egomedia photography blog

NEW BLOGSITE!

2009-12-29T04:38:00.009-05:00

egomedia photography has a new blogsite! We've combined our blog with our website into one central location. Please visit us there for content, images, and new blog posts:

www.egomediaphotography.com

Jen & Randy

2009-11-16T01:21:00.002-05:00

Location: Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Philip Merrill Environmental Center
Caterer: Design Cuisine, starring Kelly :)
Decor: Syzygy Events
Lighting: Atmospheres
Florist: Multiflor
Wedding Day Coordinator: Wedding Savvy

Check out a lot more images below:

Kerri & Jake

2009-11-09T02:02:00.004-05:00

Location: The Field School in NW DC
Event Coordinator: Event Bliss
DJ: Chris Laich DJs

For more, check out the slideshow!

Lauren & Mark

2009-10-21T06:09:00.002-04:00

Locations:
Church of the Annunciation, Washington, DC
W Hotel in downtown Washington, DC

For more, check out the slideshow :)

Dina & Tom

2009-10-15T20:09:00.001-04:00

Location: St. Stephens Church and the Baltimore Yacht Club

Florist: Perzynski and Filar

Cake Artist: Yia Yia's Bakery

Melissa & Pete

2009-10-11T05:20:00.003-04:00

Location: Stone Manor Country Club
Florist: Ory Florals
Cake Artist: Karen Rodkey Cakes
Band: Truth Groove

Even more to see here!

Tiffany & Jason

2009-10-11T05:08:00.002-04:00

Location: Baywood Greens Country Club in Longneck, Delaware

You can view all the previews here:

Kim & Jake

2009-09-14T18:45:00.003-04:00

I've known Kim for almost three years - she is the wedding coordinator at the Annapolis Waterfront Marriott, so we've had an opportunity to work together quite a bit! I was thrilled when she got engaged and so very flattered when she asked if I would photograph her wedding day! Kim has impeccable taste and the setting and the beautiful flowers and decor were fantastic. Kim and Jake chose historic Londontown Gardens for their wedding site. The weather was perfect.

After a hilarious, fun limo ride we arrived at Londontown and Kim and her bridesmaids finished getting dressed. Hair and makeup were perfect, thanks to the wonderful Amie Decker and the glam squad.

Great Expectations: Flowers by Inka was responsible for the beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other arrangements! All the paper items and details were created by Alison Barnhill Designs.

After spending a few moments with her dad, Kim set out to see Jake for the first time on their wedding day.

Kim and Jake's decision to see each other before the ceremony to ensure that we had plenty of time for beautiful portraits. We loved not having to rush!

The ceremony took place at the perfect time of day - the light was stunning.

Everyone had a fantastic time with cocktails, dinner, dancing and of course the fun photo station (see previous blog post).

As always, Wedding Savvy did a wonderful job coordinating the entire event!
Check out lots more photos here:

Zhia & Shep

2009-09-10T21:52:00.002-04:00

I have been looking forward to Zhia and Shep's wedding for so long! I can't believe it went by so quickly. Zhia and Shep are a fantastic couple - we met them last year. Zhia provided yummy snacks at our meeting. Why? Because she's just that sweet and thoughtful! We had a wonderful time photographing their beautiful wedding at Hotel Monaco. Zhia got ready there, with several friends among rain boots (just in case - but we lucked out!)

We headed off to the church in Silver Spring (interestingly, Zhia's grandfather had been involved in the construction of the church, years ago!) Zhia and her dad sat together as the limo cruised toward the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Shep waited at the church with his groomsmen and family.

Zhia's dad escorted her down the aisle when the time came.

I really liked the pastor - she did a great ceremony and she even went to bat for us related to the church's photography restrictions! After the ceremony, we headed back to downtown after a few family portraits. When we arrived at Hotel Monaco, the sun broke through! So we quickly took advantage of our good fortune to do a few casual portraits of Zhia and Shep.

I love this picture!

The party was fantastic, with great toasts and dancing in the elegant ballroom.

Check out even more photos below!

Kim & Jake's wedding

2009-09-06T17:06:00.003-04:00

Kim and Jake had a fabulous wedding at Londontown yesterday. I'll have a separate blog entry about their big day soon, but as part of their wedding we set up a photo station for Kim and Jake and their guests to enjoy during the reception. Here are the cute and often hilarious images from the photobooth!

Meghan & Steve

2009-08-26T05:39:00.002-04:00

Meghan and Steve have some very talented friends. I know, this seems like an odd way to start a blog post about their wedding - but I don't think anyone there missed all the amazing details and personal touches that went into their beautiful wedding at the Decatur House in downtown DC.

Megan and her bridesmaids spent the afternoon getting ready at the Hay Adams Hotel just a short walk from the Decatur House.

Once everyone had put on the finishing touches, we set off for the Decatur House. Avalon Catering did a beautiful job with the ceremony setup as well as providing a delicious assortment of food and drinks for the guests to enjoy!

We waited upstairs, hidden as Meghan watched her friends and family arrive to share in the celebration of her marriage to Steve. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful and unique Meghan's gown is - it suited her perfectly.

After the ceremony in the courtyard and some family portraits, we headed out for some portrait time with Meghan and Steve.

As twilight fell it was easy to see why the Decatur House is such a popular choice for stylish brides and grooms in DC! Between all the special touches from Meghan and Steve's friends (cookie favors, the cake and groom's cake, the floral centerpieces and bouquets) and the excellent work by Avalon Catering the entire event was uniquely them.

As the night wore on Meghan and Steve enjoyed their first dance in the courtyard, surrounded by family and friends. It was a beautiful night!

Please check out the slideshow for all of their preview images!

Kelly & Jason

2009-08-04T01:52:00.002-04:00

Kelly and Jason were married at the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, just across the bridge from Annapolis. The always charming Raquel Shutt of Wedding Savvy worked with Erin Janes and the Beach Club staff to coordinate the event flawlessly. Kelly and her bridesmaids had a perfect view overlooking the ceremony site while they prepared for the festivities.

What started out as a hot day turned breezy and comfortable just before their 6:30pm ceremony upstairs on the deck.

Their guests watched them exchange vows and showered them with rose petals before heading downstairs for an outdoor cocktail hour.

Kelly and Jason spent some time with us taking fun, casual portraits on the lawn and the beach outside the Sunset Ballroom, appropriately named as you can see :)

The setup of the room was gorgeous and their cake was the perfect focal point to the room.

After a first dance and toasts, Kelly and Jason and their guests enjoyed the evening with dinner, dancing, and delicious cake! They exited among sparklers and drove off into the night!

Check out more images below!

Fatima & Christian

2009-07-31T20:31:00.002-04:00

Fatima and Christian's wedding was so much fun! Fatima got ready at her parents house, surrounded by friends and family (sometimes literally LOL)

We were running a little late on the church, but the traffic gods smiled upon them and we made it from Fairfax to NW DC in what I would consider to be record time. I have a hunch the limo driver maybe have driven race cars in a past life and I give him full credit for saving the day and delivering the radiant bride just a few minutes late.

Fatima and Christian chose The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament church in NW DC. The church was quite beautiful inside and the staff was a dream to work with. After the ceremony and some family portraits Fatima and Christian headed off for a few casual portraits in Georgetown. It was the perfect time of day!

We didn't know that where we were going for photographs was adjacent to a dog park... LOL fortunately none of us were afraid of dogs and they kept their distance, so there were no muddy pawprints on the dress.

After the brief portrait session we headed off to the Westin Gateway in Arlington where the reception festivities were beginning. I watched Fatima and Christian thank the many important friends and family who had supported them throughout the process of planning the wedding. Then we headed into the ballroom for dinner and dancing! There were some very touching toasts from Fatima and Christian's siblings as well as other friends and family, as well as a musical serenade from one of their guests!

Check out more images below.

Jenn & Pete

2009-07-28T04:30:00.002-04:00

What can I say about Jenn and Pete? They are an awesome couple. We were absolutely delighted when they chose us to document their wedding day! We photographed Jenn's sister's wedding and really loved working with their family. It is always especially meaningful to us when we have the opportunity to photograph more than one wedding for a single family. Not only is it a huge compliment to be invited back into their lives but it also allows us to understand more about the family and their history. In this case, Jenn's dad was diagnosed with ALS after her sister's wedding and unfortunately his illness has progressed in the two years since. All day long I was struck again and again by the beautiful way in which their family has pulled together to support one another and their dad during this difficult time. I was very deeply moved by their courage, especially Jenn and Melissa's father's courage in the face of a very debilitating disease, and her mother's selfless devotion to her husband. I can explain to my clients why I love photographing their weddings, but I don't think I can express in words how I felt documenting this day for this particular family.

Jenn and Pete got ready at the Hyatt Penn's Landing, which is in a great location in Philadelphia. Jenn had her bridesmaid to help her with the preparations.

Jenn and Pete decided to see each other prior to the ceremony to allow plenty of time for portraits of the two of them as well as their families. We arranged for their first meeting in a park near the hotel. Their reaction to seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day was sweet and emotional.

After some casual, fun portraits we headed to The Ballroom at the Ben, their venue, for family portraits before the ceremony. After a brief rehearsal, the ceremony began. Jenn and Pete were both escorted down the aisle by their parents and surrounded by their bridal party as they said their vows. They exited to applause from their guests!

Once the ceremony was over, the room was setup for a stunning reception. Longstems did a beautiful job with floral and decor.

Everyone had a fantastic time at the reception, with heartfelt speeches, great food and a photobooth for even more fun!

Rio, the band, was fantastic as always and the guests enjoyed a great dessert spread after dinner and lots of dancing.

Check out the slideshow for more preview images!

Stephanie & Patrick

2009-07-05T04:02:00.002-04:00

Stephanie and Patrick met in Japan! They live a far more glamorous life than I do and it was wonderful to be a part of their beautiful day in Annapolis before they headed off to Turkey on their awesome honeymoon!

Stephanie and her friends got ready at the Marriott Waterfront Annapolis. Her mom and Patrick's mom were also on hand to share in the excitement and anticipation.

Patrick and his groomsmen gathered in the lobby to wait for the trolley to the Naval Academy Chapel.

The girls also traveled via trolley and we arrived in plenty of time. The ceremony was a Catholic Mass which featured some excellent musical talent from the bride's friends and family. Afterwards we had some time for portraits at the Academy.

Then we headed back to the Marriott for cocktails with a view and toasts, dinner and dancing in the ballroom.

Check out more images here:

Kim & Evan's wedding feature!

2009-07-03T05:42:00.003-04:00

We're happy to say that another of our Philadelphia weddings has been featured in Real Weddings on the Philadelphia Magazine website!

Summer

2009-07-02T04:05:00.002-04:00

I think we'd all like to spend the summer like this little girl from Kate & Brad's wedding - strolling through a field, having our dad hand us dandelions so we could make wish after wish :)

Alexis & Sander

2009-06-23T05:45:00.002-04:00

When you meet Alexis and Sander it's hard not to be struck by his Herculean stature and her petite beauty. The height differences notwithstanding, they were clearly a very special couple. I did not find out until the wedding that they'd been together for 9.5 years (Sander's brother also didn't find out until he was in the middle of his speech actually), but having seen them together it explains the effortless chemistry that they share. The wedding had a few tense moments - it started to rain during family portraits, the limo driver had a less than thorough command of the local streets, and someone took a little spill... but never a tense moment between Alexis and Sander or their family and friends.

Alexis and her bridesmaids got ready at the Westin Annapolis and her dress was just gorgeous and suited her perfectly.

The ceremony took place at the USNA chapel which was beautiful in spite of being under construction. The sword exit went off effortlessly with a little help from Sander's friends.

After family photos we lucked into some sunshine and were able to use the Superintendent's garden for portraits of Alexis and Sander alone.

The reception was at the fabulous Chesapeake Bay Beach Club across the Bay Bridge on Kent Island. Alexis and Sander's 200 guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour at sunset and then dinner inside the dining room. The toasts from family and friends were in some cases hilarious and in others, very touching.

The evening, although stormy, was quite beautiful before the rain arrived (again!)

Alexis and Sander shared their first dance and parent dances before the dance party really got going.

Alexis's little brother is something of a guitar savant - really. He played with the band for a while and I think everyone present was absolutely in awe of his talent. I am so happy to have some images from his rockstar performance!

The entire event was coordinated by Wedding Savvy and the staff of the Beach Club which of course ensured a smooth and effortless day. Check our more images from their preview gallery!

Emily & Chris

2009-06-22T03:19:00.002-04:00

Emily and her bridesmaids got ready at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront.

Emily and Chris were married at the gorgeous St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Annapolis. The church is beautiful with sweeping architecture - the ceiling is stunning!

After the ceremony and some family portraits, we headed to the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club where everyone was regrouping to enjoy the party! There were touching toasts as the sun streamed in through the windows in the aptly named Sunset Ballroom.

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club is beautiful, day and night.

Check out more images from their preview gallery!

Anna & Danny

2009-06-08T01:57:00.002-04:00

Anna and Danny were married on a lovely Saturday at the Meridian House. I originally met Anna very briefly in NYC during a trip. She had only a few moments to meet due to her busy schedule at ABC but fortunately we had some time to get together on Thursday afternoon before the wedding and meet Anna's parents and her fiance. I could tell from the way that Anna and her mom spoke that a great deal of work and attention to detail had been put into the event!

In spite of torrential rains on Friday, the weather gods smiled on Saturday as Anna's preparations got underway at the Mayflower Hotel.

After a few portraits in a hidden nook at the Mayflower, we headed off to the always beautiful Meridian House.

I love the way the Meridian House is set up - the bride can remain hidden but still peak out as the processional begins.

The ceremony was heartfelt and blessed with beautiful light - I can take credit for neither, but the images show off the beautiful setting and the happy couple.

After the ceremony we had time for a few portraits of the happy couple!

Jeremy, catering and event guru extraordinaire of Susan Gage Catering ensured that everything went off the hitch - from the delicious gazpacho salad to the salted caramel tartlets. Yum.

The evening finished with a sparkler exit and a quick trip downtown for photos in front of the Capitol.

Check out more images below!

Christina & CJ

2009-06-07T02:23:00.000-04:00

Swing kids meets the Naval Academy for this wedding! Christina and CJ both graduated from the Naval Academy on Friday and were married at the USNA chapel on Saturday morning! So all in all, a big week for them and their families! Christina and her family were staying at a house in downtown Annapolis for the week and she prepared for the wedding amid friends and family.

After a lovely ceremony in the beautiful Naval Academy chapel, Christina and CJ had a fabulous sword arch exit.

Christina and CJ showed me a special spot on campus where they'd spent a lot of time together before we headed off to their reception and impressive dance routine at the Calvert House.

Melody and Matt's wedding featured!

2009-06-02T22:10:00.001-04:00

Just found out about this cool little feature on Melody and Matt's wedding, which we photographed in March at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts!

Wendy & Kirk

2009-05-25T06:18:00.006-04:00

Wendy and Kirk were married at the scenic Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland. I joined Wendy and the girls for a trolley ride (through some rather worrisome traffic) to CBF. We had so much fun on the trolley and I could tell very early on what a great day we were going to have!

Wendy had raved about Victoria Vox, a singer and songwriter who would be performing at the wedding. Victoria was awesome and definitely the musical highlight of the day. The beach ceremony was perfectly timed against a gorgeous sunset.

We had a few moments to take some casual portraits after the wedding and Wendy and Kirk were relaxed and happy.

The evening continued with a fabulous first dance, toasts, and partying on the dance floor into the night. Everyone was having so much fun that Wendy and Kirk actually extended their reception!

After some air guitar they exited amid their guests holding sparklers. They had so much fun that they ran through one more time before waving goodbye to friends and family.

See below for more preview images from their big day!

Christina & Hunter

2009-05-20T23:42:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I was lucky enough to photograph Christina and Hunter's gorgeous destination wedding at Sandestin in Destin, FL. I flew down on Friday morning and I have to ask - why does the airport near Destin have four different names? It was called Valparaiso, Ft. Walton Beach, Southwest Florida Regional Airport, and one other name I can't recall. This became more important on Sunday when I needed to try to find my way back to the airport using only a map and an iPhone. Not the least confusing trip I've ever had. Back to the important stuff though!

Christina hit the spa on the morning of the wedding and then had her hair and makeup done before heading back to her villa to get dressed.

Nearby, Hunter was perfecting his hair.

We had a little time for a first meeting and a few casual portraits before the wedding begin. In spite of a directionally challenged officiant, the ceremony was gorgeous and the light was perfect.

Later Christina and Hunter and their guests partied the night away at Finz on the beach. I also have to mention the extraordinarily good barbecue they had on the buffet. I was impressed. But then, I am on a barbecue kick.

Check out more images here:

Kim & Eric

2009-05-12T05:11:00.006-04:00

Kim was a wonderful bride - beautiful and laid back. It really doesn't get better than that combination!

Kim and Eric were married at the chapel at Seton Hall, just a few steps from where they first met in college. The chapel there has recently undergone a refurbishment and it's absolutely stunning, especially inside!

The reception took place at the Newark Club where Tina LaMorte of oh so fabulous wedding design was the wedding designer. The design and execution of the reception decor was absolutely stunning, and their guests had to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the lighting, flowers, and a clear panoramic view of NYC. I am just going to let the images speak for themselves this time. :)

Believe it or not, you can see more images here:

Kate & Brad

2009-05-05T11:42:00.000-04:00

Kate and Brad celebrated their wedding at Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland. It was a very pretty rustic setting for their ceremony. They had family in town to celebrate with them from as far away as South Africa and Australia. It was very emotional as Kate's dad saw her for the first time in her wedding gown just before he escorted her down the aisle.

The day was very warm and sunny and Kate and Brad exchanged vows and rings on the lawn as their family and friends watched. Afterwards we took a few casual portraits before the reception began.

There were three excellent and touching speeches, given by the father of the bride, best man and maid of honor.

I have to say that at this wedding I took one of the funniest images I've ever taken or seen from a wedding. Ah, sisters. See below.

The party tent looked especially beautiful at dusk as the dancing began. Everyone had a blast!

Jennifer and Saurabh

2009-05-05T07:02:00.003-04:00

Jennifer and Saurabh chose the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for their wedding on April 25th. Their ceremony and reception combined Indian and Jewish traditions to honor both of their families. Jennifer wore a stunning pink embroidered wedding gown while Saurabh wore traditional Indian dress. Saurabh's one special request was to recreate the old Toyota slogan and jump with the bridal party. You wouldn't believe how high the groomsmen could jump, and you have to respect a bride who will jump four or five times, in heels on a hot day, to make her groom happy :)

Saurabh arrived on horseback as part of the Baratt ceremony and was greeted enthusiastically by Jennifer's family.

The room was absolutely stunning for both the ceremony, and the reception.

The staff worked quickly and seamlessly to get the room ready for dinner.

Several of Saurabh's cousins honored the newlyweds with dance performances.They were a very talented group.

The night sky was absolutely beautiful over the Reagan Building as it got dark and the wedding guests danced the night away.

Additional photos:

Kim & Evan

2009-04-24T03:11:00.004-04:00

Kim and Evan were married at the very fabulous Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Kim looked stunning!

We had a great time taking photos at the Kimmel Center and Philadelphia's 30th Street Station before the ceremony. Evan fortunately had time for a snack at the golden arches before we headed back to the Kimmel Center for family pictures and the ceremony.

I can't even tell you how beautiful the atrium is!! They had both their ceremony and reception there, with a cocktail hour on the second level while the room was prepared. The lighting, decor, and service at the reception were all absolutely impeccable and Kim and Evan were a joy to work with all day long!

Check out more images here:

WPJA winners

2009-04-17T04:05:00.001-04:00

Last week WPJA announced their contest results a and we were thrilled to see that two of my images were among those chosen! One from Greer and Dave's wedding at McLean Gardens Ballroom in October and one from Esther and Se's wedding last spring at Baltimore's Renaissance Harborplace.

Here are the recent winners:

Angie & Jim

2009-04-02T06:17:00.003-04:00

Angie and Jim had a fantastic wedding at two of the greatest venues in Annapolis. The historic William Paca House and Garden and the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront. Wedding Savvy coordinated the event and did a fantastic job, as did Kim Hansman and the staff of Pusser's. Angie got ready with close friends at the Marriott amid champagne toasts and a lot of laughter.

After Angie and Jim had a chance to see each other for the first time on their wedding day, we hopped on the trolley and headed to Galway Bay for Guinness and relaxation before the ceremony!

The ceremony was beautiful! It's such a picturesque location. Rainy weather held off until after family portraits and everyone was safely enjoying their cocktails at the Marriott. Dinner and dancing followed.

Please check out the slideshow for more images.

Gina and Scott

2009-04-01T01:16:00.002-04:00

I absolutely loved Gina from the day we met with her! She's a super interesting person and although we didn't get to meet Scott that day, Gina did prepare us for the awesomeness that is "Scotty T". LOL Gina and Scott chose to be married at the USNA chapel in Annapolis. Although under construction at the moment, the chapel was beautiful as always and the altar area remained unaffected by the work going on in the rear of the building.

After the ceremony and the family photos, we set off with Gina and Scott to their reception at the N*Room, located at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium! I love the N* Room because not only do your guests have a chance to check out the view of the stadium, but I get to take a few photos of the bride and groom hanging out in the stands!

After a well executed first dance and some touching (and some revealing) speeches, everyone enjoyed the festivities!

This was the first time we'd shared clients with 39 Mariner and they rocked! Many of my clients know how particular I am about bands and DJs and I have to compliment 39 Mariner for a great, fun, and professional performance.

Please check out more images in the slideshow below!

Feature in Wedding and Reception Magazine!

2009-03-24T23:38:00.001-04:00

I was excited to hear that Serena and Heath's wedding will be featured in Wedding and Reception Magazine! Serena sent me an email to let me know and Celebrate! events sent me a preview of the feature so here it is! Very exciting. If you remember, Serena and Heath's wedding took place down in St. Augustine, FL and they had a beautiful event with a lot of attention to detail. I really enjoyed working with Celebrate! and the other vendors that put together such a beautiful day! And special thanks to Serena and Heath for being such a fun, gorgeous couple and so easy to work with!

Melody & Matt

2009-03-18T03:03:00.002-04:00

We were beyond happy last summer when Melody, one of our favorite coordinators from Philadelphia's Sofitel Hotel, asked if we would photograph her wedding at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)! Melody is gorgeous and hilarious and we knew she would be a wonderful bride.

She chose one of Philadelphia's most beautiful venues for her event. Her charming fiance Matt works for Jimmy Duffy's which we are told is one of Philadelphia's oldest, well-known caterers!

Melody did her preparations at the Sofitel and was actually early getting ready!

We had plenty of time for some bridal portraits and then we documented Melody and Matt's first time seeing each other on their wedding day. After we took their family portraits we headed over to PAFA for a few more images before the ceremony.

The setup at PAFA was beautiful and Melody and Matt's family and friends watched from above as they said their vows on the beautiful marble staircase. Afterwards the cocktail hour was brilliantly presented by Jimmy Duffy's among stunning paintings and sculpture. After Melody and Matt danced to I Love You More Today than Yesterday, dinner was served and everyone enjoyed the toasts and ambiance of the gallery.

There was lots of dancing as well as a popcorn and candy bar! Matt encouraged me to help myself and so I was sure to bring along some chocolate and popcorn for the drive home. It was a fantastic day. Check out the slideshow below for more preview images!

Lisa & Dave

2009-03-16T04:18:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we were excited to photograph the wedding of a colleague, Lisa Romano of Bella Bridal. It is always especially flattering when we're hired by someone we've worked with on other clients' weddings! Lisa and her fiancee, Dave were married at the Marriott Waterfront in Annapolis. We were so lucky with the weather! It was warm and beautiful and Lisa was able to have her ceremony outside on the deck, overlooking the water.

In spite of an emotional start to the day, Lisa held it together admirably as she and her dad waited to walk down the aisle.

Of course Lisa did a beautiful job choosing decor and flowers for her wedding reception and the Marriott's ballroom looked extra special with her elegant black and white theme. Lisa not only had a beautiful wedding cake, but she also surprised Dave with an ice cream groom's cake - his favorite! A special couple who'd been married for 61 years received the bouquet after a very impressive anniversary dance and every else has a great time out on the dance floor until the very end of the evening!

To see all the preview images check out the slideshow below:

Featured in the Schmap Baltimore Guide!

2009-02-02T01:58:00.001-05:00

Fun! One of our images from Marie and Fred's wedding last May was selected for inclusion in the sixth edition of the Schmap Baltimore Guide. You can check it out here under Baltimore Basilica.

Schmap Baltimore

A Chesapeake Winter Wedding!

2009-01-30T00:11:00.001-05:00

Here's an update now that we've completed Kelly and Don's wedding. One of the images is now featured on the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club's website.

Kelly and Don were married at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. This was our first wedding at this particular venue, and I have to say that I was impressed! Erin Janes and the staff at CBBC did a fantastic job of putting together a very elegant affair. Kelly and Don had their ceremony in the Garden Room. It has a lovely view of the Bay Bridge, especially at night. The room was decorated seasonally - with garlands and white Christmas lights, and a wreath hung about the fireplace. Kelly and Don lined the windows and the mantle with tea candles, and the aisle leading to the fireplace was illuminated by several large candles. Kelly looked beautiful in her wedding dress as her father escorted her down the candlelit aisle. Because the ceremony was later in the evening, it was dark and the room glowed warmly from the candlelight.

The reception took place in the same building in the Tavern Ballroom. This was particularly nice since it was cold and there was even a brief snow flurry! The tables for dinner were arranged separately from the bar and dance floor. Kelly’s father started the evening with a heartwarming toast to his daughter and her new husband.

A plated dinner followed, and as soon as the food was eaten, everyone boogied toward the dance floor. I have to say that Kelly and Don’s wedding guests could hardly contain their excitement for dancing! The DJ, Dan Hawkins of MusicMasters did an excellent job keeping the guests happy on the dance floor.

By the end of the night, after the last song finished playing, everyone unanimously begged for one last song. The crowd’s selection? “Shout!” There was so much enthusiasm that I am certain this group continued to party long after the reception!

With so many family and friends present to celebrate this special day, it is obvious how much Kelly and Don are loved and how much they love each other! See below for a short slideshow of some of our favorite images.

Yum

2009-01-27T00:36:00.000-05:00

So I'm not one of those bloggers that spends every day writing about their every activity, but now and then I do like to let everyone know about my little quirks and what random nonsense I'm up to on my occasional day off :) We were at Bethesda Row a few days ago and I went to Le Pain Quotidien to pick up one of my favorite baked goods - a madeline. They are really really fantastic. As we wandered out of there we happened to notice a new chocolate shop that had just opened up across the way, so being slaves to good chocolate we ran in there and bought some chocolates. Then as we were heading back to the car we walked by a cake store that I've seen before. Decided to go in when I saw the note about cupcakes... LOL yeah I know, I need help.

Anyway ventured in to find myself in the presence of a cake diva - Leslie of Fancy Cakes by Leslie to be exact! We got to talking and it was really interesting to hear more about Leslie and her business, which she has been running for almost 15 years. I got to try a delicious chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting and then we were treated to the very best chocolate chip cookies I have ever had. EVER. I couldn't believe how good they were. My only regret is that I didn't get more! So if you get to Bethesda Row, don't miss the cookies and if you're looking for a wedding cake you can knock that out at the same time :)

I have to go get on the elliptical machine now. It's going to take me three days to work off all that food...

First 2009 Wedding!

2009-01-16T12:41:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Courtney and Sam - our first couple to be married in 2009! The day started out at the Loews Hotel where Courtney was getting ready. Courtney arrived to the chapel in a limo, accompanied by her parents and bridesmaids. The ceremony took place at the Naval Academy Chapel which was still decorated for Christmas. Sam and his groomsmen arrived to the chapel well ahead of time which allowed them to get ready (or nervous!) with plenty of time to spare.

After the ceremony, we were able to take some photos of Courtney and Sam in Bancroft Hall, away from the cold outdoors!

Little did Sam know that Courtney had a surprise planned before the couple went to their reception. They took a detour in downtown Annapolis and visited Buddy's Sam had really wanted barbecue for the reception, so Courtney placed an order ahead of time and got Sam some ribs to-go! I'm pretty sure he was very excited!

The reception was held at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The cocktail hour was held in the late afternoon, just in time to enjoy the sunset. Immediately upon arriving to CBF, Sam and Courtney changed into traditional Japanese wedding attire. Sam's family is from Japan and as a wedding gift to those family members who could not be present, the couple took photos outside of CBF in their traditional Japanese clothing. Sam's mom made certain that everything looked perfect for the photos! After being announced into the reception, guests were asked to be seated for dinner, which was catered by Company's Coming The couple offered the options of chicken and salmon for their guests. The best men and maid of honor gave toasts as salads were served and dinner followed. Neither Courtney nor Sam are huge cake fans, so they opted for something unique - a "cake" of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts !

What a nice way for Courtney and Sam to start out the New Year together! Below is a slideshow of their sneak peeks!

Erin and Chris

2009-01-16T11:50:00.003-05:00

Erin and Chris got married at the Loyola College Chapel, a location that was very special to the couple. Erin arrived to the chapel via limo and carefully waited until all the guests were inside before making her way to the chapel.

The ceremony was a full mass, allowing us plenty of time to take photos : )

After the ceremony, Erin and Chris wanted photos at Federal Hill, so we climbed into the trolley with the bride, groom, and their bridal party. It was late afternoon and the sunlight was really gorgeous.

The reception was held at the Tremont Grand and was separated in two different rooms. The cocktail hour took place in the Marble Room. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served to all the guests. Afterwards, dinner and dancing were upstairs in the Corinthian Room - which appropriately has large columns and very high ceilings. Erin and Chris were announced and immediately had their first dance.

The bridal party lined the dance floor and watched as the couple enjoyed their dance. Erin and Chris opted for a live band as opposed to a dj. The room lent itself nicely to a band, as it is very spacious. There was plenty of room for everyone - musicians, dancing guests, and guests who remained at the dinner tables. A plated dinner followed the first dance after which the newlyweds cut their cake.

To open the dance floor, Erin and her father danced and Chris danced with his mother. Erin and Chris danced with their family and friends for the remainder of the night. Erin and Chris are a lovely couple. It was exciting being able to photograph their day in two locations that were new to us! Below you will find a slideshow of some of our favorites from their special day.

WPJA winners

2009-01-10T01:45:00.001-05:00

I've been a bit behind in posting this :) WPJA announced their contest results a few weeks ago and we were thrilled to see that two of my images were among those chosen! One from Liz and Pete's wedding in August at the USNA and one from Lindsay and Sean's wedding in July at Herrington on the Bay. I am now ranked number one in Maryland for WPJA, which is very flattering!

Here are the recent winners:

And a quick note for those of you looking for me on Twitter - LOL I am bad at Twitter, I really am. But you can find me and egomedia photography on Facebook HERE.

Greer and Dave

2008-12-21T17:29:00.001-05:00

Greer and Dave were married on a truly gorgeous autumn day. From the beginning, it was apparent how excited everyone was for Greer and Dave’s wedding day.

A rarely seen photo of Jen on the day, helping Greer with her jewelry!

The ceremony was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown. This church is really beautiful, and its architecture is impressive without being gigantic, thus creating an intimate setting for the ceremony. The aisle is intricately tiled, a feature that I found to be unique. Their ceremony was held at just the right time of day so that the sunlight came in the windows and fell upon the bride and groom on the altar.

Georgetown is filled with brick sidewalks and the fall foliage complimented them nicely. The weather was absolutely perfect and it made for some lovely photos of the couple outside after their wedding.

The reception was held in Washington, D.C. at the McLean Gardens Ballroom . This venue is elegant with a central wooden dance floor bordered by four massive white columns. The ceilings are 40 feet high and there are five chandeliers. There are two fireplaces and a large mirror hangs above each. The walls are a very light yellow, which adds to the warm ambiance provided by the chandeliers. Greer and Dave chose to use mini cakes as the centerpieces for their tables. I thought this was a really good idea - dual purpose! Not only are they cute, but edible, too!

Greer and Dave had their first dance immediately upon entering their reception after which dinner was served with the catering services of 3 Citron . Following dinner were the toasts and the parent dances. We were particularly impressed with the dj services of Chris Laich. After the cake cutting, the guests and the newly married couple hardly left the dance floor, and such a good time was being had that the reception was extended for an extra hour! At the end of the night, the guests lined the sidewalk in front of the building. Greer and Dave walked out amidst lit sparklers and their family and friends as they ended their night with a special exit.

Below we have posted a slideshow of our favorites from Greer and Dave’s wedding. Enjoy!

Elizabeth and Matthew

2008-12-16T18:18:00.003-05:00

There is nothing nicer on a cold winter day that to see two people who are completely in love. This was most certainly the case with Elizabeth and Matthew, who were married at the USNA Chapel on Saturday. The day began at the Calvert House, where Elizabeth was getting ready. She and Matthew planned to see each other ahead of the ceremony, but Elizabeth had a surprise. She greeted her soon-to-be-husband in a beautiful purple dress, instead of the wedding dress Matthew was expecting to see. The bridal party arrived at the chapel via trolley.

The academy chapel is always beautiful, but it was particularly so with its festive wreaths, candles, and other Christmas decorations. Elizabeth looked lovely in her strapless wedding dress, and very smartly wore a winter cape to keep her warm during the moments to and from the Chapel.

She and Matthew were really enthusiastic about their day (and their photos!) and even volunteered to stand outside Bancroft Hall despite the frigid weather.

The reception was held at the Calvert House in State Circle. The cocktail hour began in the Atrium and the bridal party and newlyweds were announced officially before the guests were seated for dinner. The tables were decorated with red table cloths and frosty centerpieces illuminated with blue lights. The resulting ambiance was perfect for their winter-themed wedding! Before dinner, there were toasts. Elizabeth's sister, and maid-of-honor began with a sweet and heartfelt toast. Matthew's best man followed and had the entire room laughing for the duration of his speech. After dinner, the dancing was kicked off with the first dance and the parent dances.

The band, Mutual Fun, played a variety of familiar dance tunes and successfully got the guests on the dance floor. Shortly after, there was the cake cutting, where Elizabeth and Matthew very politely gave one another the teeniest bites of cake! It was very sweet they they were careful not to make a mess! Their cake was very pretty. The top portions of each layer were decorated with sparkles, giving the illusion of wintery frost. The sides were decorated with white snowflakes, make it a wintery treat nobody could resist!

It was such a pleasure to be a part of this lovely couple's wedding day! Below is a short slideshow of Elizabeth and Matthew's preview photos!

Kelley & Tyler

2008-11-29T18:52:00.002-05:00

We met with Kelley for the first time last year to talk about her Philadelphia wedding. She and Tyler married at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in downtown Philadelphia. The reception was held at the beautiful and modern Sofitel Hotel. Melody Lapp coordinated the Sofitel event and not only is she a brilliant coordinator but she is also one of our clients. We'll photograph her wedding in March 2009! :)

Kelley got ready in a beautiful suite at the Sofitel which yielded some gorgeous getting ready images - she had a very Breakfast at Tiffany's look for her wedding day style.

We all hopped in the limo (well to be honest I kind of fell into the limo which is what happens when you're carrying your camera and shoulder bag - I travel very light but for some reason limos are so hard to get in an out of!). Anyway Kelley and her bridesmaids were more graceful than I and we headed off to the Basilica.

The Basilica itself is beautiful and the staff was gracious enough to allow us a lot of freedom of movement during the ceremony. I was with Kelley until she walked through the doors and down the aisle. After an emotional few moments of seeing each other as Kelley made her way to Tyler, the couple took their seats on the altar for the ceremony. The beauty of the church and the obvious love and commitment as they took their vows made for a touching ceremony.

After the ceremony we had instructions to leave the church right away (a peculiarity of this particular basilica) and of course that didn't happen. One thing I can say from experience - it's nearly impossible to quickly leave the ceremony and disperse the excited family and friends! The day is so meaningful and emotional that it takes on a life of its own.

I got in the limo with Kelley and Tyler and a few bridal party members and took one of my favorite images of the day.

It's one of those images that makes me so happy to be a wedding photojournalist. Generations of Kelley and Tyler's family will get to see this image and others like it and get a sense of what their wedding day was like and how they felt on that day.

The reception was a lot of fun - after a couple of heartfelt toasts from their matron of honor and best man Kelley and Tyler danced the night away with their guests. Kelley's background is in dance and she didn't fail to impress us! You can check out our favorites gallery below in full screen by clicking --- or to see the entire gallery you can click here.

An Officer and a Ballerina

2008-11-23T21:12:00.001-05:00

First, I have to say congratulations to a very special couple! Liz and I were roommates and co-ballerinas (we danced together with Ballet Theatre of Maryland), and I’ve known Pete since...well, since before Liz and Pete were Liz and Pete. Not only was I very excited that my two friends were getting married and that we were shooting their wedding, but I was Liz’s maid of honor - and this was my first participation in a wedding! Needless to say, it was a very different experience to be involved in the day’s actual events as opposed to witnessing them and documenting them with the camera.

Our day started out very early in the morning with hair appointments, makeup appointments, and getting ready. We were all so excited that it was easy to forget how little sleep we had gotten the night before.

The ceremony took place in the USNA Chapel. I have to say, that if you are able walk down the seemingly never-ending aisle without tripping, falling,slipping, sliding, or otherwise having a very embarrassing event, you have made quite an accomplishment. I, along with everyone else, managed to make it to the alter without having such a moment. We are a pretty talented bunch. Liz’s dress was perfect for the chapel - the train was long and the beadwork was elaborate. I’m certain that I speak for everyone when I say that she looked gorgeous! Pete cleaned up nicely as well - and looked handsome, as always, in his uniform.

After the ceremony, the bridal party crammed into the limo and took a small, but very important detour to Castle Bay in downtown Annapolis. When we were walking into the bar, there was a table of four sitting outside eating. They asked what we were doing, and I explained that this bar has special significance because it is where Liz and Pete first met. We continued inside where the entire bridal party enjoyed a pint of beer courtesy of Castle Bay! Before we left, a server came over to Liz and Pete and handed them an envelope. The people from the table outside, complete strangers, gave them gift certificate as congratulations. They preferred to remain anonymous and had already left the restaurant, but their gesture was very much appreciated and will not be forgotten.

From Castle Bay, we were ready to continue to the reception at the Sheraton, where the guests were already enjoying the cocktail hour. This was followed by the first dance, a plated dinner, and of course, lots of dancing. The bridal party’s table remained empty for the duration of the reception as everyone headed to the dance floor. My favorite moment was during the cake cutting when Liz, to everyone’s surprise, smashed the piece of cake onto Pete’s face. Not to be outdone, Pete reciprocated without hesitation!

As it must happen, the reception eventually came to a close. The festivities continued downtown with Liz and Pete joining everyone - at where else but Castle Bay! It was a very appropriate ending to a very important day!

Lisa and Eric

2008-11-23T20:50:00.001-05:00

When Lisa and Eric told us about their plan to use lighting as an integral part of their decor for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, we could not wait to see the outcome! The afternoon of the wedding was beautiful, and the excitement of the day was apparent from the moment we arrived to the room where Lisa was getting ready. When it was time, the guests gathered onto the beach for the ceremony. Everyone watched as her dad escorted Lisa down the dock and into the sand where Eric waited.

The celebrations continued on the deck where over 200 guests gathered to enjoy the cocktail hour. For those of you unfamiliar with CBF, usually there are two tents covering part of the deck, but Lisa and Eric opted to add an additional tent to go over the remaining uncovered portion. This simple act definitely makes a difference. Not only does it protect guests from any sort of weather (rain, wind, harsh sunlight, sudden snowstorms, etc), but it creates a more intimate atmosphere for the reception.

The tables were decorated with delicate flowers and pin lit from above. This minimalistic floral approach combined with the lighting created a very clean and interesting take on decor.

The lighting, however did not stop there. CBF was covered with lights - from the tents to the Canvasback Room to the actual building, each positioned with a specific purpose. The result was nothing short of incredible, and we say with certainty that CBF has never looked this amazing! Atmosphere, a Maryland-based lighting company, definitely transformed CBF. The ever-changing colors began subtly as the evening began and progressed into dramatic, rich colors as the night continued.

What do you get when you combine colorful ambiance with live music, great food, a happy couple, and enthusiastic guests?

The perfect combination for one fantastic wedding celebration!

Going to NY!

2008-11-15T15:23:00.001-05:00

I am headed to New York this week for a workshop with Jay Maisel. I'm very excited about what I'm sure will be an amazing learning experience! If you need anything I should be able to return emails but I may not be able to do it within my usual 15 minute turnaround time LOL. Dena and Sam will be in the office if you need immediate attention.

Now I have to go to Eastern Mountain Sports to pick up some cold weather stuff. If I have to walk around NYC for hours every day I must be prepared! I grew up in New England but these mild DC area winters have made me soft :)

The Headless Photographer

2008-11-01T15:06:00.001-04:00

So in honor of Halloween, we decided to celebrate egomedia style!

After receiving an email from Sam at 5 am, Jen and I were hoping that he’d forget about his brilliant idea...

"go get a bunch of pumpkins, clean them out, carve them with a Dremel power tool, stick them on our heads, and then take photos"

One week, four pumpkins, and a roll of Seran wrap later, we found ourselves covered in pumpkin goo.

Brides Magazine/WPJA contest

2008-10-28T04:50:00.000-04:00

After shooting a fantastic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida this weekend (Serena and Heath at Casa Monica!) I returned home to get some exciting news - one of my images won a place in the Brides Magazine/WPJA jointly sponsored contest. It's an annual competition and it garners entries from many talented wedding photojournalists all over the world. I feel very special :D

The top winning images in each category will be featured in the November/December 2008 issue of Brides magazine.

Here's the feature on the Brides Magazine website!

Alice and Joseph

2008-10-19T19:47:00.001-04:00

Alice and Joseph chose the outdoor setting of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for their wedding celebrations. Alice took special care to personally oversee the arranging of the decor, and the result was lovely. The ceremony was held on the beach, and Alice and Joseph even constructed a pathway that covered the sand and led to the chuppah! I was definitely impressed with their creative ingenuity. From the moment the ceremony began, it was apparent how much Joseph and Alice cared for each other - it was a very emotional ceremony!

The reception followed the ceremony and guests gathered on the deck for the cocktail hour, and dinner was served in the Canvasback Room. After dinner, an unsuspecting Alice was subjected to the Hora. The look on her face as she was lifted into the air was absolutely priceless! By the end, I think she actually enjoyed it!

The musicians were a particularly impressive trio - the inclusion of a violinist made their performance particularly memorable. They played good music, sang stellar songs, and kept the dance floor full! Later in the evening, they stepped aside to allow a very talented young relative to play a song especially dedicated to Alice and Joseph.

Kate and Rocco

2008-10-19T18:49:00.001-04:00

Kate and Rocco could not have asked for more beautiful weather on their wedding day - and it is a good thing, since their day's events took place inside and outside of the Meridian House in Washington, D.C.. The Meridian House is a beautiful venue with truly unique features and lends itself well to wedding celebrations. The green grass and the well-maintained gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony.

The cocktail hour that followed was held in the courtyard. The rows of linden trees created a canopy over the guests. Between trees, colorful lanterns hung and were illuminated once it was dark outside.

The interior of the Meridian House has several rooms, each of which Kate and Rocco assigned a very specific purpose. The foyer contained the buffet for dinner, complete with a meat carving station. Guests were seated in two connecting rooms for dinner. The bookshelves that lined the walls added to the ambiance. Later, they moved across the hallway to yet another room - complete with band and bar - where the dancing began!

The band Chopteeth plays a variety of music, strongly influenced by African styles (they call themselves and "Afrofunk Big Band" to be exact). The upbeat rhythms had the guests dancing til the last minute of the reception.

In a separate room, the cake was displayed. Khoa Le with Festive Foods provided impeccable service, amazing food, and was meticulous to the point of arranging the forks on the cake table into a complicated heart pattern. Later after dinner a chocolate fountain was added to this room with various fruits, marshmallows, and brownies for dipping. The night would not be complete without a special exit. Guests lined the steps at the entrance, armed with umbrellas (a very thoughtful favor from Kate and Rocco in case it rained, which fortunately it did not) and sparklers, as a farewell to Kate and Rocco.

WPJA awards

2008-09-25T03:19:00.000-04:00

You may remember our blog entry about Jennifer and Sean's wedding a few months ago. We decided to enter one of their beautiful images in the most recent WPJA contest. Although the client's opinion is my first concern, I was thrilled to see it was recognized by the judges as one of the winning images! Here it is:

What should I be watching?

2008-09-24T03:35:00.000-04:00

Ah television. Movies are my absolute favorite but I have to be honest - I watch quite a bit of TV. I know it rots your brain, etc. but it keeps me company and since I'm excellent at multi-tasking I can keep it on in the background sometimes when I am working. I can't decide if my love of TV is due to channel deprivation when I was growing up. We had a TV certainly, but just one and I really only remember watching the Dukes of Hazzard (who didn't) and Knight Rider. Sure, there was Dallas and Dynasty but those were on after my bedtime. We didn't have cable though. I know it's hard to believe. But we didn't. My parents credit the limited TV time to my obsessive reading and good grades in school. They are probably right. But I credit that limited exposure with my current love of television. When you have the programming lineup for 1 am memorized you know you have a problem :)

So some of my favorites: The Unit (which I'm currently obsessed with), Man Vs. Wild, Intervention, Law and Order Criminal Intent - (Goren and Eames only), Law and Order Special Victims Unit, Iron Chef, Project Runway, Bridezillas, Damages, Jericho (now over), Family Guy, House, South Park, and Dexter.

If you have any suggestions for new show addictions, let me know and I'll try to squeeze them in to my busy lineup :)

Visionary Art, meet Serious Dance Party

2008-09-11T19:23:00.000-04:00

You may remember the pre-wedding photos of AJ and Jackson (the dog). Though Jackson was adorable in his doggie tuxedo, he was not quite the groom AJ had in mind. On the day of the wedding, AJ looked even more radiant in her wedding dress than the first time we saw her, and Graham was the handsome groom.

AJ and Graham picked a truly unique venue for their wedding celebration. The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore has over 4,000 pieces of art in their permanent collection (shown on a rotation of approximately 50 works at a time). At the time of AJ and Graham’s wedding, an exhibit of PostSecret postcards lined the spiral staircase. AJ and her father walked up the “aisle” - making their way from the bottom of the spiral and stopping just short of the last step. The ceremony took place on the stairs, allowing for an interesting perspective. Guests lined the balcony railings and overlooked the couple as they said their vows.

The reception directly followed the ceremony. It took place in the Tall Sculpture Barn, located a few steps away from the ceremony site inside AVAM. Formerly a whiskey warehouse and now an event venue for AVAM, the room is expansive and has 45-foot ceilings. The decor was totally original and impressive. Created by AJ herself, it was a true exhibition of the bride’s artistic talent.

The decor was very detail oriented, and perhaps my favorite was the addition of a caged bird on top of the cake! But don't worry - no birds were hurt in the cutting of this cake!

Yellow and red lights illuminated the checkered floor and radiated a club-like atmosphere that inspired all guests, young an old, to make their way to the dance floor!

Guests danced enthusiastically until it was time for the bride and groom to depart. They exited through a pathway of friends and a shower of bubbles.

Marie & Fred

2008-08-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

Marie and her parents came to meet with us a year ago and I was really struck by how enthusiastic and excited they were about Marie and Fred's wedding plans. The meeting was a lot of fun and we were thrilled when they let us know that they had chosen us to document the wedding day!

The ceremony site was up in the air initially, and then a few months later I got an email letting me know that they'd chosen the Baltimore Basilica. Officially, it's called the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Wow. That is a mouthful. A long name for a beautiful place. I went to scout the Basilica since it was our first time photographing a ceremony there and I noticed how gorgeous and light and airy it is. Light and airy is rare among enormous intricate Catholic churches/cathedrals/basilicas. I just stood around saying "preeeettttty" to myself. LOL.

Here's Dena's account of the day, which is more entertaining than mine LOL.

As we left Annapolis, ominous black clouds welcomed us onto the highway. The closer we got to Baltimore, the more threatening they became until finally, we found ourselves in the midst of a torrential downpour. By the time we got to the Baltimore Basilica, the rain continued at a fairly steady rate, and the bridal party was ushered into the church underneath umbrellas!

The Basilica is a gorgeous, recently restored, 200 year old church, situated in the heart of Baltimore. The church staff was gracious and very accommodating.

With Sam and Jen already in their positions on the ground level, I set about finding the highest balcony. After trekking up several flights of steep stairs, I discovered that the doors were locked. Quickly, I ran down the stairs and back up on the other side, relieved to find this door to the balcony was unlocked. Note to self (and future visitors to the Basilica) only use stairs on the left-hand side of the building! In these few minutes of stillness, I began to suspect that I was either really out of shape, or there was no air-conditioning in the church! I'll stick with the latter, and say that all the hot air does indeed rise. The architecture of the church is truly impressive, and the rotunda, vaulted ceilings, and lengthy aisle made for a both a beautifully dramatic entrance and an inspiring ceremony.

By the end of the ceremony, the rain still had not lessened, but the guests crowded excitedly outside the church to welcome Marie and Fred through the sword arch. Marie, Fred, and Jen were lucky to be scooped up by the limo.

Sam however, found himself clutching the gold umbrella and making a mad dash for the car, which was a block away. Everyone scrambled to their cars as quickly as possible, eager to continue celebrating at the reception.

Marie and Fred wanted some photos at the Naval Academy, and by the time we made it there, the rain had nearly stopped. Sam and Jen were able to get some nice photos of the couple at several locations at Bancroft Hall.

For over a year, Marie had her heart set on getting a photograph on the rocks at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. After a little convincing, Fred put on waders and carried Marie through the water and out to the rocks.

Marie gave us a heads up early in the evening that her family would be dancing to “Cotton Eye Joe” during the reception. Little did we know that this “family tradition” was no ordinary dance. When the first notes of the song began, guests took turns dancing acrobatically with a chair! It definitely won the award for the most original dance interpretation of this popular party song.

Seriously, stop it...

2008-08-01T00:44:00.004-04:00

We attend between thirty and forty weddings each year. We have been to many venues, encountered a range of styles, and worked with many different couples with a distinctive vision for their wedding day. We have reached a place where our behavior at a wedding is second nature. It's pretty simple, really. Wear what the guests wear to better blend in. Be polite and respectful of family and friends. Be as quiet as possible. Don't attract attention. We always remember that it's your day, not ours, and we are there to document it as unobtrusively as possible.

So sometimes it still catches me off guard when one of our clients calls or emails with a usually hilarious but sad account of a wedding they attended where the "professional" photographer was less than... charming? subtle? polite? professional? LOL all of these things?

Photographers waving their arms, jumping up on the altar during a ceremony, insulting guests, crawling around on the floor, shooting flash so bright that half the guests are stumbling around completely blind with their retinas burned to a crisp, and interrupting intimate moments to ask you to say cheese. Photographers who think that wearing black makes them invisible. Hey, dude. Hey. You're not a ninja.

Frankly it's pretty embarrassing for the rest of us. It makes us all look like villains, even those of us who know how to mind our manners. It's kind of like being an attorney. Everyone makes fun of you, but they still need you when the time comes.

Like everyone else, we love good stories. Got one? Post it in comments. But please don't mention anyone by name. We really don't want to have to quit making fun of our attorney long enough to give him a call...

Natalie & Jordan

2008-07-31T04:55:00.006-04:00

We're soooo busy with editing right now. We've just completed our post processing work on a fantastic Philadelphia wedding at the Sofitel. Natalie and Jordan throw a great party!
After getting ready just next door at Ursula's About Phace, Jordan and Natalie had a dramatic "reveal" (a blindfold was involved) at the base of the stairs in the Sofitel lobby.
We headed out to walk around for a few casual portraits with some key Philadelphia landmarks. We saw someone get mugged during our travels, which was a little surreal... Let's just say I was a little paranoid about my gear after seeing that. We made a stop at DiBruno Brothers, one of Natalie and Jordan's favorite hangouts.
We headed back to the Sofitel for a brief break before the festivities. The ceremony had some hilarious moments, including a quick go at rock-paper-scissors to see who would repeat their wedding vows first.
A raucous party followed soon after, complete with toasts, special songs, a New Orleans second line, people holding up hand written signs speculating on the state of mind of their friends, and the grand finale of napkins flying through the air. I laughed. A lot.
If you'd like to see some of our favorite images, check out the slideshow. Hit the fullscreen button for the best overall egomedia experience!

Burgers. Fries. Shakes.

2008-07-30T01:03:00.000-04:00

Checked out a new spot this week - Good Stuff. It's a burger joint and the owner is Spike from last season's Top Chef. It opened a few weeks ago, but I didn't dare set foot in it until the serious crowds subsided. It was still pretty busy in there, but when you put off dinner until 9:30 it cuts down on the crowds. I had an excellent bacon cheeseburger with fries and I grabbed a chocolate shake on the way out. The burger was yummy, the fries were well above average although I like them a little crispier. The milkshake was to die for. Land wars have been fought for less significant reasons. They have a lot of flavors, but I always put my money on chocolate. I either needed a bigger one or a narrower straw.

Good Stuff is on the Hill in DC and definitely worth checking out. I'll have to snap a few photos the next time I go!

Blogger Buster

2008-07-20T04:20:00.001-04:00

Now and then usually when I least expect it I encounter someone really awesome on the internet. In this case, it's Amanda of Blogger Buster.

I built the egomedia blog myself and I have Blogger Buster to thank. All the incredibly useful tips and articles helped me to realize my vision of what our blog should be. Not only is Blogger Buster helpful and flawlessly maintained, but it's simple enough for an amateur like me to figure out. When I was stumped recently on how to properly enable comments, Amanda endured my cluelessness and helped me out, relieving what was a high and ever-increasing level of frustration and blog angst.

So if you're building a blog, need help with your current blog, or just want to learn about more cool stuff you can do with your blog, check out Blogger Buster. The tutorials are phenomenal and Amanda rocks!!

Green Weddings

2008-07-09T19:10:00.001-04:00

It’s always greener...

We are living in an increasingly environmentally conscious nation. Over the past 8-12 months in particular, we feel like the floodgates have opened, and environmentally responsible behavior has become a priority in many facets of our lives. Not to be left behind of course, are brides and grooms as they plan their wedding day. There are a variety of green wedding planning sites and blogs, as well as features in magazines and newspapers, highlighting the many ways to go green on your wedding day.

Today, we were talking about new ways to be green in the wedding industry, and as we were returning from lunch (in the hybrid egomedia mobile in fact), we realized we have actually photographed an extraordinary number of green weddings that really deserve special mention. So we got to talking...

It's a white green wedding

Being as environmentally conscious as possible has been a hot topic all along the Chesapeake Bay watershed for some time now.

I know what you're thinking. You don’t want to wear a dress made from hemp and twigs. You don’t want to carry around some dry grass as a bouquet. You don’t want to inconvenience your guests. You don’t want to host your reception in a recycling center. Simply put, you don’t want to rough it on your wedding day.

We are here to tell you (and show you) that going green for your wedding doesn't have to mean any of those things.

One of the easiest ways to have a big impact on your guests is to select an amazing reception venue. You're looking for a grand view, slick architecture, and plenty of neat places for you and your guests to hang out throughout your wedding day. And of course, one of the biggest ways to be environmentally conscious on your wedding day is to choose a reception venue that has the lowest environmental impact possible.

Enter The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Philip Merrill Center

As it happens, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation built their headquarters - the Philip Merrill Center - in Annapolis, Maryland several years ago. Through a combination of technological and environmental achievement, the Merrill Center became the first building to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's Platinum rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This green building is one of the world's most energy-efficient structures, and has won international acclaim as a model for energy efficiency and water conservation.

Here’s the thing though. The building, in all of its green glory, also has one of the best waterfront locations in all of Annapolis (and arguably in the DC metro area). The building is set slightly back from its huge private beach, and the event space has a massive 180 degree view of the Chesapeake Bay. For 30-40 couples a year (on the rise) the Merrill Center plays host to some really gorgeous and environmentally friendly weddings.

Think about it. The building itself is super environmentally friendly. Ergo you and your guests are super environmentally friendly by default. Although many couples choose to hold their ceremony on the beach at CBF, it is also conveniently located close to a host of stunning traditional ceremony sites like the US Naval Academy Chapel, St Anne’s, and St Mary’s, so driving around is kept to a minimum. The money from your event fee directly supports the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's educational and conservation programs. The composting toilets are totally bizarre and make a great conversation starter for guests. The majority of wedding vendors are also finding ways to board the “green train” and really making concerted efforts to keep their businesses as environmentally friendly as possible. At the end of the day weddings at the Merrill Center are not “green themed”, they are simply sustainable events by their very nature.

The best part of this whole deal is that so far all of this greenness requires almost no work to make a rather large impact. You can go wild if you want - recycled invitation materials, organic ingredients for dinner, locally grown produce, organic flowers, the whole nine yards. Regardless of the rest of your decisions, you can rest well knowing that your location and vendors alone are going a loooong way to making your wedding a very green event.

On to the show...

We hope that our rambling and images illustrate that you can have really stunning events that are also incredibly environmentally friendly without sacrificing a single iota of style, glamour, or fun.

Tidbits and Factoids

Some of the key green features of the Merrill building include:

Solar hot water systems resulting in an annual savings of nearly $4k. 
Energy sense, including a building designed for maximum southern exposure, prevailing winds, and natural daylight. 
Natural sensor-activated ventilation which reduces the need for air conditioning.  
Water technology (including composting toilets!) which lowers the Merrill Center's water use to 90 gallons a day - 92% less than a conventional building.
Large rooftop cisterns capture rainwater which is used in the building for hand-washing, fire suppression, and irrigation of the surrounding vegetation. 
Incorporation of a wetlands habitat on surrounding land to support native vegetation and wildlife. Recycled and renewable building materials, including cork flooring and wall panels; bamboo; recycled steel; and recycled wood fiber.
Smart parking design utilizing light colored gravel to reduce harmful runoff, as well as reserved parking for hybrid vehicles (which egomedia gets to use because we have a hybrid!).

If you are interested in learning more about having an event at the Merrill Center, call them. The Merrill Center is in high demand, with many couples booking the facility as far as 12 months before their wedding day. Ask for Chris Gorri. He is a good friend and truly one of the nicest people you will meet involved in the wedding industry (he seriously is, this isn’t just some shameless plug :-).

Other Green Wedding Sources

Portovert

I Do Foundation

Eco chic weddings

Earth friendly weddings

Everything Green Weddings and More

Ecofabulous Green Wedding Guide

WikiHow - Have a Green Wedding

The Daily Green - 7 Tips for Planning Your Green Wedding

AJ & Jackson

2008-07-04T05:00:00.002-04:00

Just for fun while we're working through the holiday weekend, we thought we'd put up a fun portrait that we took last month. AJ, who was married at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, has a great dog named Jackson. We'd met Jackson during our initial meeting with AJ and her stepmom. AJ bought Jackson a little tuxedo but was disappointed when she found out he couldn't attend the nuptials. Sam had the idea of doing a little photo session with AJ and Jackson just before the big day. This was our favorite shot.

egomedia photography portfolio images

2008-07-03T05:25:00.000-04:00

Kate & Rocco at the Meridian House

2008-06-26T17:13:00.003-04:00

Kate and Rocco had a gorgeous wedding at the Meridian House in DC. They handled their wedding plans perfectly - during the planning they considered all the little details, picked great vendors like us :D LOL, and then on their wedding day they relaxed and let everyone do their jobs while they enjoyed their beautiful day.

The Meridian House is an absolutely fantastic site for an event. It's very peaceful there, and large parts of the grounds are shaded by a canopy of tall trees. Kate and Rocco had their ceremony in the garden area behind Meridian House.

Inside and out, the venue was elegant and comfortable. Khoa Le from Festive Foods did an excellent job overseeing all the details of the setup and the food and drinks. Everything was absolutely delicious, and set up well ahead of time! Efficient and professional!

The yellow linens were unique and worked beautifully with the abundant flowers and the colors of Meridian House. Kate and Rocco decorated outside with colorful chinese lanterns of different shapes and sizes. The atmosphere was perfect. Everyone absolutely loved the afrofunk band Chopteeth - I don't think I've ever seen so much uninterrupted dancing!

Want to see more photos from their wedding? Visit their gallery or click any photo.

Cathy & Matt

2008-06-26T16:26:00.004-04:00

Friday afternoon began with a trip to the top of the Beacon Hotel where Matt and his groomsmen were enjoying drinks (and the view!) at the Sky-Bar. The hotel was located within walking distance of the Cathedral of St. Matthew’s and after settling their tab, Matt and his groomsmen set off to the church on foot. They were followed closely by Cathy and her bridesmaids who sang “Chapel of Love” all the way to the church, much to the amusement of passersby. St. Matthew’s is beautifully decorated, perhaps most impressively by a large mosaic of St. Matthew which is of central focus in the church. It's a beautiful place to photograph. Cathy and her dad waited outside the the front doors for their cue.

Following the ceremony buses took the guests to the Daughters of the American Revolution building (Constitution Hall) for the reception. In addition to traditional wedding festivities Matt and Cathy incorporated Polish traditions into the reception.

Dinner was served inside, and the bar was set up outside, where everyone enjoyed the view of the Washington Monument. Dancing took place underneath the lofty portico, which made for a unique dance floor. The DJ for the evening was Evan Reitmeyer (mydeejay.com) who despite being stationed far away from the dance floor, still managed to keep everyone entertained!

Matt and Cathy requested a few casual portraits after their reception ended, and we were able to take them to a couple of nearby sites, notably the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue (with the Capitol in the background). DC is particularly gorgeous at night. Nothing like a midnight (well 1 am) tour of DC to end a very lovely evening! The rain started just as we dropped Matt and Cathy off at their hotel.

Kristen & Peter

2008-06-26T16:02:00.002-04:00

Kristen and Peter had their ceremony and reception at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The weather was beautiful, and though there was little relief from the heat, this did not stop Kristen, Peter, and their guests from enjoying the day. Always prepared, Peter brought three different shirts to ensure that he looked his best throughout the night!

The beach at CBF looks particularly beautiful at sunset, and we were able to get a few photos of Kristen and Peter walking along the beach after their ceremony.

Throughout the day, Kristen had an army of nieces helping with all the little details. Their pre-ceremony roles included make-up artist and hairstylist, and during the reception they joined together and sang a song in honor of Kristen and Peter. What a talented group!

In planning the reception, Peter and Kristen took special care to ensure that their guests were entertained. Bruce Jacques, was a performer/actor/singer/musician extraordinaire. He came fully equipped with costumes and props which he used to act out a variety of songs for his audience. Seriously - he was hilarious!

The dance floor remained packed for the duration of the reception. At the end of the night, guests danced their way to the front of the building to send Kristen and Peter off with a sparkler exit.

Natalie & Jordan

2008-06-24T23:37:00.003-04:00

When we first met Natalie and Jordan, it was apparent that they were very excited about planning their wedding. We couldn’t wait to see their unique “foodie/journalist” themed plans for their special day. The wedding took place in Philadelphia on a gorgeous sunny day. Before the ceremony, we photographed them during a whirlwind tour of some of their favorite places in Philadelphia. Among the stops were Love Park, Rittenhouse Square, and City Hall - all recognized as some of the city’s most famous locations. Perhaps the most entertaining stop was DiBruno Brothers, a specialty store filled with gourmet cheeses and a locale frequented by Natalie and Jordan.

We paraded through the store, photographing them as they looked at the cheeses, made their selections, waited in line, and paid. As we were leaving, an employee looked at our entourage and said, “You know, you aren’t allowed to take photos in here.” As we say, its always better to ask for forgiveness after the fact rather than permission before hand.

The ceremony and reception took place at the Sofitel Philadelphia. In fact, both the ceremony and the reception were held in the same room! The differences before and after never cease to amaze me, and the speed at which the room was transformed by the Sofitel staff is always truly impressive.

Worth noting was a photo booth located just outside the cocktail room. Guests were able to take a series of photos, and received a strip to keep and one to include in Natalie and Jordan’s guestbook! We couldn’t resist an opportunity to participate in the fun.

The reception was lively and there were several special dances - including a New Orleans Second Line - complete with handkerchiefs and tiny umbrellas! “Love is in the Air” brought the evening to a close as all the guests crowded onto the dance floor, participating in the tradition of surrounding the happy couple throwing hundreds of napkins in the air everytime the words “love is in the air” are sung.

Leaving the reception, guests passed a table filled with scrumptious hot, soft pretzels - a salty treat for the trip home! Definitely much needed after all the dancing!

the Knot

2008-06-22T21:59:00.002-04:00

We are happy to say that one of our images was included in The Knot Best of Weddings 2008!

Welcome back to the Navy...

2008-06-18T04:11:00.006-04:00

We didn't get a chance to meet Jennifer and Sean before the big day. When Jennifer contacted us she was about to ship out on what I *believe* is the biggest aircraft carrier in the fleet (I know one of my navy brides or grooms will correct me if I'm wrong!). She decided to hire us (so we knew she was very smart LOL) and then promptly disappeared for several months.

Jennifer and Sean got ready at the Annapolis Waterfront Marriott in downtown Annapolis and then we headed out to the Naval Academy for their ceremony at the beautiful USNA chapel. I don't know if it was by chance or design, but the bridesmaids dresses were a perfect complement to the colors inside the chapel!

I had to ask the swordsmen what they planned to say to Jennifer on her way out - after all, she had already been in the Navy! They informed me that they planned to say "Welcome BACK to the Navy, Mrs. Riordan!" LOL

After some fun photos around the grounds of the academy, we headed off to Jennifer and Sean's waterfront reception at Yellowfin. Their guests had a great view and a great time and the party ended just in time - ten minutes before the rain rolled in!

Want to see more photos from their wedding? Visit their gallery or click any photo.

Escorting your guests

2008-06-13T03:01:00.005-04:00

Just a quick comment...I notice things at weddings and they nag at me later, so I'll be posting about them here :D LOL

Something that I've been noticing quite a bit lately at weddings is that many brides and grooms ask their ushers to escort women who are considered VIPs to their seats - grandmothers, great aunts, and of course, moms and stepmoms. This makes a lot of sense for the mother of the bride, as many times her husband is the bride's father, who may be waiting to walk her down the aisle. He can't be in two places at once.

The sentiment is very nice...however what brides often don't consider beforehand is what happens to the woman's husband (if she has one) while she is being escorted! Well, most of the time he walks behind her and the usher. LOL a little awkward, don't you think? So here's the poor husband (a VIP as well, like your grandfather, uncle, stepdad, etc.) walking behind his wife while another man escorts her!

I would suggest that if you are having your ushers escort female VIPs, you may want to let those who have husbands be escorted by them, rather than asking them to enter on the arm of an usher :) Obviously if someone needs extra help due to a physical impairment, you should use your best judgment.

Wedding planning - hyperspeed!

2008-06-12T01:31:00.000-04:00

Esther and Se got married on Sam's birthday! They put their wedding plans together quickly because of Esther's parents' important work abroad. We met with them in person just two weeks before their wedding at the Renaissance Harborplace in Baltimore. Despite the short planning time Esther and Se were the epitome of laid back and easygoing.

Edward Good, the event manager at the Renaissance Harborplace worked with Esther and Se to create a beautiful event in record time. When we arrived on the scene for the big day they were in the midst of the final rehearsal! That was a first but made perfect sense given the short time in which they pulled everything together.

After the ceremony we headed out for what we thought would be a quick walk to the Inner Harbor for a few portraits. Unfortunately after walking through the mall which is attached to the hotel we found ourselves locked in with Esther, Se, and the entire bridal party. Everyone took it in stride and we managed to capture some really great photos of them and their journey through the totally vacant mall. After a much longer than anticipated walk and some dangerous and illegal street crossings, we final made it to the inner harbor where Esther and Se received the appropriate amount of attention from passersby.

Once the reception was in full swing, guests were treated to a very elegant multi-course meal, as well as some amusing (best man) and emotional (maid of honor) toasts to the bride and groom and their families.

Like clockwork, immediately after the cake cutting many of the parents and older relatives bid farewell to the bride and groom. Evan (an excellent DJ by the way) from mydeejay kicked the music into high gear, and soon thereafter it would be fair to say that Esther, Se, and their friends got down to the serious partying.

We wish you all the best! As always clicking on any of the images will take you to Esther and Se's gallery.

Alisa & Steve

2008-06-07T03:02:00.024-04:00

Alisa and Steve were married in Annapolis at the United States Naval Academy Chapel on a beautiful April day. In spite of the limo driver getting lost, with a little intervention from yours truly, we managed to adhere to the Navy's strictly punctual schedule and arrive at the chapel with a little time to spare. Alisa had a few moments to watch the beginning of the recessional on close circuit TV in the bride's room.

After a few casual portraits around the USNA campus we were getting ready to head off to the reception when Steve asked if we could take one photo in downtown Annapolis with the state capitol in the background. "Sure! no problem" we thought. We know this super cool alley right off of Main Street that leads right up to the capitol. So, have you ever tried to park a stretch limo on the quaint brick streets of downtown Annapolis on a Saturday in April? Well I give full credit to the limo driver and she half parked / half blocked traffic as we jumped out to quickly take the requested image. At least it wasn't June.

Alisa and Steve chose to have their reception in a unique green building - the Merrill Center at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation which overlooks (appropriately) the Chesapeake Bay! After a fantastic dinner, and much dancing they made a grand albeit somewhat harrowing exit through an arch of sparklers held aloft by their guests.

Want to see more photos from their wedding? Visit their gallery.

9:30 Club

2008-06-01T06:48:00.000-04:00

So back in April we went to a concert at the 9:30 Club - Matt Pond was playing and he's a friend, so we wanted to check out his show. We went with our friends Rachel and Andrew who were visiting for a couple of days. Andrew and I both brought our Leica M8s and took some shots. He had a bigger lens than me so he got hassled at the door. After his stoic and utter refusal to check his camera, they finally relented and let him in :D Nice.

After a bit of tambourine, Carbon Silicon came out. They put on a really fun show. It's embarrassing to admit that I didn't know who they were when I bought the tickets. I took a few photos of them as well.