susan solo photography - the blog

It’s just a little past my bedtime, but I want to get images from Leslie and Bill’s wedding up asap! So I’m going to post the photos now and some quick words about the wedding, and I’ll fill in the rest tomorrow if needed.

Leslie and Bill were married on the day before the official start of summer at the beautiful Rust Manor in Leesburg. We weren’t quite sure what the weather would have in store for us, but it turned out to be a gorgeous day!

I love that while I was upstairs in the bridal suite with Leslie capturing this…(by the way, Leslie, you look AMAZING!)



Chris was right downstairs with the guys, capturing this…


And this! Does anyone know if rubbing a bald head really is good luck? I think it worked! The rain held off.

Since we weren’t at all sure what to expect weather-wise earlier in the day, the outdoor ceremony was moved indoors. Leslie’s dad walked her down the aisle through all of their friends and family, and then right up the grand staircase!

I actually loved the uniqueness of having the ceremony on the stairs. It’s always fun to shoot something different!


And it was easy to get a shot of so many people all at once where I was standing.

This is a random picture of Grace.

And these are obviously pictures of a really stunning couple!



While I was shooting some group portraits, Chris was on detail duty down in the tented reception area.


Leslie and Bill’s reception was the perfect way to kick off the summer.




And this was the perfect end to their wedding day!

Leslie and Bill, Chris and I are just so happy for you! We had a wonderful time spending the day with your family and friends and celebrating your marriage. We wish you both the very best!

I’m a little squeezed for time this week, so I’m just going to get to the images on this post. Anyway, I can show you how happy Brittlea and Andy were on their wedding day much better than I can tell you, of course!

I started off the day with calm and cheerful Brittlea while she was getting ready. Brittlea’s sister and maid of honor, Molly, has quite a few artistic talents up her sleeve. She did Brittlea’s makeup beautifully, and she also crafted a cake-topper for Brittlea and Andy. More on that below!

You’ll see Brittlea’s 10,000 watt smile quite a few times in this post - she was beaming all day!

Chris, who really knows how to capture a ceremony, took this image of the ring exchange:

Brittlea is a member of her church’s bell choir. They sounded amazing, by the way!

Mr. and Mrs.!

We took a few minutes to grab a couple of portraits at the church…(favorite!):


And then headed over to the reception at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club for a few more.

Brittlea and Andy have quite a few nieces and nephews between the two of them. The kiddos were running around and playing outside while we were doing a few last group portraits, and I said, “Oh, let’s get a group shot of just the kids!” With just two of the adults rounding them up for me, they quietly composed into this shot within seconds. I’m not even exaggerating - they were so sweet and well-behaved!

Chris was inside on detail-duty getting shots of the room before everyone came in from cocktail hour/pictures. The room was huge with a beautiful panoramic view of the Potomac.

I bet you’re wondering what’s in the mysterious little box with the “Open at 10:20pm” instructions, aren’t you?

And here’s the cake topper that Molly hand-made. Isn’t the detail amazing?!

First dance, surrounded by family and friends:

Someone’s hiding behind the cake there, just waiting for a taste…

This last shot reveals the contents of the mystery boxes - Brittlea and Andy exited the reception to the sound of tiny bells rung by the guests! So cute and fitting.

Best wishes and congratulations to you both from Chris and me! It was so wonderful to spend such a wonderful day with you and your families!