The bride and groom – who waited so long for their day – had the most perfect day. This wedding – to this photographer at least – was a true testiment to the power of a solid vendor team with a planner in charge and a bride and groom who opted to do a first look so they could truly enjoy their cocktail hour and wedding reception. 

What made this wedding so special was a couple I really adored had their big celebration. One of which we talked about and rescheduled so many times. I loved how it all came together, especially the reception because this crowd was a fun one. Especially with the photo booth! 

Another gorgeous day in the books and MAJOR kuddos to this couple who prioritized couple portraits in their timeline. Sometimes on wedding days – actually most wedding days – there is only minutes to take bride and groom portraits. The quickest I had to take them was in three minutes. I was spoiled with Bailey and Brian’s wedding because I had so many different locations!! 

My second big wedding of 2021!!! Things are opening back up and FINALLY weddings are happening. Jessica and Andrew (I have a lot of Andrew’s this year) pledged forever at Whitehall Estate in Bluemont, Virginia. For late May, though, the weather wasn’t that pleasant, but we made it work! I was so so thankful we were able to complete all formal portraits outside before the ceremony. Portraits – the bride explained – were the most important to her and the thing she was looking forward to the most on her wedding day.

We all held our breath when the forecast for this week did not look promising weather-wise, but sure enough, the sky gods smiled upon us and we were blessed with some soft light for their engagement session.

This couple wanted something rustic and outdoors for their engagement session, I recommended 48 Fields to them as it was a good location that could provide mountains and greenery. Also, since I photograph at this venue so much, I knew all the good spots 🙂

Marjan and Andrew met me at Virginia’s State Arboretum (Blandy Experimental Farm) for their engagement session. This is becoming a new favorite as there is no permit required and the scenery is gorgeous. Not to mention May/June greenery is lovely and soft too which makes it perfect for portraits.

Jasmine and Andrew decided not to reschedule again because Jasmine found out earlier this year they were pregnant with their first child. They used their wedding reception as a gender reveal! How awesome was that?! The expressions were priceless!!

And finally, after portraits, 3 outfit changes on Jasmine’s end, and dinner the couple were off to the after-party through a sparkler exit.

One theme that prominent throughout the day was family. Carolina and Cesar’s wedding was a celebration of themselves and the completion of their family. Since Carolina was raised by her grandmother, she asked if she could do a first look with her grandmother. This was a first for me, but I think brides who are close to their grandmothers should do this more often.

Not only was I able to photograph the colors properly, but the added brightness also allowed these images to be very on-brand as well. I could have gone the natural light method for photographing, but preserving the contrast of the flowers was deeply important to my client. Reds and pinks – when overexposed (AKA light and airy) can wash out the detail. Whites are hard to photograph as well for this reason.

I am a part of a creative studio space in Loudoun County that is for creative, female entrepreneurs. Specifically, those who are in the wedding industry. A Wedding Loft in Leesburg, Virginia, is one of my favorite places to be at and work at. My business has grown so much just by being in this […]