Susie + Gabe’s wedding – December 12, 2010
I am a believer a destiny (and that often we make our own destiny but that’s another story) and I firmly believe that when a couple chooses me to photograph their wedding that destiny plays a part. I know, it’s a little corny. But when I met Susie and Gabe, I think there was a little more than luck at work. Maybe it’s that Susie grew up in Potomac where I now live or that my son Wyatt and Susie’s nephew Teddy are now in the same 4th grade class. Whatever the reason, I was excited to be with Susie and Gabe at the Fairmont Hotel on December 12 for my last wedding of the year. It was a rainy and grey day but it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Of course, it was December so everything was inside anyway. I’ve had a few large bridal parties but I think this one took the cake. I believe including the two junior groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer there were 23 in the bridal party not counting the bride and groom! That made for a crowded scene under the chuppah. The couple’s nieces and nephews were everywhere stealing the show. One of my favorite photos from the day was one taken by the fabulous Michael Connor who was my second shooter. I just love the photo of Susie’s niece looking out over the Christmas decorations in the courtyard of the hotel. Another favorite of mine is Susie walking into the ketubah ceremony. You can just see her excitement and things were getting underway. One funny photo happened as I followed the couple for the yehud (private time) after the ceremony. As they entered the bridal suite, a maid was in there cleaning. They had to ask her to come back later. In the shot below you can see the maid peeking around the corner as Susie and Gabe are kissing! The reception included a rollicking Hora and a very cute toast by the nieces and nephews with Susie’s parent singing “Happy Talk” from South Pacific. And then Gabe’s father introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Freeman (Susie’s name). That got a good laugh.
And a special treat for me, I got to work with some of my favorite wedding pros:
Flowers: Petal’s Edge –Susie’s bouquet was especially gorgeous with rich purple flowers (can you tell I’m not a florist??)
DJ: Chris Laich. It was a pleasure as always working with Chris and Aaron. I think I shot seven or eight weddings with them this year alone.
Fairmont Hotel: Such a pretty hotel and the events run like clockwork thanks to Bob Mikolitch
Ceremony music: Sage String Quartet
