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Petworth DC wedding engagement

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My first wedding engagement session of 2015 was with Katy + David in their restaurant/kitchen space  Eats Place, in Petworth, DC. In addition to showcasing Katy’s dumplings, they hosts guests chefs and and pop up eateries. It was great fun to explore their space inside and out, including the downstairs kitchen and a quick upstairs visit with their adorable pup. Their wedding is this Saturday at the Park Hyatt, a mecca for foodie weddings.

The Park Hyatt is one of my favorites locations for elegant and modern weddings in DC.

 

Two Wedding engagements – New York City, Washington DC

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Snow covered lawns and frigid temperatures make me long for spring. But until my spring engagements get underway here’s a little look back at my last engagement session of 2014 and to my first one of 2015. S+B had two sessions; one in their New York City neighbor in the Village and another over Thanksgiving at Meadowlark Gardens in Virginia. I had to include a shot from the balcony  of their fabulous Manhattan apartment at night. Seriously, what a view!! And the timing of this post is very appropriate since their wedding is this Saturday in DC.

K+J live in San Francisco and were in town over Christmas to celebrate the holidays, do lots of wedding planning and have their engagement photos taken. Extra bonus points for us that the day after Christmas was sunny and 50 degrees! FDR Memorial is a favorite of their (and a new favorite of mine) and we wandered from the Tidal Basin to the WWI Memorial to the Reflecting Pool. Needless to say we were not the only people out enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Can’t wait to photograph their wedding in Alexandria in May with the fabulous Janice Carnevale at Bellwether Events.

 

Newseum wedding – Washington, DC

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The end of 2014 was busier than usual and I was very happy to end up my year with Hannah + Hal’s Newseum wedding. Their December wedding day was unseasonably warm if a little rainy. The day started at the Willard Hotel in suites with a fabulous view of the Washington Monument. I loved the sweet moments as Hannah was helped into her dress by both her mother and her soon to be mother-in-law. And when Hannah’s dad saw her in her dress for the first time…so sweet!! An adorable first look followed and then we made our way through the Christmas weekend tourists through the Newseum stopping at the Berlin Wall (which made a surprisingly cool backdrop) and the upper levels overlooking the main floor. It was nice that the Redskins/Cowboys game was on the giant screen keeping everyone occupied during the group portraits. In a day full of memorable moments, I will always remember the day as my first wedding with my daughter Hannah as my assistant! Everyone was so nice to her and she was helpful and professional. I was a proud mama for sure. Back to the wedding…the bouquets of dusty pinks and succulents were just lovely and unexpected for a winter wedding which was a nice touch. It is always a pleasure to work with Janice at Bellwether Events who pulled everything together beautifully, from the ceremony through the reception.

Event coordinator Janice Carnevale at Bellwether Events 703.851.9622

Wedding and Reception site The Newseum Mary Cline 202.292.6100

Caterer + Cake Potomac 18 301.294.8445

Florist Elegance and Simplicity Inc. Katie Martin 301.656.5560  

Hair and makeup Le Reve and Heather Rae

DJ Bruce Pike Productions 301.831.9500

 

Park Hyatt wedding – Washington, DC

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It’s very tempting to dispense with the recap of Caroline + Miguel’s wedding day and get right to the photos. It was such a great day from preparation through the reception that I almost don’t know where to begin. First, Caroline was the coolest bride ever. Literally unflappable. Yes, we were a few minutes late. No sweat. Yes, it was very windy and yes, our first look plans sort of fell by the wayside and their moment turned out to be in front of a bunch of tourist on bikes in front the Jefferson Memorial. No matter. It was a gorgeous sunny October day and everything happened just as it should. Even the Marine One flyover. Yes, we missed the first time but we caught the second and third one. And no hassles by Park Police at the monument—double bonus. Their ceremony at the Park Hyatt was sweet, a little tearful and pretty hilarious. Especially when Miguel worked up a sweat and his groomsmen swarmed around dry him off. And all this was just the tip of the iceberg. I really don’t know where to start with the reception but I can honestly say I’ve never been to one quite like it. Heartfelt speeches, particularly by Caroline’s dad and Miguel’s best man started the night which then turned into the best party ever courtesy of their band Go Go Gadget. They are a bar band—not a wedding band—and I’d been warned that they would tear the roof off the place. They didn’t disappoint. It’s rare that both my 2nd shooter (who chooses to not be identified in my blog posts) and I want to put down the cameras and watch the band. Or dance. Their set of 60 songs in 60 minutes featuring all tunes from the 90s was masterful. The crowd was on their feet nonstop and the energy in the room was insane. Another highlight came when Caroline’s dad took the stage to play guitar and sing a great version of  “I Saw Her Standing There.” OK, I guess I did find something to write about but really, when I look at these photos I just feel the incredible energy that was Caroline + Miguel’s wedding day. Finally, a special shout out to Caroline’s mom Nancy. These two strong southern women knew exactly what they wanted and made sure it all happened. Working closely with Michael Deltette at the Park Hyatt, it was one stellar day (and night)!

 

Event coordinator Michael Deltette 202.419.6696

Caterer and cake Park Hyatt 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Florist Nick Perez, MultiFlor 703.645.0090

Hair and makeup Jessica Bolling (hair) and Ashleigh Bolling (makeup)

Band Jeff Tomrell, Go Go Gadjet 610.823.2014

DJ Chris Walker 703.862.0944

Videographer Blue Sky Films 301.755.5478

St. Matthew’s Cathedral – Carnegie Institution for Science wedding – Washington, DC

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Sarah + Danny didn’t have a backup plan. They were counting on a sunny Friday in September to get married. And Mother Nature cooperated in a splendid fashion. I have to admit that a lot of my favorite moments came from the time we spent at Meridian Hill Park before the ceremony for the first look, bride and groom portraits and group shots. They had one of the best first looks in recent memory—from the primping of the bride by her bridesmaids and her mom just before she saw Danny, through their tears and laughter once they got their first glimpse. We pretty much had the park to ourselves and took full advantage of the staircase for group shots, including a great photo bomb by the bridesmaids of the groomsmen. The sun, the park and the adorable couple—it made me one happy photographer. We went from the park to St. Matthews for their evening service and then to a great party at the Carnegie Institution. Sarah + Danny’s love for each other and their enthusiasm about their momentous day was apparent at every turn—it was such a joy just to witness and document it for them.

 

Reception site Carnegie Institution for Science, 1530 P St., NW, Washington, DC Ana Lojanica 202.939.1143

Event coordinator The Wedding Closer Michele Famiglietti 202.258.7584

Catering and Cake Catering by Uptown Jeff Ditter 410.744.1578

Florist The Yellow Door John Duffy 703.734.1137

Hair and makeup BRIDEface Richmond Aaron Ellerbrock 804.822.0511

DJ Thai Matus, 646.725.0072

 

Ali + Peter’s wedding – Fairmont Washington

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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

 

Ben + Mike’s wedding – Corduroy – Washington, DC

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I just wanted to post a few photos from Ben + Mike’s intimate family wedding celebration in DC in early June. It was a gorgeous spring day for the early ceremony held at Corduroy Restaurant in DC. The couple came in from Michigan to be married in a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a luncheon for their nearest and dearest.

Ceremony + reception Corduroy 1122 9th St., NW, Washington, DC 202.589.0699

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

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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

 

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

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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

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

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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.