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!

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

I recently had the opportunity to shoot the Richmond Times-Dispatch restaurant review of Station 2, one of the latest additions to Richmond’s restaurant scene. As far as ambience goes, this converted historic fire station in Shockoe Bottom doesn’t disappoint with its exposed duct work, repurposed wood finishings and firefighter vibe. Foodwise, I photographed the beerfest burger (with potato shingles, bacon, onion straws and beer cheese on a pretzel roll), the Hawaian sun burger (a teriyaki glazed burger with grilled pineapple, cheddar, teriyaki grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and wasabi aioli), the sweet potato tots, the grilled cheese burger (with mozzarella, pepper jack and cheddar on Texas toast), the New Mexico burger with chili, and last, but certainly not least, the naughty girl scout milkshake (with vanilla ice cream, Irish cream, creme de menthe, creme de cacao and chocolate chips). And really, how can you go wrong with burgers and adult milkshakes? Also, naturally raised beef from Buffalo Creek in Lexington, bread from Richmond’s Lucille’s Bakery and a selection of Richmond-brewed beers will make all localvores smile. For a menu click here. To read Dana’s review click here. Enjoy!

Photos by Eva Russo

All photos @ Richmond Times-Dispatch

The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represents the positions, strategies or opinions of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

One of the biggest compliments I can imagine as a wedding photographer is when a couple asks me to come back and continue to document their growing family in the years after their wedding. I had the privilege of documenting Jenny and Gaston’s wedding over a year ago and recently photographed their brand new beautiful baby girl. Hadley posed not once, but twice for my camera. The first time, when she was one week old, was cut short after she had a little accident on her dad (the danger of no diaper). So, I had the opportunity to check in on Hadley again this past week now that she is 2 months old. With the best bows in town and some very expressive little eyebrows, she is a stylin’ little one who has definitely won my heart. Following are some of my favorites from our mini sessions: enjoy!

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 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!

Gayden and I had so much fun shooting her bridal session at the gorgeous Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Va. And, as this post goes public, this beautiful bride is walking down that aisle to marry her Mike! Happy wedding day to Gayden and Mike!

It’s always a huge honor when a fellow photographer asks me to document a meaningful moment in his or her life. When my colleague, friend, mentor and the guy who’s looked out for me since day 1 here in Richmond asked me to document his daughter’s wedding, I was thrilled. Anne and Ron tied the knot at Richmond’s own Jefferson Hotel in an intimate ceremony. Bob, trusted leica around his neck, officiated (and shot off a few frames here and there). Both Anne and Ron’s children were all in the wedding. And love was definitely in the air! I love the elegance of this wedding, from Anne’s dress to the hurricane lamps surrounded by fresh rosemary, mint and lavender. The beautiful golden light that greeted us outside after the ceremony made me a very happy photographer – and with such a gorgeous couple, how could I not be! Following are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!