Prediction for 2021? Wedding portraits. Dawne and John, y’all are trendsetters. Just letting you know now.

Like so many couples in 2020, Dawne and John were greatly affected by COVID restrictions and venue restrictions. They decided to stick with their original wedding date in May after postponing it to September. We all thought for the best, right?

Since their original photographer wasn’t available on their new date, Dawne and John were referred to me by some of my friends in Northern Virginia. We had a great consult and were excited for the months ahead.

As the date grew closer, and sadly even with a paired-down guest list, their new venue couldn’t accommodate their wedding plans as everything was to be indoors. “We just want to be married and enjoy life,” they told me. I could not fault them for that. Being on the photographer’s end, I am very much over this situation as well. And if I am stressed, I can’t even begin to imagine how my people feel.

So, instead of documenting a wedding, we documented their unity and their family. In lieu of a candle union, they opted for a sand ceremony instead. Joining three vials of sand – one for the bride, one for the groom, and one for the bride’s daughter – in a time glass.

Also, I documented a bracelet John gave to his new daughter, a very special part of their day. After family photos were done, we walked the grounds of Morven Park. Heading into this session, I knew that the goal was to document family, but make this couple feel like a true bride and groom. John and Dawne didn’t wear their wedding attire back in May because their outfits could not be accessed due to the shutdown.

I have to say, these are some of my favorite wedding portraits, especially the ones taken near Morven Park’s mansion.

Going back to my introduction, I believe a lot of couples will go back and have wedding portraits taken in 2021. So many couples continue to be on wary of the times ahead, and many will plan not to wait.

A major congratulations to this couple. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this snippet of time and make you truly feel (and look!) like a bride and groom.