Washington Archives - Page 9 of 10 - Deb Lindsey Photography

Stephanie + Michael’s wedding – April 3, 2011

April 13, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

I’ve photographed many Jewish weddings–Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist–but Stephanie and Michael’s Orthodox wedding was a number of firsts for me. The day was full of interesting and symbolic events. Among the more visual parts of the day were the Tish (where the woman and men gather separately to greet and praise the bride and groom) , the mothers breaking a dish at the signing of the Ketubah and an energetic 40-minute Hora. All of this took place amidst much hugging, some crying and lots of laughter. It was really special to see how seamlessly these families were coming together to celebrate the union. The tear started early when Stephanie’s dad saw her for the first time in her dress. Stephanie’s eyes welled when she and Michael had their first look. And the toasts at the reception had everyone tearing up! All that makes for great photos. We were able to take advantage of a beautiful spring day and the fabulous Magnolias in full bloom outside the Park Hyatt. Inside the flowers and the purple accents at the ceremony and reception were elegant and unusual…I loved the goldfish bowls with tulips that served as decoration for the Tish and cocktails.

I am most grateful to Lesley Cohen who sent Stephanie and Michael my way. As a close friend of the couple, I’m sure she had a blast being a guest for once instead of working the wedding. And a special thanks to Michael Connor who shot with me. It’s always a pleasure when we get to work together.

Those who made their day special are:

Venue: Park Hyatt Hotel and coordinator Michael Deltette

Florist: Yellow Door Floral Designs John Duffy

Band: Spectrum

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Donna + Brian’s wedding – April 2, 2011

April 12, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

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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Engaged! Photos

March 8, 2011/in News /by lindseydeb

Just wanted to share a few of the photos I took at my part of the Engaged! Tour at the St. Regis Hotel, one of my favorite spots in DC. It was a lovely show with lots of impressive wedding pros. Yes, we got a little wet outside in the tent on the terrace but we (trusty bridal show vet Jonathan Newton) had some great conversations with wonderful couples. And with a little luck, we’ll hear from a few of them soon!

Stephanie + Mike’s engagement photos

February 17, 2011/in Engagements /by lindseydeb

I admit it–I was a little concerned about an engagement shoot in February. Stephanie and Mike are getting married in early April so there wasn’t time to wait for warm weather and green trees. The plan was to meet at the American Art Museum downtown and shoot inside. It turns out Mike had been thinking of a different museum but once I started to wander around the place, I saw lots of possibilities. I wasn’t sure exactly what would be allowed but it turned out to be a great place with lots of cool spaces and colorful exhibits and tile floors. I think my favorite shot is of them seen through the black sculpture with the orange background but I was happy to have so much variety in one location! I’m looking forward to their wedding at the Park Hyatt in April.

Susie + Gabe’s wedding – December 12, 2010

January 3, 2011/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

I am a believer a destiny (and that often we make our own destiny but that’s another story) and I firmly believe that when a couple chooses me to photograph their wedding that destiny plays a part. I know, it’s a little corny. But when I met Susie and Gabe, I think there was a little more than luck at work. Maybe it’s that Susie grew up in Potomac where I now live or that my son Wyatt and Susie’s nephew Teddy are now in the same 4^th grade class. Whatever the reason, I was excited to be with Susie and Gabe at the Fairmont Hotel on December 12 for my last wedding of the year. It was a rainy and grey day but it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Of course, it was December so everything was inside anyway. I’ve had a few large bridal parties but I think this one took the cake. I believe including the two junior groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer there were 23 in the bridal party not counting the bride and groom! That made for a crowded scene under the chuppah. The couple’s nieces and nephews were everywhere stealing the show. One of my favorite photos from the day was one taken by the fabulous Michael Connor who was my second shooter. I just love the photo of Susie’s niece looking out over the Christmas decorations in the courtyard of the hotel. Another favorite of mine is Susie walking into the ketubah ceremony. You can just see her excitement and things were getting underway. One funny photo happened as I followed the couple for the yehud (private time) after the ceremony. As they entered the bridal suite, a maid was in there cleaning. They had to ask her to come back later. In the shot below you can see the maid peeking around the corner as Susie and Gabe are kissing! The reception included a rollicking Hora and a very cute toast by the nieces and nephews with Susie’s parent singing “Happy Talk” from South Pacific. And then Gabe’s father introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Freeman (Susie’s name). That got a good laugh.

And a special treat for me, I got to work with some of my favorite wedding pros:

Flowers: Petal’s Edge –Susie’s bouquet was especially gorgeous with rich purple flowers (can you tell I’m not a florist??)

DJ: Chris Laich. It was a pleasure as always working with Chris and Aaron. I think I shot seven or eight weddings with them this year alone.

Fairmont Hotel: Such a pretty hotel and the events run like clockwork thanks to Bob Mikolitch

Ceremony music: Sage String Quartet

Uta + Will’s wedding – November 26, 2010

December 8, 2010/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

While everyone was hitting the stores for Black Friday, Uta and Will decided to get married. Their celebration is not my smallest wedding ever (that honor goes to Melissa and Craig’s wedding where I was the witness!) but it’s close. There were less than twenty people gathered at the little chapel on the campus of St. Alban’s, including Rev. Hundley, the organist and me, but the warm little sanctuary turned out to be the perfect spot for a family-only wedding. Uta beamed as she walked down the aisle on the arm of her dad while Will looked a teensy bit nervous before she made her appearance. I was originally told there would be no photos allowed but since it was such a small crowd I got permission to stay in the back and capture the joy. My favorite part of the short day was wandering around the grounds of the National Cathedral with the couple after the ceremony. It was getting colder and dark but the two of them didn’t seem to mind. As I was editing the photos it seemed like I had a lot of kissing shots. I think that captures the two of them perfectly. Will couldn’t stop kissing his bride. After the portraits, we headed to Columbia Country Club for a lovely family dinner and a Power Point slide show that was a joint effort between both sets of parents, documenting where Uta and Will came from, how they met and how their lives are now intertwined.

Ashley + Michael’s wedding – St. Regis Hotel, Washington, DC – October 16, 2010

November 8, 2010/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

Ashley + Michael’s wedding turned out to be a bit of a reunion for me. Michael had been a groomsman for Lindsay + Chris’ wedding a couple years ago and I was so pleased that he and Ashley chose me to be their photographer. It was great seeing familiar faces among the bridal party and the guests. And in a repeat of Lindsay + Chris’ wedding, I was again working with the fabulous Toni Sandys.

They were married at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria, the same church that Ashley’s parents were married in. It’s really nice when there’s a sentimental attachment to the church and a family history. I particularly liked the photos of the two of them after the ceremony in the limo—in some the reflection of the church is visible in the car windows.

For the second time in two weeks I was at the St. Regis, a beautiful hotel with an elegant lobby just right for romantic photos! I really like the Vanity Fair-ish bridal party shots we did there. Thanks Lindsay for styling! I also got a chance to explore the hotel restaurant Adour, which has very cool round mirrors in its entryway and a see-through wine cellar which also made for some interesting and different couple portraits.

The reception was wonderfully romantic with large red roses at each place setting. After a funny toast by Ashley’s dad that pulled out her high school letterman’s jacket and her blankey (!) the party kicked into high gear and by the time Toni and I left, the dance floor was packed. We did manage to get Ashley and Michael outside for some night streets scenes in front of the hotel and a lovely dip photo in the driveway.

The vendors who made their day beautiful:

St. Regis Hotel

Music: Cherry Blossom Strings

Coordinator: Terri Eaves at Bash

Flowers: Multiflor

DJ: DJ D-Mac

a couple of engagements

October 22, 2010/in Engagements /by lindseydeb

Just a quick post with a couple of recent engagements shoots.

First I spent some time with Sean and Marina at the Capitol, wandering around the Hill and appropriately for two lawyers in love, at the Supreme Court. I love shooting portraits there. You get all of the white marble Washington is famous for without the crowds or the hassle. Once we got there Marina changed into her killer pink heels. Love those!

The following week I got to hang out with Matt and Liz and their adorable puppy Buckley. We wandered around Old Town looking for beautiful early fall late afternoon light and was happy to find some. I particularly love the shadows on the brick wall we found and the b&w walking photo was shot as the light was fading but I thought it just had a nice slightly arty feel to it. In our roaming we found several fabulous historic houses that Liz found suitable for her future home. I hope I’ll get an invite to the housewarming party!

I’m looking forward to Sean + Marina’s wedding in April and Matt + Liz’s in May.

Amy + Justin’s wedding – September 25, 2010

October 14, 2010/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

I’ve been looking forward to Amy + Justin’s wedding for a long time. It was my first St. Regis Hotel experience and I was not disappointed. They had both their ceremony and reception there and it was a perfect day for an intimate outdoor ceremony on the terrace. Amy’s tears started early in the day when she and Justin first saw each other in the hotel suite and they continued during the ceremony and I’m pretty sure I saw a couple from Justin as well. They are such a sweet couple together and their emotions were very close to the surface.

From their first look we strolled to Lafayette Park for some White House photos and then back for the ceremony. All the wonderful details of the day added to the elegance of the wedding and the venue. I loved the signature cocktail named after the couple’s dog and the lighting of the ballroom made for wonderful photos. And as a special treat the hotel had the champagne opened by using a sabre (not a big one but still…) which I had never seen before! And the lobby there is to die for.

I was happy to be working with the wonderful Katherine Frey (again—many times this fall!) and Jessica Brown from Simply Chic Events did a fabulous job as always!

Others making the day special were:

Haydee Gomez at the St. Regis Hotel

Hair: K.C. Felton

Makeup: Isabella Bastien

Flowers by Phillipa Tarrant Floral Design

DJ: Aaron from Chris Laich Music Services We love Aaron–this was one of several we’ve done together this year!)

Lighting: John Farr Lighting Design

Kerry + Danny’s wedding – September 18, 2010

October 8, 2010/in Weddings /by lindseydeb

I knew as soon as I met Kerry and Danny that I wanted to photograph their wedding. And not just because it was going to be in Potomac! They are so adorable together and have a wonderful energy and were really excited about having me photograph their day for them. We didn’t do an engagement shoot but I did get to spend time with them as we met over details for the wedding and I knew it was going to be a blast.

By the time I arrived at Kerry’s parents house the place was buzzing with family and kids and bridesmaids. There’s something that’s kind of special about getting ready in the house you grew up in. I was thrilled to be shooting with Michael Connor again and he got to spend time with Danny and the boys at the church before the service. Special gifts for the groom included a Jose Canseco bat and a couple Shake Weights. That made for some pretty humorous photos on the bus ride back to Potomac.

The church service was sweet and funny and especially lovely when the groom’s sister sang at the opening and closing of the ceremony. The priest also added some humor joking about the very large Catholic families both bride and groom come from. I believe it’s 10 siblings for Kerry’s mom and 11 for Danny’s dad. If that’s not right, it’s close. And it also explains the extended family group shots after the ceremony of 75 people each. I think it wins the award for my largest group shots that didn’t include everyone attending On our way back to Potomac we commandeered Bethesda Row for some group shots and then headed to the Bolger Center for the reception. A few highlights night for me were the father-daughter dance, the brother of the groom toast and being sandwiched danced by two of Danny’s friends right before I left. Actually, I don’t think the last one was a highlight—more like a first time for me. Kerry’s dad had been very ill about a year ago and when they danced together, there were few dry eyes in the house. As I was shooting I noticed the whole family crying at the side of the dance floor and it’s one of my favorite moments on the night. And the groom’s brother’s toast was a standout—lots of inside baseball stuff but the first time I’ve heard “The Wire” referenced at a wedding. And Danny’s parents reaction to the speech also made some lovely photos.

And I was happy that I had a few minutes at the reception to catch up with Kristina and John whose wedding led Kerry and Danny to me in the first place. Gotta love that Gonzaga connection.

The people and places making their day special:

Ceremony: Annunciation Catholic Church

Reception: Annette Fulmore at the Bolger Center in Potomac, MD

Florist: Tierra Floral Design

Dee Jay: Brendan Kelley

Cake: Marry Cakes by the Sea