Kyli+Omar | Tuckahoe Plantation Wedding Photography | Richmond Wedding Photographer
Kyli and Omar tied the knot in a beautiful celebration at Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond, Va. Their wedding was a gathering of friends and family from across the world, all there to toast to Kyli and Omar and their big step. Although the setting was decisively Southern with the little flower gardens, rolling fences under ancient trees and countryside views that make Tuckahoe Plantation so beautiful paired with late afternoon light sifting through those ancient trees and coating everything around us, this celebration had a few extra touches meant to honor Omar’s roots and his family. Prayer beads in the groom’s pocket, a professional belly dancer to dazzle the guests and a hookah lounge set up under bistro lighting all contributed to tell the story of Kyli and Omar and their wedding day. A particularly rowdy wedding party got the fun started right from the portraits and the rest of the guests continued the party on the dance floor. And, you know it’s been a good time for all when the happy couple runs through the sparklers with a cigar and drink in hand! All the best to Kyli and Omar as they continue their journey together. Following are my favorites from the day: enjoy!
Venue: Tuckahoe Plantation | Planner: McBride Events | Caterer: Mosaic Events | Florist: FloraCulture | Tent Rental: Commonwealth Event Company
Rentals: Classic Party Rental | DJ: Choice Entertainment | Cake: Confections Couture | Photo: Photoladylove | Video: Ginger Topham
Officiant: Two Become One Ministry | Hair/Makeup: Lou Stephens Glam Squad | Belly Dancer: Kalaa | Bridesmaid Jewelry: Christy Evans
Lighting: Mosaic Events | Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse | Dress: Jingles
Lindsay + Phil | Richmond Wedding Photos at The Carillon | Richmond Wedding Photographer
“One woman, my one woman
One woman, my one woman
And I’m yours
What can I say, what can I do
I love you”
(Ted Nugent – “One Woman”)
It was such a huge honor and such a blast to document Lindsay and Phil’s Richmond, Va., wedding. Their outdoor winter ceremony at The Carillon was breathtaking. The cool weather was made barely noticeable by cozy blankets, grilled cheese and tomato soup snacks, hot chocolate…oh, and all those warm and fuzzy feelings everyone had to get once they saw Lindsay and Phil lock eyes, as Lindsay made her way down the aisle, and both let the emotion of the moment visibly wash over them. With Lindsay being Lindsay of LK Events & Design, I knew every detail of the day would be beautiful and perfect. However, their day was really beyond that. It was a perfect representation of their sweet and fun-loving spirits, the awesome people they are surrounded and supported by, and their connection. MP (my husband and trusted second photographer here) and I love love love these two and we quickly realized at this wedding that we are not alone in the sentiment. And, as far as their connection goes, it’s a beautiful thing to see how Lindsay and Phil look at each other, how they exist together, natural and intertwined, and how good they seem to be at keeping smiles on each other’s faces and laughter in the air. Following are my favorite images from the day. And the quote above is for you Phil! Anyone who knows Phil, also knows how big of a Ted Nugent fan he is (see his impressive air guitar to “Stranglehold” in the photos below) and how hard I had to look to find an appropriate and publishable Ted Nugent quote for this blog post. So much love to you both and I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter and air guitar!
Venue: The Carillon at Byrd Park | Catering: Champagne Taste Catering | Band: The Janitors | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Cake: Megan Becker
Eclectic rentals: Paisley and Jade | Dress redesign from bride’s mother’s vintage wedding dress: Pleiades Bridal Design Studio | Shoes: Kate Spade
Hair and makeup: Emily Hudspeth | Flowers: Mary Henry with M Henry Design | Heaters: Rental Works | String Quartet: Ninja Strings
Suit: Altamoda from Men’s Wearhouse | Bridesmaids dresses and coats: Francesca’s | Stationery: Brittany Averette | Planning: LK Events & Design
Day-of planning assistants: Shelley Smith, Courtney Elliot, Nikki Hanger | Second photographer: Mika’il Petin
Christina + Shereef | Coptic Christian Wedding Photos | Maryland Wedding Photographer
Christina and Shereef were married this winter in a beautiful Coptic Christian ceremony at Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Potomac, Maryland. Their ceremony completely nurtured my documentarian’s soul with its rich cultural and religious traditions. I have been blessed the past year to have the opportunity to witness many different types of wedding celebrations, from a mountain ceremony in Colorado to a backyard Indian wedding, and Christina and Shereef gave me the wonderful gift of a wedding ceremony that I had not yet seen. Between the church interior, which is rich with elaborately painted iconography, and symbolic aspects of the ceremony like the crowning of the bride and groom and the use of incense, everything had a very majestic and regal feel. (My husband in particular is a big fan of the crowning and has expressed his regret at our not being crowned during our wedding ceremony…) However, Christina and Shereef’s families and their palpable love also helped to make the ceremony extremely intimate, spiritual and emotional. The reception at the Waterford at Springfield offered an equally majestic setting thanks to the hard work of Heba Al-Tamimi at Gardenya. Luscious fabrics, pink undertones, tables of mouth-watering desserts and a mix of Middle Eastern music and American hip hop welcomed guests from as far as Egypt, and Christina and Shereef danced the night away surrounded by their friends and families. Many congratulations to the two of you and thank you for bringing me into your celebration. Following is a selection of my favorite photographs to tell the story of Christina and Shereef’s day. Enjoy!
Venue: Waterford at Springfield | Planner: Heba Al-Tamimi, Gardenya | Flowers: L’Artisan Lilly | Dress: TLC Bridal Boutique | Shoes: Nina Shoes
Cake and Cupcakes: Fluffy Thoughts | DJ: DJ Tamer Yehya | Transportation: Majestic Limousine Service | Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse | Wedding favors: Wilton
Invitations: Invitations By Dawn | Bride & Groom Back-Drop: Da Vinci Florist
Caroline + Reid | Williamsburg Winery Wedding Photos | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer
At the end of each wedding, as I unpack my gear and absorb the day, I try to make a mental note of my favorite parts of the whole experience, what I think made it just that much more unique. Caroline and Reid’s day was filled with love and sweet gestures, moments with family and friends, gorgeous flower girls and a baby nephew, late night dance moves that I’m glad I had my camera ready for, and an exit complete with noisemakers and smiles. Their day also had a few other elements: Caroline’s infectious excitement, lack of nervousness and joy; a breathtakingly elegant, wintry, warm dining room created by LK Events & Design at Williamsburg Winery; and Gangnam style, the dance that started early (as the boys were getting ready) and kept its momentum throughout the post-ceremony portraits and right into the reception. Since Reid proposed as they were decorating their Christmas tree together, it was perfect that he and Caroline tie the knot in December. And we most definitely lucked out with our December weather! Best wishes to Caroline and Reid as they continue their journey together and thank you for making me a part of your wedding. Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy! Also, check out Caroline and Reid’s Williamsburg engagement session here.
Planner: LK Events & Design | Venue: Williamsburg Winery | Church: Williamsburg United Methodist Church
Caterer: White House Catering | Hair and Makeup: Ave 42 | Flowers: The Flower Cupboard of Williamsburg | Rental: Classic Party Rentals
Rings: Kingsmill Jewelers | Lighting: Lighting Professors | Dress: Paloma Blanco, Bella Rosa Bridal | Shoes: Bridal Elegance
Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Rosa Bridal | Tuxedos : Jos A. Bank | Transportation: Groome Transportation
Meshayla + Cherod | Richmond Wedding Photos | Richmond Wedding Photographer
I have so much love for Meshayla and Cherod. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know these two a little bit over the course of the last year and a half, and I know that they had to roll with a lot of changes in their wedding plans and lives, mainly due to Cherod’s military deployment on an overseas hardship tour. After having to postpone their wedding, Meshayla and Cherod finally tied the knot this past December in Richmond, Va. Thanks to Nica Lewis and her team at Once in A Lifetime Events, the day was a perfect mix of family, laughter and just the right details. When asked recently what Meshayla and Cherod loved about each other, this is what they answered: “Most of all, I love her because she loves me. I am a Soldier in the US Army, which instantly made her a military spouse. This life I know has it’s challenges; however, she embraced the military life, because it is a part of me. She makes me a better husband, father, and a man.” And this is what Meshayla had to say about her Cherod: “From the day we became a couple, he has poured out so much love. So much that you wouldn’t think that just one person could do that. Even though he is halfway across the world, he never lets a day go by without calling, texting, or skyping to let me know that he loves me. I never have to question it. Not to mention the fact, that he cares for, loves and is soooo attentive to my son. That’s just who he is, a GREAT man with a GREAT heart. Who could choose one thing with a man like this.” Meshayla and Cherod, thank you for making me a part of your wedding experience!
Planner: Once in A Lifetime Events | Dress: Vera Wang | Catering: Hatcher’s Catering | DJ: B-Sounds the ADHD Bandit from 92.1
Makeup: Sonya Jones of Nu Images of You |Bridesmaid dresses: Davids Bridal | Church: The Church of God, Richmond, Va. | Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Reception: Smoke Tree Community Center | Flowers: Strange’s | Cake: Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Frazier + Brad | VMFA Wedding Photos | Richmond Wedding Photographer
“I Love You This Day”
Whenever I meet with a new couple I make a point to ask how they met and fell in love. You see, the beauty of the job is all in the love, and the best way for me to get a glimpse of that love during a first meeting is when people lean back, crack a little smile and let the emotion peak through as they tell me their story. Brad and Frazier’s story had me captivated in a Nora-Ephron-romantic-comedy kind of way. They had known each other through Richmond circles for years and reconnected over a business lunch. Brad invited Frazier to a Super Bowl party, Frazier invited Brad to the ballet…the ballet won. The two met up for their first date and, as they were crossing the street to head into Richmond CenterStage theater, Frazier hooked her arm through Brad’s arm, and they both knew. Just like that. They both felt it. They both just knew. You’re thinking, how can it get more romantic than that? I’ll tell you how: the proposal. Brad didn’t choose just any old place to pop the question, he chose Paris. He chose the city of love and he proposed to Frazier at sunset, on the lovers’ bridge. The tradition is that couples lock love padlocks, called ‘cadenas d’amour’, onto a chain link fence on the bridge over the Seine and then throw the key into the river as a symbol of their eternal love. Well, Brad had their padlock and an iPod, he proposed, she said yes and they danced, on the lovers’ bridge in Paris. “I Love You This Day” is what Brad and Frazier say to each other and it is what they had engraved into their rings. And, their candlelight ceremony at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and their reception at the VMFA were full of romance, love and family. Thank you both for making me a part of your wedding day and I hope you continue to look at each other like you did on this day for many years to come!
Emily + Gaurav | Greystone Hall Wedding Photos | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
Let the wedding bells ring, again! As you saw in the previous post, this awesome couple celebrated a full Indian wedding on Friday and then transitioned into an incredibly elegant second wedding on Saturday. With henna still decorating her hands and arms, Emily was radiant in white as she exchanged rings with Gaurav at Greystone Hall, in West Chester, Pa. A rainy day did not stop Emily and Gaurav from closing out their wedding weekend with a bang and the rain actually gave Greystone Hall and the surrounding landscape a breathtaking, atmospheric, English-countryside quality. And, Emily and Gaurav’s willingness to venture out into the rain and explore the grounds led to romantic photos among the columns of an old pergola as the party got under way in the distance. Once back at the reception, Emily serenaded her new husband with “Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson and the Sunday James Band took it from there. Stolen moments, lots of celebrating and dancing, the mixing of cultures and traditions and a whole lot of love for Emily and Gaurav were the perfect ending to their wedding adventure. Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
Venue: Greystone Hall | Dress: Watters, purchased (along with the veil) at Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion, Paoli, Pa. | Flowers: Offshoots!
Officiant: Reverend Addae Ama-Krabba, First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia PA | Hair and Makeup: Antoinette’s Day Spa
Rings: Lasting Indulgence, New Orleans, LA | Second photographer: Adena Stevens, Studio A Images
Band: Sunday James Band | Catering: Feastivities | Cake: Sweet Talk Cakes
Emily + Gaurav | Indian Wedding Photos | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
Emily and Gaurav wanted to honor both of their cultural traditions in their wedding experience. So what did they do? They had two weddings! Two full, back-to-back weddings that meant a weekend packed with family, emotion and fun. The collection of photographs that follows are from the Indian wedding, which kicked off the weekend in style with lots of shimmer, a dancing parade lead by a white horse and hands in the air from all ages and nationalities. The day was a succession of beautiful imagery, such as the Indian aunts helping the many bridesmaids don their saris, and beautiful moments allowed for by the mixing of two cultures and two families. I loved all of the symbolism attached to the wedding ceremony traditions, from the rock Emily and Gaurav placed their feet on, meant to inspire them to be strong together in the face of life’s challenges, to both sets of parents placing the bride and groom’s hands in each other to facilitate their union as equal partners. The ceremony peaked when Emily and Gaurav took their first seven steps together, beginning their journey through life as a married couple. Each step carried with it a vow, for example to create a home full of joy and laughter, to embrace each other’s families as well as their own yet to come, and to forever be best friends and partners. My favorite part of telling wedding stories is witnessing real love and Emily and Gaurav have exactly that. It is evident in how they look at each other, dance together, the energy that passes between them when they are close and the way their families have embraced each other so completely. Many thanks to Emily and Gaurav for asking me to document their gorgeous wedding and to Adena Stevens from Studio A Images for being my second for the weekend. Also, kudos to Parker Knight who handcrafted the beautiful mandap that Emily and Gaurav were married under. Enjoy!
Emily + Gaurav: Henna | Henna Photos | Indian Wedding Photography | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
Emily and Gaurav’s wedding weekend was the most colorful, beautiful and detail-filled wedding adventure I have ever had the pleasure to document. Four days, innumerable ceremonies and rituals, families and friends traveling from all over the world and a deep spirit of celebration made up this amazing experience. This is just the first taste of the photos to come. I loved photographing Emily having her henna done. The process is so long and the henna so intricate, it made for fun moments and great textures and light to play with. It was incredible to see henna artist Jumana Bootwala free hand the entire design on both of Emily’s hands and forearms (front and back!) as well as both of her feet. Her inspiration was drawn from Emily’s white wedding dress for her non-Indian wedding and was done a few days before the Indian wedding to allow for a darker color. Apparently, a new bride is not supposed to do any housework until her bridal henna has worn off…I hope Emily’s lasted a long time! These are my favorites from the henna process. More photographs from Emily and Gaurav’s two weddings to come soon!
Darci + William | Richmond Wedding Photos | Richmond Wedding Photographer
If there is one family that knows how to throw a killer wedding it is Darci’s family. I had the great pleasure of photographing Darci’s brother Jeff’s wedding to his lovely Cristin in 2011 and it was a blast. So, I was pretty excited when Darci and her William came to me with the news of their nuptials. I was even more excited when I heard that the whole day would take place at the Virginia Center for Architecture in Richmond, Va., a beautiful venue, packed with all sorts of nooks and crannies that exist to make a photographer’s heart beat a little faster. However, the absolute best part of the experience was getting to watch Darci and William tie the knot. These two are the cutest, their excitement is contagious and their families were so openly emotional that it was hard not to get swept up right with them. Darci and William, thank you for making me a part of your special day!
Venue: Virginia Center for Architecture
Planners: A Perfect Day
Caterer: Groovin Gourmets
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Flowers: Blooms at the Jefferson
Ceremony Musicians: Corey Blake and Amy Thompson
DJ: Justin Spears
Dessert: Krispy Kreme and Simply Southern Pies
Dress: Bella Rosa
Groom suit: Indochino
Tabitha + Tymese | Northern Virginia Wedding Photos | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer
Tabitha and Tymese jumped the broom in a gorgeous ceremony at Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel in Quantico, Va. Their spiritual and intimate ceremony was followed by a reception filled with laughter, thanks mostly to the comedic qualities of Tymese’s brother and best man, family and dancing. A special interpretive dance leading into the ceremony, the stunning glass and wood architecture of the chapel, as well as the best knock-down-drag-out race for a bouquet that I’ve ever seen and a spontaneous serenade of ‘Cause I Love You’ (by Lenny Williams) by the groom himself were just some of the highlights of the day. The song is one of Tymese’s all-time favorites and, although Tabitha wasn’t expecting his impromptu performance, she thought it was the perfect ending to their reception. I agree, though the golden late-afternoon light accompanying Tabitha and Tymese as they ended their day was pretty perfect too!
Ceremony: Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel
Reception: The Clubs at Quantico
Cake: Lil Tea’s Specialty Desserts
DJ: Syndey Vanlow
Flowers: Debbie Co Flowers
Dress : Oleg Cassini
Make-up: Tasheena Burton, Faith is Beauty Make-Up Artistry
Meredith + Joe | Arlington Wedding Photos | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer
Meredith and Joe’s wedding in Arlington, Va., was a long-awaited day of celebration. When I first met with Meredith to talk about her wedding, I discovered that her Joe was already deployed to Afghanistan. Throughout the planning process I was amazed at Meredith’s strength and composure, even as we had to discuss the what-ifs that no bride should ever have to discuss. And I was terrified when I received an email this past summer notifying me that Joe had been injured just weeks before ending his deployment. Fortunately, Joe’s injuries were not life-threatening and he was ready and well to watch his beautiful bride walk down the aisle, dance a first dance with her and then join his guests in one of the rowdiest parties I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. Between the saber arch, a group of groomsmen almost entirely military, portraits at the Jefferson Memorial, an Eastern European version of the dollar dance and some very fun grandmothers, documenting this wedding was a blast. Many congratulations and blessing to Meredith and Joe and following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
Ceremony: Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Va.
Reception and catering: Washington Golf and Country Club, Arlington, Va.
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, McLean, Va.
Dess: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique, Old Town Alexandria, Va.
Transportation: Diamond Limousine
DJ: KC Higgins
Video: Michael Brazda Films
Jackie + Ben | Richmond Wedding Photos | Richmond Wedding Photographer
Jackie and Ben tied the knot in front of their friends and families at First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond, Va. After fun photos along Monument Ave, we headed over to their reception at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. However, Jackie and Ben didn’t make just any entrance… They surprised their guests (who had been conveniently given streamers and lured out on the balcony for a photo by the ever talented Dean Hoffmeyer) with a grand entrance by boat! A night of dancing ensued, capped by Billy Joel’s Piano Man as the final song of the evening, which was played as Jackie and Ben danced in the middle of a circle of their guests. This awesome couple treated their guests to beautiful wine stoppers (which Ben made by hand, as he demonstrated during their engagement session) as well as many other thoughtful details, all pulled together flawlessly by Lindsay Averette at LK Events and Design. The streamers came in handy once again for their exit as they sped away in Ben’s truck, cans in tow and all! Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
ceremony: First English Evangelical Lutheran Church
reception: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
coordinator: LK Events and Design
cake: Cakes by Graham
DJ: Mike Beene at Choice Entertainment
second photographer: Dean Hoffmeyer
Kelsey + Cody | Northern Virginia Wedding Photos | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer
One of the reasons I enjoy what I do is that every couple I have the privilege to photograph has their own, unique story. As a photojournalist and documentarian, I love the story and I love being able to tell that story through my photographs. Kelsey and Cody met while working for Campus Crusade for Christ as students at Virginia Tech University. When I asked them what they were first attracted to in each other he said that he loved her boldness and the fact that she lived everything she said about her faith, and she said that she loved his humility and selflessness. Both Kelsey and Cody decided to continue their work for Campus Crusade for Christ after their graduation this past May. Both also put their faith first when it came to their relationship, so much so that they waited to kiss until their “you may kiss the bride” moment at the altar, making that their first kiss ever. I knew that that first kiss at The King’s Chapel in Clifton, Va., was going to be an emotional, storytelling moment. I also knew that both would revel in a few moments to themselves during our portraits to absorb their big step. Other aspects of the day were also charged with Kelsey and Cody’s dedication and belief. From both the boys and the girls gathering in two separate prayer circles during their preparation, to Kelsey and Cody washing each other’s feet, the day took on a tone of gratitude for the blessings that brought everyone to that point. It was a joy to witness Kelsey and Cody starting their married life together and I wish them all the best. Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
ceremony: The King’s Chapel
reception: Westfields Marriott
cake: IndAroma
Anne + Jessica | Washington DC Wedding Photos | Washington DC Wedding Photographer
Anne and Jessica were married this past spring at All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington DC. Spring you say? Isn’t it October right now? Well, I have learned this year that getting married, changing jobs and moving in the middle of wedding season causes a lot of things, like blogging, to be put on hold. However, I love all of the couples I have the privilege to work with and I will do my very best to make sure every wedding gets up on this blog. So, I’ll just be sprinkling some more mature weddings in with the fresher ones! Anne and Jessica were wonderful to work with. I loved watching both of them walk down their respective aisles at the same time, accompanied by their parents and families. Their ceremony was full of emotion, the same emotion I had sensed during our first meeting, when Anne and Jessica described how long they had been together and how excited they were to finally be able to legally marry each other. All of that palpable love, between them and also from their families and friends, carried us right through the reception, through dances, toasts and even a performance by Jessica’s family. Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
Florist: Intrigue Design & Decor
Catering: Six Star Catering
Venue: All Souls Unitarian Church
Dawn + Josh | Colorado Wedding Photos | Colorado Wedding Photographer
Dawn and Josh tied the knot with a gorgeous, rustic, mountain wedding in Pine, Colorado. This wedding is particularly close to my heart, because these two are family. I remember Dawn coming with my sisters, mom and I years ago on a road trip down the East coast and introducing us to both her unusually loud snoring (for such a small person) and her taste for Nirvana. Living so far apart, we didn’t get to see her often, but Dawn has always been a wonderful addition to and a natural part of our family. When I met Josh for the first time this past year, I immediately loved him. I loved the way they looked at each other, the way they both cared for Josh’s son Dylan and how they seemed to really work together as a family. Then, I got to witness their excitement as the wedding drew nearer and they professed their love and affection for each other more and more, for all of us friends and family to see via Facebook. Every day it felt like I would see a status update from Dawn acknowledging how blessed she felt to have Josh by her side. So, you can see how it was an absolute treat to document their wedding day. And, I could not have asked for a more beautiful setting to shoot in. With mountains surrounding us and breathtaking weather, the photos just kept flowing, kind of like the beer at Golden City Brewery in Golden, Co., where we stopped for a pre-wedding toast with the wedding party. The folks from Lower Lake Ranch and Fiori di Flavio were great to work with and I look forward to getting back to Colorado as soon as I can. Dawn and Josh, I hope every day is as full of joy as this day was! Much love to you both!
Mary Elizabeth + Paulin | Richmond Wedding Photos | Richmond Wedding Photographer
Mary Elizabeth and Paulin tied the knot in a beautiful Catholic ceremony at Church of the Epiphany in Richmond, Va.. Mary Elizabeth wore her mother’s veil, carried her grandmothers’ wedding prayer books and walked down the aisle looking simply stunning. The ceremony was full of stolen glances and smiles between the two of them, allowing anyone paying attention to see how excited they were to be in that moment. Later we made our way to the reception at Willow Oaks Country Club, where we took this lovely couple and their dog, Charlotte, out near the golf course for a brief shoot. Mary Elizabeth and Paulin then proceeded to celebrate in style with an evening full of laughter, family, children and dancing to the great live music of The Venture Rays. Many wishes of continued love to Mary Elizabeth and Paulin. Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
band: The Venture Rays
cake: Bakers Kitchen
flowers: Sprigs and Twigs
venue and catering: Willow Oaks Country Club
ceremony: Church of the Epiphany
Elli + Rob: married!
Elli and Rob tied the knot at Rob’s family home in Solebury, Pa., in a beautiful and intimate outdoor ceremony. When they described the wedding plans and location to me over the phone during our initial meeting, I started visualizing the stone barn out in the country, the ceremony by the pond and the rows of arbor vitae to top it off. The visions in my head did not do Glen Oaks Farm justice. The red wood and stone barn was not only beautiful, but had been completely restored for this celebration. Inside and out, it provided a gorgeous backdrop for fun portraits and a joyous and raucous party. The pond set the scene for a quiet and elegant ceremony made unique by details such as the challenging task of Rob and Elli drinking from a traditional bridal cup, simultaneously, and all those attending blessing a stole that was then used to officially “tie the knot.” Finally, the rows and rows of lush green arbor vitae allowed for a few moments of time for Rob and Elli to enjoy their newly married state just as that golden light reached its perfect peak. Many wishes of continued love and joy to this beautiful couple. Following are my favorite images from the day. Enjoy!
catering: Peasant Grill Catering
coordinator: Dee Harris
venue: Glen Oaks Farm
Caroline + Reid: engaged!
Caroline and Reid decided to have their engagement session in Colonial Williamsburg, near where Caroline grew up. First off, let me just say that I love when couples bring along their pet, but I really love when they make their dog wear a bowtie! Well, we played and played in Colonial Williamsburg. Caroline and Reid let me drag them all over and even tried on a few hats to get into the spirit. Once we were satisfied with the results from the shoot, we decided to pop on over to The Williamsburg Winery and check out where they will tie the knot this December. Most of you probably know that when the light gets good, photographers get excited. As soon as we reached the winery, the light became subtle and golden and beautiful, so I started dragging this awesome couple all over the place all over again! Luckily they obliged and I love the images that came out of the afternoon. Following are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
Jess+Eric: married!
I was incredibly flattered and immediately nervous as soon as Eric and Jess asked me to document their wedding this past November. You see, the ultimate compliment for a wedding photojournalist is to have a fellow photographer ask you to tell the story of their big day. In this particular case, not only is Eric a photographer I look up to and a fellow Syracuse alumnus, but many of his guests were other photographer friends and mentors I love, I have grown with and who have supported me and taught me how to do what I do today. I enjoyed every second of this day and being able to see all of my people was a beautiful gift. In the years since graduating, I have moved away from many of these friends and I’ve missed out on the day-to-day of their lives as well as on big, defining life steps. However, as it is with good and patient friends, being with them on this special occasion felt like no time had passed and like it was only yesterday that I was renting that third bedroom in Eric’s north Jersey apartment while I took my first big newspaper internship. As a friend, I am thrilled for Eric that he met someone as wonderful as Jess. She is gorgeous on the outside, but she is even more impressive when you spend time in her presence. Not only does she take the cake for most zen bride ever (she also wore the highest heels I have seen a mama-to-be who is six months pregnant wear, ever. She is officially my hero.), but she exudes passion and love, two things I hope fill the lives of my friends. Eric and Jess celebrated their wedding at Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey. The autumn light was spectacular and both of them radiated with their love for each other and for the people surrounding them. This was also my first Jewish wedding and I loved everything, from the Ketubah signing, the ceremony rich with meaningful traditions and, of course, the hora. My wishes for a long and thoroughly happy life together go out to Jess and Eric and congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!
This Photo Lady loves to KISS!
After much, much searching for the perfect wedding book company, I recently discovered KISS Wedding Books. I mean, how perfect of a match is that? Photoladylove meets KISS and it is love at first sight! Funky colors, beautiful leather, archival photo paper and maximum design potential with seamless layflat binding…I’m smitten. It really was love at first sight and I’m super excited to show off a few brand spanking new sample books I had made. Enjoy!
Gayden + Mike: married!
I don’t know if I say this enough, but I am blessed with incredible couples. This year, I have loved every couple I’ve photographed and Gayden and Mike are front and center. They won over my heart at our first meeting in Old Town Alexandria with their relaxed attitude and fun-loving energy. Then I found out Mike’s parents met in Italy and his dad spoke Italian…love. Then I met with Gayden’s mom, aunt and wedding planner in from Texas…love. Then they told me they had booked Big Ray and the Kool Kats…love! And then they surprised me with a few little details that just tickled me pink, from post-ceremony portraits in Founders Park, where Mike proposed, to a Louisiana-style sendoff complete with waving white hankies. Mike and Gayden’s wedding day was packed full of fun, family and love and to me that is all you need! Following are some of my favorites: enjoy!
second shooter: Mikail Media
ceremony: Christ Church, Alexandria, Va.
reception venue: Belle Haven Country Club
flowers: Bergerons Flowers and Events
entertainment: Big Ray and the Kool Kats
officiant: Erika Takacs
Cristin+Jeff: married!
Jeff and Cristin could not have had a prettier day for their September wedding. Blame it on the bourbon they buried a month earlier or on me crossing my fingers the night before, the ceremony at Tuckahoe Plantation was gorgeous and the reception that followed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was equally breathtaking. The lovely ladies at A Perfect Day gave me so many beautiful details to photograph and Jeff and Cristin filled the day with playfulness and laughter. From their first look to Cristin being willing to wade through a field of tall grass for the picture in my head, this couple goes down as one of the most fun I’ve had the privilege of working with. Thank you for allowing me to document your day, you guys are awesome!
Jill Marie+Todd: married!
Jill Marie and Todd were married this September at St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill. The story of how they met there, of how Todd noticed her while ushering and mustered up the courage to talk to her after mass, and of how he eventually proposed in the very same spot, really inspired me. The Catholic mass was quite the emotional experience (bringing back my childhood memories of growing up in the Catholic church) and reached its peak when Jill Marie and Todd washed each other’s feet in a symbolic act of devotion and humility. I have to admit to tearing up during this particular part of the ceremony, at the sight of Jill Marie – dress spilling over the steps leading up to the altar – lovingly caring for Todd and vice versa. After the kiss sealed the deal, we headed out to the National Mall for fun photos with the bridal party amid DC’s beautiful monuments. Jill Marie and Todd were instant stars as curious tourists snapped away. Then we were off again to the gorgeous St. Francis Hall in northeast Washington DC where Catering by Uptown awaited us. Can I just say that the portico at the adjacent Franciscan monastery + golden light + newly married Jill Marie and Todd equaled out to my very favorite part of the day. I just love that tiny bit of quiet time when I get to let the couple absorb their new union before the craziness of the party to come, while I sneak photos of them. Later, the dancing didn’t disappoint, with Jill Marie, Todd and their guests showing off their fancy moves, tango, jig and all. Thank you to Jill Marie and Todd for the privilege of documenting your day, you were a joy to work with and I wish you all the best!
