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!

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!

If a relationship was charted on a map, getting from point A to B would a cross-country journey. It may even be around the world, crossing through deserts and oceans, mountains and valleys, forests and plains. While you can take clues from others on the direction to go and the path to take, most often the trail you look back on is unique.

For Sophie and Peter that path started in college, where they met and became friends… took them to Africa where they studied abroad together… kept them apart as they started careers after graduation… and brought them to a point where Peter asked Sophie to marry him and she said yes.

Of course, that sentence does not even begin to delve into the details of their lives, what kept them together through the tough times and turned their friendship in to love. What’s beautiful is where they are now, and being able to look back on those times and see why they are stronger together than they are apart. So how do you sum up that relationship, and more importantly retell it visually?

When Sophie and Peter submitted their inspiration board they ventured to document all of the highlights of their traveling, academic, and long distance lives for the past few years. I loved their ideas and prospect of being able to collaborate with them. I say collaboration because with all of the ideas they brought to the table it inspired me and I readily accepted the challenge of creating images that told their story.

Looking back I couldn’t be happier with the finished images. Not only was it a blast to hang out with them but I think their photos hold true to their original intent. Here is an excerpt of what Sophie + Peter’s sent with their submission so you can judge the success.

We have spent a lot of our relationship traveling to see each other and perfecting the art of long distance communication. We’re finally engaged!, and are so excited about getting out into the world with each other. While away from Houghton over summers and even post-graduation we have spent countless hours on trains traveling to see each other. We can see ourselves talking, surrounded by books, newspapers, (things that we love) and being playful with old-fashioned telephones–looking at maps together, talking about where we’ll go next, doing things that best friends do.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Sophie and Peter – I’m planning to meet you at Ted’s next time I’m in DC so save me a poptart.

To tell you that Liz and Matt met over donuts at work simplifies the story of two interesting and complex people to a casual everyday encounter. It leads you to believe that their relationship is ordinary when it is so much more than that. For these engineers, meeting over donuts was just the beginning. They soon hit it off and began their adventure together sharing their love for food, fun, and dressing up in the most creative Halloween costume.

I know Liz from way back; we went to high school together back in Michigan. Matt on the other hand is from the Syracuse area, which is not that far from where I currently live in western New York. Rather than try and meet up in either of those two places, Liz and Matt decided to have their engagement session out in D.C. where it all began. They wanted to capture their time living in the city so incorporating landmarks was a priority. I came out there last week just in time for the cherry blossoms and had a great time photographing them around the city and getting to know them as a couple. They shared their love for food with me and took me to some fabulous spots – including a trip to Georgetown Cupcake for a post birthday treat. Honestly they couldn’t have been more welcoming and I can’t wait for their wedding this summer at the Grosse Pointe Academy. I hope you enjoy all of the variety and Liz + Matt I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Can you believe we got a picture here without any other people? Right after a big bus group walked up the stairs, so it was perfect timing.

Gorgeous day and of course gorgeous couple. Liz and Matt decided to go with a color palette of navy and pink, which will also be present at their wedding. The blossoms were a perfect fit and added a delicate touch to the scene.

Love this view of the city from the bridge. I was actually here just over a year ago, you might remember this photo I shot here from Dawn + David’s wedding. The second part of the session took place on the roof and clubhouse of the building Liz and Matt live in. The views were amazing and we thankfully avoided the rain we were dodging to shoot at both of these locations.

I’ll end it with this photo to leave these two alone. Looking forward to August!

They met in the city working in the same office and decided to keep their love a secret. Mike had a code name for Nikki and would refer to her as “Rhonda” in emails just in case he needed to throw someone off their trail. Meanwhile they began spending more time together and doing things they loved. Traveling was one of their main passions, and they started booking last minute flights and explored the world together. They haven’t stopped, except briefly to get married in mid October.

You saw from the first post that they invited everyone to join them for a truly unique, homegrown, rustic and yet elegant affair at Nikki’s childhood home in Culpeper, Virginia. You may want to go look at that post one more time since the details are so good, but first join me for the events of the day. In describing the wedding day, Nikki said:

“The one thing I was sure of was the I didn’t want our wedding to be by the book. Our ceremony was on the hill behind my house which overlooked the corn and cow fields that seemed to glow during the autumn sunset. My childhood minister lead the ceremony, which was short and sweet and ended with us walking back up the aisle under a shower of lavender buds while a couple of the band members sane “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles. The coctail hour was in the front lawn and our guests had a chance to lounge on hay bale couches and nibble on southern treats – sweet potato biscuits with country ham and apple butter and fried green tomato skewers! Another aspect of our wedding day that made it even more special was that my parents were married on the same day, 28 years prior.”

It was sunny and warm and Nikki was walked down the aisle between the blanket covered haybales by her father.

Mike + Nikki said their vows and walked back down the aisle with lavender being tossed in celebration. Guests exited to the front of the house where they enjoyed a cocktail hour as the sun gracefully set over the hills and mountains surrounding them.

Having a small wedding party is a trend I’ve seen in 2010 and it allows for a more intimate feel to the day. The bouquets Nikki and her sister Tiffany carried were a rustic blend that included roses, hydrangea, and wheat which added gorgeous texture.

I photographed Mike + Nikki again in the gorgeous light at sunset which gave a completely different feel from the pictures we captured during the first look. I love being able to shoot with different kinds of natural light – since the quality and color changes so much throughout the day.

Nikki’s blue suede shoes and Mike’s fall colored argyle socks added a splash of color and personality. I love the toned images below and the antique feel that gives them.

Soon it was time for the reception to begin, and the barn filled up and Mike and Nikki entered.

The sun had set and the moon kept watch over the barn in a deep blue night sky.

Once again, I love those table decorations – and they look even better with the lights twinkling in the background.

the bluegrass band Jackass Flats provided music throughout the day and keep the party going on the dance floor all night.

Mike + Nikki enjoyed a first dance and everyone joined in after that. Throughout the night guests also enjoyed the photobooth they set up and the “Whiskey + Cigar Lounge” that was outside by the bonfire that blazed.

Everyone enjoyed the warmth of the fire and the party lasted well in to the night. It couldn’t have been a more complete day and I was so happy to be able to document it. Mike + Nikki, congratulations again and I hope you’ve had a good first month of marriage. Don’t forget to leave a comment here and head to the proofing gallery to see the complete set of images.

I arrived at the Jebson farm on October 16th to find it bustling with activity. Planning a wedding is one thing, but planing and executing a wedding at home is a horse of a different color. I had first seen the farm during the engagement session I shot for Mike + Nikki which allowed me to see things in progress. They had thought of everything and this is what the scene looked like when I arrived on the wedding day. The field behind the house had been leveled out and set up with hay bales for guests to sit on during the ceremony. It over looked a pasture where cows could be heard softly mooing and beyond that was a view of the mountains. The barn, with walls repaired, a new floor and a fancy coat of red paint stood regally and beckoned you inside. Outside the barn a screen door held place card tags that fluttered in the wind next to a sign citing distances to some of Mike + Nikki’s favorite locations. Across from that an old carriage that once belonged to Nikki’s grandfather contained favors for the guests – some of Mrs. Jebson’s famous homemade pickles and beans that were grown in the summer. Inside, the tables were set with cream linens, terracotta napkins and burlap runners. Votive candles flickered amidst mason jars filled with wild flowers and vintage soda bottles that held table numbers. The dessert table beckoned with snicker doodles, mini pies, cupcakes and brownies that overflowed from an array of cake stands and wooden crates.

Nikki stood inside the barn, with hair and nails done in a casual button up shirt and jeans, and directed table set up. Mike was nearby, moving tables and bringing in the last pieces to make the set up complete. The buzz of energy in preparation only made the day more real, more palpable. Now it was time for them to make their final preparations and so they both slipped off and within the hour returned transformed, as bride and groom, ready to start what they had been waiting for.

I have particularly enjoyed being a part of Mike + Nikki’s wedding and documenting such a unique event. The elegance and rustic charm of their wedding was brought to life by the personal touches they wove in which is why this post is all about the details and preparation. So, buckle up, get comfy and enjoy post one of two from their fabulous wedding!

Wheat accented the front trellis and showed up in other places as well – including on Mike’s boutineer. Packets of lavender were in radio flyer wagons so guests could pick them up on their way in to the ceremony, and toss it for Mike + Nikki when they walked out. note: when you have a “tossing” of any kind, it’s another good reason to do a first look… lavender, rice + birdseed have a way of getting everywhere :)

The desserts were made by Meghan Smoot Becker and one of Nikki’s friends from NYC contributed snickerdoodles and brownies.

Nikki’s Melissa Sweet dress was gorgeous and featured Swavorski crystals and cream colored wooden beads, fitting in to her rustic elegance theme perfectly.

The ring pillow and flower for Nikki’s hair were made by Mike’s mom Cyndi and were both beautiful!

Mike and Nikki had a quick first look before the ceremony and I’m so glad we fit it in. The light was beautiful and they both looked stunning! Mike’s suit is Gucci, when he bought it a few years ago he swore he’d wear it to everything – including to their future wedding – and after not having any luck with other suits that became true!

Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous!

Love those blue suede shoes. Nikki was looking extra fierce….

…while Mike rocked that suit and put on an extra layer of handsome.

It didn’t take long to have some amazing photos before the ceremony, and after that they went off to take their places and seal the deal. Look for part two tomorrow!

They first met at a wedding. Some of their first exchanges were recorded congratulations to their mutual friends on that wedding day. During that first meeting they shared stories and interests and from that point on their lives would never be the same. Of course, like any great love story (and Sheffield and Ginna’s story is truly great) their journey did not come without challenges. Five years after that first meeting, on October 10th, 2010 they proved that their love was greater than anything that could keep them apart and pledged to love and live together forever.

Never have I been to a wedding that has expressed more deeply – in each aspect of the day – the love between two people. Sheffield and Ginna bonded over many things, but they particularly loved words. As actors they knew the power of words and memorized and delivered them daily. No words were more genuine, more true, or sincere than the ones they declared on their wedding day.

Sheffield and Ginna, as I try to describe your day I hardly know where to start. It was wonderful and thank you for not only letting me document it, but for inviting me to be a part of it. I’m so happy that you found each other and enjoy reliving the details and moments through these pictures.

The wedding took place at Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville, Virginia. It was a gorgeous fall day and as guests arrived they enjoyed wine and the view from the outdoor patio.

Once again, Ginna’s custom dress is stunning.

Ginna got ready with the help of her sister and Jenny (her good friend and dressmaker) two of the few people who knew about Ginna’s dress. Since the dress was two pieces she worn the long skirt for the ceremony and surprised everyone when she took it off during the reception to reveal the short dress!

Lots of time and effort went in to planning and creating the decorations for the wedding. Dream and Love were the two words that wedding was based off of, and a rustic fall theme was also woven in with apples, berries, pine cones, leaves and ribbon.

Each table setting had a custom painted wine bottle that held branches adorned with people’s names on custom wine glass charms – so creative :)

The cake was three different cakes and during the cake cutting Ginna + Sheffield tried all three and then pointed to their favorite – a game they’ve always played.

The ceremony started and Ginna walked in with her father holding her vows, tied up in ribbon.

Sheffield poses the question “who thought I would never marry” and friends respond:

The ceremony was truly unique and had a number of traditions that made it special. One example was the ring passing – the rings made their way around the room and to each and every guest so that everyone could take part in the exchanging that happened at the end of the ceremony.

They were proclaimed husband and wife, kissed and exited the room with joy and excitement!

Right after the ceremony we stepped out into the vineyard for some pictures, and it was perfect timing. The sun was about to set and the light was amazing…

The sunset really was gorgeous – so much more beautiful in real life, I have to say. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres on the veranda and as the light dimmed everyone gathered inside for the celebration to begin.

Once inside guests dined, laughed, shared, and kissed. The speech by Sheffield’s “Primo Amigo” (as they called their best man, John) now ranks as my favorite best man speech. Ginna and Sheffield kissed when another couple did first and this is the best update (in my opinion) to clinking of glasses. It was an evening filled with everything you could want in a wedding and then it came time to dance.

…and after the formal dancing Ginna invited her friends up to surround her…

…and emerged with a short dress!

this really got the party started and the dancing continued well into the night

They marked 10:10.10 on October 10th, 2010 and threw petals in the air and celebrated!

The evening was complete and when it came time to leave guests were given a ride on the trolley back to their hotels.

Like this last picture, the day felt like a dream. I’m so glad you found each other, Sheffield and Ginna and I know you’re on your way to live happily ever after.

When Ginna Hoben, actress with the American Shakespeare Center, needed to find a wedding dress, she talked to her good friend and costume designer Jenny McNee. Ginna is not just an ordinary person, which was why she wouldn’t have just an ordinary dress. Jenny, one of two costume designers at ASC, could do more than just sew. She had created costumes for each play put on by ASC and could design, tailor, fit and re-purpose as needed to give the cast and crew the looks they needed. What she liked to do most was make dresses, and Ginna’s dress was the perfect opportunity to create something truly one of a kind. Together they dreamt up a dress that Ginna continually described as “frosting” when she wore it and Jenny went to work. It was a fitted and layered gown made from a gorgeous pink sandstone color of silk. The fitted and tucked bodice had a delicate off the shoulder strap and the waist was accented with a sequin belt taken from a historic gown. The dress also held a secret – it was actually two pieces, a short dress with a long skirt underneath – which allowed it to covert easily between the two. As a surprise during the reception, Ginna had her girls surround her while the bottom skirt was taken off and emerged with her short dress, ready to get the dancing started.

I met up with Ginna and Jenny for a bridal session a few weeks before the wedding to document the amazing work of art Ginna would be wearing. From the time I met Ginna to talk about being her photographer we had talked about this session and I was so excited for it to finally become reality. We started in the dressing room of the Blackfriar’s Playhouse (home to the American Shakespeare Center) so Ginna could get ready and then used the stage that Ginna has known so well for the first part of the session. Next we moved outside to the streets of Staunton, Virginia and overall we captured a lot of variety so I hope you enjoy!

Inside the playhouse, the view from the stage to the audience. Ginna has called this place home for several years and knows this view well.

The dress had a ton of detail and fit Ginna perfectly. Jenny did an amazing job and created the dress of Ginna’s dreams.

There’s a moment during each bridal session where you feel like you’re dreaming. You can’t believe this is what you will be wearing when you get married – and yes, you’re getting married!

Fierce! Ginna knew how to work it. Being an actress made it easy to be in front of the camera, and I loved it. Ginna and Sheffield’s wedding was anything but ordinary and I’m excited to share it with you tomorrow so stay tuned!

She was skeptical of the basketball team. Christy loved to play, and had for years, but it was almost an all male team so she brought her good friend Sarah with her. Together they enjoyed the church league and got to know some of their teammates, including the captain of the team, Phil. They spent time together casually so Christy didn’t hesitate to send a support letter to Phil for her upcoming trip to Zambia. She would be continuing her with World Hope and was looking forward to the challenge and adventure abroad.

The two met over coffee and talked about Christy’s trip, now only a few weeks away. They saw each other in a new light and couldn’t have predicted the start of their relationship would come at a more inopportune time. Of course, it allowed them to do something most couples don’t these days: write. Even in this day and age of email is there anything more romantic than a letter that has traveled in the sky and over the sea, to get to the one you love? At the end of Christy’s time in Zambia Phil came to visit and was able to see what Christy had been doing first hand. The rest is history, and I will let you learn their history or be a part of it if you know them well. One important chapter took place recently on a gorgeous  fall day in early October.

The wedding took place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Arlington, Virginia. The girls got ready in the beautiful stone house and the ceremony took place on the front lawn.

Gorgeous location, right? The light was beautiful, too, which always helps.

LOVE! they are so in love and it totally shows. Christy: you are gorgeous and of course Phil: you are equally handsome!

There were plenty of acorns throughout the day so it was only fitting to take a ring shot with them. Cupcakes from the famous Georgetown Cupcake were the dessert of choice and incredibly delicious (I had red velvet). The custom fondant monogram was the “icing on the cake,” so to speak. :)

Everyone enjoyed food, fellowship, and a little dancing to end the day. Phil and Christy, thank you for letting me document everything! It was a joy to be a part of and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Also, how was Belize? Amazing, I’m sure. Don’t forget to leave a comment and check back soon for the full gallery of images.