Top of the Town in Arlington, Virginia has one of the most spectacular views of Washington, DC. E+Z’s wedding day from beginning to end took full advantage of that scenery.

A perfect cloudless (and hot) day meant we were able to take a large percentage of the formal photos (including their first look) on the grounds of the nearby Netherlands Carillon. It’s the same view as Top of the Town, just a bit lower in elevation As much as I love the shots with the monuments, I was a little obsessed with the blue/grey metallic background of the Carillon itself. It matched really well with the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s suits for a monochromatic look in pretty shaded light.

It’s not often that I photograph high school sweethearts so recently out of college. In a nod to their dating history we stopped to take some photos in front of the bride’s Jeep. They went to prom in a similar truck! Both are also Penn State grads and I have a hunch that the blue and white color scheme for the reception was not accidental.

For the ceremony we headed up the glass exterior elevator (full disclosure, heights are not my favorite thing) and the couple and their bridal party came down the aisle and gathered in front of the windows overlooking the city. Their ceremony was sweet and a little tearful as were the vows the couple wrote for each other.

What struck me the most about E+Z as a couple is how well they fit together and how mature they are. They have a great group of close friends and doting family. One of my favorite photos of the day was a shot not on their original shoot list, of the bride and groom surrounded by both sets of parents and all three couples sharing a kiss. If that doesn’t say relationship goals I don’t know what does!

Check back soon for part two of their day—it’s all about the details and the reception!!

Event coordinator Laura Crouch, Events with Laura 516-658-7443

Site coordinator Top of the Town Kate or Laura 703-387-8696

Caterer + Cake  Spilled Milk Catering 240-801-4896

Florist Susan Wenger, SW Floral Design 703-395-0688

Hair + makeup Nicole 571-230-9598/ Hair & Makeup Unveiled

DJ  Scratch DJs/DJ As-One 646-448-6839