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Dougal and Figaro are so excited to celebrate our wedding (and national pet day) with you in 2026!
Dougal and Figaro are so excited to celebrate our wedding (and national pet day) with you in 2026!
April 11, 2026
Washington, D.C.

Josh & SaniyaJosh & Saniya

    Welcome
    Local Favorites
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Local FavoritesLocal Favorites

The Wedding Website of Saniya Rao and Joshua Ratner
There’s a bunch of tourist-friendly things to do in Washington, D.C. - from world-class museums and breathtaking government buildings to outdoor green spaces perfect for hiking and monument-gazing. Beyond the obvious highlights, the city is also full of hidden gems: vibrant neighborhoods, local food markets, and cultural events that give you a real feel for the capital. For first-time visitors, here are some top tourist spots worth checking out: https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/first-time-in-dc https://www.onemoresteptravels.com/blog-homepage/how-to-spend-a-3-day-weekend-in-washington-dc https://www.eyeworld.org/2022/attractions-in-washington-dc/ We also wanted to highlight a few of our favorite things to do - though some of them might require a little planning ahead -

Climb the Bell TowerClimb the Bell Tower

Experience Washington DC like never before with a Tower Climb at the Washington National Cathedral, where you'll experience panoramic vistas from the highest geographical point in the nation's capital. The ultimate destination of the Bell Tower Climb is the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral's central tower. Duration: About 1.5 hours Tickets here: https://cathedral.org/calendar/bell-tower-climb-23/ Our ceremony is taking place at the Washington National Cathedral Gardens but there’s so much to explore on the property. Other tours at Washington National Cathedral can be found here: https://cathedral.org/visit-tour/

Cherry Blossom festivitiesCherry Blossom festivities

The Washington, DC cherry blossoms are an annual springtime attraction, with peak bloom (also the name of Josh's company) typically occurring in late March or early April, though the date varies based on weather. 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026.

Say hi to the pandas!Say hi to the pandas!

Pandas are a huge, huge part of D.C. culture and personality. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo does not charge admission, so you can visit Qing Bao and Bao Li in their renovated habitat. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the National Zoo, so make sure to plan your visit in advance, as this pair of pandas are certainly a popular attraction. PS: When work gets stressful, Saniya copes by watching the live Panda Cam because honestly, nothing says inner peace like watching a giant fluffball snooze. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam

Quick stop at Gravely PointQuick stop at Gravely Point

Gravely Point is such a unique experience and a hidden gem in DC! Gravelly Point is right by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, VA. It has served as an iconic spot for plane spotters, picnickers and others to watch planes take off and land from National Airport for more than half a century. It’s literally right above your head!

Visit the Library of CongressVisit the Library of Congress

The Library serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the national library of the United States. It's no wonder – it contains the world's most comprehensive collection of human creativity and knowledge, which supports scholars and researchers worldwide.

Tour the Capitol BuildingTour the Capitol Building

The Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors from across the United States and around the world. All tours, programs and activities are free of charge but you have to plan it ahead of time. You learn not only about the unique characteristics of the House and Senate but also about the Capitol architecture and art. Book a tour here: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book-a-tour

Walk around Eastern MarketWalk around Eastern Market

One of Josh’s favorite spots in the city. Eastern Market is one of the city’s oldest public markets. Open daily, with a bustling outdoor market on the weekends, it’s the perfect spot to browse fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts. It is a must-visit for arts and crafts aficionados and lovers of fresh, locally sourced food and drink.

Kayak the Potomac RiverKayak the Potomac River

Kayaking along the Potomac allows you to enjoy both the beauty of nature and the architectural splendor of the city. Enjoy the sights of the Potomac River as you paddleboard or boat past the Georgetown Waterfront, Roosevelt Island, the Lincoln Memorial, and under the beautiful Key Bridge.

Visit the Hirshhorn MuseumVisit the Hirshhorn Museum

Located on the National Mall within view of the US Capitol and the Washington Monument, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of the most visited art museums in the country. Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time.

Stroll Rock Creek ParkStroll Rock Creek Park

A fun fact for any New York City transplants: Rock Creek Park is over twice as large as Central Park. Rock Creek National Park has over 32 miles of hiking trails that run from Maryland to Georgetown. There are two primary trails that run north-south in Rock Creek Park. They are the Western Ridge Trail and the Valley Trail.

Take a water taxi to Old Town AlexandriaTake a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria hums with more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic site museums and happenings right on the waterfront. Visitors will enjoy a walkable downtown lined with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The water taxi connects The Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

Brunch at the WharfBrunch at the Wharf

The Wharf reestablished Washington, DC, as a waterfront city and destination. This remarkable, mile-long stretch along the Potomac River comes to life with restaurants, retailers, residences, and more - all complemented by monumental views and a vibrant culture. Count Saniya in for brunch at NaRa-Ya or arcade games at Boardwalk Bar & Arcade.

Explore Great Falls ParkExplore Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park has fifteen miles of hiking trails, some of which are multi-use for biking and horseback riding.

Stop at Exorcist StepsStop at Exorcist Steps

Visit the iconic staircase featured in the movie The Exorcist. Located in Georgetown, these steep steps are a popular spot for movie buffs and fans of the supernatural.

For all the days along the way
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