washington dc wedding photographer

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...

Adelphi Mill Wedding | Maryland Wedding Photographer | Michael + Sarah

Adelphi Mill Wedding | Maryland Wedding Photographer | Michael + Sarah

When two people are already married, you would assume that the magic of the wedding is long gone. Michael and Sarah had a quick ceremony a few months ago because of his upcoming deployment, but still planned a day to gather their friends and family together to celebrate. And oh what a day it was! Despite the fact that they were already husband and wife, Michael had the best reaction I have ever witnessed when he saw his bride walk down the aisle. He cried, he covered his eyes...he couldn't believe she was really his, even if she had been for months.

The whole wedding was a tribute to Michael and Sarah's relationship. They met in the military but bonded over their love of Fall Out 4, a video game Sarah paid homage to with incredibly intricate decorations. Their invitation suite and place settings featured old-school records, the bride's dress was both beautiful and non-traditional, and the whole wedding was so unique to who they are as a couple.

Michael and Sarah are heading off to Japan...

Gallery O on H Styled Shoot | Washington, DC Wedding Photographer | GroupWedDC

Gallery O on H Styled Shoot | Washington, DC Wedding Photographer | GroupWedDC

The power of working with a great team can never be overstated. I am personally creative in photography, but I lack further skills when it comes to styling or the overall vision – hence why I am not a wedding planner, makeup artist, or anything else! Through the years, I’ve watched my friend Jackie start with a wedding planning company (Jacquelyne Millender Events), transform it into a helpful resource for brides in Hampton Roads (The DIY Bridal Network), and now she sits on the cusp of launching one of the most innovative wedding industry businesses I have ever seen – GroupWedDC.

Even though she moved to Washington, DC, last year, I have the absolute honor of working with her again this spring. Jackie pushes me creatively in so many ways. As my New York City travel buddy, she pushed me to try new things and open my mind to a different world. In the wedding industry, she is a purple cow while so many others do the same old thing. On this last styled shoot, she brought people together from all over to create magic as she gets ready to launch a brand new venture for adventurous couples...