Vanessa + Jonathan's wedding - Tyson's Galleria Ritz Carlton - June 2, 2012

I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Vanessa and Jonathan before their wedding day. Little things like Vanessa’s graduation from medical school and Jonathan’s residency in Minnesota meant they weren’t in the DC area much before their June 2 wedding. So I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect…I have to say the whole day was a pleasant surprise. It was my first time shooting at the Tyson’s Ritz Carlton even though it’s one of my favorite meeting places in Virginia. Both the ceremony room and the reception were elegantly decorated…a chuppah dripping with crystals and beautiful spotlighting (I know, I’m all about the lighting). The theme continued for the party set up…crystal draped floral arrangements and candlelight set a romantic mood. I loved Vanessa and Jonathan’s first look. From the moment they saw each other the joy in their faces truly moving. The ceremony was a mix of Jewish and Filipino traditions including a surprise for Vanessa–Jonathan donned a traditional Filipino dress shirt just before he walked down the aisle. They had glorious sunny day and I so appreciated that the couple was willing to go outside for pictures before and after the ceremony and finally after dark where we were able to take one of the coolest photos I’ve ever done at a wedding.