Walking around Old Town Alexandria makes you feel at home. The cobbled streets, brownstones, and hidden pieces of history invite you in to stay and explore. When I was in DC a few weeks ago I had a chance to visit – even just for a little while – and loved the morning I spent with Meghan and Ian. They call the area home and as we walked around the neighborhood I heard stories of their lives, how they met and their progress on the destination wedding they are having this winter in Vermont.

After seeing each other here and there at events and parties, Meghan suggested Ian ask her out. He took her advice. It was just a few years ago during one of the crazy Virginia snowstorms that they planned their first date. Determined to make it happen, they discovered that they need not venture across town to get together, since they lived in the same neighborhood. The rest–as they say–is history, and they grew into a relationship that was inexplicably right. Of course, there are many reasons that Meghan and Ian complement each other – besides the fact that they can finish each others sentences. They are a balance of creativity and logic, and use different ways of thinking yet arrive at the same conclusions.

Their Vermont wedding is going to be an intimate and inviting event, altogether unique and I can’t wait to document it. Before we welcome the snow, let’s look at life in Alexandria…

there were so many alleyways, interesting textures and hidden gems of buildings like this historic ice house…

Ian played rugby for many years so he brought along a ball to toss around and end the session with… and even though Meghan’s athletic career has stayed within the realm of non-contact sports, she jumped in and showed she has what it takes. They both have what it takes. Can’t wait for winter!

They enjoyed the adventure of navigating around the busy city and made their way to both the Zoo and the Capitol. After spending a full day on their feet and enjoying each others company, it was time to say good bye. Almost a year later, they followed in the footsteps of their first adventure only this time things were different. Blair had taken a new job and re-located to the district, and with an absolutely packed day full of everything they loved he took Jacqueline around the city and asked her to marry him. She said yes.

It was only natural that for their engagement photos we visit the two spots that became most significant to them, so we started at the Zoo before heading over to the Capitol. The usually calm Zoo was bustling with activity, sounds, and sights as it celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event named “Fiesta Musical.” Once I heard about their first date, it was ironic. Once we got over the fact that the crowds of people felt like an unintended audience, we found a few quite spots in the zoo and had a great time taking pictures. Jacqueline looked fierce – and I don’t usually break out that kind of Top Model terminology, but it’s true. I love the colors they wore and how they stood out in the lush green environments we hid away in.

Next we went to the capitol, where Blair proposed! It was beautiful and the overcast skies made it easy to photograph. I encourage couples to make the session personal by choosing locations + activities that are significant to them. It was fun to shoot in such a historic location and I think we made all the tourists jealous.

After seeing the sights from several different angles we ended on the steps overlooking the mall. Each time I visit DC I think “I could live here” and then I drive home and remember how much I love not having traffic (never mind that I live far from everything). Jacqueline + Blair I’m so glad we were able to meet up for these photos and I can’t wait for your wedding next summer! Enjoy the city life for me.

In her childhood home, Liz stood radiantly in her wedding dress while Sylvia beamed as only an older sister could and helped her with the finishing touches. It’s funny how time passes and yet moves infinitely slow. As they stood in the living room, it didn’t seem so long ago that they were kids. The day had finally arrived – although they had grown up a long time ago – to leave behind their childhood and send Liz off to the chapel to get married. The moments that awaited when they walked out the door would speed by… but they are slowed down and remembered through the images captured from the day.

Liz found her eco-friendly Adele Wechsler gown at the bridal salon Rizik’s in DC. The style is sunray and it had the most beautiful bow in the back…

It was hard to imagine life before they were together. Everything was so natural, so complimentary that it didn’t take long for them to fall for each other. As engineers working in different departments of the same company, it was through work that they first met. While similarities brought them together, they soon found in each other the differences needed for a successful relationship.

The wedding party arrived at the Grosse Pointe Academy, and began a careful dance of moving in and out of rooms and spaces in order to not see each other. Each party took turns outside as I photographed them before being tucked away when the guests arrived and hidden out of sight. Just over ten years earlier, Liz had been at the very same building, closing the book on her elementary and middle school years at the Academy. She knew she wanted to come back some day for her wedding, and today was that day. Matt was a calm, collected groom that I can attribute to his unwavering feelings for Liz.

Liz was absolutely stunning and with plenty of time to photograph her I took some of my favorite bridal pictures.

Soon guests were arriving and the chapel began to fill up. Sitting in such a beautiful space, there was so much to take in before the ceremony was started.

After being pronounced husband and wife, Liz and Matt exited the chapel ready to start a new chapter of their lives. We went outside for pictures and the light was just perfect!

The guests were busy getting the party started and the flower girl and ring bearer stole the show. Why do I feel like he is twice his age?

With navy and pink set the stage and gave a beautiful color palette for the reception.

The night was a success and with the Sun Messengers playing the dance floor was never empty.

Congratulations again Liz + Matt and thank you soo much for inviting me to document everything. I felt like such a welcome part of the day and loved being a part of your wedding!

wedding dress: Adele Wechsler bridesmaids: Ann Taylor flowers: Viviano jewelry: Helzberg Diamonds catering: Thibault & Moore Catering cake: Josef’s Pastry Shop ceremony: Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel reception: Grosse Pointe Academy lawn

I have been saving these photos up. When I photographed Peter + Sophie’s engagement session we had an adventure. I was in DC for another engagement session, was able to also meet up with them to photograph the one that they won from the free session I gave away last spring. Long story short, one broken car and a rental mustang later we were back in business and ready to treat ourselves to a delicious lunch. Peter had first suggested Ted’s Bulletin because of their homemade poptarts, and it was enough to lure us in. When we walked through the door I was immediately impressed by the overall feel of the restaurant. I had a clear voice, one that I couldn’t stop listening to. The cozy booths and old-fashioned counter harkened back a few decades but a clean and modern feel kept things from becoming overly nostalgic. Classic black and white films played on a big screen in the main dining room and the familiar lines of Casablanca made it feel like home. It reminded me vaguely of Sanders (which you Michiganders may know) and I couldn’t help but order one, maybe two – okay three poptarts. for the road. I immediately thought of the potential to take pictures there and after the last of the busy lunch crowd departed we went for it – after asking the manager’s permission of course. It was too good of a location to pass up. I photographed Peter and Sophie’s date at Ted’s Bulletin and ended my adventure with them in DC there. Since they are getting married on Saturday it’s the perfect time to share these and I hope you enjoy. I think I need to do more of these kinds of shoots, especially when it means good food is involved!

With 16 weddings down and 9 to go there is a lot on the horizon for this fall. September really is the new July and I thought the busiest part of my year was behind me but I don’t mind that I’m wrong. However, if I told you everything I was actually doing you might get scared so I’m going to ease you into it and start off with a few of my upcoming travel plans!

I’m headed to a few big cities and would love to hear from you if you want to meet me for the first time over coffee, catch up over dinner or even go for a run! In mid September I’ll be heading down to D.C. for a day (or maybe two), in early October I’m going out to New York City and in early November I’ll be in Boston for a wedding and have a little bit of time to play around with. I really would love to hear from you if you are around and even if it doesn’t work out to meet up maybe it will in the future. So email me or leave a comment and let’s talk.

While we’re talking I might as well tell you a story. First the background – I’m actually writing you from my home state of Michigan, sitting in my parent’s house and wondering who I will recognize and who I will vaguely remember when I go to Caribou later on today. I’m out here for Liz + Matt’s wedding, which I am so looking forward to and can’t wait to share with you even though I haven’t taken any of the pictures yet.

Just a day ago I got ready to drive over here – and cross through Canada because that is the easiest way to go from Buffalo to Detroit – and Matt helped me get ready. He’s a great husband, really, I couldn’t ask for anything more and it’s always nice when he helps pack up my things and sends me on my way. So, he was in charge of getting all of the documents together (ie passport) for crossing and I left that in his hands. I started my trip, made it up to Buffalo only to discover I had his passport and not mine. Yes, almost two hours of driving and I was not even at square one, I was somewhere between square -1 and I give up. I called Matt and while we both couldn’t believe what had happened I knew that I should have checked. He should have checked, but I should have checked too. It was at that point a friend decided to jump on a white horse and save the day and bring my passport half way up so that I didn’t have to drive all of the way back. That friend is Zach Adams.

I don’t know how I am so lucky to have such good friends. Really, I don’t deserve that but I know I’m going to be a better friend because of his example.

Now, if you’ll allow me to bring it full circle I have to say one thing I love about weddings is seeing people with those friends. The friends that will drive hours to help you out, wear whatever dress you want – and three inch heels too- to fit your vision, travel across the country or around the world to be with you on that day, and friends that will be there in five, ten, or twenty years to talk with you. At a wedding you get to see who your true friends are and when you leave your passport at home you understand the meaning of a true friend.

The blossoms have bloomed in the nation’s capital and it is one of the most gorgeous times to visit. That would also make it a perfect time for engagement photos, which I took for Liz and Matt this morning. After an early flight we got right to shooting to avoid the coming rain and it really paid off. The cloudy skies set the stage for romantic and moody images with soft light all around. They have been most gracious hosts and even took me by Georgetown Cupcake for a birthday treat! I love to visit this city – can I stay longer?

I love when I have a second shooter at a wedding with me. I frequently travel for weddings and have a very unique schedule, so it doesn’t always work to bring someone along… and honestly I have photographed the majority of weddings on my own. That doesn’t change the fact that when I do have someone working with me, it’s usually very helpful.

A second shooter can be added in to a wedding photography package so that additional coverage takes place for the whole event. Shooting in two different places allows images to be captured like the one you see above (shot by Kaylan Buteyn for me at Brendan+Stephanie’s wedding). I would highly recommend this for weddings that are larger events, or if you just want additional coverage. They also help carry gear around, set up any lighting, and organize bridal parties and families (large groups take extra help).

So, how do I find second shooters or assistants? It’s usually people that I know and are familiar working with. I wouldn’t bring a complete stranger with me because I can just imagine the horror stories I would be telling afterward. That being said, if you are someone who would like to work with me and join me for some weddings, let me get to know you and see if you’d be a good fit to work with. Email me at hello{at}marydougherty.net with your name, location, experience, $ requirements, and a few samples of your work and I’d love to talk! If you think you would be interested in interning I would love to hear from you as well, although at this point I can’t promise any credit fulfilling positions but perhaps we can work something out in the future.

This love story started on the basketball court. Christy and Phil met on a church league and while that is where their story began, the first chapter wasn’t written until Christy’s trip to Zambia. Working for World Hope, she was presented with the opportunity to work in the field. She spread the news about her trip and asked family and friends to help support her, and one of those friends was Phil. They met over coffee to talk and their friendship soon developed into something more. Who would have known that a support letter would have lead to an engagement… that’s taking a support letter to a whole new level.

look at those moves! Matt and I met up with Phil and Christy in DC and spent part of our time in the district and most of it in Georgetown area, which is beautiful.

Christy left for her trip not too long after their coffee shop date which meant that they spent the first part of their relationship miles apart.

Gorgeous, right? Are you as excited for their wedding as I am?

they love each other. There’s so much more of their story to be written and I’m so excited to be a part of documenting it. Phil + Christy see you in October and good luck with the wedding planning!

On Sunday Matt and I (that’s right, Matt came along to help with his first shoot) drove over to DC for Christy and Phil’s engagement session. I had been trying to get Matt to come with me for a while, since I needed the free labor knew how helpful he would be.  I didn’t make it easy on him. By the time we rolled in to DC, amidst signs for major road closures due to the nuclear energy summit, we were hungry and fearing multiple hours in traffic on the way home. It turns out the traffic was not a problem – we were in and out at the perfect times – but we did have to wait a little while for food. I took him out to Ray’s Hell Burger afterwards to make up for it, and I think it worked.

It was great to have him along, help out with equipment and do random tasks like throw a basketball and pick a bouquet of dandelions, so thanks Matt! Here’s just a few from the session for now, and look for the rest of Christy + Phil’s engagement photos soon!

It was the eve of Dawn’s birthday when David proposed. He gave her a present and inside was an engagement ring that he designed and Dawn said yes. They set about preparing for their wedding and their marriage, which if anything is an adventure. So, last month on a rainy spring day, I joined them in Arlington, Virginia for their wedding.

Some gorgeous florals took center stage at the reception, where a lot of the decorations were handmade by David and Dawn. Curly willow came from the mother of the bride’s backyard in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and stood as beautiful mini trees in the center of each table. Since David is a carpenter he made the centerpiece boxes that they stood in, and the gorgeous multi-tiered cupcake stand.

See that amazing cupcake stand? I think all of the kids, including the ring bearer below, were amazed by the display of dessert :)

After the wedding and reception, I headed into the district for some photos of David and Dawn with a true DC backdrop. It was steadily raining, so we brought out umbrellas and shot some romantic images… rain just tends to lend itself to a really interesting and romantic backdrop. (have you seen the new pride + prejudice?)

We had some fun with the umbrella as well of course, and I think they pulled it off perfectly… it’s always important to have fun when you’re taking pictures.

…and after all the pictures they were off on their honeymoon to Brazil!!  Thanks for braving the rain and I think the pictures are totally worth it. I’ve had such a good time getting to know you both and it’s a been a privilege to photograph your engagement + wedding. View the slideshow below to see a more complete overview of the day, and then check out the full gallery of images. Just register and then use D+D’s last name to enter their gallery. Comments left on this post will help them earn a free print, so leave them a note or let me know what you think!

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