DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!

Please excuse the interruption of regularly scheduled programming for this public service announcement:





POLLING TIMES

Virginia polls open from 6:00am - 7:00pm

Maryland polls open from 7:00am - 8:00pm

DC polls open from 7:00am - 8:00pm

(Special thanks to Mark Eric, Jason Domingues and John Michael Cooper for their roles in the creation of this message :)

Mara + Kevin: Married!

Mara and Kevin were married on a beautiful autumn day at Mara's family house in Rehoboth Beach, DE. As her sister Susanne showed me around, she aptly described the site as every photographer's dream as natural light streamed in from windows and skylights. Vows were recited in the back yard under sunny skies, with boats passing and passengers waving from the marsh. Afterwards, the party moved on to the beach, much to the relief of the family. Although I did not get to see the site in the morning, I have been told that the entire tent was under water at 11am, as high tide sought to defeat their chances of an oceanfront party. However, the team of organizers, with the help of Make My Day event planners Leanne and Casey, banded together and had everything perfectly dry and set up by the time the guests arrived at 7pm that evening. You'd never have known there was a major problem just a few hours earlier, as paper laterns glowed from the ceiling and Nage waiters passed around with perfectly arranged plates of food. The evening was complimented with a perfect sunset and dancing into the night.

Mara and Kevin, thank you for allowing me to work with you on your beautiful wedding at the beach!

Boudoir Marathon??

Hey Ladies!

I've recently had a few inquiries for boudoir sessions and I was wondering if there might some interest in a boudoir marathon in the DC area at the end of October/early November. Even though it seems late, some products would still be available for Christmas delivery, and this would make a great gift for your husband, fiance or even yourself! This is also a great time to think about gifts for Valentine's Day and spring weddings!

Please drop me a note if this sounds like something for you, and if there is enough interest (tell your girlfriends!), I will be happy to arrange for a day of pampering, sexiness and special marathon session packages.

Helen + Andrew: Married!

I am happy to say that with this blog post, I have caught up with blogging all of my weddings so far this year! And what a great wedding it was! Helen and Andrew were married in an outdoor ceremony at the beautiful estate of the Williamsburg Winery in Williamsburg, VA. The site was stunning and offered so many nooks and cool locations for portraits...including the wine cellar itself! Though this was my first trip to this vineyard, I would highly recommend it for the site itself and the great staff. I also have to mention that Helen and Andy's menu included a mashed potato bar, which was my first, but I hope not the last! YUM! But this cool addition to the menu was only a precusor to the awesome party that followed, as dancing continued well into the night!

Helen and Andy, thanks for having me and best wishes for much happiness in your future!

Go Skins!

A little preview from a boudoir session yesterday....She looks like an appropriate cheerleader for today's game, don't ya think?! ;-)

Maria + Patrick: Married!

It was great to see Maria, Patrick and their family again at the end of August! You may remember that I met them on New Year's Day for an engagement session with a few quick family portraits while Maria's grandmother was visiting from Venezuela. The day started at the Wyndham Old Town, where Maria got ready with her parents and bridesmaids. Before long, they all loaded into the limo and headed to St. Ignatius in Georgetown where Patrick and the guys were waiting for the ceremony to begin. After a beautiful ceremony, lit by the afternoon sun streaming in the windows, we took a few portraits before the party began at the Athenaeum, a cool art space back in Old Town Alexandria, where tables were beautifully decorated with the handiwork of Growing Wild. I should also note, that when a wedding day schedule calls for a "hora loca" at the end of the reception, they aren't kidding! That was one crazy hour of dancing, complete with hats, beads, leis, masks and every party song known in both the English and Spanish languages, all played in 30 second snippits for an entire 60 minute period. I have no idea how Maria, Patrick and their guests were still standing at the end! Regardless, it was one of the most intense work-outs I've ever had at a wedding, and a great experience for which I extend my thanks!!

Oops!  It seems that the hook on the top of Maria's dress snapped just after I took the photo above.  But no worries!  Maria's good friend, and day-of coordinator extraordinaire, Marcello, was not far behind with needle and thread to sew her back in!  If he ever goes into the wedding planning business, I will definitely be one of the first to recommend him.  He was awesome!

Courtney + Tom: Married!

Courtney and Tom were married a few weeks ago at Vale United Methodist Church in Oakton, VA. The church was simply adorable, with beautiful light streaming in from windows on both sides. And Courtney was absolutely stunning as she stood near a window awaiting the ceremony. I had a hard time not photographing her endlessly as she stood there. After a few portraits on the church grounds with Tom, we moved on to Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, where a private golf cart was waiting for us to carry us to the course for a few more. Hidden Creek has recently undergone a renovation and is working hard to create a terrific atmosphere for couples and their guests to celebrate. And luckily for Courtney and Tom, they had Laura Auer from Soiree Special Events to oversee the day and make sure that was the case! The party kicked off at 7pm with the first dance, which just happened to be one of the best choreographed numbers I have seen so far. Great job to both of you!