A Classically Elegant Celebration at the Perry Belmont House

Jul 27

A hand holds a sketch of a bride and groom in front of the gilded chandeliers at the Perry Belmont House in Washington, D.C.

I’ve been a live wedding and event illustrator for almost 10 years now (wild) and over those years, I’ve developed a bit of a wedding venue wishlist. You know, venues that you’ve heard of that you can’t wait to see in person? Well, the Perry Belmont House in Washington, D.C., has been at the top of that list for quite some time. And recently, I got my very first opportunity to work there!

An Intimate Wedding Celebration

Marissa and Brian got married at the Perry Belmont House in May of 2026. I had the honor of providing guest sketches for six hours during their cocktail hour and reception, and they even included 5 overtime sketches in their package so every guest could receive a sketch if they wanted one! They also included their wedding logo as part of the sketch border so guests could always remember the occasion.

The entire wedding was simply stunning. I mean, the venue itself is second to none, with European architecture, intricate details, a grand marble staircase, and even the original elevator! The home was built in 1909 by a congressman who wanted the home to serve as a social setting for visiting dignitaries from all over the world. Unsurprisingly, the house has a vibrant history and has entertained many notable figures throughout the last century!

The bride and groom were intentional to honor the ambience of the home in their wedding design. Instead of trying to overcomplicate the space, they allowed the beautiful details to shine through, opting for minimal decor during the ceremony and cocktail hour. Floral arrangements lined the grand staircase, and the gold accents, clean white and glass candles, and subtle pink and red florals balanced the opulence of the reception room.

Live Sketches for Every Occasion

Getting to provide my live illustration services at the Perry Belmont House was a dream come true for me. It was even sweeter that I got to work alongside such a lovely couple! I was hired through their wedding planner, so I didn’t get to know Marissa and Brian very well, but I could tell by the way their guests talked about them that they are wonderful people.

The guests loved their custom sketches, and commented more than once that it was just like Marissa to provide such a unique guest experience. Working at exceptional venues will always be fun, but nothing beats seeing the joy and excitement on a guest’s face when they see their sketch!

If you’re looking for a unique experience to provide your guests during your wedding day, live illustration never fails to surprise and delight everyone. Explore my live illustration services to learn more, and inquire to see if your date is available!