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Park Hyatt wedding – Washington, DC

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It’s very tempting to dispense with the recap of Caroline + Miguel’s wedding day and get right to the photos. It was such a great day from preparation through the reception that I almost don’t know where to begin. First, Caroline was the coolest bride ever. Literally unflappable. Yes, we were a few minutes late. No sweat. Yes, it was very windy and yes, our first look plans sort of fell by the wayside and their moment turned out to be in front of a bunch of tourist on bikes in front the Jefferson Memorial. No matter. It was a gorgeous sunny October day and everything happened just as it should. Even the Marine One flyover. Yes, we missed the first time but we caught the second and third one. And no hassles by Park Police at the monument—double bonus. Their ceremony at the Park Hyatt was sweet, a little tearful and pretty hilarious. Especially when Miguel worked up a sweat and his groomsmen swarmed around dry him off. And all this was just the tip of the iceberg. I really don’t know where to start with the reception but I can honestly say I’ve never been to one quite like it. Heartfelt speeches, particularly by Caroline’s dad and Miguel’s best man started the night which then turned into the best party ever courtesy of their band Go Go Gadget. They are a bar band—not a wedding band—and I’d been warned that they would tear the roof off the place. They didn’t disappoint. It’s rare that both my 2nd shooter (who chooses to not be identified in my blog posts) and I want to put down the cameras and watch the band. Or dance. Their set of 60 songs in 60 minutes featuring all tunes from the 90s was masterful. The crowd was on their feet nonstop and the energy in the room was insane. Another highlight came when Caroline’s dad took the stage to play guitar and sing a great version of  “I Saw Her Standing There.” OK, I guess I did find something to write about but really, when I look at these photos I just feel the incredible energy that was Caroline + Miguel’s wedding day. Finally, a special shout out to Caroline’s mom Nancy. These two strong southern women knew exactly what they wanted and made sure it all happened. Working closely with Michael Deltette at the Park Hyatt, it was one stellar day (and night)!

 

Event coordinator Michael Deltette 202.419.6696

Caterer and cake Park Hyatt 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Florist Nick Perez, MultiFlor 703.645.0090

Hair and makeup Jessica Bolling (hair) and Ashleigh Bolling (makeup)

Band Jeff Tomrell, Go Go Gadjet 610.823.2014

DJ Chris Walker 703.862.0944

Videographer Blue Sky Films 301.755.5478

Ali + Peter’s wedding – Fairmont Washington

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How appropriate was it that Ali + Peter’s wedding fell on a World Cup soccer Saturday? Ali is the JV soccer coach at my daughter’s high school and runs a successful soccer coaching business. And it was definitely the first time I saw a bride (and her bridesmaids) kick around a soccer ball to relax before the day’s festivities. I really loved working with Ali and Peter and their families. In particular, it was such a joy to watch Ali’s closeness with her mom Wendy. Sometimes weddings put stress on even the closest family ties but it was evident from the moment I walked into the hotel suite as Ali was getting ready that she and her mom are best friends. The Fairmont was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. It was gorgeous and sunny outside for their first look and portraits and then elegant and classic for their evening ceremony under a chuppah with a chandelier.  I loved the Seinfeld references throughout the night—both in the ceremony and toasts, and the popcorn bar was a huge hit. The dance floor overflowed, even until the last dance. I don’t always stay until the very end but I’m so glad I did. The photos start to get pretty interesting by the end of the evening…And a special shout out to my fabulous former bride Kathy who was Ali’s MOH and recommended me to her. I love, love, love seeing my former brides & grooms at their friends’ weddings!

Event coordinator Sue Gould 240.778.5453

Wedding + Reception site Fairmont, Washington, DC

Site coordinator Bob Mikolitch 202.429.5599

Florist DaVinci Florist

Hair Marcella 240.731.4118

Makeup Sue Ellen Kaye 301.785.2612

Band Sound Connection Andy Kushner 301.646.5151

Cake Fairmont

Videographer Jeff Schofield Washington Talent

 

Ben + Mike’s wedding – Corduroy – Washington, DC

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I just wanted to post a few photos from Ben + Mike’s intimate family wedding celebration in DC in early June. It was a gorgeous spring day for the early ceremony held at Corduroy Restaurant in DC. The couple came in from Michigan to be married in a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a luncheon for their nearest and dearest.

Ceremony + reception Corduroy 1122 9th St., NW, Washington, DC 202.589.0699

Francesca + Joey’s wedding – Corcoran Gallery of Art – Washington, DC

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Memorial Day Saturday started for me with a welcome reception at El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan for Francesca + Joey’s (aka Froey) wedding weekend. It was nice to be back at a restaurant I used to frequent when I lived in the neighborhood a million years ago. Warm speeches from a steady stream of friends and family let me know that I’d be in for a great party the next day. Sunday was another gorgeous sunny day which gave us the perfect backdrop for all of our outdoor photos before the ceremony & reception at the Corcoran Gallery. One of my favorite moments early the in the day was the first look. Francesca came up behind Joey, carrying her phone that was playing her favorite Justin Timberlake song and the two of them were laughing by the time they turned to see each other. And really, is there a more beautiful setting than the steps of the Corcoran for portraits? We did scoot next door to the Red Cross HQ for a few shots in the sun and then it was off to the ceremony. As expected, their vows were funny and sweet and paid tribute to both Francesca’s Lebanese heritage as well as Joey’s Jewish background. That carried over to the reception where they did the Hora and then segued into Lebanese dancing that culminated with Francesca being lifted up above the crowd. A word about the absolutely gorgeous room…I know, I’m using that word a lot in this post but it just seems necessary. The gallery is stunning on it’s own but the transformation of the room with a mirrored head table, large high flower arrangements and seriously cool textured hot pink and gold linens made for a truly breathtaking room. Kudos to Anne at Atrendy Wedding for pulling it all together so beautifully.

Wedding Planner Anne Kelley Atrendy Wedding 703.932.2185

Welcome Reception Venue El Tamarindo 1785 Florida Ave NW 202.328.3660

Ceremony + Reception Venue  The Corcoran Gallery of Art  500 17th Street, NW Wash, DC 20006

Officiants Father Michael Kelley 202.232.1144  and Rabbi Kenneth Block 410.459.6161

Hair for bride Karma Salon 202.293.3333

Hair for bridesmaids Dry Bar Georgetown 202.609.8644

Make Up Blend Marquia Kinard  240.603.3136

Videographer Stan PE Films 703.338.3490

Catering Occasions Caterers  202.546.7400

Lebanese Food Caterer Shemali’s 202.686.7070

Wedding Cake Pastry Xpo 571.282.4970

Florals & Lounge Furniture Edge Flowers 301.330.5232

Lighting John Farr Lighting 301.390.2728

Ceremony & Reception Music DJ D-MAC & Associates DJ Rusty Belicek, 703.839.5080

Pipe & Drape Fabrication Events 240.457.4041 ‪

Additional Linen rental DC Rental 703.899.5397

Live Artist The Painted Lens Jamie Peterson 202-768-2662

 

Michael + David’s wedding – Fiola Restaurant – Washington, DC

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I first met David a few years ago when I arrived at his house for a Food assignment. He was writing the Real Entertaining column for the Washington Post’s Food section and I had been sent to do the photography. It was the first of many trips there (more for his subsequent column Sourced) and as much as I enjoyed photographing the food, I definitely was up for tasting whatever he’d cooked. He did one column on locally sourced blueberries that had a blueberry ginger lemonade recipe that is still one of my favorite summer coolers. And it’s killer with a little rum while sitting with friends at the community pool on summer evenings. But I digress…

I knew David was getting married from our mutual friend, deputy Food editor (and food stylist extraordinaire) Bonnie Benwick. But I was very surprised to get a call from David in late July asking about my availability to be his mid-September wedding photographer. And meeting was arranged and it was then that I met Michael and I could see what a lovely and emotional day they had planned. Their attention to even the smallest detail was impressive. Matching custom made suits and initial cufflinks, David’s red rubber Vivienne Westwood shoes, cake trim to match their invitations and of course, the food. Their dog Coco made an appearance in Pershing Park for some photos. She was a presence at the grooms’ table at the restaurant with her photograph but I suspect the day wouldn’t have been complete for either Michael or David without a Coco visit.

I have to admit it was more than a little thrilling (and surreal) to have Ruth Bader Ginsburg officiating the ceremony. The buzz was palatable as she arrived and proceeded to sign the marriage certificate and to talk with Michael and David for a good half hour prior the ceremony. It felt like I was on a news assignment for the Post. And not just because the New York Times was there covering the wedding for their Vows column. The funniest details emerged to me when I was editing the wedding photos. I loved her security guy always standing nearby holding her purse. And the colorful beaded collar she wore over her judges ‘robes. She led the ceremony in such a relaxed and warm way making it very personal to Michael and David. They in turn, honored her by toasting with milk instead of wine at the end of the ceremony. It was a tribute to her remarks about the benefits of marriage during arguments before the Supreme Court concerning the Defense of Marriage Act.

“There’s two kinds of marriage, there’s full marriage and then there’s sort of skim milk marriage,”

The other particularly moving part of the day was during the speeches after the fabulous five course dinner. The microphone was passed around the room to friends and family and it was so touching to hear what this day meant to everyone after such a long history of not being able to be legally married and about family acceptance and love. And did I mention that the place was swarming with some of the best chefs in the DC area? And that Michael and his NOAA friends used their influence to provide a perfect (partly cloudy) day for their rooftop ceremony? So much to this wedding…maybe after all this I should let the photos speak for themselves.

Xiaochu + David’s wedding – City Club of Washington – Washington, DC

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It was bound to happen. After an incredibly beautiful and dry August and September in DC, there was rain forecast for the Saturday of Xiaochu + David’s wedding. The good news was that it was an indoor ceremony and reception so other than dodging a few raindrops during group portraits in Freedom Plaza we made it through the day relatively dry. We started at the Willard Hotel for getting ready and their first look and then headed to their ceremony. I was excited to be at a new venue for me — the City Club of Washington. In the building adjacent to the Warner Theater, it’s an interesting space with an endless atrium. Another cool feature was the industrial looking scaffolding inside the building that glowed green at night. The photos of the two of them by the fountain later in the evening turned out to be some of my favorites. We had planned to go to the Capitol but the torrential rain continued throughout the evening so I think we came up with a pretty good alternative. Another highlight of the day for me was when Xiaochu’s and her mother made their way down the long staircase to meet David on the landing and begin the ceremony.

Getting ready The Willard Hotel 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW  Washington, D.C

 

Ceremony + Reception The City Club of Washington 555 13th St NW  Washington, D.C. – Cassandra Centers 202.347.0818

Florist Petal’s Edge Alexandria, VA 703.518.8488

Hair  Stephanie Swope 240.672.2478

Makeup Red Door Spa at the Willard Hotel 202.942.2700

DJ Black Tie DJ Andrew Logan

Cake Amphora Bakery

 

 

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

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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

 

 

Catching up…

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Just a little pre-Labor Day love from two of my fabulous couples. After a very relaxing August I’m happy to post photos from two engagement shoots done over the summer. I had fun hanging with Brenna + Joe in my neck of the woods in Potomac and on the C&O Canal while Christine + Lance and I explored the Capitol grounds on a lovely summer’s evening. Can’t wait for both weddings in October + December. Happy Labor Day and look for Chu + David’s engagement session on the blog next week 🙂

Amanda + Chris’ Logan Circle wedding – Washington, DC

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Amanda and Chris’ intimate wedding at the Aaron Shipman House bed and breakfast in DC had two minor obstacles. An iffy weather forecast and a bride on crutches. The good news was the Amanda was on the mend and could spend sometime on her injured foot without a crutch. Long enough to see her groom and get married! After much consulting of weather maps and on and off again rain, we managed to squeeze in a wonderful first look and the beginning of their ceremony. Their joy in seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day was just so fabulous to document. Seriously, one of my best in recent memory. Once the rain started again we  headed inside to the front room of the B&B to finish up their vows. A lovely champagne toast from Amanda’s father followed and then everyone headed out in the weather to Mio Restaurant. Of course it cleared up and was gorgeous as I was leaving the restaurant and the couple and their families were beginning their wedding evening dinner.

Mary + Logan’s wedding – Marine Barracks, DC + Harry Browne’s, Annapolis, MD

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The summer of small weddings continued with Mary and Logan’s morning ceremony and lunch. The group of immediate family and very close friends gathered in the Commandant’s garden at  the historic home on the Marine Corps 8th & I Barracks. It’s the oldest post in the Corps. There aren’t a lot of weddings held at the Barracks but Logan now works on base after serving protecting the President at the White House. In his full dress uniform he looked so handsome waiting for Mary to come down the aisle with her father. The two of them were so cute during rhe ceremony–their joy so clearly on their faces made for some of the best images of the day. After some portraits around the parade grounds we headed to Annapolis for their lunch reception at Harry Browne’s restaurant. But not before a stop across the street at the State Capitol for some couple photos and a change out of his uniform for Logan. The restaurant’s upstairs room was made into a cozy (and cool) reception space, just perfect for a small crowd, some sweet toasts and a little cake on the forehead for the groom.

Wedding site Marine Barracks of Washington, DC

Reception site  Harry Browne’s restaurant, Annapolis, MD 410.263.4332

Flowers York Flowers, Annapolis, MD 800.651.1448