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
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 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
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
A couple of weeks ago on a beautiful spring weekend I had the pleasure of back to back engagement sessions in Old Town Alexandria. The city was in full bloom and even though we were in the same general area I was determined to make two different sets of photos. We did use the same cherry trees (too pretty to pass up!) and part of the waterfront but overall I think I succeeded. And I did get to work with my 13 year old son as my assistant for the first time so that made the weekend just a little bit more special. I am looking forward to both Lindsay and Aaron and Caroline and Miguel’s weddings later this year.
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
It was a lovely spring day when I met Hannah + Hal for the first time for our wedding engagement session in Baltimore. It was a blast to explore less familiar territory and how cool was the Pagoda in Patterson Park! We took full advantage of the newly blooming spring flowers and even though it got a little windy on the waterfront I think we made some very sweet photos. It’s a bit of a way off but I’m really looking forward to their Newseum wedding in late December.
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
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
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