Parks are always popular for engagement shoots – everyone likes pretty flowers and green grass in their photos and who can blame them?!  So when Krissy said that she and Jon wanted to go on a hike in Gunpowder Falls State Park for their engagement shoot, I’d imagined some pretty rolling hills with lots of mowed green grass.  A few days beforehand, Krissy sent me the trail map and I realized that she and Jon had a real hike in mind!  The low sunlight was so gorgeous streaming through the trees of the forest and these two were up for anything – sprawling out in the woods, jumping across streams and river rocks, and even wading through the tall grass (where we’ve heard the snakes hide!)!   We were able to get so many great shots and I got to hear all about how Jon and Krissy met and got engaged – it was a great way to spend a Sunday evening!

Congrats guys!  Can’t wait for the wedding!

I have been so excited about Katie & Steve’s wedding ever since getting to know them during their engagement session last fall.  Katie is truly one of the happiest and sweetest people I’ve ever met and Steve is such a perfect match for her!  After getting ready at the Crowne Plaza in downtown DC, we had a blast running around the block and grabbing pictures here and there.  The ceremony was at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Arlington and then we headed back up to DC for some more fun photos with the whole wedding party near the Capitol and Senate Park.  It was a whirlwind of a day that ended with a fantastic celebration at Old Ebbitt Grill, one of the most beautiful venues in DC!

It was sooo windy out, Katie had a tough time keeping her veil under control!

First we figured we’d just grab a quick shot in front of the fire truck……

……but when the fireman invited us in, Katie & Steve were all for it!

I loved these little details from the ceremony.  Steve’s nephew was the ring bearer, or, as he told Katie & Steve, the “ring master!”

Gorgeous flowers from Growing Wild Floral Co in Alexandria!

We had 40 seconds while the light was red – luckily Katie & Steve’s friends and family were game for anything!

When Katie & Steve ran out for a shot of just the two of them, a fire truck suddenly pulled out and started roaring down the street.  We only got this quick shot before they had to rush out of the way!

When I said that Katie & Steve’s wedding party were up for anything, I wasn’t kidding!  Love these folks!

Katie’s battle with the wind wasn’t over yet….

Gorgeous details at the reception at Old Ebbitt Grill.  I loved the guest book Katie made from her engagement photos.  She’s a painter and she embellished the photos with hand-drawn artwork, it was so cute!

Everyone did a little dance when they were introduced and Katie & Steve were definitely no exception!

Katie & Steve’s first dance was so sweet!  And the music and DJ’ing by Ed Witles was fantastic!

The toasts were such a mixture of laughter and tears!  When Steve’s brother gave his toast, he had all sorts of funny stories.  He kept handing little cards to Steve & Katie as he spoke.  I don’t know what was written on the cards, but judging from Katie’s face as she read them, it was definitely something hysterical!

Pickle shots anyone?  Katie & Steve, it was an honor – thank you for including me and congratulations!

Sharee is a fellow Hill resident who recently wrote about Studio Juno on The Hill is Home, which is a fantastic blog about everything Hill related – check it out!  So recently, I had the opportunity to get to know Sharee & her husband, Tom, during a photography session on their 10th wedding anniversary.  I say what better way to spend such an important anniversary than cracking open a bottle of champagne from France and heading out for an anniversary photography session!  Sharee & Tom were so much fun and I enjoyed every minute.  We spent some time at Upper Senate Park and then headed over to one of my favorite locations, the Franciscan Monastery in NE DC.

Congrats guys!  I hope Scott and I are as happy as you two when we celebrate our 10th!

Sometimes, you meet people who just seem to go together – to match up perfectly.  This is exactly what I thought after spending a few minutes with Sarah & Nick last weekend for their engagement session.  Nick is so sweet with Sarah and he really gets her laughing – you can see right away why they’re getting married!

After a couple drinks at Kali’s Court in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, and a stroll along the harbor, we headed to Patterson Park in the Canton area for a little goofing around in the late afternoon sunshine.

I loved Sarah’s shoes, so I couldn’t help but include a shot of them!

Reyna & Matt ‘s wedding in April was so filled with love and joy!  Watching such diverse and warm families come together to celebrate these two wondeful people was amazing and I enjoyed every moment!  After having their engagement session and rehearsal dinner photographed, Reyna & Matt were quite accustomed to being in front of the camera and seemed so relaxed.  Reyna got ready with her bridesmaids at the Capitol Hill Suites, just across the street from St. Peter’s Cathedral on Capitol Hill.  Her dress was just absolutely stunning and I don’t think any of Reyna’s friends and family could helping shedding a tear or two seeing her look so gorgeous.

And they all headed right across the street to the wedding!  The flower girls were just absolutely precious, and Reyna and Matt were both radiant as Reyna came down the aisle.

Reyna’s mom watching her daughter…

I love how happy Reyna looks!

I can’t even tell you how in love I was with Reyna’s bouquet!  The orchids were gorgeous, but the succulent and curvy wood pieces had me at hello!  Succulents are a very green choice for wedding bouquets – click here for more info on them.  All the amazing flowers were provide by Company Flowers. 

The whole wedding party headed to the Jefferson Memorial for some great, fun shots!

By the way, Matt is the king of funny faces…..

Matt has 4 brothers and 1 brother in law, so this shot is Reyna, her groom and all her many new brothers!

The reception decor at Sequoia was just beautiful and all the staff were so gracious.  And of course, being right on the Georgetown waterfront, the view was spectacular!

One of my favorite things about shooting at Sequoia is all the gorgeous lights – they make the most beautiful background for the wedding reception.

I loved these shots of Reyna dancing with her father and Matt with his mother…

Matt’s brother really roasted him during his speech – it was too funny!!

The band, The Fabulous Fantoms, were indeed quite fabulous!

Loved this gorgeous edible work of art by Debbie at Cakes by Design

Congrats and Best Wishes to you Reyna & Matt!  I loved working with you guys!