Susan Solo – VA/DC/MD Photographer

On a day when the temperatures rose to a heat index of around 105 degrees, I was completely and literally melting, but Matt and Niki showed no signs of feeling the heat. Their ceremony and reception were held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia. Niki and Matt’s attention to details, touching ceremony and entertaining reception were totally worth enduring the hottest day of the year. I’m especially impressed with Niki – she was an extremely gracious hostess to everyone. She must have stashed ice packs underneath her dress somewhere because it was seriously scorching hot, but she was just as cool as a cucumber. I had a blast second-shooting for Becky Waurio of Toute Ma Vie Photography and she has some gorgeous pictures on her blog, so please go take a peek!

Here’s how things looked from my point of view (by the way, I’m trying something new…bigger images!):

The reception was held on the lawn in the rose garden.  

Niki and Matt provided beautiful folding fans (and bottled water) to the guests, and they really did come in handy.

Perfect hair and makeup, and you’d never know how hot it was that day by looking at her.

I had a lump in my throat during most of the ceremony, especially during the memorial. And during the vows. And when Niki’s parents gave her away. Okay, so I’m a big softy.

But as touching as it was, there were plenty of joyful smiles and laughter as well.

The tented reception was near the museum building.


Upon their entrance to the reception, Niki rocked this purple-sequined cap. Too cute!

They transitioned into a sweet, loving first dance…

And then back to party-mode again!

Congratulations and best wishes to Matt and Niki – you both are too sweet and too cute for words. Wishing you a lifetime of joy together! And thank you Becky for having me along for the ride!

Last weekend I joined the always fabulous Shelby to second-shoot with her at a wedding in DC. The funny thing was, we hardly saw each other all day! This wedding felt huge in size and location at both the church and the reception. And I’m not good at guessing how many people were in attendance, but it seemed like a lot. I started the day by taking a few pictures of the groom getting ready at the super posh Mandarin Oriental. (Shelby was with the girls in a room on a different floor.)

Chijoke opening a wedding gift from Eva.

Sporting Eva’s gift (the watch), and receiving plenty of help from the guys to adjust his vest.

Heading out to the ceremony in style.

I finally got to see the bride, moments before the ceremony. Eva looked like a goddess.

The uber-adorable flower girl, checking things out while waiting for her cue.

What did I tell you about the size of the church?! It’s huge! The ceremony was held at the Universalist National Memorial Church.

The ceremony was quite moving, and I think Eva was choked up almost the whole time…

But then broke into pure joy as they were announced husband and wife – I love the look on her face!

It started raining a bit right after the ceremony, but I think everyone was able to make it back to the Mandarin Oriental without getting soaked (at least I was). I headed over to the the cocktail hour and reception area while Shelby was with the bridal party doing portraits. The details at this reception completely blew me away. Everything was stunning and luxurious from the dramatic floral arrangements, lighting and table linens to the candy bar and favors.

The cake was classy and elegant, and one of my favorite touches was the monogrammed gobo light on the dance floor.

I wasn’t scheduled to stay for the reception, but Shelby has plenty of images on her blog from the rest of the event, and it looks like they had a totally amazing time. Congratulations and best wishes Chijoke and Eva, and thank you Shelby for having me along!