Christina & Russ :: St. John the Baptist & Mt. Vernon Inn

When Christina first told me about her Russian Orthodox ceremony I knew it would be a treat to photograph. The church, St. John the Baptist in DC, was amazing. It was beautifully ornate and filled with amazing light, unlike any church I've ever seen. After the ceremony, we headed outside for a quick vodka toast and then traveled down to Virginia's Mount Vernon Inn for the reception.

Once again, we were blessed with beautiful weather. Even better, I finally got a chance to work with the wonderful Sara Bauleke of Bella Notte wedding coordinators, who kept everything running smoothly. It was a pleasure!

Christina and Russ, thank you for trusting me with your wedding memories!

The church...

Christina's bouquet, by K. Aubrey Flowers...

Unlike most ceremonies, the groom waits for the bride at the church door, where the first part of the ceremony takes place.

The vodka toast...

A few quick portraits inside the church...

A quick stop on the way to the reception...

The light was perfect outside the Mount Vernon Inn.

Cake by Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe...

Time for the first dance...

The father-daughter dance was so sweet...

There were some great toasts too!

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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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Jennifer & Dominic :: Love at Whitehall Manor

I shot the fabulous Friday wedding of Jennifer and Dominic a few weeks ago at Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, VA. It looked like rain for a little while, but it held off and we had another great August day for a wedding. Whitehall Manor, a 200 year old manor house, is located at the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. It was really beautiful.

Even more beautiful was the love that radiated throughout the day for Jennifer and Dom. I knew from our engagement session that their wedding was going to be tons of fun. This crew knows how to have a good time! 

Whitehall Manor...

A detail of Jennifer's dress...

Dom looking dapper...

Jennifer looked so glamorous!

Check out the details on that dress.

I think Jen's mom was praying the rain would hold off.

Dom watching Jennifer walk down the aisle...

The ceremony was held under the canopy of centuries-old trees.

Some portraits on the Love Swing...

Jen looking radiant...

Dom's a bit of a ham...

There were so many sweet toasts to the couple...

Dom's mom had put together a slideshow of pictures that ran during the mother-son dance. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Of course there were some funny pics of Little Dom too!

Ok, now the party really got going. This quintuple air guitar battle broke out during Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

I love this shot of Dom and his proud dad...

These two are always laughing!

I had to grab a few more shost on the porch before they left for the night!
 

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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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