transition throughout your special day flows seamlessly. Their event planning experts dedicate themselves to the fine details of each wedding-related ceremony, reception and function so that you can immerse yourself fully in these momentous occasions.

For intimate events such as a rehearsal dinner, Alhambra, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience within a sophisticated ambiance for couples and their guests. For grander ceremonies or significant gatherings requiring more space — like vows exchanges or keynote speeches — there is a theater-style setup available designed to accommodate these pivotal moments with grace and elegance.

Enjoying Downtime Before the Big Day

Before the whirlwind of wedding festivities begin, the St. Regis Washington DC provides serene spaces where you and your guests can enjoy some downtime in the bustling capital. With serene lounges, the food and handcrafted cocktails at the iconic St. Regis Bar, and bicycle rentals for those desiring to discover Washington DC’s sights, you can relax and unwind before beginning your big day.

And for those seeking a tranquil retreat, the hotel’s lobby lounge offers a comfortable space to socialize or unwind with a book over a cup of coffee. It’s the perfect setting to gather your thoughts and soak in the excitement before embarking on the first look at your wedding day journey.

Seasonal Considerations for Your St. Regis Wedding

When orchestrating your wedding at the St. Regis in Washington DC, it’s important to take into account the time of year. The peak season presents idyllic scenes for nuptials, while the off-peak season comes with considerable cost reductions and greater options, contributing a unique appeal to your celebration.

Imagine a lively springtime ceremony and reception surrounded by blossoming gardens at the hotel or an intimate winter event accented by flickering candles and inviting decorations? The St. Regis Washington can metamorphose each seasonal allure into an extraordinary matrimonial occasion tailored just for you.

Peak Season Splendor

During the most delightful times of the year, St. Regis Washington DC enters its peak season. At this time, the hotel’s gardens and open areas burst into life, providing a charming and scenic locale for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The architecture and decorative elements of the hotel are bathed in an enriched natural light during these prime months, contributing to a more enchanting atmosphere at this wedding venue.

Peak season not only offers pleasant climatic conditions, but also infuses weddings with an exuberant and celebratory mood. While taking memorable nuptial photographs against the vibrant setting of St. Regis Washington DC’s flourishing scenery, you will experience how the essence of each season amplifies the joyousness of your momentous occasion.

Off-Peak Season Charm

Organizing a wedding in the off-peak season at the St. Regis Washington DC, can yield considerable benefits, such as substantial cost reductions and better venue and vendor selection options due to increased availability.

Outside of busy holidays like New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, an off-season event in Washington, DC, grants couples enhanced freedom to orchestrate their ideal weddings. With the dedication of St. Regis Washington DC to delivering a standout experience at any other venue, location, venue, location, venue or other venue any time of year, you can be confident that your celebration will be unforgettable.

Summary

In summary, the St. Regis Washington DC offers more than just a venue for your wedding - it provides a luxurious and unforgettable experience. From its grand event spaces and exclusive amenities to its personalized wedding planning services and seasonal considerations, every aspect of your wedding is handled meticulously.

Whether you dream of a grand affair in the Astor Ballroom, a more intimate ceremony on the Astor Terrace, or a customized culinary experience, the St. Regis Washington DC is the ideal venue to bring your wedding dreams to life. So make your wedding an event and a memory you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a wedding in DC?

In the DC Metro region, those planning a wedding for 100 guests may anticipate costs ranging from $28,000 to $45,000. If the guest list includes between 100 and 150 people within the DC area, expenses will likely escalate to $50,000 and $75,000.

Comparatively speaking, with national trends, couples across the United States typically spend about $20,300 on average for their weddings.

How much does it cost to get married at the Schuyler DC?

Renting the venue at The Schuyler DC incurs a charge of $12,000 per venue for events held during weekdays and escalates to $15,000 per venue per night for those scheduled on weekends.

The provided venue contact details offer transparency regarding the expense of securing this location and venue for events.

Where can I have a wedding in DC?

There are numerous places to visit and host a wedding in DC, including the Mexican Cultural Institute, District Winery, and the Jefferson Memorial.

Consider your preferences and the size of your guest list when choosing a venue.

Can you get married at the Botanical Gardens in DC?

Regrettably, the United States Botanic Garden does not offer its facilities for weddings or any other personal events.

What event spaces does the St. Regis Washington DC offer for weddings?

At the St. Regis Washington DC, couples can host their opulent wedding receptions in the Grand Astor Ballroom, while for smaller ceremonies or cocktail hours, the Astor Terrace is an ideal choice of wedding ceremony, venue and wedding reception, venue. These venues offer varied options to accommodate different aspects of a full wedding reception, ceremony and celebration, ensuring that every couple’s needs are met.

St. Regis Wedding Washington D.C.

Theodore Roosevelt Monument Engagement Session: Cyril + Lucy

This blog post will highlight some extraordinary moments from Cyril and Lucy's engagement photo shoot at Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, DC. This couple, clearly head over heels for each other, picked this stunning spot for their photos. They did their session in spring when everything around them was bursting into life. Their love story is out of a fairy tale; it includes cute pets and how they've stuck together through tough times like the pandemic. Xiaoqi, an incredibly skilled photographer, captured all these details perfectly.

Choosing Theodore Roosevelt Island for Your Engagement Session

Cyril and Lucy knew picking the right spot for their engagement photos was vital in showing off their special bond. They chose Theodore Roosevelt Island because of its unique beauty and rich history. This place has it all in Washington, D.C.—from forests to views by the water. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial there brings a fancy vibe to any picture taken. The island's peaceful feel and gorgeous sights make it perfect for couples wanting unforgettable engagement pictures in Washington, D.C.'s heart.

The Significance of Theodore Roosevelt Island near Washington DC

Roosevelt Island is a special place that remembers the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. He was someone who really cared about nature and worked hard to protect it, and this island beautifully celebrates all he did. At the heart of it all is the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, which shows how much we appreciate his work and achievements.

Apart from its historical value, this island also offers breathtaking natural scenery. It's become a favorite spot for couples looking to take engagement photos. You can find everything here - woods, views by the water, and an iconic footbridge that adds something extra to any image. The calmness of Roosevelt Island makes everyone feel close to nature while still being near Washington D.C.'s lovely sights.

The Best Time of Day for Photoshoots on the Island

When considering having your engagement session at Theodore Roosevelt Island, picking the right time is critical to ensuring your photos look amazing. Here's what I suggest:

  • Go for sunrise or sunset: The light is soft and golden, making everything look more romantic and dreamy.

  • Try a weekday morning. It's usually less crowded, so you can have a bit of privacy and feel more special.

  • Spring or fall are excellent choices: The island looks incredible, with flowers blooming in spring and leaves changing color in fall.

By choosing wisely when to go and what season suits you best, you'll get beautiful shots showing Theodore Roosevelt Island’s scenery and the happiness between you two.

Preparing for Your Engagement Session

Getting ready for your engagement session at Theodore Roosevelt Island means thinking about a few things, like what to wear and picking themes that show off who you are while matching the island's natural beauty. Here's some advice on how to get prepared:

  • Go for classic and elegant looks. Choose outfits that have a timeless feel to complement Roosevelt Island's romantic vibe.

  • Pick colors that blend well: Soft pastels or earthy tones will look great with nature.

  • Add props: Adding items like a picnic basket or an old-fashioned bike can make your photos unique.

By considering your clothing choices and adding special touches, you'll have beautiful memories from your engagement session at Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Outfit Ideas and Themes for the Couple

When thinking about what to wear and the vibe for your engagement pictures at Theodore Roosevelt Island, you can show off who you are as a couple. Here's some inspiration:

  • For a touch of class, Why not go all out with fancy clothes? He could wear a sharp suit, and she could choose an elegant dress. This idea brings sophistication and beauty into your photos.

  • Keeping it easy but stylish: If you want something more laid-back, consider wearing comfy, fashionable outfits like jeans or simple dresses. This approach aims to capture those genuine moments between you.

  • Dreamy boho style: Wear a bohemian look with loose dresses, flower headbands, and earthy accessories. This style highlights Roosevelt Island's natural charm and gives your shoot a magical feel.

It's essential to pick outfits and themes that mirror who you are while making sure both of you feel good in them. Matching what you wear with where you're taking photos helps us get amazing shots that truly reflect your relationship.

What to Bring for a Comfortable and Memorable Session

To make sure your time at Theodore Roosevelt Island for an engagement session is both comfy and unforgettable, it's wise to pack a few key things. Here's what you should consider:

  • Comfortable shoes: Since some will likely walk on the island’s paths, wearing shoes that are easy on your feet will help you move around without any trouble.

  • Snacks and water: Bring water and light snacks to stay hydrated and energetic during the session.

  • Touch-up essentials: A small bag with quick-fix items like tissues, lip balm, and powder can be a lifesaver for those little touch-ups.

Having these essentials ready means enjoying every moment of your engagement session at Theodore Roosevelt Island without worrying about discomfort or interruptions. It sets the stage perfectly for making lasting memories in this beautiful setting.

Cyril and Lucy's Theodore Roosevelt Monument engagement session

Cyril and Lucy chose Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, D.C., for their engagement session, and it was a perfect pick. Everything looked amazing, surrounded by the island's natural beauty, from its lush woods to the waterfront views and that famous footbridge. They dressed up in a way that matched this grand setting beautifully, giving off an elegant vibe through and through. As they moved around the island during their shoot, you could see how much they cared about each other. The photos turned out incredible—something they'll remember fondly forever.

Capturing the Essence of Their Love Story

Cyril and Lucy chose Theodore Roosevelt Island for their engagement photos, showing off their special bond. The pictures brought out the love and connection between them. With nature all around the island, it felt like a symbol of their solid and lasting relationship. They had sweet moments on a bridge and shared laughs among the trees, each photo full of joy and love. This photo shoot was more than just taking pictures; it marked the start of forever happiness together for Cyril and Lucy on Roosevelt Island.

Memorable Spots on Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a treasure trove of beautiful places perfect for engagement photos. With its gorgeous waterfront views and peaceful wooded spots, the island offers various settings to capture those special moments between couples. Among these iconic locations are:

  • The footbridge: This bridge crosses the Potomac River and provides terrific views that add a touch of romance and dreaminess to any photo.

  • The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial's impressive beauty makes it an ideal backdrop for timeless pictures.

  • The wooded areas: Offering privacy and a cozy atmosphere, these spots allow couples to connect while truly making unforgettable memories.

These standout locations on Theodore Roosevelt Island ensure your engagement photos aren't just visually appealing and deeply meaningful, showcasing the happiness and love you share.

Scenic Backdrops in Georgetown for Engagement Photos

Georgetown is an excellent spot for taking engagement photos because it has so many beautiful places to choose from. Here are some top picks:

  • The historic C&O Canal: With its lovely brick buildings and greenery, this canal gives a romantic vibe perfect for pictures.

  • Georgetown Waterfront Park lets you capture the beauty of the Potomac River and the famous Key Bridge, making your photos stunning.

  • The Exorcist Steps: If you're into classic movies, these steps can add an exciting twist to your photo shoot.

These spots in Georgetown will make your engagement session memorable by mixing urban elegance with natural beauty, ensuring your photographs turn out gorgeous and timeless.

Transitioning from Natural to Urban Settings

Moving from the untouched beauty of Theodore Roosevelt Island to Georgetown's bustling streets adds a special touch to your engagement session. Mixing these two spots allows you to show off different sides of your relationship—the calmness of nature and the excitement of city life.

With this shift from natural scenes to urban ones, your photos will have a variety of settings and feelings. From quiet moments on Roosevelt Island to fun times in Georgetown, blending these places gives your engagement shoot a full range of emotions and backgrounds. It tells everyone about how rich and varied your love story is. Don't forget to share your stunning photos on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, using #brittleephoto. Contact me to see if your date is available for your unique engagement session.

Working with Your Photographer

Having a gifted photographer by your side for your engagement session is crucial if you truly want to capture the spirit of your love story. With their expertise, they'll lead you every step of the way, ensuring that what makes you unique as a couple is reflected in the photos. They're great at snapping spontaneous moments and well-thought-out poses, mixing them to create natural and breathtakingly beautiful pictures. By working closely and discussing things with your photographer, you can ensure that this particular time before getting married is remembered just how it should be at your chosen venues.

Communicating Your Vision

When you're getting ready for an engagement session, it's critical to talk about what you have in mind with your photographer. They're all about catching the special moments of your love story and making sure those memories look amazing. Talking over where you'd like the photos taken, the vibe or look you're going for, and any particular poses or pictures that mean a lot to you helps a ton. With open communication, your photographer will get a clear picture of what you expect and can bring out what makes your relationship unique.

Planning Your Visit to Theodore Roosevelt Island

When planning to visit Washington, D.C., don't forget to put Theodore Roosevelt Island on your list. It's a special place where nature and giant stone monuments come together perfectly, creating an excellent spot for taking portrait photography. Named after Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the U.S., this island has forests, views of the water, and a monument area right in the middle, making it an ideal location for capturing stunning portraits. It gives you a peaceful break from the busy city life with its scenic beauty.

Conclusion

Choosing Theodore Roosevelt Island for your engagement session is like picking the perfect mix of city vibes and natural beauty. It's a place where unforgettable moments await, surrounded by history and nature. Think about how every little detail, from what you wear to exploring the island's paths, brings its magic into your love story. Let Cyril and Lucy's experience there also spark some ideas for you. With Georgetown’s scenic views around you, enjoy the island's peace. Talk about what you're imagining with your photographer so they can beautifully capture your love in this timeless setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of having an engagement session at the Theodore Roosevelt Monument?

An engagement session at the Theodore Roosevelt Monument offers a historical backdrop symbolizing strength and unity, echoing Roosevelt's ideologies. Capturing love against this iconic setting adds depth and meaning to the couple's journey, blending love with history in timeless photographs.

What is the Best Season to Have an Engagement Session on Theodore Roosevelt Island?

April through November is ideal for an engagement session on Theodore Roosevelt Island. In these months, the weather tends to be pretty comfortable, and everything on the island looks full of life and color. Spring and fall offer amazing views thanks to beautiful leaves, and summer gives you plenty of daylight to work with. But really, every season brings something unique to the table. So go ahead and pick whichever one feels suitable for your photoshoot based on what you like best.

Are Permits Required for Photography on Theodore Roosevelt Island?

The National Park Service states that you'll need a permit to do professional photography on Theodore Roosevelt Island. This will set you back $140, and it's wise to get this sorted out before your shoot. A permit might not always be necessary for simpler things like taking family pictures or capturing engagement moments. However, with anything involving Roosevelt Island or related activities, touching base with the park officials first is a smart move to ensure everything follows the rules.

How Can We Make Our Engagement Session Unique and Personalized?

To give your engagement session on Theodore Roosevelt Island a special touch, think about adding things that mean a lot to both of you. With props or accessories that show what you're into together and picking clothes that make you feel good and at ease, your photos will capture the essence of your bond. By putting in bits of who you are, the memories made during this time on Roosevelt Island will genuinely reflect your love story.

Sokiu Svente 2016 Baltimore MD

The crowd was on its feet Sunday, cheering for the final number as nearly 1,800 dancers streamed onto the arena floor.

Dance troupes came from the Baltimore suburbs, Boston, Atlanta and Los Angeles, everywhere in between. Boys and girls, parents and grandparents skipped and whooped into the finale of the 15th North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival.

For three hours Sunday afternoon at Baltimore's Royal Farms Arena, performers, mostly Americans, waltzed and polka'd in the traditional routines their grandparents danced decades ago in Lithuania.

"You're keeping the culture going," said Rytis Grybauskas, a dance instructor at the Baltimore Lithuanian Hall.

Since the inaugural performance in Chicago in 1957, the massive, choreographed festival has come every four years to an American city. The 15th festival featured 45 troupes from 29 cities. The oldest dancer was 77; the youngest, 7.

"Music, song and dance, whether there were good times or bad times, it still allowed people to keep up their spirits," said Algis Silas, of Chicago, a festival spokesman.

Grybauskas' parents arrived in the United States as World War II refugees and clung to the traditions of their homeland. As a boy at Saturday classes, he learned the traditional steps and the handholds, similar to square dancing. About 40 local dancers participated Sunday from his Baltimore troupe. During rehearsals Saturday, their T-shirts said "hometown team."

Sunday's performance featured a challenging dziugunas step to imitate the movements of a horse. It wasn't easy, even for the instructor Grybauskas.

From big-time festivals to concerts and everything in between, the best of what the city and the surrounding areas has to offer in July. 

"I'm 58," he said, laughing, "and I'm trying to do this scissor step."

Other dances portrayed scenes from the forest and farm work, such as chopping wood and cutting wheat. One dance represented a rooster's call. In another, women danced ballet steps like graceful birds.

They wore blonde braids and woven cotton aprons, the patterns bright and intricate from particular Lithuanian villages. Some women danced with crowns of flowers in their hair. A man wore a rich necktie and a handmade sash. The sashes can take up to 40 hours to weave.

Andrius Blekys, of Chicago, groaned as another dancer stretched the 18-year-old's ankles.

"You're constantly jumping around," Blekys said.

The men wore moccasins and thin-soled ballet slippers.

"Most of us are not professional dancers," said John Howes, an attorney from Rockville.

On the floor, troupes formed circles and danced in merging lines: a kaleidoscope of geometric patterns. The first act represented a Lithuanian leaving the family farm.

The second act portrayed the search for a new home, the labors of a traveler. The final act celebrated that dream of home beneath a starry sky.

Then cannons fired confetti above the arena floor. Some 1,800 people danced beneath the gold shimmer.

The act ended, but they danced on. The music quickened with the electric peal of rock 'n' roll.

Some children, in their woven aprons, fists clenched with gold confetti, began a conga line.

And one teenage boy, his brow drenched with sweat, leaned into an air guitar.

Source:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-lithuanian-fest-20160703-story.html