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July 17, 2015January 30, 2016

Westin Dulles Wedding | Virginia Wedding Photographer

These two! What a beautiful day- Lynne and John were married at the Church of Nativity in Burke, VA. They met during high school both starring in the High School Musical. A great story, you can see their engagement session here. I actually cried when Lynne’s dad saw her before they left for the church! So sweet!! The day was filled with so many wonderful moments!! I loved their DJ and all of the cool party favors they brought with them!! Way cool and it really got people motivated and quickly dancing. Their reception was held at the Westin Dulles. The grounds were very pretty and made for some awesome couple portraits. The night shot of Lynne and John is one of my favorites. As I tell all my couples, these night shots are so beautiful and romantic! And I make sure you only are away from your reception for a few minutes. I was so honored to share this day with them and their awesome family!!

July 10, 2015July 10, 2015

Brides and Weddings Magazine Style Shoot

Do you know how hard it is for a photographer to sit on photographs? HARD. This shoot happened in April and the magazine just come out this week!! I love how everything turned out. What a great collaboration! Here was the recipe: amazing wedding professionals, some incredible models (who all but one are not models professionally), cool locations, some vintage clothing and fun props.

Brides and Weddings , Cindie Reinhold , had contacted me about a shoot involving Amy’s Bridal and Old Town Manassas. I love these two wedding professionals! They bring so much to brides!! Cindie is the publisher of a bridal magazine that helps brides find vendors and plan their weddings! You can click on the link above and sign up on Brides and Weddings website. Amy’s Bridal, run by Amy and Cherie, had just moved to Old Town in February. Not only do they carry wedding gowns, they also carry a vintage line of clothing, perfect for bridesmaids or maybe an evening out. And their customer service is incredible!! I am always looking for cool locations to shoot, I stumbled upon Juke Box Dinner I knew that this would make a awesome location for this shoot. Cindie added some cool props from a search that spanned antique and thrift shops across Virginia. And of course, Amy’s Bridal carries almost everything you see in the photos- (like those cute retro purses!! I am going to buy one). The flowers were a hybrid design of flowers and origami–really cool art from Buttercups Floral!! And our vintage inspired hair and makeup was by Brush Strokes.

Here are some of favorites from the shoot! I almost forgot the cool car- Tom and Bea let use the pink beauty as a prop! And probably my favorite shot is of Khulan in the driver’s seat. Khulan is someone who I have worked with before (the other ladies were friends and supporters of Amy’s bridal- great women!). Khulan is building her modeling portfolio–a beautiful woman inside and out. I felt like she owned that shot!! And really the shot embodies the whole feel of the shoot- Vaijāpur sexy, vintage, Girl Power in the driver’s seat- of course.

March 28, 2015January 30, 2016

Renaissance Capital View Wedding |Arlington Virginia

Where to begin…this wedding was beautiful in so many ways! The venue Renaissance Capital View was incredible. I loved the decor; the designers repeated the theme of swirly circles every where! It is a truly stunning venue. And then all the planning and touches created by Perfect Planning! She is an brilliant planner and it was wonderful to work along side her and her team! And THEN there is Sarah and Brian…incredible people and filled with joy and LOVE! Their day was beautiful from start to finish and I am incredibly honored to be a part of it!! Best wishes and lots of love and happiness for all your days!!

Other vendors:

Cocktail Reception Music Entertainment – Tony Craddock, Jr. and Cold Front

Floral Decor – Edge Floral Event Designers

Wedding Cake – Gateau

Deejay Services – David Lugo of Lugo Entertainment

Linen Rental – DC Rentals and BBJ Linens

Chair Rental – DC Rentals

Childcare – Nannytainment

Transportation – Reston Limousine

Pipe & Drape – Fabrications Events

Lighting Services – Washington Celebrations

Make-Up Artist – Dawn Newsome

February 11, 2015January 3, 2016

Finding a Wedding Photographer |Manassas Wedding Photographer

I know it is hard on Brides today… there are so many vendors vying for your attention. It can be a little overwhelming to say the least!!

buy Pregabalin How to find a photographer in a SEA of photographers?? Here are some helpful steps from a photographer (and a Bride-I got married in 2013). These may seem like simple steps, but I’m giving this information, hoping it maybe helpful.

Ask your friends first. Personal experience is a very good way to find your photographer. Make sure to ask to see your friends wedding gallery. Ask your venue next. Be aware, some venues have vendor lists that vendors pay to be on. Not all, but some. This is NOT a bad thing, I think it is something you should know about. Ask your venue coordinator if they know the photographer’s work. Some photographers may be on a vendor list and have never shot a wedding at that location. This is not necessarily a bad thing; the quality of work is most likely the reason they are on that vendor list. Wedding Wire, The Knot, Brides and Weddings of Northern Virginia are other places to find photographers. If you go to Bridal Show, you will not have to find the photographers or any other vendor, they will find you; )

Look at their work. Seems simple right? But, check out their website, Facebook and other social media. Is the work the same? Does it have the same look and feel as their website? If they do not have a complete wedding on their site, ask to see a couple of full wedding galleries. The photographer should easily be able to provide these links.

What is their style? A photographer may not be able to put their style into words, but if you look over their work, common themes, trends and lighting will come through. Do their photographs resonate with you?

Meet them! Every photographer is not for every couple. This person will be an integral part of the most beautiful day of your life…there must be a certain amount of trust and a comfortable feeling you get from them.

At the meeting, do they listen to you? Tell them what things are important to you…for example, wanting less posed pictures, no family formals, or unique family formals, a generational photo at the reception, candid shots, creative couple portraits (or whatever it is). Also, point out photos from their work you really like – or show them some photos from the internet that excite you. If you have a theme or general feel of wedding, do share this! Are they excited?

Look at reviews! Don’t rely completely on the reviews. If you can, talk with someone that has used their services in the past. (Like other brides or vendors)

Here are some questions to ask a photographer:

What happens if you get sick?

Do you have backup gear?

What is the workflow/timeline for our images after the wedding? Online gallery? USB?

What is the workflow/timeline for our album after the wedding?

What are our printing rights?

Are we receiving high resolution images?

Ask specifically what is included in the price, if it is not clear to you.

During your meeting talk about your timeline- even if it is not completely nailed down. The photographer should be able to offer some advice and expertise for timing and lighting to guide you for the best photography for your day!

Always have a signed contract!

AND give yourself and the photographer time to take your photos! Your wedding will fly by!! I hear this quote from brides all the time: ”It was all a blur!”

By having a great conversation with your photographer, you will be able to have the images you want on your day!!

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January 17, 2015August 19, 2015

Mimslyn Inn Wedding|Luray Virginia

Allie and Matt were married in an evening ceremony at the beautiful Mimslyn Inn in Luray. It was a warm day for January, beautiful skies! Both Allie and Matt love history, so this was the perfect place!! They didn’t see each other before the ceremony, so our portraits were nighttime portraits. The windows are iconic for the Inn. And this dress shot is one of my all time favorites. I loved that the fathers sang a duet at the ceremony and lots of break dancing at the reception!(what other job can you capture these two things and much more in one night!!) The flowers and decor were truly spectacular-The Art of Occasions has brilliant talent and artistry. I wish Allie and Matt all the best!!