Leigh and Tim's Bright and Cheery River Farm Wedding!

It's so rare that I meet couples now-a-days who have known each other since middle school.  However, Leigh and Tim were the exception!  These two met as youngsters and were friends for years before turning their friendship into a romance.  When I was looking over their wall of childhood photos, Leigh's mom showed me a photo of the two of them taken in middle school and how Leigh had always kept it and had it displayed in her room, even throughout college.  It was just so cool to see how Leigh and Tim were meant to be and how it finally came to fruition on their wedding day. Leigh and Tim's wedding at River Farm was bright, cheery and full of love.  Their colors of  pink and orange matched their excitement of the big day and I was really thrilled with their photos.  Thank you Leigh and Tim for having me photograph your wedding day!  I had an absolute blast with you and your friends and hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Belle and Dave's Le Diplomate and Lincoln Memorial Engagement Session!

I had such a fun time recently with Belle and Dave at their engagement session!  These two are loads of fun and had me cracking up the entire time.  We started our session at Le Diplomate, one of their favorite places to eat.  They both were incredibly candid and playful with one another, which is something I love about photographing in a café type atmosphere!  After our time at Le Diplomate, we headed down to the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding areas for some more formal portraits before the sun went down.  I cannot get enough of their sun-kissed photos together...they just look amazing! Thank you so much, Belle and Dave, for an incredible time bouncing around DC!  I had an absolute blast and I hope you enjoy the photos!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Alice and Chris' Classic Westfields Marriott Wedding!

Only one day left until the weekend, so why not celebrate with these gorgeously classic and fun photos from Alice and Chris' wedding at the Westfields Marriott?  :) Alice and Chris are honestly any photographers dream clients.  Not only are they super nice and gorgeous, but they are 100% goofy and fun.  So within a few clicks of my shutter, they could go from looking like supermodels to laughing themselves to tears!  This is a trend you'll notice throughout all the photos...the shots go from classic to animated in a matter of seconds and I just love it!

The day of Alice and Chris's wedding was beautiful and perfect (albeit a bit windy!).  What I loved most about their wedding day is you could really feel the connection between Alice, Chris and all of their family and friends.  I already knew how much I loved Alice from meeting with her a few times, but to hear her family and friends talk about Alice and Chris in the way they did, I knew this couple was incredibly special.  I even bawled along with everyone during the speeches!  The love was palpable and it was an honor to witness and photograph it!

Many thanks to Alice, Chris and their friends and family for having me along to photograph their wedding day!  It was such a treat and I would photograph it all over again in a heartbeat.  Enjoy!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Kim and Kevin's Springtime Engagement Session!

Today feels a bit like winter, but don't worry because those warm, springtime temperatures will be back in no time!  Also, why not warm up with these lovely engagement photos of Kim and Kevin?  Trust me, you'll feel the warmth with these beautiful, sun-kissed photos! I met Kim and Kevin down in DC last weekend to photograph their engagements among the newly blossomed trees.  First, I was introduced to their golden doodle, Macaroni (aka, Macki), who we took a few photos with before he had to leave us (he did so well, even for a four-month-old pup!).  Then we just spent some quality time among the gorgeous weeping cherry blossoms and weeping willows on Ohio Drive!  Kim and Kevin were all laughs and smiles the entire time, which really translates in the photos.  My favorite part though, was when Kim changed outfits and wore a tutu she bought specifically for the engagement shoot.  I about died when she showed it to me and couldn't wait to photograph it!  Conclusion: tutu's make everything better.  :)

Kim, Kevin and Macki, thanks so much for having me along to photograph your engagement photos!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

 Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Ashley and Tom's Georgetown and Carnegie Institution for Science Wedding!

My first wedding of 2014 was with the most amazing couple ever, Ashley and Tom.  When I met first Ashley, I wanted to work with her instantly.  She is one of the sweetest individuals with the biggest, brightest smile I have ever seen.  We also figured out we have a ton of connections: she went to college with one of my high school soccer pals (who even recommended me!) and she lived and worked in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, which is where Tom proposed (more specifically in Noshville Delicatessen, a local fav)!  So when she officially hired me I was ecstatic and couldn't wait for their big day. Ashley and Tom's wedding was simple and classic.  They both got ready at the Loews Madison, a very clean and minimal hotel (perfect for details and portraits).  You'll note very quickly that I became a huge fan of their outdoor terrace that had giant green hedges!  One of my favorite shots of the day was what I call an unconventional family portrait.  When we were leaving the Madison, Ashley and her family walked out out together (the family all holding the veil) and they were all smiles and excited to leave for the ceremony.  I just love it because it's not your typical family photo!

Ashley and Tom's ceremony was at St. John's Episcopal Georgetown Parish.  My favorite photo of the day was taken literally just after Ashley and Tom had recessed down the aisle and passed through the blue church doors.  That excitement of being newlyweds was so palpable and I love that you can see it in the photo!  After we left Georgetown, we made our way to the reception space at Carnegie Institution for Science.  There are so many photos I love from the Carnegie, but the one that sticks out is of Tom's two groomsmen photobombing the bridesmaids photo.  That photo gives you a good indication of just how fun-loving and happy everyone was at Ashley and Tom's wedding!

Ashley and Tom, thank you so much for having me photograph you wedding!  You were an incredible couple to work with and I hope you enjoy your photos as much as I do.  And many thanks to my second shooter, Kristi Odom, and wedding planner extraordinaire, Tabitha Roberts, of Roberts and Co. Events!  Enjoy!

Gina and Dan's Bluemont Vineyard Wedding!

I recently had the honor of photographing an amazing couple, Gina and Dan, at one of my favorite places in Virginia, Bluemont Vineyard.  When I first met with Gina and Dan, I was immediately captivated with them.  First off, they're a beyond gorgeous couple!  And secondly, I was taken with how Gina began describing how their Persian wedding at Bluemont Vineyard was going to look.  Ordinarily, I've photographed Persian ceremonies (also known as Sofreh Aghd's) indoors, as the ceremony itself consists of a large spread of food and decorations that the couple sits down in front of.  However, Gina explained to me that their Sofreh was going to be outdoors with the Virginia countryside  in the background, and I hoped beyond hope they would book me after I heard that.  And they did...yay! Sure enough, their wedding day was absolutely perfect.  The Sofreh Aghd looked just as breathtaking as I had pictured it in my head for months and months.  Gina's colors of blush pinks and champagnes with hints of shimmery metallics looked simply stunning in the bright, glistening sun.  Gina and Dan looked incredible in their wedding attire and I absolutely adored seeing them get married.  I think what I liked most about their wedding is that everyone who attended was just one big family.  You could tell that Gina's family and Dan's family were already very close and they all had such a good time together, even when we were taking photos!  It was just so cool to see such a large group of people without any drama, just totally there for this couple and their new life together.  I don't know that I have a favorite photo from Gina and Dan's big day, as they're all pretty fabulous, but I will say that I love the photo of Dan and his honorary groomsmen posing as they came down the hill from the tasting room at the vineyard.  Those guys really knew how to work the camera!  I also really loved the last photo of the night that I took.  It was a concept that Dan and I had thought about at our very first meeting, which was trying to do a nighttime photo with the moon and stars behind them.  I was so pleased that we were actually able to create it for them!

Gina and Dan, thank you so much for having me photograph your special day!  I had such a fun time with you, your family and friends.  And many thanks to my incredible second shooter, Cicely!  I hope you all enjoy the photos!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Lauren and Javier's Army Navy Country Club Wedding!

I recently had the privilege of photographing the stunningly gorgeous wedding of Lauren and Javier at the Army Navy Country Club!  Lauren and Javier are two beautiful people who met while working in law enforcement.  I loved their energy when I first met with them about their wedding and I just knew it was going to be a fabulous event! Lauren and Javier's wedding day was sunny and bright, even though there was a bit of a chill in the air.  What I loved learning at the wedding was that even though Lauren is so put together and organized, she's a little bit of a softy!  She got a little teary among her bridesmaids for photos and then of course shed a few tears with her father before the ceremony.  One of my favorite memories of the big day was Lauren and Javier exchanging vows as the sun was setting.  Everything and everyone during the ceremony was glowing from the sun going down, which was so special.  Every aspect of their wedding day was colorful and fun, and I could not be more happy for this newly married couple!

Lauren and Javier, thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding!  I had such a blast with you, your family and friends!  And many thanks to the fabulous planner involved, Amanda McCabe of Engaging Affairs and my awesome second shooter, Kristi Odom, for all of your hard work and keeping me in line!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Lane and Adam's Martinsburg, West Virginia Wedding!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest couple ever, Lane and Adam!  Lane and Adam were married in Martinsburg, West Virginia on a beautiful fall day.  Lucky for them, the gorgeous autumn weather fit in perfectly with their autumn-inspired wedding decor at The Purple Iris at Hartwood Mansion! Lane and Adam were beaming the entire wedding day.  There were a few happy tears shed, but overall, it was nothing but a celebration of how meant-to-be Lane and Adam really are.  One of my favorite moments of the wedding day was when Lane and Adam played The Shoe Game, which I was unfamiliar with!  Basically, Lane and Adam took off their shoes, gave one of their shoes to the other to hold (so each had a his and her shoe in their hands) and then sat back-to-back in chairs.  Then, their fabulous DJ, Rick Rohn, asked them both questions like "Who said I love you first?" or "Who is better looking?" and Lane and Adam would hold up the shoe of the person they thought fit the answer the best.  Some of these questions were incredibly tough, but I'm not kidding when I say they only answered one question differently.  That's how in-sync Lane and Adam are and I'm so happy they get to spend the rest of their lives together!

Lane and Adam, thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding day!  I had such an amazing time and I hope you enjoy the photos!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Whitney and Craig's Herndon, Virginia Engagement Session!

Whitney and Craig are two of the most amazing people you will ever meet.  When I befriend someone new in the area, half the time Whitney and Craig already know them because they are natives to this area and have accumulated an insane amount of friends over the years.  But, it's no surprise because Whitney and Craig are adorable, charming, incredibly sweet and always willing to pass some wine around if the occasion calls for it! Since Whitney and Craig are both from Herndon, Virginia and fiercely proud of it, it only made sense for us to do their engagement session there!  They incorporated a lot of visual elements like signs and t-shirts into the mix as well to make it very obvious they are Herndon supporters!  I just loved getting to spend time with them at Whitney's parents place, the local baseball fields, and downtown Herndon.  And of course, their incredibly cute dog, Kramer, made it into a photo to make the engagement photo session complete!

Whitney and Craig, I had the best time with you and love your photos!  I can't wait to photograph your wedding next year!  Enjoy!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Mary and Patrick's St. Louis Catholic Church and George Washington Masonic Memorial Wedding!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing two of the nicest people ever, Mary and Patrick!  Mary and Patrick were married at St. Louis Catholic Church with a gorgeous wedding reception at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.  Their wedding day was as bright and sunny as they were about tying the knot.  As you'll see below, I had a blast photographing Mary, Patrick and their family and friends.  Their bridal party had so much personality and fun posing in photos, and their guests were out on the dance floor until the very end of the night creating some amazing images.  One of my favorites from the wedding though was taken outside at the Masonic Memorial, where I had to light up the memorial and Mary and Patrick to get a nice dramatic photo.  It was a challenging photo, but it paid off!  Mary and Patrick, you looked amazing! Many thanks to Mary and Patrick and their family and friends for having me photograph this special occasion.  Also, many thanks to my second photographer for the day, Lelia!  I hope you enjoy the photos!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

A Chipmunk Is Living in Our Birdhouse

Breaking: I have discovered a chipmunk is living in our vacant birdhouse.  It's basically the cutest thing I've ever seen.  That is all.  :)

Happy Friday!

Lisa

Jessica and Thomas' McLean Presbyterian Church and Westfields Marriott Wedding!

I am a lucky gal when I get to photograph people I already know.  A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing a fabulous couple, Ryan and Rachel.  They were fun and goofy, and I really fell in love with their families.  Plus they are a hoot on the dance floor!  Well, a few years later, I get an email from Jessica, Rachel's sister, who had gotten engaged and wanted to hire me as her and Thomas' wedding photographer.  I was beyond thrilled for her and Thomas and very, very excited to see and photograph some of my very favorite people again! On Jessica and Thomas' wedding day there was a huge threat of rain.  I knew many other planners and photographers on this day were only a few miles away and battling major downpours and having to initiate their backup plans.  However, for whatever reason, it never rained on Jessica and Thomas' wedding!  It was actually a really beautiful overcast at McLean Presbyterian Church, and Jessica and myself were beyond thrilled we got to work outdoors for their portraits!  Jessica and Thomas were absolute naturals in front of the camera.  And it was abundantly clear that Thomas was brimming with excitement to be married to Jessica!  We'd be photographing and all of a sudden he'd pull her in, dip her and kiss her.  It was just so cute!

Jessica and Thomas' wedding reception was held at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, one of my favorite places to photograph!  One of my favorite details of the reception was Jessica and Thomas' caricature they had made and printed on the place cards, wedding menus, etc.  It was a really personal touch and honestly, it looked just like them!  I, of course, loved hearing all of the speeches from Jessica's dad and her sisters, and then really loved it when the party started and everyone let loose on the dance floor!  I have two favorite shots from the dance floor: one of Ryan dancing and pointing his toes while his family laughs in the background and then the shot of one of Thomas' family members stuffing a $20 down Jessica's second dress.  It was an amazing night full of fun and laughter and I'm so thrilled I got to be a part of it!

Jessica and Thomas, thank you so much for having me photograph your special day!  I really hope you, your family and friends all enjoy the photos!

Ginly and Rob's Dentist Themed Springfield Country Club Wedding!

Colorful, animated, energetic and bright.  These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of my adorable couple, Ginly and Rob!  When I first met with them, I knew I would love working with them.  First of all, they have the biggest, most amazing smiles.  It does have a little something to do with the fact that they're both dentists (and fell in love in dental school), but it mostly has to do with the fact they're always laughing and goofing around!  Plus, I just loved that Ginly is so organized and has the most fantastic ideas.  When she told me about their bold colors of pink and orange and the fact they were going to incorporate a dentist theme throughout their wedding, I was hooked! Ginly and Rob were married at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Virginia.  Their wedding day was a gorgeous, sunny day, which completely mimicked the excitement everyone was feeling about Ginly and Rob tying the knot.  I don't think you'll see a single photo of Ginly and Rob being completely serious, because they're just a fun, happy couple.  Also, I learned so much about these two besides the fact they are dentists!  For instance, during their reception slideshow I learned Ginly went on the game show, "The Power of 10," to try and win a million bucks, and even got to rap for Drew Carrey (the host).  She didn't win a million dollars, but I thought that was fan-freaking-tastic!  Also pretty fantastic was the fun fact that Rob is obsessed with wearing a Centreville t-shirt that he's worn for several years as they've been dating.  They had way too many pictures of him in that shirt!  Ha ha ha!

I don't know what else to say about this amazing couple except that you will love their photos.  Ginly and Rob will, without a doubt, make you smile.  Whether it's the photo of them goofing around at their first look, or the one where they have their rings in their teeth, or even the one where Rob is spinning Ginly around in her Chinese wedding dress, they all will make you grin.  And hey, isn't that what any good dentist would want anyway?  ;)

Ginly and Rob, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your special day!  I had the absolute best time with you, your family and friends.  Thank you so, so much!  Enjoy!

And many thanks to my fabulous second shooter, Hannah!  Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Alison, Ryan and Hippo's Arlington, Virginia Engagement Session!

This engagement session will make your heart melt.  Not only are Alison and Ryan gorgeous, adorable and head-over-heels in love, but they have one of the cutest dogs I've ever laid eyes on.  Their bulldogs name is Hippo, and because she's one of the loveliest animals ever, they of course had to include her in their engagement session! We went to a couple of different spots for Alison and Ryan's photos, the first being Carpool in Arlington.  Carpool is where Alison and Ryan first met, so of course it made sense to take a couple of casual photos there.  Unfortunately, Hippo had to stay in the air-conditioned car because Carpool doesn't allow dogs, but we did get a few photos with her close by!  After hanging out at Carpool for a bit, we then visited the Hendry House where Alison and Ryan's wedding will be next year.  Luckily for us, there was no wedding happening that day, so we walked leisurely about the grounds and had a grand ole time.  Alison and Ryan were the perfect models, and hey, anytime we could add Hippo in the mix for a family photo, it just kicked things up a notch!  I think my favorite photo is the black and white of Ryan holding Alison in his arms while Hippo looks longingly at them on her leash.  It's such a sweet photo!

Alison, Ryan and Hippo, I had an absolute blast and I cannot WAIT for your wedding next year.  I sincerely hope that smooshface can make an appearance (obviously I'm referring to Hippo)!  Enjoy!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Christine and John's St. Andrew the Apostle and Westfields Marriott Wedding!

Where do I begin with Christine and John?  These two are the prettiest, nicest, funnest and downright most hilarious people ever!  The first time I met with them they showed me a postcard of their save the date, which was a photo of them jumping into a pool in a tutu and a tuxedo t-shirt.  I knew right then and there that they would absolutely not disappoint in their wedding photos! Christine and John were married at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, VA with a reception to follow at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA.  It's hard to describe how amazing the entire day was, because it was so full of fun and laughter and just general awesomeness.  Christine and John told me before the wedding that they were going to incorporate Ray Ban's by having the entire wedding party wear them for a lot of the photos, and it honestly made the photos so much fun.  I had so much sass to work with the entire day, so of course there were far too many favorites from me to choose from!  One of my favorite group photos from the day has to be the one of John with his groomsmen all lined up and sitting like they're a sports team (John, of course, standing like he's the coach).  All the groomsmen looked just like little kids, which I loved!

I could tell throughout the day just how much Christine and John's family and friends meant to them.  When Christine's sister finished with her toast that evening, she (and the entire room) surprised Christine and John with a serenade of "All You Need is Love" à la Love Actually.  And although they didn't have trumpets, flutes or guitars, the guests were all given kazoo's to help carry the song.  It was just adorable!  Everyone at the wedding had an incredible time, and I loved photographing every second of it.  The energy of Christine and John's wedding was just wonderful, and I'm so sad it's over!

Christine and John, thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding day!  I had such a fabulous time with you, your family and friends.  I look forward to following you both in your new chapter in life!  ;)  And many thanks to my fabulous second shooter, Hannah!  I hope you all enjoy the photos!

Corey and Matt's Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Engagement Session!

I love Corey and Matt.  When I met up with them recently for their engagement session at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, it was the first time I had met Matt, and I was skeptical as to whether or not he would do well during the session.  Most of my couples do a pretty great job, but sometimes it takes the guys a little bit longer to loosen up.  But, it wasn't long before he had both Corey and I cracking up during their photos!  He totally knew when to be fun and when to tone it down and be sexy, and they really have a delightful mix of the two looks.  You can tell they're a couple that totally fits together perfectly, which I just love.  Plus, they had their adorable dog, Chewy, in some of the photographs...and I'll never turn away an adorable dog!  Ever!  It was such a fun session and I could have spent hours and hours with this amazing couple. Corey and Matt, I hope you enjoy these photos and I am beyond excited to celebrate your wedding with you next year!  I only wish we could bring Chewy with us!  ;)  Enjoy!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Erin and Cisco's Dumbarton House Wedding!

I love Erin and Cisco.  They're two people who just wanted to be married and have a giant celebration on their wedding day, which is my kind of couple! Erin and Cisco's wedding was full of so much personality.  Even though they're one of the most laid-back couples I've ever worked with and were never once uptight or nervous about anything, they managed to have fun with the entire day and portray every emotion imaginable.  There were happy laughs and happy tears, and any wedding that can combine those two elements is such a joy to photograph.

Erin and Cisco's big day started out at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.  We all goofed around and got some great getting ready photos before we headed off to the Dumbarton House for the first look.  Erin and Cisco's first look was a very memorable one, mostly because I noticed Cisco was so happy to see Erin...but I didn't realize he was actually crying too!  So cute!  There were more tears and laughter during the ceremony, and one of my favorite parts was when Erin's mom was asked (by Erin's dad, the officiant) who gave Erin away, she accidentally said, "Her mother and I do!"  It was a wonderfully perfect moment for their ceremony!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed amazing popsicles by Pleasant Pops, and golly was I glad they had those!  It was such a hot day and it really hit the spot, not to mention made some amazing photos (I love the one of Erin and Cisco eating their pops, doing everything they can to not spill on their wedding attire!).  Soon after cocktail hour began, Erin and Cisco joined for toasts from their amazing family and friends. Than we launched into dances, and I cried my eyes out when Cisco and his mother danced to "I'll Be There" by the Jackson 5.  It was so touching and I don't know why that's not danced to more!  Once dances were finished there was a beautiful dinner by Main Event Caterers, followed by so much dancing and music by DJ D-Mac that everyone was boogying to all night long.  Let me be clear in stating that Erin, Cisco and their family and friends are some of the best dancers I have EVER seen .  Cisco was out there rockin' it in his shades, we had a guy do the worm, and honestly I think every single guest was out there at some point.  I was so impressed!  And, of course, later in the night I took Erin and Cisco out for a romantic night photo on the Dumbarton grounds which turned out lovely.

Erin and Cisco, I can't say enough great things about you guys and your wedding!  I loved every single minute of it and I hope you, your family and friends enjoy the photos!  And a big shout out to my second photographer, Hannah, for all of her hard work on this one too!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa

Jessica and Seth's Cabell's Mill, Virginia Wedding!

I've known Jessica and Seth for quite a while now, and it's hard for me to believe their wedding is actually over!  You may recall them from their recent pseudo-celebrity win on Junebug Weddings from their engagement session we did back in Old Town, Alexandria.  This couple has so much personality and they definitely brought their A-game for their wedding too! The day of their wedding was a cool, but sunny summer day, the kind of days I love.  Jessica and Seth were married at Cabell's Mill in Centerville, Virginia, a historic mill located in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park just of of 66 West.  I had never been until I met with Jessica about their wedding, and I have to say this place is such a gem that more people should know about!  Complete with large grassy meadows, gorgeous wooded areas,  a pond and the old historic mill itself, this was the perfect setting for Jessica and Seth's wedding day.

Before Jessica and Seth's ceremony, we did their first look down a quiet path in a meadow not too far from their ceremony site.  What I love about Jessica and Seth is that they have no shortage of reaction or emotion...you feel exactly how they do in real time.  They have such an excitement about being together which is contagious.  After a few photos in the meadow, Jessica and Seth were married below one of the biggest oak trees on the Cabell's Mill property.  The tree itself had a beautiful stringed backdrop attached to it that the couple had made, complete with pink, grey and white dots to match the colors of their wedding.  I loved watching Jessica and Seth get married, because it's as if they were the only two people who existed as they said their vows.  One of my favorite photos from the day was of them just after they recessed down the aisle.  It is the black and white of the two of them admiring each other as husband and wife, while the sun is lightly kissing them in the background.  Just love it.

After the ceremony, I took Jessica and Seth down to the pond area close by for some more couples portraits.  Boy did I  have a squee-fest down there!  The sunlight was just perfect for photos in a field of tall grass, and then on the zig-zag bridge that crossed over the pond.  My favorite (and I realize, slightly strange) photo of the day came from the two of them standing hand-in-hand facing the wooden bridge, and all you  really see is them from the neck down with their shadows below.  I thought it was such a cool photo!  Once we were finished with portraits, Jessica and Seth joined their family and friends for dinner made by the fabulous Main Event Caterers, and then partied down with one of my favorite DJ's, Derek Romanoff.  Also, Nicole and Sarena of Sweetface Events did such an amazing job keeping everyone on track for the evening, including me!  After some partying, I managed to take Jessica and Seth out for one last nighttime photo, which I created by shooting some off-camera light through some wooden lattice.  I really loved how it turned out, and  it was the perfect ending to such an amazing day.  :)

Jessica and Seth, words can't express how happy I was to photograph your wedding and how excited I am for the two of you.  Thank you so much for having me along for the day, and I hope you enjoy the photos!

Dyanne and Steven's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Wedding!

Where do I begin with Dyanne and Steven?  I've known these two for a little over a year, and I'm so sad their wedding is actually over!  They are two of the nicest, prettiest people I've ever met.  They are also one of the most photogenic couples I've ever photographed, and what's funny is that their both actually a little quiet and shy.  However, that only makes me adore them more!  You may remember them from their stunning Mad Men engagement session at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, and just like their engagement session...their wedding did not disappoint! Dyanne and Steven's wedding day was held at the beautiful Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.  Even though it was May, for whatever reason, their wedding day was really grey, cold and windy, so their ceremony that was meant to be outdoors had to be brought inside!  It didn't dampen the mood of the day at all though, because Dyanne and Steven were beaming throughout everything.  My favorite part of the ceremony was that Steven would be focused on what the officiant was saying, but then turn and sneak these glances with Dyanne that would make her smile, and of course then make him smile.  The biggest surprise was Steven's German side of the family  integrating a German heart cutting at the end of the ceremony.  Traditionally, a banner with the heart is held alongside the couple after they are pronounced newlyweds and must cut the heart out in order to pass. In order to enhance the challenge, they are typically given the smallest pair of scissors such as nail scissors in order to symbolize overcoming the first challenge in their new union.  It was a really cool aspect to the ceremony that I loved!

After the ceremony, we all went outside for some group photos.  Even though it was cold and windy, all of the photos looked amazing!  I particularly loved the photos of Dyanne and Steven down by the peonies, which are Dyanne's favorite flower.  They had booked Meadowlark that day because they were told the peonies would be in full bloom, and it was true!  Plus, the white and pink of the peonies fit right in with Dyanne and Steven's color pallette for the wedding.  All of Dyanne and Steven's details looked amazing in the atrium, and I loved all of the little pops of gold glitter on the tables and table numbers.  Dyanne and Steven were all smiles when they were announced into their reception and it didn't seem like the smiling ever really stopped!  One of my favorite parts of their reception was the Filipino money dance that Dyanne and Steven participated in (initiated by Dyanne's family).  This is when guests come up and pin money on the couple's garments. Traditionally, male guests take turns dancing with the bride and the ladies with the groom. The custom is meant to wish good fortune and a prosperous start to the newlyweds!

Dyanne and Steven, words can't express how happy I am for the two of you and how thrilled I was to be your wedding photographer.  I had such a blast with you, your family and friends.  I hope you enjoy the photos!  And many thanks to my wonderful second shooter, Heather, for being such a great help throughout the day!  Enjoy!

 

Monika and Adam's Old Town Winchester, Virginia Wedding!

I recently had the honor of photographing Monika and Adam's wedding in Old Town Winchester, Virginia!  Old Town Winchester is a gorgeous, historic city full of brick walkways, stunning gardens and old mansion houses.  Monika and Adam live close by and love spending time in Old Town, so it only made sense for their wedding to take place there! Monika and Adam are the kind of couple that just radiate around one another.  Especially Adam...he was one of the happiest grooms I've ever encountered on a wedding day.  He was just so excited to be marrying Monika!

My day started off taking photos of Monika and the bridesmaids in the gardens of the Museum of Shenandoah Valley.  Monika and her bridesmaids looked amazing as we trotted around the garden area laughing and having a good time.  Afterward, we hopped the Candy Hill Campground Trolley to meet up with Adam and his groomsmen at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.  I completely forgot Monika and Adam had hired bagpipers to welcome the guests into the church, so of course I had to stop and listen and snag a few photos.  I love bagpipers!  Once the guests were seated we began the ceremony and I just had a feeling Adam's delirious joy would transfer into tears as Monika came down the aisle.  I was right!  I think we all turned to piles of mush when we saw Adam's face!   However, those tears soon changed to big smiles as Monika and Adam tied the knot.  I just loved their big, smiling faces coming down the aisle as husband and wife!

After the ceremony we all hopped in the trolley to our next spot for photos, historic Abram's Delight.  This was the perfect backdrop for some wedding party photos, of which were some of my favorite ever.  Monika and Adam's wedding party were just so amazing, I can't even tell you!  Between the flower girls being the cutest ever, the groomsmen giving me perfect sass and the bridesmaids holding their beer and posing with Adam, they just did such a fantastic job.  Because it was so beautiful there I kept Monika and Adam around for some couples photos.  I swear, they absolutely cannot take a bad photo!  Like I said before, they just glow around one another and it's more apparent as ever in their photos together.  Once we were finished, we headed to our final destination of the day, The Barton House!  The Barton House was the quintessential reception site for Monika and Adam, as it really encompassed all the Old Town Winchester charm that they were going for.  Of course, one of my favorite parts of their reception was their incredible bluegrass band, Dry Mill Road!  If you like bluegrass and are considering hiring one for any event, hire this band.  They really added a wonderful southern charm to the reception!  Once formal dances were over, everyone got to eat, drink, dance some more and have an incredible time.  My last photo of the evening was of Monika and Adam on the staircase of The Barton House with the chandelier in the foreground, which I thought was a charming, dramatic photo.  I hope you like it!

Monika and Adam, thank you so, so much for allowing me to photograph your wedding day!  I could go on and on about how much fun I had and how wonderful your family and friends are, but I have to stop somewhere!  Also, I have to give a big shout out to Roberts and Co. Event Planning for all of their hard work on this gorgeous event!  Enjoy!

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Lisa