Cullers Overlook Wedding Sneak Peek, Lindsay + Trey

DAR Wedding, Brianna + Augie

Since the first time I met Brianna and Augie I knew they were easygoing.  But as I got to know them better when we spent time together during an engagement session (or as I sometimes like to call it, “a laid back, fun, portrait outing”) they turned out to be a lot of fun too.  Check and check.  Easygoing, AND fun.  They had no trouble being themselves with me in front of the camera.  Though, at most times, I don’t think they were even paying that much attention to me - which is just the way I like it.  The engagement session is a great ice breaker/warm up for the wedding day.  I got to know them better and they had a chance to get used to me being around - and instead focus on each other.  This is how I explain it to almost everyone I work with, when you trust me and forget I’m there, the pictures will be much more honest, intimate and compelling.

Fast forward to the wedding.  With this awesome trust already in place I was able to easily blend in to the background and focus on the little moments - the ones that make for the best pictures.  Sometimes the moments flow, and other times they come a bit slower and you need to be patient.  It is no accident though when everything comes together.  Sometimes there is a sprinkling of luck, which I will take any day of the week, but most of the time I rely on experience and anticipation.  Brianna and Augie planned an amazing wedding, stayed cool and had a lot of fun and kept me on my toes the enitre day.  They also did a fantastic job of forgetting that I was even there.

Hay Adams Hotel Wedding, Catherine + Scott

I met Catie and Scott at the Hay Adams Hotel in the spring for a drink and had a great feeling after our initial conversation. As with them I like to meet with every couple I work with so we can get to know each other better. It really helps to build the mutual trust that makes my job easier.

They planned an intimate indoor wedding during the late fall at the Hay Adams. Just before the ceremony got started they stole away upstairs with just their immediate family and a few witnesses as they signed the ketubah with the rabbi. From that point they were officially married (and giddy).

I really enjoyed spending the day with them along with fellow photographer Andrew Harnik who was with Scott as he was getting ready while I was with Catie. It was a lot of fun to be around them. Catie likes to laugh a lot and I swear that she and Scott kissed more almost anyone I’ve photographed before. It was great! They’d laugh a bit, kiss a bit, laugh some more and all was right with the world.

Before the ceremony we ventured across H Street to Lafayette Park for some family portraits and some alone time for the bride and groom. The leaves were glowing in the afternoon sun and had hung on long enough to give us a nice backdrop. After that the rest of the day just flowed naturally.

San Juan Capistrano Mission Basilica Wedding, Melissa + Tyler

Melissa and Tyler were married at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistano, CA followed by a reception at the Vintage Steak house just a few blocks away.  After the ceremony we spent some time in the Mission which is an amazing place founded in 1776 by Spanish Catholics.  It is also home to the oldest building in California still in use, known as Serra’s Chapel which was built in 1782.

Woodend Sanctuary Wedding, Michael + Chris

Michael and Chris were married at Woodend Sanctuary at dusk surrounded by their closest family and friends.  It was a beautiful ceremony which was followed by an amazing multi-course dinner with wine pairings and some very entertaining toasts.