Sophisticated Wedding at Ballroom at the Ben | Olivia & Nick

Olivia and Nick’s story began in the most unexpected of places – Spanish class in high school. What started as casual conversations over verb conjugations quickly turned into something deeper. Now, nine years later, their shared love of adventure, food, and staying active continues to shape their relationship.

Whether they’re trying new cuisines, exploring new cities, or competing in a friendly game of tennis, Olivia and Nick have always found joy in doing life together. Their bond is rooted in mutual respect and teamwork, complementing each other’s strengths and always approaching challenges with the same mindset.

The proposal took place on the Key Bridge in Washington, DC – but it didn’t come without a twist. A massive storm rolled in just before dinner, damaging nearby areas and threatening to derail the entire evening. Olivia nearly called it off, but Nick’s persistence paid off. By the time they reached the bridge, the storm had passed, and the sun broke through the clouds just in time for Nick to ask the biggest question of their lives.

Although Olivia felt something was up – Nick’s nerves made that clear – the moment felt just right. With the city skyline in the distance and the peaceful river below, it was the perfect way to start their next chapter together.

For Olivia and Nick, there wasn’t a grand reason behind choosing the Key Bridge. It was simply a place they loved, and that simplicity reflects so much of their relationship – finding beauty in the everyday moments. As they prepare to say “I do,” they look forward to continuing their journey, hand in hand, just like they’ve always done.

Here are our favorites from their sophisticated wedding at Ballroom at the Ben captured by Ralph Deal Photography.

Getting Ready

Flat lay of a wedding invitation suite with burgundy and gold ornate designs, displayed with a matching RSVP card, perfume bottle, red velvet ring box, and red roses on a soft white fabric background. Dried flowers and scattered rose petals complement the arrangement for the Sophisticated Wedding at Ballroom at the Ben. Close-up of black textured suit fabric with a red and burgundy pocket square, gold-framed eyeglasses, and a boutonnière featuring a white rose, red flower, and pearl accents. The items are arranged neatly to highlight their elegant contrast. Macro shot of an engagement ring with a gold band and solitaire diamond, placed inside a red velvet rose-shaped ring box. The box is next to a wedding invitation with gold floral detailing, surrounded by scattered red rose petals. Full-length view of an ivory wedding dress with intricate lace and beaded detailing on the bodice, hanging in front of a large window. The skirt flows elegantly, and natural light from the window highlights the folds and shimmer of the fabric. Detailed flat lay of a wedding invitation suite with gold floral borders and burgundy background. The scene includes a silver pocket watch, a perfume bottle, and a red rose, all arranged on white fabric with soft lighting emphasizing the textures and colors. Bridesmaids and the bride laughing and clapping as balloons float around them. The atmosphere is lively, with everyone sharing a joyful moment. Bride and bridesmaids laugh together while seated on the couch. The bride is in white, and the bridesmaids wear red robes. Natural light streams in from large windows behind them. Bride and her mother standing in front of a window with blue curtains. The bride's gown flows gracefully as her mother helps adjust the dress, and soft natural light fills the room. Bride standing in front of a window with blue curtains, wearing an ivory wedding gown with floral appliqué details along the bodice. She poses with hands on her hips, showcasing the structured corset design and flowing skirt. Portrait of the bride with an elegant updo, wearing a sparkling tiara and pearl earrings. She rests her hand on her cheek, gazing softly at the camera with subtle makeup and a radiant expression. Rear view of the bride standing by the window, showcasing the back details of the wedding dress. The corset lacing and soft pleats of the skirt create a classic silhouette. Side profile of the bride standing in front of blue curtains, wearing her wedding gown. Her posture and expression convey poise, with the soft light emphasizing the gown's structured design. Bride smiling as she gently holds the sides of her wedding gown, lifting the skirt slightly to display the full volume of the dress. She stands in front of blue curtains, with light filtering through the window. Bride and her father share a warm moment as she gently adjusts his suit. Her father looks at her with emotion, taking in the moment during their first look. Bride stands in front of her father during their first look. Her father gazes at her with a heartfelt expression as she smiles in her wedding gown. Father of the bride smiles tenderly as he admires his daughter in her wedding dress. The bride stands in front of him, and they exchange joyful glances. Groom and his father standing in a room with patterned wallpaper. The groom is putting on his navy blue suit jacket while the best man smiles behind him. Best man pins a boutonnière onto the groom's suit lapel. They are in a dimly lit room, with a red mirror and dark wooden furniture visible in the background. Groom gazing out of a window, hands clasped in front of him. He wears a white dress shirt, black suspenders, and a bow tie, with natural light illuminating his face.

Ballroom at the Ben Wedding Ceremony

Interior view of a grand church, showcasing the altar framed by blue and gold arches. Rows of wooden pews lead to the front, where floral arrangements decorate the aisle. Interior view of a church highlighting the altar, adorned with floral arrangements. The blue and gold ceiling features intricate artwork, drawing attention to the ornate architecture. Close-up of a wedding pew adorned with a floral arrangement featuring red and blush roses, baby's breath, and trailing ribbons. The blurred background shows the church altar in the distance. Close-up of a wedding pew decorated with red and blush roses, baby's breath, and trailing ribbons, adding a romantic touch to the aisle. The blurred background shows the altar. Black and white image of the groom standing at the church entrance, framed by an open door. He waits with his hands clasped, looking composed and focused before the ceremony. Overhead view of the bride walking down the aisle, showcasing her long train as guests look on from both sides of the pews. The symmetry of the church interior highlights the ceremonial path. Bride walking down the aisle on her father's arm as guests stand and watch. The church's grand interior and organ pipes form a striking backdrop to the moment. Bride and groom standing at the altar during the wedding ceremony. The bride wears a veil, and the officiant stands between them as they exchange vows. Wide-angle shot capturing the church from the balcony, providing a view of the full ceremony layout with the couple at the altar and guests seated in pews. Bride and groom walking up the steps toward the altar during their wedding ceremony. The officiant, dressed in white and gold vestments, stands at the altar awaiting their arrival. The bride's veil flows behind her as she holds the groom's hand. ride and groom standing at the altar, holding hands and gazing at each other as the officiant presides over the ceremony. The church's ornate architecture and religious artwork serve as a backdrop. Groom leading the bride down the aisle as they exit the church after the ceremony. The couple walks hand in hand, smiling as guests look on. Bride and groom standing together at the altar, facing the officiant as they exchange vows. The church's grand architecture, gold columns, and religious artwork create a stunning backdrop to the ceremony. Bride and groom sharing their first kiss at the altar after being pronounced married. The moment is framed by the grand altar Bride and groom raising their hands in celebration at the altar, smiling joyfully as the ceremony concludes. Black and white photo of the newlyweds exiting the cathedral, hand in hand, as they smile and walk down the steps. The bride's gown flows behind her, and the groom leads with a joyful expression.

Bride & Groom

Bride standing outdoors holding a bouquet of red and blush roses, with her veil draping over her shoulders. She smiles gently, framed by natural light and greenery in the background. Full-length portrait of the bride standing on a brick pathway, holding her bouquet and smiling. Her wedding gown's lace train extends behind her, and her veil cascades down her back. Groom standing in front of marble columns, holding his black suit jacket over his shoulder. He wears a white dress shirt, suspenders, and a black bow tie, gazing into the distance. Groom standing confidently on the steps of a marble building, wearing a black suit and red boutonnière. He smiles at the camera with his hands clasped in front of him. Close-up of the bride outdoors, wrapped in a white fur stole with her veil draped over her face. She looks to the side, softly smiling as her tiara sparkles under natural light. Bride holding her bouquet in both hands, standing outdoors with her veil cascading down her back. She smiles brightly, framed by natural greenery. A bridal portrait of the bride smiling softly her eyes are softly closed, and her veil gently falls around her face Black and white shot of the groom kissing the bride as she smiles and leans into him. The bride holds a bouquet of roses, and the couple stands against a textured stone wall. ride and groom standing in an open field, holding each other closely as they look at one another. The bride's gown flows behind her, and the trees cast soft shadows around them. Groom and bride standing under a canopy of trees, kissing. The surrounding foliage frames the intimate moment. Bride and groom embracing beneath a vintage street lamp, framed by lush greenery and a historic stone building in the background. The bride's train spreads over the brick path, with the soft glow of evening light around them. Bride and groom walking hand in hand by marble columns. The groom looks at the bride, while she gazes forward, their silhouettes reflected in the stone path. Groom leading the bride by the hand as they walk together in front of a grand marble building with tall columns. The bride's gown flows behind her as she holds a bouquet in her other hand. Bride and groom standing on the marble steps, smiling as they pose for a portrait. Groom guiding the bride down the stone steps of a neoclassical building with large columns. The bride holds her gown in one hand and the groom's hand in the other, her bouquet hanging at her side. Groom standing behind the bride, wrapping his arms around her as she smiles with her eyes closed. The bride's veil flows over her shoulders, and soft greenery is visible in the background. Bride and groom standing side by side, both smiling warmly at the camera. The bride's hands rest on the groom's chest as they pose together outdoors. Bride standing with her bridesmaids, all dressed in matching burgundy gowns, holding bouquets and laughing together outdoors. The group poses with joyful expressions. Wedding party huddled closely, with the bride and groom in the center. Bridesmaids and groomsmen lean in, laughing and celebrating the moment together. Groom sitting on brick steps with his groomsmen, all wearing black tuxedos and bow ties. They sit in relaxed poses, smiling and laughing with autumn trees in the background. Full wedding party posing on marble steps, with bridesmaids in burgundy dresses and groomsmen in black suits. The bride and groom stand in the center, framed by the architectural columns of the building. Wedding party arranged on grand stone steps, with the bride's train cascading down in front. Bridesmaids stand to the left and groomsmen to the right, all facing the camera with coordinated poses.

Ballroom at the Ben Wedding Reception

Bride and groom standing on a balcony under an ornate ceiling, softly illuminated by ambient lighting. The couple shares a moment in the grand reception hall. Bride walking up a grand staircase with the groom following. A large mirror reflects the moment, and chandeliers hang above, adding elegance to the setting. Bride and groom embracing each other. The moment is framed by the ornate interior of the venue. Wedding reception dance floor with the couple's monogram projected in light at the center. The DJ booth and uplighting frame the space, with elegantly set tables surrounding the dance area. Close-up of a cocktail on a table at the reception, personalized with the couple's initials Reception table set with gold chargers, white tablecloth, and burgundy accents. Tall candles and floral centerpieces featuring red and white roses add a romantic touch. Each place setting includes a custom menu and silverware. Close-up of a floral centerpiece at a wedding reception, with white hydrangeas and red roses arranged in a gold vase. Glassware, candles, and table settings reflect the ambient light of the venue. Close-up of a wedding reception table setting featuring red roses in a glass vase, tall candles, and crystal-clear glassware. The soft candlelight reflects off the tableware. Tall floral arrangement of red and white roses and greenery placed on a reception table. The room's soft lighting and neatly set tables contribute to the elegant ambiance. Elegant wedding reception table with gold chargers, a burgundy menu card, and floral arrangements. Tall candlesticks line the center of the table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wide shot of the wedding reception venue, showcasing grand architectural details, chandeliers, and tables arranged with white linens, floral centerpieces, and candlelight. Four-tier wedding cake decorated with intricate piping and floral designs, placed under a grand chandelier in the reception hall. Close-up of the wedding cake topper featuring a bride and groom figurine embracing atop the cake. The detailed piping and floral patterns add to the classic design. Wedding reception table adorned with a tall floral centerpiece featuring red and white roses and hydrangeas. The surrounding tables and grand architecture are visible in the background. Sweetheart table for the bride and groom, decorated with floral arrangements, candles, and custom place settings. The grand reception hall is softly lit behind the table. Groom lifting the bride in a graceful pose during their first dance. The bride extends her arm upward, and the reception hall's elegant architecture frames the moment. Bride smiling as she dances with the groom during their first dance at the wedding reception. Guests watch from their tables in the softly lit room. Bride and groom performing a choreographed dance, with the groom dipping the bride as guests watch. The DJ booth and elegant reception decor frame the dance floor. Bride and groom kissing at the end of their first dance as sparkler fountains light up the dance floor behind them. Wide-angle view of the wedding reception, showing tables of guests, chandeliers, and colorful uplighting across the grand hall. Bride in her wedding gown holding a CO2 cannon, releasing fog onto the dance floor while guests cheer in the background. The energy and excitement of the reception are highlighted in this playful moment. Bride and groom surrounded by guests, dancing and celebrating together as the reception continues into the night. Group of guests crouching on the dance floor, engaging in a lively moment during the reception. Bride and groom standing apart on a staircase, with the groom leading slightly ahead as the bride follows. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the couple, creating a timeless composition. Bride and groom embracing each other. The moment is framed by the ornate interior of the venue.

>>–VENDOR–<<

Reception:  Ballroom at the Ben | Dress: Elegance by Roya in Virginia | Cake: Master’s Baker | Music: Ryan O’Connell | Hair: Top Knots by Aimee   | Make-up: JKO Beauty | Florist: Beautiful Blooms | Videographer: Flower & Oak

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“I highly recommend hiring Ralph Deal as your wedding photographer! Our pictures turned out beautifully and we got all of the shots that we wanted. Ralph was such a great communicator leading up to the wedding. We had several meetings to discuss what we wanted for our wedding, which was extremely helpful. Ralph wanted to know every detail about us and the wedding day and was very thorough. I especially recommend Ralph because he made the day run so smoothly. Because my fiancée and I didn’t want to do a first look, we had a very tight amount of time to get our pictures taken in. Ralph was so good at directing us, our bridal party, and our families so he could quickly get the perfect shots. We spent the 2 hours between the mass ending and the reception starting getting all of the photos we wanted. Ralph was so efficient that we didn’t miss 1 minute of our cocktail hour! Ralph is not only a good photographer, but a nice and fun person to work with. I feel like we got to know Ralph and he got to know us. It was so nice working with someone who made us feel so comfortable. And like I said, our pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I’m so glad we had Ralph as our photographer to capture our day.”

-Grace D.

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Bride and groom sharing a kiss at the bottom of a staircase, partially lit by soft lighting. A portrait hangs on the wall behind them, adding a classic feel to the scene.