Monica & JP :: A River Farm Wedding

River Farm is one of my absolute favorite places to shoot. I never get tired of photographing a wedding there. It's even better when I get to photograph a wonderful couple like Monica and JP. You might remember our epic DC engagement session. After spending some quality time with them walking the Mall, I knew their wedding would be fabulous.

Gretchen Wade of Dragonfly Events and Design did a wonderful job of coordinating everything. You know your coordinator is in control and loves her job when she hits the dance floor to join the party. Monica and JP did a wonderful job of incorporating aspects of their cultures throughout the day. It was a great day.

This little guy almost stole the show. Love the tie.

Just your typical River Farm wedding, beautiful scenery, blue skies and great light.

Monica's brother got a little choked up. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

My assistant Elisha grabbed these next two:

Showered with rose petals during the recessional...

Elisha got this great shot of Monica and JP about to make their grand entrance.

By Elisha...

Monica and JP were surprised with a traditional Indian dance...

The marzipan cake by Patisserie Poupon was absolutely delicious (though apparently hard to cut).

Some fabulous details...

Have I mentioned how much I love River Farm? It's so great for portraits.

Monica may have forgotten the words here...

An impromptu limbo line made for some fun pictures.

Sound Nation had everyone dancing.

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Suzanne & Bruce :: River Farm

River Farm has become like my second home this year. Suzanne and Bruce's wedding was the third time I shot there this year, and the second week in a row. Good thing I'll never get tired of shooting there!

We started off the day at the new Hotel Monaco in Old Town Alexandria. Aside from being completely funky and cool, it is also pet-friendly, which was important to Suzanne and her 'best dog' Nestle. I've seen a few weddings where dogs were included, and it always adds a fun twist. As a dog lover (and pet photographer), it was great having Nestle around for some fun getting ready shots.

Suzanne and Bruce had a beautiful day with great weather and lots of love and laughter. I was honored to be there.

Nestle lounges in the hotel room. I liked the vibrant colors in this one.

Nestle is notoriously food-obsessed. 

My second shooter Elisha grabbed this shot of Suzanne descending the staircase...

Suzanne and her dad start the long walk to the ceremony...

Suzanne came up with a great idea to have each family member put a flower in a vase as they said a blessing for the couple. The resulting bouquet was beautiful and meaningful.

Even when I shoot at the same location, I always try to give each couple something unique and not try to recreate past shots.
 

I love this portrait and this vantage point on the River Farm house. The light was gorgeous!

The kids made good use of the garden maze.

The grand entrance...

Elisha also grabbed this fun shot!

Bruce's brother delivered a heartfelt toast.

I love grabbing my couples as the sun goes down for a few moody portraits.  

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Kate & David :: A River Farm Wedding

Kate and David enjoyed a marvelous day for their wedding at River Farm. I think all of my complaining about the weather this year is starting to pay off because August has been unseasonably beautiful. Sunny and mid-80's? I'll take it.

If you follow my blog, you know River Farm is one of my favorite places to shoot. I always overhear guests amazed that such a place exists just outside of Washington, DC. There are endless photo opportunities and it's fun to try and find new spots each time I'm there. Luckily, Kate and David were willing to walk all over the place with me. Thank you!

Congratulations Kate and David! 

It doesn't get much better than this...

I just love this photo of Kate and her bridesmaids watching guests arrive. I think it sums up the anticipation that exists just before the ceremony.

A beautiful setting for a wedding...

David grew up in Australia, and a friend made these two kangaroos for the wedding. They were a fun addition, and I liked how they were watching Kate and David exit the ceremony.

Time for some portraits...

David mentioned that he liked wide-angle black and white shots. I was happy to oblige. I think this would look great as a large canvas print (hint, hint)!

The roses in Kate's beautiful bouquet were grown by her grandfather! Kate also wore her mother's veil. I love meaningful touches like these at weddings.

Speaking of special touches, Ben and Jerry's ice cream was a terrific addition in my opinion!

The kangaroo made a friend...

The Mustangs rock!

A sweet father-daughter dance...

Grandma liked it too...

A beautiful summer night...

Kate's brother got up and jammed with the band, and delivered a killer solo...

Kate's dad was the dancing star of the night. Here he participated in an impromptu breakdancing contest. I'm not sure what you call this move, but it was entertaining!

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Molly & Tony :: A River Farm Wedding

The day started out beautifully for Molly and Tony's wedding at one of my favorite places, River Farm, in Alexandria, VA. The sun was shining and the light was perfect for their garden ceremony. As soon as the ceremony was over, the clouds rolled in and we raced through the group portraits. Just as I was rushing to catch some portraits of Molly and Tony, the sky opened up and the rain came pouring down. Whoever said rain on your wedding day is good luck definitely wasn't a wedding photographer! Molly and Tony didn't let the rain dampen their spirits one bit, as they were surrounded by their closest friends and family.

Molly did a fantastic job of coordinating all of the wedding details with a vibrant color scheme of orange, pink and green. I loved the lanterns that were hung from the tent. The flowers from Royce Flowers were beautiful and, of course, matched perfectly. Guests were treated to a Spanish buffet from Avalon Caterers and a delicious cake from Victoria's Cakery.

Congratulaitons Molly and Tony! Thank you for having me as your wedding photographer.

Molly's stunning bouquet...

River Farm, now home to the American Horticultural Society, was once owned by George Washington...

Molly's simple but elegant dress...

I found this in the garden and had to take a picture. B is the initial of Tony's last name.

The ceremony setup...

Great details!

Perhaps my favorite shot of the day...

Love this shot!

If you look closely you will see the rain starting to fall...

This was literally seconds later...

Tony gave a heartfelt toast to his bride...

Had to end with a lantern shot. I was slightly obsessed with shooting the lanterns.

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