alexandria wedding photographer

Best of Ring Shots 2017 | Business

Best of Ring Shots 2017 | Business

Every year I try to challenge myself in at least one area, knowing that if I am not actively trying to get better it will never happen. This was the year of the ring shot, and I tried my best both to become more creative (even at weddings with limited time) and more consistent, finding a style that I love.

While this is an area I always want to work to improve, I am proud of my work as I look back on the last year. There were times when I had ZERO time to showcase the ring well, yet in the back of my head I knew I would be disappointed if I didn't give it my all. Ring shots are NOT the most important images of the day, but wedding rings represent such an important covenant I think it's incredibly important to have at least a few stunning images of this symbol.

So here, in all their sparkly glory, are the rings that made 2017 so great, whether during engagement sessions or weddings. Get ready for some major bling!

Kimpton Lorien Hotel Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

Kimpton Lorien Hotel Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

On Saturday, right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria at the Kimpton Lorien Hotel, Ryan and Jessica were married in front of their favorite people in the whole world. The morning was filled with anticipation as Jessica got ready with champagne, one of the most amazing wedding dresses I have seen, and her best friends by her side. She was relaxed, happy, beautiful, and finally ready to enjoy the day she waited for so long to arrive.

With emerald dresses and a black-tie theme, Ryan and Jessica's wedding was a day of classic elegance and glamour and from start to finish the wedding day was nothing short of fun. We dodged crosswalks and cars to take pictures on King Street with a towering monument in the background. Guests sat at two long tables in an intimate reception, able to laugh and talk all during dinner. When it came to the reception, the DJ absolutely threw down and the dance floor was not empty even one time...

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

An engagement session in Old Town Alexandria has been on my photography bucket list from the moment I first stepped into its quaint little shops and rode a trolley down King Street, so when I chatted with Jessica about meeting her there, I was beyond excited. And nothing about the city disappointed! From brick-lined architecture to the incredible Wilkes Tunnel and the sun setting over the Potomac River, each part of the area was more beautiful than the last.

Ryan and Jessica share a love for traveling the world and have big plans to honeymoon in Portugal on their next big adventure. They fell in love strolling the streets of Alexandria, visiting eclectic restaurants, and spending time with each other through the years. With a wedding in front of them coming this fall and a future that is just starting to show its promise, the bond between them was a beautiful thing to see...