I was very excited to be shooting my first legal gay wedding in DC. Matt and Paul’s wedding was a beautiful and reverant day filled with music and family and friends. Unlike most of my weddings, I didn’t shoot any preparation photos before the ceremony so the first glimpse I got of the couple was as they entered the church arm and arm. Before the ceremony they snuck away into the balcony, framed by a huge stained glass window so they could watch their guests and make an entrance after the ceremony had started. They came down the aisle together, beaming and holding hands—that’s one of my favorite photos from the day. Paul’s love of music was evident as friends performed during the ceremony. As they were pronounced legally wed, they made their way back up the aisle and sang one last song as they faced their guests near the doors to the church. It was a really nice way to be able to acknowledge everyone who came to the church and to take in the moment. Their reception at the Washington Arts Club was a big cocktail party—none of those pesky formal photos to be taken, I just had fun shooting everyone talking and dancing and having a good time.

Katie Martin of Elegance and Simplicity Wedding and Event Designers, Inc. sent Matt and Paul my way and did all the planning and flowers for the event. As always, it was gorgeous and ran like clockwork!

Other vendors who made Matt and Paul’s day special:

Church: Augustana Lutheran church, Pastor John Kidd

Cake: Cakes by Design

Music: Interlude Swing Band

Reception: Washington Arts Club