It is hard to put into words how honored I felt to have been part of the Black Bride Magazine Coastal Editorial. The creative team behind this shoot is not only extremely talented, they are hard working lovely ladies! We all braved the rain, cold, wind…and the result is some of my favorite bridal portraits I’ve ever taken. Below is a sneak peek of it! This editorial graced the cover and several pages of the Spring Issue of Black Bride Magazine.

Bridal styling and creative direction: Blush Bridal / Florals: Amanda Day Rose / Makeup: Shiela Moore / Hair: AnnJae Styles and Company AJS & Co. / Dress and Headpiece designer: Island Bridal / Models: Hanna Roller , Aquisha Gross, Bethani Thomas

I can’t tell you how lucky I feel when I get to work with a couple from their engagement session to the wedding day! Jennie, Pat and their pups Lexi and Diamond had a lovely e-session a while back! I suspected that working with this super sweet, laid-back couple on their big day would be a true pleasure, and I wasn’t wrong. 🙂
Washington DC is an inspiring place to be, but even more so when you are in the midst of a truly intimate and emotional wedding. It was clear how much Jennie and Pat enjoyed their guests, and how much those in attendance love the couple right back. The ceremony took place at the Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola, and Jennie’s mom walked her down the aisle…so touching to see them make that journey together, laughing and crying! Several times during the day Jennie mentioned how beautiful her mother was, and each and every time she teared up. And the emotion (which is my absolute favorite part of a wedding!) continued well into the reception at the Morrison House Hotel in Alexandria. Pat was deeply moved by his brother’s toast…so sweet! And to top it all off, the new husband and wife were the picture of elegance and true contentedness. So graceful and happy to be celebrating their love with loved ones.
I have to mention that we did something unique for these portraits. After the ceremony, Jennie, Pat and I drove around DC to get shots at the stunning Union Station and in Georgetown. And it was a privilege to spend time with them in the moments after their marriage, chatting about their puppy girls Lexi and Diamond again. We laughed quite a bit when one of us mentioned that ‘Lexi and Diamond’s parents are officially husband and wife!’ Yay!! And what a beautiful life they have ahead of them! Below it is a sneak peek of their wonderful wedding.

Ceremony venue: Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola | Reception venue: Morrison House Hotel | Florist: The Enchanted Florist | Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas | Catering: Ashlar Restaurant and Bar at the Morrison House | Hair and Make-up: Mandy and Pia from Bridal Artistry DC
Wedding Dress: Willowby by Watters from Blush Bridal in Fayetteville, NC | Veil: Justine M Couture from Blush Bridal in Fayetteville, NC | Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson | Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein

As I’m getting to know my couples, I usually ask them to put pen to paper and answer a few questions about themselves and their relationship. Their answers are always interesting, and quite often inspiring and intensely personal. When I asked Claire what made her fall in love with Alex, her first response was ‘his loyalty’. When I asked Alex the same question, his first response was…can you guess? ‘Her loyalty’. This couple has truly stood by each other’s sides. They’ve faced several of Life’s curve balls together, with their families close at hand. Claire’s dad (with whom she was very close) passed away last August, and when Alex proposed, he chose to do so in the place where he felt most connected to the man who had raised the love of his life…on the golf course just outside Claire’s parents’ home.
Claire and Alex have been writing their story together for 8 years now, since meeting at a party in college. With so much shared history, it seemed perfect that they were married at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which has its own amazing and storied past. The deep emotion and meaning of the day was present in every detail. Claire was radiant beneath her mother’s veil! As her brother walked her down the aisle, I found myself moved to the core.
The celebration continued at the Carolina Country Club. The shared joy of everyone in attendance was evidenced in the smiles, the tears, the laughter throughout the day. Like many weddings, there was sunlight, music, dancing… But as I watched Claire and Alex through my lens, I kept seeing the loyalty that they spoke of when I first met them. To know someone…to truly know them over many years, to love them for who they are…and to choose loyalty again and again… That is what marriage is really about.

Claire’s strength was clear all day…she wore a proud smile on her face despite the fact that I know it was very difficult for her to get married without her father there. On her bouquet, she had pinned a broach with a picture of her younger self and her father, smiling, hugging. When she exited the reception, the emotion came. With a mixture of tears and smiles, Claire honored the memory of her father with Alex by her side.

Carolina Country Club Wedding

Thanks Becci for shooting this amazing wedding with me! You are always wonderful to work with!

Ceremony venue: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church / Reception: Carolina Country Club /Florist: Artfully Arranged – Martha Mazur
Stationary: Reaves Engraving / Cake Artist: Macy Aguirre / Catering: Carolina Country Club / Reception music: Black and Blue Experience /
Make-up and hair: Pam Hung – OnLoKtionMakeup Artistry Makeup Artist / Wedding Dress: Liancarlo from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Bridesmaids dress: Joanna August – DC, Dani and Lacey Dress in “Into the Mystic”

Last Fall I had the pleasure of photographing Hillary and Brodie’s engagement session with their adorable pup Deacon! Getting to see how much this couple loves their pup, how relaxed and sweet they are as a family was one of the highlights of last year. I will never forget Deacon bounding through the grass…or Hillary and Brodie showering him with all of their attention and affection. 🙂 For almost a year now I have been anticipating their wedding day. And it finally arrived!
The White Memorial Presbyterian Church was absolutely aglow with the love of Hillary and Brodie’s friends and family. This was one of the most stress-free weddings I have ever had the pleasure of attending! Just full of happiness and smiles! And watching the moms of both the bride and groom become emotional, holding back their tears right before walking down the aisle, was so beautiful. The reception was held at the Merrimon-Wynne House, a venue that is both elegant with a Southern charm and full of history! And let me tell you something…Brodie has great dance moves! This groom can cut a rug! It always makes my heart glad to witness that wave of joy come over two people who have just joined their lives. It’s the ‘We Did It!’ moment!
As this magical day was winding down, I found my thoughts turning back to the engagement session once more. And to gratitude. What an honor it is to be a part of these milestone moments in my clients’ lives! I thought of Deacon, on the pretty front porch of his parents’ home, where Brodie proposed to Hillary. And I couldn’t help but smile. I thought to myself: Deacon’s parents are now Husband and Wife! Below is a sneak peek of their wonderful day!

So sweet to see the moms holding back their tears before right before the ceremony started.

Merrimon Wynee House Wedding Raleigh

Vendors:

Coordination: Orangerie Events / Ceremony: White Memorial Presbyterian Church / Reception: Merrimon-Wynne House / Florist: Tre Bella / Stationary: If It’s Paper / Cake Artist: Ashley Cakes / Catering: Donovan’s Dish / Reception music: Another Level /
Make-up: One of the bridesmaids! / Hair: Alter Ego / Wedding Dress and veil: Maggi Bridal / Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaids dress: Bella Bridesmaid / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Faircloth