A Bluemont Wedding :: Jessica & Peter

I'm convinced there is something magical about Bluemont, Virginia. Every wedding I've shot there has been amazing, and Jessica's and Peter's was no exception. Held at a beautiful private residence, and adorned with seemingly endless details inspired by their favorite wedding blogs, it was really something to see their vision come together. It was definitely one to remember (though judging by the sounds of the after party, remembering may have been tough).

Special thanks to Elisha Tablada, our multi-talented album designer, for second shooting with me. On to the images...

This was a first for me... they played "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to see who read their vows first.

I loved this shot by Elisha.

Jessica's brother was her "Man of Honor."

Oh the details! The flowers from Holly Chapple Flowers were perfect! I loved the vintage playing cards as table numbers. Cupcakes courtesy of My Darling Cupcakes.

Savoir Fare Limited created an amazing menu of sophisticated "comfort food." In addition to these sliders, they also passed around delicious mini grilled cheese sandwiches with cups of tomato soup.

Jessica's mom had a special seat...

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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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A Washington, DC Wedding :: Lauren & Max

I met Lauren for the first time about five days before her wedding, but when I showed up for the wedding I felt like I was photographing old friends. Lauren is such a genuine, caring person and it's clear Max is her perfect match. They both glowed when they looked at each other throughout the day. 

One of the benefits of a winter wedding is that venues are usually decorated for the season. Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown was decked out with lighted Christmas trees, wreaths and festive poinsettias. It created a wonderful mood. After the ceremony, we headed to the Lincoln Memorial for a great portrait session before the reception at the Key Bridge Marriott, just over the Virginia line. 

I can only hope that all of my 2009 weddings are as beautiful as this one.

We started the day at the church, just before the ceremony.

A recent trend in wedding ceremonies I've noticed is having two officiants, either to honor different faiths or the couple's relationships with their religious leaders. The result is a personal and meaningful ceremony. Here, the two officiants swap notes before the ceremony.  

Lauren was bathed in sunlight as she arrived at the church. My second shooter Elisha grabbed this shot.

I really love this shot. There appears to be lots of activity going on around Lauren and her dad, but his gaze is fixed on his daughter as they are about to start their walk down the aisle, and she is smiling lovingly at her husband-to-be at the end of the aisle. They are both oblivious to everything going on behind them.

Elisha caught this shot just as a guest's flash went off. Serendipity!

I loved this moment between Lauren and her dad, caught in between some formal pictures.

A moody shot in the limo on the way to portraits...

I loved this portrait session at the Lincoln Memorial. The light was cool, and the location was appropriate for this politically-minded couple.

Lauren and Max started their reception with the parent dances. Simultaneous parent dances can be tough to shoot, but they're great when everything lines up perfectly.

After the parent dances, they enjoyed a fun first dance of their own.

The toasts were touching and funny!

A great moment captured by Elisha...

Congrats Lauren and Max!

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Kelley & Brennan :: Bluemont Vineyard

I kept telling Kelley that she must have done something right to get such a perfect day for her wedding. It was November, in the mountains of Bluemont, Virginia, and the temperature was in the mid-70s! There's just something about a fall wedding, with the beautiful foliage and amazing light. The Bluemont Vineyard was a terrific choice for their wedding ceremony and reception.

I had such a hard time narrowing down the images. I can't wait for Kelley and Brennan to see the rest. In the meantime, these will have to do.

Bluemont Vineyard

Getting ready at the J. Patrick House...

Kelley was radiant.

My talented assistant Brian grabbed this fun shot of the guys. They're really shy if you can't tell. 

I'm so glad Kelley and Brennan agreed to shoot some portraits before the ceremony, so we could take advantage of the afternoon light.

We had more amazing light for the ceremony.

Another great shot by Brian...

I saw this sky and had to grab Kelley and Brennan for a quick pic.

I love the fall theme, especially when cupcakes are involved. 

My competition...

The boys from Road Soda serenaded the couple a cappella style. This is Ryan, whose wedding to Missy I photographed last year.

Sparkler exits are so much fun...

Just watch out for machetes. (Don't ask.)

Brennan's brothers took care of decorating the classic Ford Bronco. Here's the G-rated window.

Congrats Kelley and Brennan! Your wedding was awesome.

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