I thought Meredith & Matt really deserved to have a beautiful wedding day given the bravery of choosing a mid-November date.  So when the big day dawned and the weather was unseasonably gorgeous, I felt so happy for them!  Meredith & Matt’s wedding was tinged with a beautiful vibrant shade of pink, which gave everything a wonderfully celebratory feel.  Their reception at The Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel near Dupont Circle was so much fun – we were thrilled to be a part of it!

Wedding Planning: Laura Ritchie of Events in the City

Hair: Beautiful Hair by Beverly

Makeup: Kim Giammaria of Beauty Mark

Dress: Watters

Ceremony: St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in Washington, DC

Florist: Da Vinci’s Florist

Reception: The Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel

Music: NightLife Band

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcake

When I got to know Danielle + Randy during their engagement session last fall, I could tell right away that they were both such really super people and so much fun that I would LOVE shooting their wedding.  And I was right!  Danielle has a ton of energy and passion and poured it all into planning the wedding – everything was perfect and gorgeous and the bright colors had me dizzy with happiness!  Thanks, as always, to my super fabulous second shooter, Dana!

Planner: Kelley Cannon of Kelley Cannon Events

Getting Ready: The Westin, Alexandria VA

Dress: Two by Rosa Clara

Hair: KC Felton of The Elegant Artisan

Makeup: Jan Scott

Invitations/Stationary/Reception Art: Lindsay Amerault of RadWorks Studios

Florist: The Enchanted Florist

Ceremony: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Alexandria VA

Reception: The Carlyle Club, Alexandria VA

Cake:  Sweet Ladies Bakery

Danielle’s friend Lindsay did all of the amazing graphic design for her wedding and the art deco design really tied the whole event together and matched perfectly with the atmosphere at The Carlyle Club, their reception venue.

We LOVED the purple argyle socks!

First stop for photos in Old Town was the Lavender Moon Cupcakery.  This was entirely Danielle’s idea and I couldn’t have been more excited.  I have to take a moment here to salute the amazing deliciousness of their cupcakes!  I fancy myself to be a tiny bit of a cupcake officianado.  When Danielle suggested the idea of going to have cupcakes with her wedding party right after the ceremony, I volunteered to take on the hardship of visiting the various cupcakeries in Alexandria and judging which would be the best for photos.  This task of course required me to taste a lot of cupcakes.  I fell in love when I saw Lavender Moon in all its adorable glory!  And then I bought an entire carton of cupcakes and I will tell you, ladies & gentleman, that I believe they just might be the best cupcakes I have ever enjoyed in the DC metro area.  And I have enjoyed a LOT of cupcakes!  But back to the wedding!  It’s just like Danielle + Randy to choose to do something so fun and unique during their photo time and these are some of my favorite shots from the day.

And then for a little stroll around Old Town Alexandria…

This shot was a special request of Danielle’s and it turned out so cute, I had to share!

Oh, and they hired a bus to drive their wedding party around.  They thought they would get a plain old white bus.  But no, the Nationals bus showed up!  Apparently it was the only bus available!

And remember the art deco design on the invitations – here it is again on their fabulous cake!

I have rarely met two people who are more cheerful, enthusiastic and just all-around delightful than Marie + Johnny.  These two are so bright, genuine and jolly (yes, really, jolly) – I feel like it would be impossible not to feel happy in their presence!  Watching them together is such a joyful thing. During their wedding, it was so evident how perfect they are for each other and how obvious that is to all their family and friends.  They got married the day after Thanksgiving in Washington, DC.  The weather was really icky – just dreary and overcast and cold.  But Marie + Johnny weren’t phased in the last – they had such a wonderful time and kept each other perfectly warm for a few outdoor shots.  Marie got ready at Capitol Hill Suites and then walked across the street to St. Peter’s Cathedral to get hitched.

She’s soooo gorgeous!

Checking out the super fabulous shoes…

Since it was so overcast that day, St. Peter’s was a bit darker than usual, but it worked so well with all the gorgeous white and green decorations – everything felt so cozy, warm and festive.

Absolutely the cutest little posse of flowergirls and ring bearers that ever was!  I love the ivy in the pew adornments and the flower girl’s crown – they were so perfect with the atmosphere.  Marie’s mom put together all the arrangements – it’s great to have a florist in the family!

They are so freaking happy, I absolutely love it!

We headed over to the Grand Atrium, in Vienna, Virginia for the reception – it looked stunning all lit up as the sun set!

I’m in love with this cake – so interesting and unique and unadorned – truly an example of “less is more!”  It was made by Margie of Artistic Cake Creations.

Marie dancing with her father in law – so sweet!

Congratulations you married people!

Kelly & Dan are two of the sweetest, nicest people that you will ever meet!  I’ve enjoyed every minute that we’ve spent in person (check out their engagement session from April) and over the phone and I was so happy to see them so happy on their wedding day!  Being a photographer, I meet so many really interesting people and when I come across folks like these, I can’t help but appreciate their graciousness, sincerity and cheerfulness.  So Kelly & Dan – thank you guys for being so awesome!

These two lovebirds were married at a gorgeous old church in Chevy Chase, MD and then whisked all around DC, ending the day with a fabulous reception at Sequoia, right on the Georgetown waterfront.  Kelly got ready at her cousin’s home in Chevy Chase with her bridesmaids and then she and Dan had a few minutes to themselves before they were due at the church.

Ceremony Location: Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church

Florist: Da Vinci’s Florist

Reception Location: Sequoia, Georgetown – Washington, DC

DJ: Steve Hoffman – Good Note DJs

Love this shot of all these beautifiers at work on Kelly at one time!

It was so sweet when Kelly’s mom came in!

I loved how Kelly’s bridesmaids had these gorgeous and elegant dresses accompanied by all different and unique necklaces - très chic!

The flowers, by Da Vinci’s Florist, were just gorgeous.  Gotta love those mango calla lillies!

Popping out the champagne!

I don’t normally post family formals on the blog but this shot of Kelly and her flower girl was just too cute!

Sequoia, looking gorgeous as always!  I love shooting here because the staff are awesome (I mean, really awesome, I’m not just saying that) and no matter what the decor – grand or simple, dramatic or elegant – the space always looks amazing and everyone has a fantastic time.

Some of my favorite ever first dance shots.  These two were so cute together with the smiling and the laughing and the googly eyes – just the way it should be!  It couldn’t pick just one.  Have I mentioned how excited I am for these guys?!

Okay, check out the little heart someone drew on the window behind the sweetheart table.  Oh I love it!

Ok, so towards the end of the night, we were wrapping up and packing up our equipment to take to the car.  I ran back upstairs to the main area to grab a couple more things and this is what was going on.  How could I leave?!  They are so cute!  Talk about one very big, very happy family!  Everyone should be so lucky!

Best wishes in all the world you guys!  I know you will have an absolutely amazing and wonderful life together!

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!