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Chantal + Robert’s wedding – St. Matthew’s Cathedral + Corcoran Gallery of Art – Washington, DC

Many of my couples’ plan their weddings long distance. It’s possible that Chantal + Robert win the distance award by planning theirs from London. Yet they managed to pull off an elegant Washington wedding with many cultural traditions that reflected where their heritage. The gorgeous sunny September day started at the W Hotel where the bride and groom got ready. We made a quick trip to Freedom Plaza for photos and then off to St. Matthews. I’m on the verge of becoming a regular at the 7 pm Mass (and I’ll be there again next Sept.!) But I was most excited for my first time shooting at the Corcoran and I wasn’t disappointed. What a fabulous reception site. Some of my favorite photos of the day were the bridal party portraits on the grand staircase. I asked for attitude and the photos turned out very fun. The party kicked off with the introductions in a typically African fashion. The guests wave lapas (An African woven cloth signifying happiness) as the couple descended the staircase. The two were mobbed by their friends and family as they made their way onto the dance floor. The lapas are also laid on the ground for them to walk on and for their first dance. Later in the evening they had a Liberian Grand March led by the bride’s father and aunt. It was a little like a promenade/line dance—very regal and joyful.

Event coordinator Diane George Covenant Weddings 240.375.3953

Ceremony St. Matthew’s Cathedral 202.347.3215

Reception Corcoran Gallery of Art Meaghan Olwell 202.639.1788

Caterer + Cake RSVP Catering, Marsha Meltzer, 703-573-8700 Ext. 1242

Florist Tobore Oweh toboreoweh@gmail.com

Hair Kira Carter 267.825.2513

DJ DT Nation, Claude, 301.366.3662

Video Dolce Studio Films 703.300.9033

 

 

Donna + Brian’s wedding – April 2, 2011

I remember very clearly when my husband David came home from work and told me that Donna was engaged. My first question, of course, was “does she have a wedding photographer??” David was her editor for a time at USA Today where they both still work and I was thrilled to hear that she and Brian were getting married. Donna is an amazing reporter. She’s covered hot spots around the world–wars, hurricanes, earthquakes–you name it. She’s also a past president of the National Press Club. So it was very fitting that her reception would be there and the rest of the day was quite the ultimate Washington wedding. We started the W Hotel with it’s fabulous views of DC. What first caught my eye when I entered the suite were the sparkly Jimmy Choos that Brian had given Donna as an incredibly thoughtful wedding present. Donna was calm and collected and complete unfazed by the fuss going on around her. It cracked me up that she made sure to bring her USA Today press pass with her in her monogrammed LL Bean tote bag. You never know when some news might break out! There was one point in their rooftop ceremony at 20 F St. where sirens were blaring and Donna looked around. Most of us half-expected her to investigate…The day was a little chilly as early April can be in DC and the rooftop was a little on the windy side especially for the large Florida contingent. But it was a beautiful view of both the Capitol and the Washington Monument as the sun set over their ceremony. The wedding party, immediate family and some of the guest Metro’ed back to the Press Club and that made for some fun photos. Once we arrived there was lagniappe everywhere (that’s free stuff to any non-New Orleanians—Brian’s family is from Louisiana). Engraved golf balls, pralines (yum), an assorted candy bar, New Orleans coffee, macaroons (double yum) and they even had custom wine labels for their wedding day. The lighting at the Club was fun as well…the logo looming over the proceeding’s was a nod to Donna’s job and vaguely looked like the USA Today logo. The funny part for me was being introduced (both USA Today folks and others) throughout the evening as “David Lindsey’s wife.” Not that I don’t love that—it just doesn’t happen to me much at weddings!

Those making the day special for Donna and Brian were:

Venues: 20 F. St., NW rooftop, National Press Club

Planner: Danielle Lendino, Aflutter Events

Flowers: English Garden Flowers

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Reception Music: Anthony Simpson, My DeeJay Inc.

Cake: Ms. Desserts

Macaroons: Michel Patisserie

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