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Karen and Ryan’s wedding was one blustery day at the end of October, but they didn’t let the chilly temps and crazy winds bother them one bit. They were all smiles all day and they were such a joy to photograph! Karen was absolutely stunning – here she is getting an extra bit of hairspray before we head outside to brave the breeze.

Karen and Ryan chose to see each other before the ceremony:

Keeping close to stay warm!

Gorgeous!

Don’t be fooled – it might look sunny and warm, but it really wasn’t!

Oh gosh, you guys are so CUTE!

It might have been chilly, but the ceremony was just beautiful.

Married!

A fall-inspired ring shot for a fall wedding!

I love these little streetlamp escort cards!

First dance:

Funny and touching toasts:

Parent dances:

And then the par-tay!

Air guitar challenge!

Tiny bride (future SSP bride?!):

Congratulations Karen & Ryan! Thank you so much for allowing Chris and me to capture your wedding memories. It was so lovely to meet you both this year and to celebrate with you on your wedding day. We wish you both all the best!

Megan and John are two of THE sweetest people I’ve ever met. John is just really laid-back and kind, and Megan is the kind of girl you instantly want to be friends with. She has such a contagious smile, you can’t be unhappy around her. Not that anyone had a reason to be unhappy – their wedding day was absolutely perfect! Perfect weather, perfect schedule, and everything went according to plan. How about some pictures to show off their perfect day?! (Is anyone keeping track of how many times I’ve said “perfect” so far?) Meet John and Megan:

Chris started out taking a few pictures at John’s family’s house…While I was over at Megan’s family’s house, which happens to be built around an old post office! As in, the old post office is literally in the middle of their house. How cool is that?! So of course I had to incorporate it into a few shots.

The dress:

Mom and new sister-in-law helping with the dress:

I’m a sucker for bride + pet photos!

Just chillin’ before the ceremony begins…

I’m also a sucker for father/daughter moments:

Megan, your smile lit up that whole church! I love it.

Family formals, smartphone-style:

Bridal party! They’re all siblings and siblings-in-law now. 🙂

Hellooooo gorgeous couple!

This next one is a bit of a departure from my normal processing style, but I thought the scene called for it…

Megan and John planned quite a bit of time for photos (yay!), so we were able to wander all over the golf course at Chantilly National Country Club.

Seriously, you two are the cutest!

I’m digging the lines/composition of this one if I do say so myself!

While we were out taking portraits, Chris was back inside capturing some great fall-inspired details:

In addition to cake, there was a candy bar full of treats! The more sugar the better, I always say. 🙂

So, you know I’m always trying to spot something fun to do with the rings, and I just couldn’t resist plunking them right into this jar of candy corn. I want you to know, though, that I carefully carved out a scoop of candy to put the rings in, and then I made sure to remove that scoop (which Chris and I snacked on later). I know someone at a table nearby probably thought it was weird of me to put my fingers directly into the candy, but I DIDN’T – I promise! 😀

The toasts were lovely and well-executed…

But it was this letter from John’s 92 year-old grandfather, who couldn’t make it to the wedding, that had everyone choked up (including me):

First dance:

Parent dances:

And then the PARTY! Such a fun reception.

He’s not two feet taller than everyone, he just had some maaaaad jumping skills:

Okay, one more ring shot! Bride and groom Pez dispensers? YES!

Megan and John! Chris and I are both so incredibly happy for you two. We had a wonderful time celebrating with you and your families/friends, and we feel very honored that you chose us to document the day, so thank you!

Okay, I sheepishly admit that I’m waaay later than usual at getting this blog post up! Somehow the last week or so I have just been completely buried with everything. But I’m slowly unburying myself (my instant spell-check has just told me that “unburying” is not a word, but I’d like to officially submit it as one) and I now present you with a few favorite images from Molly and Will’s 10.10.10 wedding. How cool is their anniversary date, by the way?! No excuses for forgetting the exact date! We started off with a few getting ready/detail photos at Molly & Will’s house:

Molly arranged these flowers herself! Impressive, right?!

Mom and Kim (MOH) helping with the dress:

Meanwhile, the guys – you know they’re ready in about five minutes, so the “getting ready” photos often center around watching sports. Looks like it was a good game!

Just thought I’d show these next two photos of a gift that was given to Molly and Will in case anyone wants to steal this adorable idea.

Molly and Will decided to see each other before the ceremony. I love the anticipation of this moment!

So handsome!

Molly, I have more traditional photos of you, but I just really LOVE this one! You are stunning! After a few photos, we headed over to Constitution Gardens for a really lovely, intimate ceremony.

The hanging mason jar lanterns were the perfect touch:

Married!

Molly and Will hosted the most perfect dinner for all of their guests at Maggiano’s in Chevy Chase.

(Kim, you’re gorgeous!)

Best wishes and congratulations, Molly and Will! Chris and I are so happy to have met you and to have been a part of your day. Thank you for letting us celebrate with you! I hope you had an amazing honeymoon. 🙂

Oh how I loved Abby and Brandon’s wedding last weekend at Rust Manor House & Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg! The whole day was full of little personal touches here and there, and it really made for a special event. Chris and I had a field day capturing everything, not to mention Abby and Brandon were both such gracious hosts. I sort of can’t wait to show you these images, so I’ll get right to it! Starting off with some of those details I mentioned – how cute are these chalkboards and birdcages?!

Abby got ready in Rust Manor’s beautiful bridal room. Mom and sisters helping with the dress: 

Heirloom handkerchief and locket:

Um, Abby? You are a STUNNING bride. (I knew you would be!)

Awww! Baxter and Miley came up to visit!

Abby made these adorable dog collars so Baxter and Miley would coordinate with the wedding party:

Guests arrived by trolley!

Their ceremony wouldn’t be complete without pups!

Brandon seeing Abby for the first time (LOVE those ties, gentlemen!):

Both of Abby’s parents escorted her down the aisle:

Oops! There was a minor ring situation…

No worries though. They were retrieved and no harm done!

Post-ceremony portraits:

I LOVE this shot Chris captured:

Reception details!

This is such a FUN alternative to a guest book – each guest signed a leaf and stuck it onto the tree, which will be matted and framed later! Love it.

In addition to cupcakes and a candy table, Abby and Brandon had this amazing cookie table with tons of treats that kept getting refilled. YUM!

First dance: Such a romantic ending to their first dance!

Toasts by the best man and Abby’s two sisters:

And then the party started! Yeeeeeeah!

My absolute favorite part of the reception was the bridal dance (or “Redovy”) tradition. From Abby and Brandon’s wedding website: “All the guests at the reception line up for a last chance to dance with the bride. It is customary to donate money to the newly wed couple for the privilege of the dance. The money is put into an apron, basket, plate, or decorated box before dancing with the bride. The starosta (master of ceremonies) keeps the line moving, allowing only a few turns before cutting in for the next guest’s chance to dance and share with the bride their good wishes before she and the groom begin their new life. After each guest dances with the bride, they may receive a drink and a piece of the freshly cut wedding cake or pastry.”

I think every single guest danced with Abby – she looked like she was so much fun to dance with, I almost wanted to put my camera down and take a turn!

And at the end, Brandon came and swept her away.

And then they were back for a few more last dances:

Abby and Brandon! I loved everything about your wedding – Chris and I were so honored to be a part of it. Thanks so much to you and your families for having us there! We wish you both all the best.