International Spy Museum Wedding DC | Lara & Josh

With summer in full swing, I’m excited to share details from Lara and Josh’s super fun Washington, DC wedding – with a reception at the International Spy Museum! This celebration was filled with love, laughter and emotion from start to finish, so of course I had a wonderful time behind the lens!

It’s always a privilege to work with a couple who have dedicated their lives to helping others, and Lara and Josh fall squarely into that category. They met one night at a Washington, DC bar after Lara had just completed a 12-hour nursing shift and was out celebrating a friend’s birthday. Lara was surprised to be approached by a handsome guy with a very serious question: “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?” She was intrigued. They swapped answers, and soon the conversation revealed that Josh was in medical school and shared Lara’s passion for helping others – and that his own father and mother are a doctor and nurse, respectively! What a beautifully serendipitous moment! And it happened just in the nick of time, because Josh was scheduled to leave the next morning for a 3-month medical school rotation in San Diego. But the connection they’d made that night was strong. Lara and Josh’s relationship deepened over the miles, and eventually he returned. Two years later, at the end of an intense ICU rotation, Josh took Lara to dinner…where he proposed in front of a glowing Christmas tree with members of both their families looking on!

If you read my blog, you know I especially love watching two cultures come together to celebrate the joining of lives. One of the highlights of Lara and Josh’s day was when the Lebanese Zaffe Band brought them in for their grand entrance at the reception. All the guests were so excited to join in for the Dabke, a traditional Lebanese dance! Spirits were high and there was no doubt that everyone was having a ball. But there were also some quietly beautiful moments scattered throughout the day as well – like when Lara’s father saw her in her wedding dress, and later at the reception, when a toast moved Lara to tears.

How lucky am I that I get to spend last summer witnessing such life-affirming moments? I hope you enjoy these photos from Lara and Josh’s day!

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Vendors:

Coordinator and Design: Dragonfly Events & Design / Florist: Nova Florals / Reception Venue: The Spy Museum / Videographer Olea Films / Stationary: Minted / Cake Artist: Milk Bar DC / Catering: Spilled Milk Catering / Ceremony music: JC Cantrell / Reception music: DJ Adam Carluccio / Hair & Make-up: Georgetown Bride / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Bridesmaids dress: Bella Bridesmaids / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Black Tux