Jenn & Pete

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

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:

WPJA winners

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:

Wedding planning - hyperspeed!

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.