Category: weddings

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.

As promised, here are a few images from Bernadette and Kevin’s sweet intimate wedding! We were so lucky with a really gorgeous day weather-wise (I think we finally might be out of the 95/100 degree days!). And since I’m a teeny bit later than usual in getting this blog post up (it’s fall busy season!) I’m going to get right on with the photos.

Arriving at the church:

Just moments before the ceremony…

After the ceremony, we spent a little time at Meadowlark Gardens. (B & K, You two look amazing!)

The next two images are courtesy of Chris, who just has such a knack for these moments:

Bernadette and Kevin hosted an amazing dinner for their guests at Argia’s in Falls Church.

An impromptu first dance!

Such a sweet gift from one of their guests (which was wrapped in the paper shown above as the background for my ring shot!): Bernadette and Kevin – your wedding was just so lovely, and it was our pleasure to photograph it! Thank you for sharing the day with us, and we wish you all the best! Congratulations!

The newspaper headline for Lesley and Stephen’s wedding would probably read, “Cinderella has found her Prince Charming!” You see, Lesley used to work for Disney where she performed as the character, Cinderella. And Stephen is certainly charming despite never officially portraying the Prince. They are both amazingly fun people. (Fair warning: I am probably going to use the word “fun” a lot in this post.) Lesley and Stephen were amazing hosts, and it was easy to tell that they truly enjoyed the day. At one point I heard Lesley say to one of her guests, “I’m having so much fun! I don’t want it to end.” I hope the photos help to relive the day over and over. 🙂 And with that, onto the photos, starting with a few details and getting ready shots:

Lesley’s mom, helping out with the dress:

Gorgeousness!

Practicing:

Meanwhile, Chris was with Stephen. I love this:

Both sides of the bridal party let off some steam just before the ceremony:

I love this moment (which, I found out later, was the moment where Dad lost it a little bit!):

The readings were beautiful and emotional:

Married!

Yay!

When I was researching the area around the church just to see what’s nearby, I noticed this bridge right across the street and instantly knew what I wanted to do with it.

Super fun couple and bridal party + plenty of time for pictures + nearby playground = the following several photos!

Ha! So glad Chris grabbed this shot:

Sort of a modern-design teeter-totter:

Please note past SSP bride and good friend, Kim, over on the right. Hi Kim! 🙂

Have you ever seen a bride on a zip-line? No? I have!

Fun entrance to the reception:

My view of the first dance:

Chris’s view:

Proud parents:

Sisterly tears during the father-daughter dance:

Fun toast reactions!

I love that Stephen’s mom is giving him the thumbs-up:

This is so great – Lesley’s grandmother just recovered from hip replacement surgery, and she’s ON THE DANCE FLOOR all smiles. Get it, Grandma!

Please make note of the Cinderella/Prince Charming cake topper…

Yes, I stole it momentarily (after the cake cutting!) for this shot:

Just lovely: Lesley and Stephen! Chris and I really did have such a FUN time at your wedding. Thanks so much for trusting us with your wedding photography. We wish you all the best, and I can’t wait to show you more pictures!