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!