Category Archives: photojournalism

July 27, 2009 · 9:29 pm

missy + mark: married!

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_039_0920

they made it official surrounded by their family + friends on the sandy shore at the chesapeake bay foundation – one of my favorite venues – in annapolis, maryland. it was a gorgeous afternoon (even though the wind was whipping around like mad!) and everyone had an amazing time watching this couple throughout the day’s celebration.

and what a celebration it was! mark hails from australia, where he and missy met and started dating, and his family brought the fabulous energy and charm you would expect from our good-natured neighbors down under. and i must say that the americans truly brought the funk – tearing up the dance floor to the righteous tunes of the wild rovers band. let me tell you – there is nothing better than an irish band wearing kilts at an australian/american wedding!

from the moment i met missy + mark i totally dug their vibe – relaxed, down to earth, and totally in love with each other – and i was thrilled that they chose me to document their day. i’m always so amazed and impressed when a bride + groom’s greatest concern is that their guests enjoy themselves and have a great time. i think that is so awesome and it was definitely important to missy + mark. i know everyone had a phenomenal time, and i have the photographs to prove it! from the ceremony + the champagne toast on the beach, to the cocktail hour on the deck and dinner overlooking the ocean and then the rockin’ dance party that followed, the day couldn’t have been any better!

missy + mark: i think the world of you both. your family + friends are amazing and i am so very happy for you! congrats and enjoy!

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_003_6951

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_1a

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_011_0454

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_1b

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_017_0801

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_018_0817

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_4389

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_020_3827

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_023_3876

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_022_3846

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_024_3897

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_025_3900

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_026_3905

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_029_3967

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_0857

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_040_0923

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_043_0939

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_045_4204

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_014_0713

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_036_0880

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_1d

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_047_1023

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_015_0788

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_1148

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_1c

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_055_4307

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_1097

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_057_4313

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_070_4431

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_083_4600

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_124_4817

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_104_1646

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_111_1827

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_1e

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_127_1940

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_087_1423

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_1912

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_096_1549

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_108_1753

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_001_1503

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_064_4381

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_121_1902

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_002_1595

BLONDEPHOTO_090711_130_1973

* * * * *

5-star vendor reviews!

the chesapeake bay foundation :: fantastic venue on the water in annapolis, maryland.

wild rovers band :: phenomenal irish band that rocked the reception and inspired a dance off!

intrigue designs :: ridiculously amazing flowers.

fiona’s cakes :: perfectly beautiful cake and so delicious!

saucy salamander :: great annapolis-based caterer.

chris dunn :: flawless classical guitar performance during the ceremony + cocktail hour.

tara spuhler mccabe :: wonderful officiant!

6 Comments

Filed under ANNAPOLIS, photography, photojournalism, wedding

Tagged as ANNAPOLIS WEDDING, BLONDE PHOTO, CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, THE BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHER, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

June 15, 2009 · 9:52 am

honfest 2009: day 2!

hampden crowns baltimore’s best hon 2009!

denise whiting with baltimore’s best hon 2009, charlene osborne.

it’s official! charlene osborne is baltimore’s best hon 2009! woohoo! yesterday was FANTASTIC! best honfest ever! more photos to come soon – enjoy this sneak peek!

BLONDEPHOTO-HONFEST-1b
loved seeing my photo on all the honfest posters!

BLONDEPHOTO-HONFEST-006-5253

BLONDEPHOTO-HONFEST-005-5221
the cafe hon flamingo!

BLONDEPHOTO-HONFEST-002-5041-2
me posing with my favorite baltimore hon and this years’ BEST! congrats charlene!!

3 Comments

Filed under baltimore, honfest, hons, news, photography, photojournalism

Tagged as BALTIMORE'S BEST HON 2009, BLONDE PHOTO, HAMPDEN, honfest, HONFEST 2009, THE BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHER

May 26, 2009 · 4:58 pm

kathleen + jerry: married!

dc love + charm city flair.

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0058

kathleen + jerry are married!

their wedding was absolutely delightful! they wed on a warm spring afternoon at the daughters of the american revolution (DAR) in downtown dc two weeks ago! this post is long overdue, and full of tons of images – i loved every moment and have had the toughest time narrowing down the photos! kathleen + jerry were both radiant and it was a privilege to be part of their day.

DAR is a wonderfully classic location and a perfect backdrop for their intimate ceremony, chic cocktail hour and vibrant reception. kathleen + jerry are truly a perfect match and two of the most enjoyable people to be around – i very much enjoy their company and was completely honored to document their day. their friends + family made me feel so comfortable and everyone was incredibly kind – must be that southern charm! kathleen’s family hails from texas and jerry’s is from cuba- and everyone was so fun! the dance floor was an incredible mix of texas line dancing, A&M war chants, and salsa-samba-sassiness!

every detail of the wedding was gorgeous, and their phenomenal iphone wedding cake was easily the most celebrated (and photographed!) detail of all! they commissioned charm city cakes to create their dream cake – complete with icons to honor different aspects of their life + relationship! it was amazing + unique – such a fun idea!

although storm clouds threatened the outdoor ceremony, the rain held for the entire afternoon and evening, allowing guests to witness the union of kathleen + jerry on the marble portico of the DAR. later, everyone celebrated with the moon high in the sky and the washington monument shining in the background, kathleen + jerry at the center of it all – swirling and clapping and laughing – surrounded by their family + friends.

a grand lightsaber exit sent the newlyweds off into the night, bound for the greek islands and destined for a lifetime of love + happiness.

cheers + congrats to the famed + fabulous o’britos!

enjoy!

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9524

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0342

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0287

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9941

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1c

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9610-2

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9664
seeing each other for the first time…

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9696
…seeing the cake for the first time!

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-9703

BLONDEPHOTO-iPHONE-CAKE

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1849

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0038

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0047

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1853

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1937

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1942-2

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1962

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1f

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-2054

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-2165

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0855

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-2218

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0639

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0646-2

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1b

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0716

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1d

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0506

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-2289

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0694

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0978

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1036

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0658

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0641

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-0946

BLONDEPHOTO-KJWEDDING-1104

* * * * *

5-star vendor reviews!

daughters of the american revolution :: amazing venue in downtown dc

charm city cakes :: original, unique, made-to-order wedding cakes!

cherry blossom events :: excellent wedding planning by chantal rotondo

occasions caterers :: superb catering by megan wilby + her fantastic staff!

distinctive floral designs :: gorgeous flowers by alison de wit

jaime easson :: fun, personable, versatile dj!

19 Comments

Filed under dc, photography, photojournalism, wedding

Tagged as BLONDE PHOTO, CHARM CITY CAKES, DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HALL, DC WEDDING, THE BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHER

May 15, 2009 · 2:30 pm

critical exposure: gallery opening.

DC students exhibit their photography work.

blondephoto_criticalexposure_3

last week i attended critical exposure’s “through the lens of DC youth” photography exhibit at the ARTiculate gallery. i recently posted about my experience working with critical exposure, and was very excited to see the students’ work on display. i was so impressed with their willingness to tackle serious issues and their ability to capture them with such great perspective. the images + words throughout the exhibit focused on a clear message – only about half of dc students graduate from high school, and a small fraction of that number pursue a college degree. the photography students not only documented the causes + consequences surrounding the dropout crisis, but also sought possible solutions to the problem. topics covered ranged from violence, to school programs, to drugs alcohol, gangs, teen pregnancy, and despair. the students worked within their own communities and schools, sharing what they saw and using their cameras to give an glimpse into the dropout crisis.

i would encourage everyone to visit the exhibit – it is a fantastic opportunity to truly look through someone else’s eyes. there is an educational crisis happening in our city, and all over the country, and while the statistics are shocking, these images portray a reality that is far more unsettling. i found that the true power of the photographs lay in their ability to make me question how children are supposed to deal with such situations. how are they to succeed in environments where gangs and violence are prevalent? where classrooms are in disrepair and school is not a safe place? their photographs take you into their world and allow you to see and feel what they see and feel. i believe these images are a call to action, and a challenge. who will act on behalf of our youth? who will help secure a better future?

get involved :: criticalexposure.org

blondephoto_criticalexposure_7

blondephoto_criticalexposure_5

blondephoto_criticalexposure_6

blondephoto_criticalexposure_4

blondephoto_criticalexposure_10

blondephoto_criticalexposure_9

blondephoto_criticalexposure_1
i was surprised and excited to see this image i took of my student, msugh, on display at the exhibit!

* * * * *

critical exposure :: the power of photography

critical exposure :: gallery opening!

critical exposure :: in the classroom!

critical exposure :: photo students!

8 Comments

Filed under children, dc, news, photography, photojournalism

Tagged as ARTICULATE GALLERY, BLONDE PHOTO, CRITICAL EXPOSURE, DC DROPOUT CRISIS, THE BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHER

April 4, 2009 · 11:11 am

katie + bob: married!

a love story.

katie + bob tied the knot last weekend at the gorgeous st. veronica catholic church in chantilly, virginia. afterwards they celebrated with nearly 200 of their favorite people at robert trent jones golf club – the first wedding to ever take place at the club! i’ve been anticipating their wedding ever since i first met them, and especially after our awesome engagement session a few months ago. i can just *feel* the love between this couple, i’m so thrilled that they are married and honored that i was a part of their day!

the reception was a perfect mix of elegance spiked with elation – guests dined on fabulous cuisine by candlelight, mingled throughout the club, and then boogied down on the dance floor. donald peterson might possibly be my favorite dj ever – i think he (almost!) has as much fun as i do at weddings! the guests loved him and i saw some amazing dance moves! even more amazing than the dancing was the wedding cake – designed by the bride herself – a stunning tower of decadent delight that tasted as good as it looked. every detail of the wedding was impeccable – katie’s vision truly shone, and the absolutely fantastic julie mckillip executed the events with perfection.

i can’t say enough good things about the amazing vendors that worked to make this wedding wonderful – the staff at RTJ was simply superb. thanks to everyone who made katie + bob’s day perfect – and thanks to the fabulous guests who celebrated this marriage the way it deserved! most importantly, thanks to katie + bob for sharing their day and their love with all of us – best of luck and CONGRATS!

enjoy!

a HUGE thanks to the fabulous + talented photographer natalie franke who came with me and did a truly fantastic job!

* * * * *

5-star vendor reviews!

your perfect day events:: excellent wedding coordination by julie mckillip.

dj donald peterson :: awesome dj! great personality + great music – so fun!

growing wild floral company :: gorgeous flowers!

robert trent jones golf club :: stellar staff made this venue spectacular!

chanel (by lord & taylor) :: gorgeous make-up by laurie luibl + jody yeskoot.

atlantis imagery :: cheerful, helpful, unobtrusive videographers.

10 Comments

Filed under photography, photojournalism, wedding

Tagged as BLONDE PHOTO, ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF CLUB, ST VERONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHER, wedding

March 26, 2009 · 9:27 am

nicole + jason: married!

a vogue celebration.

novak-4110

nicole + jason are married! i can’t imagine a better way to start 2009 than with nicole + jason’s wedding at the fantastic tabard inn! the entire day was sublime – from the vintage chic style to the ultra classy vibe of the bridal party + guests – it was an absolutely perfect wedding.

with the focus on nicole + jason’s love for each other, their intimate ceremony truly honored and celebrated love, witnessed by their very closest family + friends. nicole and jason are extremely intelligent, well-traveled and deeply respected by everyone who knows them. they are adventurous and creative and i’m so excited for them to start their married life – i can’t wait to see what amazing things they accomplish together.

the reception was filled with love and floored by laughter – every toast was witty and genuine, and evoked bigger smiles than the last.

one of their bridesmaids spoke about how wonderful it was to watch two of her favorite people come together and fall in love…the love and admiration for nicole + jason among all their guests was truly tangible. there is something incredibly special about nicole + jason, both individually and as a couple, and it was amazing to witness their wedding. my favorite part of the reception was a german tradition i had never seen before – a “shoe game” if you will, where the bride + groom take hold of their own shoe and their partner’s shoe, sit back to back and respond to quirky questions by signaling the answer with the appropriate shoe. we quickly learned who the couple considered to be the best driver, the most fiscally responsible, the best looking, and so on within the relationship! it was very entertaining, and i loved their reactions to the questions, as well as the laughter that ensued from the responses.

after the last dance, guests bid the newlyweds farewell as they stole off into the rainy night, bound for new zealand and their amazing honeymoon adventure!

a huge CONGRATS to nicole + jason – and here’s to 2009!

enjoy!

novak-3205