melissa + mike: engaged!

in the name of love.

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melissa + mike pretty much rock. i originally met this couple in the summer of 2007 at one of the very first weddings i ever shot – melissa was a bridesmaid at andrea + bobby’s wedding in york, pa. i was thrilled to hear from melissa again late last year when she + mike got engaged! they are getting married next weekend in philadelphia, and i had a fantastic time with them during the great philly shootout last week! technically, this should really be part III of the philly series since melissa + mike had the final session of the day, but in light of their upcoming nuptials i decided to bump them to part I!

i arrived at their absolutely adorable house late in the afternoon, having shot two sessions earlier that day. melissa was amazed at my crazy energy level, but i was just so excited to spend some time with her + mike and get to know them better before the wedding! we explored the amazing 9,000 acres that is fairmount park – hitting a ton of fantastic places and bending the rules just a bit…a little harmless climbing on the rocks (they are athletic!), entering certain park areas after hours (the gate was open!) and of course the illegal parking…i have to admit i was a little nervous, especially when i thought we might have to sleep in the butterfly garden, but it was so worth it! i love these images, i had such a great time and i cannot wait for their wedding next weekend!

woohoo!

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Filed under engagement, PHILADELPHIA, photography

terri + john: wedding preview!

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john + terri getting down on the dance floor during their wedding reception at the sheraton in annapolis, md.

i had an absolutely wonderful time at terri + john’s wedding last weekend – from the beautiful religious ceremony at st. anne’s in church circle to the rockin’ reception that followed, it was amazing to witness how happy they are together! their smiles and laughter were absolutely infectious – they absolutely radiated happiness and excitement and i am thrilled for them! more to come very soon!

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Filed under photography, preview

kathleen + jerry: married!

dc love + charm city flair.

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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!

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seeing each other for the first time…

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…seeing the cake for the first time!

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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!

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Filed under dc, photography, photojournalism, wedding

charm city cakes: iphone wedding cake!

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iphone wedding cake, created by duff goldman for kathleen + jerry’s awesome wedding.

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Filed under art, just for fun, photography

springtime = session time!

all around town.

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lian + mark :: engaged! 

following the marathon shooting day in philly on tuesday i had three more amazing sessions back in dc this week! yesterday i met up with mark + lian who are getting married this winter in chinatown, and met baby elia who is just 12 weeks old! this morning i went to visit little evan and i couldn’t believe how much he has changed since our last session!

enjoy these sneak peeks while i prepare to blog like crazy in the next few days – coming your way very soon: 1 wedding, 4 engagements, 1 anniversary, 2 baby sessions, and the much anticipated NOLA photos from my week with the LA-SPCA!

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baby elia :: naptime!

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little evan :: loves my camera!

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Filed under dc, lifestyle, photography, preview