Anna + Bill’s wedding Good Shepherd Catholic Church + the Carlyle Club Alexandria, VA

I knew that things would be a little different on Anna + Bill’s wedding day but I had no idea what was to come. The day started with a festival directly in front of the Carlyle Club that made logistics a little tricky. As much fun as it would have been to get the couple on the moon bounce, the event was mostly cleaned up by the time we made it back to reception. Anna’s day started calmly, surrounded by her immediate family as she got dressed. I particularly loved her silk bridal bouquet with brooches and those blue wedding shoes were amazing. Another detail that was very cool was the large lucky horseshoe given to the couple at the end of their ceremony as a tribute to Anna’s Scottish heritage. Bill was tasked with making sure the church preparations were complete. The couple is very active in their congregation and in particular the music in the ceremony. The couple’s love of theatre comes into play again later at the reception where the Carlyle Club’s retro Hollywood glamor vibe fit perfectly with their theme. After the ceremony, Anna was greeted by her elementary school students with a lot of hugs and a bubble send off. The big unexpected surprise came a bit later at the Carlyle Club as the fire alarm went off during dinner forcing an evacuation of the building. The kids at the wedding were beyond excited to see the flashing lights and the fire trucks and as a bonus, they (and the bride & groom) all got plastic firemen hats! And one of my favorites of the many portraits of the day is the one of Anna + Bill in front of the fire truck. Sometimes the most memorable part of the day is the unexpected.

 

Wedding Good Shepherd Catholic Church 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA

Reception Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA 703.548.5953

Florist Petal’s Edge 703.518.8488

Band DC Fusion

Cake Hollin Hall Pastry Shop 703.768.9643

 

 

Ali + Peter’s wedding – Fairmont Washington

How appropriate was it that Ali + Peter’s wedding fell on a World Cup soccer Saturday? Ali is the JV soccer coach at my daughter’s high school and runs a successful soccer coaching business. And it was definitely the first time I saw a bride (and her bridesmaids) kick around a soccer ball to relax before the day’s festivities. I really loved working with Ali and Peter and their families. In particular, it was such a joy to watch Ali’s closeness with her mom Wendy. Sometimes weddings put stress on even the closest family ties but it was evident from the moment I walked into the hotel suite as Ali was getting ready that she and her mom are best friends. The Fairmont was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. It was gorgeous and sunny outside for their first look and portraits and then elegant and classic for their evening ceremony under a chuppah with a chandelier.  I loved the Seinfeld references throughout the night—both in the ceremony and toasts, and the popcorn bar was a huge hit. The dance floor overflowed, even until the last dance. I don’t always stay until the very end but I’m so glad I did. The photos start to get pretty interesting by the end of the evening…And a special shout out to my fabulous former bride Kathy who was Ali’s MOH and recommended me to her. I love, love, love seeing my former brides & grooms at their friends’ weddings!

Event coordinator Sue Gould 240.778.5453

Wedding + Reception site Fairmont, Washington, DC

Site coordinator Bob Mikolitch 202.429.5599

Florist DaVinci Florist

Hair Marcella 240.731.4118

Makeup Sue Ellen Kaye 301.785.2612

Band Sound Connection Andy Kushner 301.646.5151

Cake Fairmont

Videographer Jeff Schofield Washington Talent

 

Francesca + Joey’s wedding – Corcoran Gallery of Art – Washington, DC

Memorial Day Saturday started for me with a welcome reception at El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan for Francesca + Joey’s (aka Froey) wedding weekend. It was nice to be back at a restaurant I used to frequent when I lived in the neighborhood a million years ago. Warm speeches from a steady stream of friends and family let me know that I’d be in for a great party the next day. Sunday was another gorgeous sunny day which gave us the perfect backdrop for all of our outdoor photos before the ceremony & reception at the Corcoran Gallery. One of my favorite moments early the in the day was the first look. Francesca came up behind Joey, carrying her phone that was playing her favorite Justin Timberlake song and the two of them were laughing by the time they turned to see each other. And really, is there a more beautiful setting than the steps of the Corcoran for portraits? We did scoot next door to the Red Cross HQ for a few shots in the sun and then it was off to the ceremony. As expected, their vows were funny and sweet and paid tribute to both Francesca’s Lebanese heritage as well as Joey’s Jewish background. That carried over to the reception where they did the Hora and then segued into Lebanese dancing that culminated with Francesca being lifted up above the crowd. A word about the absolutely gorgeous room…I know, I’m using that word a lot in this post but it just seems necessary. The gallery is stunning on it’s own but the transformation of the room with a mirrored head table, large high flower arrangements and seriously cool textured hot pink and gold linens made for a truly breathtaking room. Kudos to Anne at Atrendy Wedding for pulling it all together so beautifully.

Wedding Planner Anne Kelley Atrendy Wedding 703.932.2185

Welcome Reception Venue El Tamarindo 1785 Florida Ave NW 202.328.3660

Ceremony + Reception Venue  The Corcoran Gallery of Art  500 17th Street, NW Wash, DC 20006

Officiants Father Michael Kelley 202.232.1144  and Rabbi Kenneth Block 410.459.6161

Hair for bride Karma Salon 202.293.3333

Hair for bridesmaids Dry Bar Georgetown 202.609.8644

Make Up Blend Marquia Kinard  240.603.3136

Videographer Stan PE Films 703.338.3490

Catering Occasions Caterers  202.546.7400

Lebanese Food Caterer Shemali’s 202.686.7070

Wedding Cake Pastry Xpo 571.282.4970

Florals & Lounge Furniture Edge Flowers 301.330.5232

Lighting John Farr Lighting 301.390.2728

Ceremony & Reception Music DJ D-MAC & Associates DJ Rusty Belicek, 703.839.5080

Pipe & Drape Fabrication Events 240.457.4041

Additional Linen rental DC Rental 703.899.5397

Live Artist The Painted Lens Jamie Peterson 202-768-2662

 

Amy + Paul’s wedding – Upperville, Virginia

Amy + Paul had a very Virginia wedding. Not Northern Virginia. Real Virginia. Rolling hills, stone fences, direct descendents of Robert E. Lee Virginia. And it was beautiful. The  weekend started with the stunning backdrop of the Ashby Inn located in Paris. It was a picture perfect day and as the sun made it’s way closer to the surrounding mountains the night before the wedding, Amy + Paul’s friends and family gathered for dinner. Amy and her mother were resplendent in saris as a tribute to Paul’s Indian heritage. The theme continued the next day at the ceremony at the historic Trinity Church in Upperville. The bridesmaids wore gorgeous orange saris while Amy shined in a traditional white dress. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting at the church a few years ago and the grounds and the stonework of the church make for a wonderful and quaint backdrop. From the church we made our way a few miles down Rt. 50 to Tip Top Farm, Amy’s grandmother’s place. Words don’t do it justice. I think that portrait of the couple with the farm’s fabulous vista really says it all.

 

Rehearsal Dinner Ashby Inn, Paris, VA 540.592.3900

Ceremony Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville, VA

Event coordinator Amy Van Meter Events 540.550.7336

Caterer Savoir Fare Limited Joan Wolford 540.338.8300

Florist Buttercup Floral Design Laura Larrick Walker 540. 533. 7404

Hair and makeup My Mobile Salon Trish Langley 703.856.2617

DJ Mike Weiss One and Done Events 540.272.2822

Cake Gâteau 540.347.9188

Videographer Dolce Studio Films 703-300-9033

Kashmira + James’ wedding – Walkers Overlook + St. James, Maryland

I do love a Friday wedding. And this year, Friday is the new Saturday. James + Kashmira are my first of three Friday weddings this year and their day couldn’t have been better. Since we’d never met in person, I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly but I knew from our many conversations that they had very definite ideas about what they wanted for their wedding photography. Which is a good thing. That vision and the amazing attention to detail that they brought to their wedding celebration made for some really fun photos and some really gorgeous portraits. Their ceremony at James’ alma mater the St. James School near Hagerstown took place in the quaint school chapel overseen by the school’s headmaster. The grounds were a lovely backdrop for the bride and groom and bridal party portraits. We hit it exactly at peak season for the numerous cherry trees. Then we headed to another new venue for me, called Walkers Overlook near Frederick for their reception. Beautiful views and a fabulous old barn—what more could I ask for? Perfect weather? A groom in a cobalt suit carrying a family heirloom pocket watch? A teary father-daughter dance? A crowded and energetic dance floor? It just couldn’t have been better.

Ceremony St. James School Hagerstown, MD 301.733.9330

Reception Venue Walkers Overlook Walkersville, Md 301.748.5667

Caterer Black Eyed Susan’s Catering John Walla 240.675.7628

Florist Candlelight Floral Designs Frederick, MD 240.440.4101

Hair and makeup Alina Karaman 202.257.2447

DJ DJ Rang 919.749.2567

Cake Sister’s Bake Shop 301.379.6353

 

 

Sarah + Nate – Congressional Country Club wedding

Early spring weddings in this area can be a little hit and miss. And this year it felt like spring would never come. But Sarah + Nate’s early spring wedding day was a definite hit. Temperatures in the 60s and the gorgeous backdrop of Congressional Country Club made for a fabulous day. Their patio ceremony began with a violin processional by one of their bridal party and their ceremony was performed by the judge they had both clerked for. They were married under a clear blue sky. A sunset cocktail hour followed by a jam packed dance floor. It was a pleasure to work with so many of my favorite wedding pros (see the list below) and finally, a special shout out goes to Jackie and Claire who became my go to gals throughout the day.

Wedding and reception venue Congressional Country Club, Marlene Gusella 301.469.2027

Hair Hair by Giselle

Makeup Nikki Fraser Beauty ‘n The Bride

Florist Petal’s Edge 703.518.8488

Band Sound Nation 301.869.8855

Brenna + Joe’s wedding – St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church + Congressional Country Club

Brenna and Joe were not my last wedding of 2013 but they will be my last blog post as I prepare to shoot my last wedding of the year tomorrow. 2013 has been a wonderful year of weddings and Brenna + Joe’s day was a truly a highlight. Their wedding felt like a real homecoming for me. With three of my former brides (Maura. Natalie and Dara)  in attendance it was so amazing to know so many people and to catch up with everyone. A gorgeous (but chilly) October day during peak fall foliage at Congressional Country Club made it an unforgettable day. Some of my favorites photos: portraits in a windy leaf storm, found light in the basement of the church for a portrait of Brenna against a stained glass window, and tears during the Matron of Honor speech by Bethany. There were so many great moments and it was such a beautiful day. And to all, Happy Holidays and see you in 2014!

Wedding St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church 202.336.7200

Reception Congressional Country Club Site coordinator Marlene Gusella 301.469.2000

Florist Karen Kallmyer 240.535.4312

Hair and makeup Paabo 301.654.5538

Band High Society Jan Davis 703.461.7253

Emina + Aaron’s wedding – West Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA

From my first meeting with Emina it was obvious how excited she was to marry Aaron. And on their wedding day, her smile just never quit. Except to shed a few tears during their first look and during their family toasts. It didn’t turn out to be a sunny day but a few raindrops didn’t linger to interfere with the outdoor ceremony at West Belmont Park, a conference center in Leesburg. And of course, we had to take advantage of the fall foliage for their portraits! The venue had an interesting mix of industrial looking concrete (I love the couple photos taken against a large cement wall) and a pretty line of trees just a short walk away. There were lots of special fall touches throughout the ceremony and reception—pumpkins of all sizes, candy apples and a nice contrast with a bright pop of green for the bridal party. The party continued into the night with a crowded dance floor and an impromptu Hora ending with a sparkler sendoff and one of my favorite photos of the night of the couple under the lit awning near the ballroom.

Wedding and Reception West Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA coordinator Rachael Rutherford 570.442.3679

Florist Karin’s Florist Vienna, VA 703.667.4782

Hair by Natasha 571.426.1771

Makeup by Tommy Price 202.557.9754

DJ Chuck Miller with Washington Talent Agency 240.997.1789

Cake Fluffy Thoughts McLean 703.942.5538

Rachel + Josh – Comus Inn, Dickerson, Maryland

What a glorious fall day for Rachel + Josh’s wedding! With the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain and the late afternoon sun bathing everything in a gold glow, it really doesn’t get much better. They were married under a chuppah of birch trees and surrounded by their friends and family. The most memorable part of the day for me was how sweet everyone at the wedding was—both the father of the bride and father of the groom came up to tell us how much they appreciate all our hard work on the wedding day. And the toasts during the reception were pretty extraordinary. Rachel + Josh have been dating since high school (!) and have devoted their lives to helping people. It was pretty amazing to hear how admired and respected they are. They were so adorable together as the photos prove. And as an extra bonus, I got to catch up with Andra + Daniel who recommended me to Rachel + Josh after I shot their wedding in June of 2012!

Ceremony + Reception The Comus Inn Cheryl Cox 240.938.9838

Florist Blossom and Basket 301.829.8300

Hair and makeup Danielle Pilon 202.615.8874

Band The Winn Brothers Band Gordon Winn 703.772.6759

Cake Fancy Cakes by Leslie 301.652.9390

Michael + David’s wedding – Fiola Restaurant – Washington, DC

I first met David a few years ago when I arrived at his house for a Food assignment. He was writing the Real Entertaining column for the Washington Post’s Food section and I had been sent to do the photography. It was the first of many trips there (more for his subsequent column Sourced) and as much as I enjoyed photographing the food, I definitely was up for tasting whatever he’d cooked. He did one column on locally sourced blueberries that had a blueberry ginger lemonade recipe that is still one of my favorite summer coolers. And it’s killer with a little rum while sitting with friends at the community pool on summer evenings. But I digress…

I knew David was getting married from our mutual friend, deputy Food editor (and food stylist extraordinaire) Bonnie Benwick. But I was very surprised to get a call from David in late July asking about my availability to be his mid-September wedding photographer. And meeting was arranged and it was then that I met Michael and I could see what a lovely and emotional day they had planned. Their attention to even the smallest detail was impressive. Matching custom made suits and initial cufflinks, David’s red rubber Vivienne Westwood shoes, cake trim to match their invitations and of course, the food. Their dog Coco made an appearance in Pershing Park for some photos. She was a presence at the grooms’ table at the restaurant with her photograph but I suspect the day wouldn’t have been complete for either Michael or David without a Coco visit.

I have to admit it was more than a little thrilling (and surreal) to have Ruth Bader Ginsburg officiating the ceremony. The buzz was palatable as she arrived and proceeded to sign the marriage certificate and to talk with Michael and David for a good half hour prior the ceremony. It felt like I was on a news assignment for the Post. And not just because the New York Times was there covering the wedding for their Vows column. The funniest details emerged to me when I was editing the wedding photos. I loved her security guy always standing nearby holding her purse. And the colorful beaded collar she wore over her judges ‘robes. She led the ceremony in such a relaxed and warm way making it very personal to Michael and David. They in turn, honored her by toasting with milk instead of wine at the end of the ceremony. It was a tribute to her remarks about the benefits of marriage during arguments before the Supreme Court concerning the Defense of Marriage Act.

“There’s two kinds of marriage, there’s full marriage and then there’s sort of skim milk marriage,”

The other particularly moving part of the day was during the speeches after the fabulous five course dinner. The microphone was passed around the room to friends and family and it was so touching to hear what this day meant to everyone after such a long history of not being able to be legally married and about family acceptance and love. And did I mention that the place was swarming with some of the best chefs in the DC area? And that Michael and his NOAA friends used their influence to provide a perfect (partly cloudy) day for their rooftop ceremony? So much to this wedding…maybe after all this I should let the photos speak for themselves.