Susan Solo – Photographer | Traveler | Adventurer

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  • Camilla & John – Engaged!

    One very hot, summery day, Camilla and John got engaged at Eleanor C. Lawrence Park, the story goes. And on a much cooler spring day (yesterday), we revisited the park to take a few pictures, where these two were equal parts goofball and adorable. Most of the time I was cracking up while they were being goofy (okay, I did get a few really great silly ones), but I was clicking away while they were being so super adorable. See for yourself:





    When we were done at the park, Camilla and John humored my creative urge (yay!) to do pictures at the firehouse where John is a Lieutenant. Camilla is an EMT with a neighboring fire and rescue company, so I thought it was fitting to take a few pictures here…not to mention I just like the firehouse. 🙂


    I can’t think of anything hotter (pun intended!) than smooching in front of a red antique fire truck…
    Aw. (Favorite!)

    Thanks so much for hanging out with me yesterday Camilla and John (and Corey and Coelle who were in tow)! I had a blast, and I absolutely cannot wait for your wedding!

  • Buried Alive!

    I’m not sure why, but I feel really anxious when I let the blog go without a new post for more than a week. I’ve been really completely buried in work and to-do lists for the past couple of weeks, so I’m just not able to post here as much as I’d like to lately. But I did want to say hello, and that I’m still alive even if buried in work!

    I did manage to complete one of my 101 in 1001 tasks though, because once I bought the software to do it, the task didn’t require a lot of my attention. Item #89 – Transfer my skydiving video and my high school play/musical video to DVD is complete. I also found a few more videos around the house, including a video yearbook from my sophomore year in high school. I didn’t put the videos on DVD yet, but they’re converted to digital files at least. And once I have a spare minute, maybe I’ll grab a clip of my skydiving video and put it online. The part where I’m just about to jump out of the plane and you can see me rattling off a few nonsensical (maybe four-letter) words is kind of funny.

  • Brittlea & Andy – 05.31.09

    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!

  • Ashley & Mike – 05.23.09

    When I spoke to Ashley on the phone about a week ago to discuss her wedding day schedule, I could really tell that she and Mike had put a lot of time and effort into planning their wedding. And when Chris and I arrived at the Westfields Marriott yesterday to shoot their big day, we witnessed their vision fall into place! The details were fantastic, and we had a great time capturing everything for them.

    We started out by grabbing a few shots of everyone getting ready:



    And of course, I have to spend some time on the bride’s fabulous details:



    How ridiculously good-looking are these two?!

    Ashley’s dress was just exquisite.

    The flower arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception, and for Ashley’s and Mike’s bridal party were so luxurious! Check out the huppah:


    And these bouquets:


    I love the expression on Ashley’s face!

    Stunning, you two!

    Okay, again with the flowers. I really had fun photographing these! And the lighting totally transformed the ballroom at the Marriott.


    Ashley and Mike provided a few lounge areas around the dance floor for their guests.


    Chris grabbed this beautiful moody shot of the first dance:

    And then the dance floor was packed all night long:

    Ashley and Mike – Chris and I are so happy for you two and we had a great time yesterday! We hope you have a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

  • Marjorie & Nick – Engaged!

    Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Nick and Marjorie and her son, Christopher, getting my own personal tour of the little nooks and crannies of Georgetown. We had originally scheduled a session way back in the first week of April, but “April showers” had other plans, several times actually. So we rescheduled and rescheduled, and finally ended up with the most gorgeous day ever!


    Christopher would have me think that he wasn’t at all into having his picture taken, but I sort of think he was loving it:

    And here’s the family!

    I told you…gorgeous weather.

    Marjorie has such a great eye for detail, and she scouted out a few fun spots ahead of time!

    So cute! (And I totally wish I could have a yellow garage door.)


    They are so utterly adorable in this next one, it literally makes my heart swell. (Favorite!)

    Marjorie, Nick, and Christopher: thanks for showing me around your town! I had fun, and I’m so glad we got to hang out before the wedding. I’m looking forward to it, and I’ll see you all then!