Deb Lindsey Photography Archives - Page 18 of 18

Nicole + Brian’s downtown DC wedding – St. Francis Hall

December 27, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

Before I begin my last blog post of 2011, I just want to take a moment and reflect on what an amazing year it’s been. Thank you to all my wonderful brides and grooms for being such great people, so fun to work with and for planning fabulous events that created lovely photographs. I’ve learned so much from the variety of weddings I’ve shot this year and while it’s artistically fulfilling for me to improve as a photographer, more importantly it means better photos for my couples. I’m really looking forward to 2012 and the wonderful couples I’ll be working with and those who just got engaged and haven’t hired me yet!J

Nicole and Brian were my grand finale for 2011. As anyone living in Washington knows, December can be 65 degrees and sunny or 20 degrees and snowing. We hit it at about the halfway point. It was a beautiful sunny day but deceptively cold due to a lot of wind. I’m especially grateful for Nicole and Brian for being such troopers for a couple reasons. First, they arranged their day to factor in the lack of light in mid-December and we did their first look and all their before photos at their very cool reception site—St. Francis Monastery in NE DC. This is one of the city’s hidden gems! The grounds are amazing and the archways that run around the perimeter of the churchyard are about as good as it gets for photos. Nicole gets a special shout out for taking off her wrap and standing outside for a few minutes in her sleeveless gown. Good thing Brian was standing nearby to warm her up! I loved all the creative touches for the wedding, particularly the paper flowers. I knew Nicole was planning on no live blooms, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a vision of the tissue paper flowers I created when I was a kid. But the bouquets and bouts and centerpieces were beyond cool! Another touch that I know was special to Nicole was their cake toppers. They were a surprise for Brian and they were an exact replica of the couple, down to the paper flower bout on Brian! They were adorable. Their whole day was warm and fun and low key…just want you want on a cold winter day!

The vendors making their day:

Event coordinator Hong-Nhu Mai (she created the flowers as well!)

Church: Universalist National Memorial Church, NW DC

Reception Site: St. Francis Hall, St. Francis Monastery, NE DC

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Hair: Essam at Fringe Hair Studio

Makeup: Azi Niroo, Cristophe Salon

Band/DJ Chris Laich Music Services

Cake. Olivia Doherty

Photography: Deb Lindsey and Michael Connor

Happy New Year to all and we’ll be blogging again in 2012!!

Marisa + Raimonds wedding – Rockville, Maryland

November 30, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

I first met Marisa a couple days before she left for St. Petersburg Russia where Raimonds is posted for the State Department. That takes long distance wedding planning to a new level! So I didn’t get to meet the groom until the wedding day and when I did he and his groomsmen were holding the biggest beer mugs I’d ever seen. That made for a fun picture and unfortunately there wasn’t a videographer along to capture the song (in Latvian I assume) that went before the drinking. We lucked into a gorgeous mid-November day but a lot of the beautiful foliage had already passed it’s peak. Except for one glowing orange tree right in front of the church. I think you can see by the photos that I took full advantage of the pop of color. The ceremony was in Latvian and the highlight for me was Marisa’s walk down the aisle. She was so anxious to see Raimonds that she was peeking around everyone standing up as she made her way down the aisle and the look on Raimonds face as he saw her was priceless. He was literally beaming. I have to say that the reception hall was really lovely. They made full use of draping and uplighting to make the room colorful and glowing. The dance floor came alive for polkas and mid-way through the reception came the traditional stealing of the bride. Friends of the couple took Marisa to an undisclosed location until Raimonds came up with an appropriate payment to get her back. Which I believe included Maker’s Mark Whiskey. He then serenaded his bride and they were happily reunited!

Wedding and Reception venue: Latvian Lutheran Church of Washington, DC

Caterer: Tracy Toth at Quite A Stir Catering

Florist: Maryann Sheridan

Hair and makeup: Jessica at Alchemy Hair Salon,

Band: Last Train

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Deb + Drew’s Omni Shoreham wedding

November 25, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

In the spirit of the holiday I’m offering my Black Friday blog post. And stay tuned to the blog in the next couple weeks (if not sooner) I’ll be unveiling some design changes and a spanking new website!

There’s a fairly unusual reason that Deb and Drew came to me when they were on the hunt for a wedding photographer. First was Deb and then there was her sister (and Matron of Honor) Lindsey. When she saw my name she had to get in touch. And then it turns out that my parents grew up with her parents so it seemed we were meant to work together! Their wedding was my first at the Omni Shoreham and what a wonderful venue! Full of history for those born and bred Washingtonians like myself. We lucked out with the weather, it was a gorgeous sunny day which allowed us to use the grounds of the hotel for first look and family photos before heading inside for the ceremony. There was a certain amount of chaos during the day courtesy of the adorable flower girls all under age 5. The ceremony started with the four girls coming down the aisle and stopping dead at the top of the runner where they proceeded to studiously drop all their flowers there. Eventually they made it down the walkway but it was a pretty funny scene. Another funny moment came courtesy of the groom. Deb and Drew are at the cake table doing the usual cutting and when it comes time to feed the bride some cake, Drew calls an audible and feeds himself! It caught everyone by surprise but Deb was laughing the hardest. The whole day was filled with tears and laughter.

It’s always a pleasure to work again with Janice Carnavale of Bellweather Events who made the day run so smoothly!

Wedding planner Janice Carnevale www.bellweatherevents.com

Omni Shoreham coordinator Haydee Gamez/202-756-5164

Caterer Omni Shoreham Hotel

Florist Dever’s Design www.deversdesign.com

Hair Jessica Sarno/ Headlines Hair Design

Makeup Suellen Kay Totally Polished

Ceremony music Tim Metz- www.Timmymetz.com

Reception music Prime Time/Bialak’s Music

Cake Pastries By Randolph

Kate + Matt’s Carnegie Institution of Science wedding – Washington, DC

November 2, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

It’s tempting to say that the third time was the charm for me at Carnegie Institution of Science but really each of the three weddings I’ve shot there this year has been wonderful and different. Kate and Matt were the second part of my Columbus Day weekend doubleheader, and like Carla and Ed’s wedding the day before, the weather was amazing. That is one significant difference from the other weddings I’d had at Carnegie. We actually go to go outside! One of the most memorable parts of the day for me was when we left the building after the ceremony to head to Meridian Hill Park for photos. There was supposed to be a car waiting to take the three of us up the street. Kate and Matt waved goodbye to their guests and rounded the corner on P St. and found no car so Matt hailed a cab and we were on our way. I was impressed by the fact that they went completely with the flow, didn’t sweat a small snag and that Matt had money with him on his wedding day! As we approached the park we heard noise but I assumed it was the drum circle that happens on weekends at the park. Turns out it was the start of the Occupy DC march that was heading down 16^th St. towards the White House. We couldn’t get right in front of them but close enough to see the police car escort and parade in the background! Another of my favorite photos that was a special request from the couple is the ring photo. Kate’s work for the Dept. of Defense takes her often to Afghanistan and so, of course, that’s where we put the rings on the cool globe that sits in the Carnegie library.

Wedding and Reception: Carnegie Institution of Science, Washington, DC

Caterer: Uptown Catering

Florist: Gretchen Wade

Hair and Makeup: Barbara Hill and Sonia

DJ: Mike Bell from MyDeeJay

Cake: Sugarbakers

Carla + Ed – St. John Neumann Catholic Church + Belmont Country Club wedding – Virginia

October 25, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

Carla + Ed were the first of my two Columbus Day weekend weddings. And the weather was finally cooperating. What an amazing day for a wedding! I made one of my favorite photos of the day 10 minutes after arriving at Carla’s parent’s house in Virginia. Usually I’m the one taking the wrapping off the wedding dress and arranging it somewhere with pretty light. When Carla’s dad climbed up on the bench to hang the dress I just had to laugh—and shoot! Carla + Ed were married at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston. I had been there in June and it’s a lovely bright church. It was sweet that Ed was so enthusiastic that he gave Carla a kiss when she arrived at the altar…I’m pretty sure he was supposed to wait until the end of the service! And as it turns out, he was right to get one in early. The service which was performed by 3 (!) priests had a little snafu when they forgot to have the couple present their gifts to the statue of the Virgin Mary. Once that was taken care of, they never told Ed he could kiss the bride—so he didn’t! From the church we headed to Belmont Country Club in Ashburn. A lovely manor house is attached to a more traditional country club facility so of course, we took all the fun portraits outside the house and with the rolling hills of the golf course as the background. And did I mention how gorgeous the light was. I think my favorite photo of the day is Ed + Carla from behind, full length with the rays of sun shining on them! And the party was tons of fun with awesome DJ Aaron, one of my favs!

Annie + Scott’s River Plantation wedding – Queenstown, MD

October 18, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

It’s not a stretch to say that the Wye River in Maryland will always hold a special place in the hearts of Annie + Scott. They got engaged while sailing on the river and got married on it’s shores at River Plantation’s Pintail Point on October 1. Would it have been great if the weather had been sunny and warm? Sure, but the overcast skies and early fall chill in the air didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Especially true for the happy couple. Except for a few sprinkles as Annie made her long walk from the manor house to Scott waiting by the river, the weather cooperated. Tears were flowing early as Annie’s 86-year-old Irish grandmother pinned on the veil she made for her granddaughter. Annie’s Mom was in on the action as well and it was a special point of pride that some of the beading from her wedding dress was now on Annie’s veil. I loved the cute sailing details that were everywhere throughout the day including the name tags hung on a nautical chart, cookies shaped like sailboats and their A&S logo. I have to admit that my favorite part of the reception (other than the sweet first dance and toasts) was the Brusters ice cream bar. Scott’s family owns a couple of stores in Richmond and yes, the detail shot of the cup of ice cream I shot was delicious! The day was filled with lots of Annie’s Irish relatives and my one regret was that there was a mention of Irish dancing that never came to pass. It would have been fun to shoot! As I was packing up to make the journey home, a guest pointed me in the direction of the last shot I took—Annie’s mom reading “The Pokey Little Puppy” to one of the adorable flower girls. It made such a sweet photo and was not a scene I see often at a wedding.

Wedding and Reception venue and catering: The River Plantation

Bouquets: Homestead Gardens

DJ Rusty with DJ D-Mac

Cake Julie Bakes

Kristi + Dan’s DAR wedding – June 5, 2011

June 23, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

One of the first things Kristi and Dan told me when we met to discuss their upcoming June wedding was that they didn’t like having their pictures taken. I could totally relate because it’s not my favorite thing to do either. They insisted that they always make goofy faces and weren’t comfortable posing. What they didn’t tell me (and probably couldn’t have known) is that they make wonderful photos together when they’re just being themselves and that that by making each other laugh makes the best photos of all. Their wedding was my second visit to DAR National Headquarters in less than a month and I was happy to be back. It’s such a beautiful and traditionally Washington venue. Their Sunday morning wedding was elegant and fresh with a pop of yellow everywhere from the lemons and orchids in the table arrangements to Kristi’s yellow heels and Dan’s retro yellow cufflinks. And of course, his gray and yellow Argyle socks! We were restricted a bit from shooting during the ceremony but we managed to sneak a few shots in. One thing that Dan and Kristi had promised me was a rocking crowd at the reception. I was skeptical…day weddings tend to be less rowdy. It’s bright and a lot less alcohol is consumed. But they proved me completely wrong. It was a big dancing crowd and I have to say I’m not sure I’ve seen two mothers of the couple have a better time dancing at their children’s reception! Lemon meringue pie was cut instead of cake (a family recipe) and then the couple scooted off by yellow pedicab, keeping the color scheme going throughout the day. As always, it was a pleasure to work with Ricky Carioti as my second shooter.

Making the special day for Kristi + Dan were:

Wedding and reception: DAR National Headquarters

Food and pie: Ridgewell’s Catering

Flowers: Heavenly Hydrangeas

Wedding music: Potomac Power Trio

DJ: Dan Goldman from Bialek’s Music

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Katy + Paul’s Strong Mansion wedding – May 14, 2011

May 26, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

Katy and Paul’s wedding was my second time at Strong Mansion in the month of May. And unfortunately, just like the first one, the forecast was not promising. Spitting rain, drizzle and an ominous forecast for later in the day had me more upset than usual. There’s always a rain plan but Strong Mansion is such a gorgeous place, it seemed criminal to have to shoot the ceremony inside a tent! As I waited with Paul by the stone steps for Katy to sneak up behind him for their first look, I heard her voice from the house telling the caterer that unless it was raining, raining…the ceremony would be outside. A woman after my own heart! The other thing that struck me as I waited with Paul is that at the sound of Katy’s voice, he burst into the broadest smile. And that smile didn’t let up the whole day—except for maybe a few emotional moments during the ceremony. After the ceremony the bridal party headed down to the lower garden on the grounds and we took a ton of fun shots. I’m not usually a big fan on formal group shots but this group was game for anything. I don’t do many jumping shots at weddings but they ended up being among my favorites of the day. Special thanks to my wonderful second photographer Ricky Carioti who carted my light up and down the big hill and held back tree branches so I could get my shots. And there was a four-legged member of the bridal party as well. Katy’s dog Chloe. She was walked down the aisle, greeted the newlyweds right after their vows (one of my favorite shots from the day) and even looked weary at the end of a long night of partying. Oh, and it started to pour about 8 p.m.—just in time for dinner and dancing under the tent. So no one even seemed to notice.

Those helping Katy + Paul with their special day:

Wedding and reception: Strong Mansion

Food and cake: Canapes

Flowers: Blossom and Basket

DJ: Shew-sical Entertainment

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Marina + Sean’s wedding – April 9, 2011

April 28, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

On the eve of the royal wedding it seems only appropriate to do a wedding blog post. Marina and Sean’s wedding didn’t quite attract the media attention that Kate and Will but they had a beautiful day and a classic Washington wedding. The day started at the Fairmont Hotel followed by a ceremony at Georgetown’s Dahlgren Chapel. It was a little cool and very overcast but the rain held off. In spite of the it being prime cherry blossom time, a lot of the rest of DC was not quite in bloom on April 9 but the Georgetown campus provided a very pretty backdrop for the couple and the bridal party. We had a lot of time built in after the ceremony to do portraits and in what is definitely a first for me, the bridal party had time to warm up and play hangman in a classroom on campus! After our Georgetown adventure we headed back to the Fairmont Hotel and found some magnolia trees still in bloom so that turned out to be a group formal bonus! I knew it would be a fun and dancing crowd early in the day when the bridesmaids and Marina were dancing in their seats in the limo on their way to the church. It was a great party. a fabulous send off for Marina and Sean as they headed off for their honeymoon in Thailand and then home to San Francisco.

Here’s who wonderful vendors who helped them with their day:

Event coordinator Emily Dionne

Site coordinator Bob Mikolitch at the Fairmont Hotel

Florist John Duffy at Yellow Door Floral

Hair and makeup Hair: Julie Jackson, Makeup: Kelley Epps-Woods

Band/DJ Aaron Platt with Chris Laich Music Services

Cake Alexandria Pastry

Videographer Blue Sky Films

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