I knew as soon as I met Kerry and Danny that I wanted to photograph their wedding. And not just because it was going to be in Potomac! They are so adorable together and have a wonderful energy and were really excited about having me photograph their day for them. We didn’t do an engagement shoot but I did get to spend time with them as we met over details for the wedding and I knew it was going to be a blast.

By the time I arrived at Kerry’s parents house the place was buzzing with family and kids and bridesmaids. There’s something that’s kind of special about getting ready in the house you grew up in. I was thrilled to be shooting with Michael Connor again and he got to spend time with Danny and the boys at the church before the service. Special gifts for the groom included a Jose Canseco bat and a couple Shake Weights. That made for some pretty humorous photos on the bus ride back to Potomac.

The church service was sweet and funny and especially lovely when the groom’s sister sang at the opening and closing of the ceremony. The priest also added some humor joking about the very large Catholic families both bride and groom come from. I believe it’s 10 siblings for Kerry’s mom and 11 for Danny’s dad. If that’s not right, it’s close. And it also explains the extended family group shots after the ceremony of 75 people each. I think it wins the award for my largest group shots that didn’t include everyone attending On our way back to Potomac we commandeered Bethesda Row for some group shots and then headed to the  Bolger Center for the reception. A few highlights night for me were the father-daughter dance, the brother of the groom toast and being sandwiched danced by two of Danny’s friends right before I left. Actually, I don’t think the last one was a highlight—more like a first time for me. Kerry’s dad had been very ill about a year ago and when they danced together, there were few dry eyes in the house. As I was shooting I noticed the whole family crying at the side of the dance floor and it’s one of my favorite moments on the night. And the groom’s brother’s toast was a standout—lots of inside baseball stuff but the first time I’ve heard “The Wire” referenced at a wedding. And Danny’s parents reaction to the speech also made some lovely photos.

And I was happy that I had a few minutes at the reception to catch up with Kristina and John whose wedding led Kerry and Danny to me in the first place. Gotta love that Gonzaga connection.

The people and places making their day special:

Ceremony: Annunciation Catholic Church

Reception: Annette Fulmore at the Bolger Center in Potomac, MD

Florist: Tierra Floral Design

Dee Jay: Brendan Kelley

Cake: Marry Cakes by the Sea