She’s a stunning stylist with a model-like quality and stature. He’s ALL about music and also just so happens to be a Redskins fan. Major cool points. In fact, pretty much everyone in his family is insanely musical. Talent abound, for real. They’re adorable. And sweet. And genuine. And down-to-earth. And sophisticated. They’re THAT couple that we would hang out with in a so-called non-professional setting. They introduced us to the preciously quaint town of Middleburg, VA when they suggested doing their engagement session there. What a find! We’ve returned several times since, and not just to get ice cream cones from the gourmet, organic grocery (on a busy corner on the main street, for those of you in the DC area). The wedding was a mix of elegant chic with some stated pink flare, starting with Allison’s Kate Spade shoes, which, naturally drew lots of attention from the get-go. John’s father performed the ceremony, which was such a wonderful touch. They moved to a nearby hotel for the celebratory fun. And, we were fortunate enough to be able to observe the all-time best ‘best’ man speech…ever. Let’s just say it involved an introduction filled with hilarity and a very creative video documenting the evolution of their love – with a script and actors, I might add – that had everyone laughing to the point of uncontrollable, silly tears. Yes, the good kind. Oh, and that was only after the entire bridal party made one-of-a-kind entrances…with props and hats and special moves. Congratulations again, Allison and John! All the best, Kyra + G.

We arrived at the hotel and Michelle was calm.  As can be.  Just as she was during the engagement shoot.  She was all smiles, relaxing in her jeans…and beautifully flowing, feminine veil.  Her dress was divine, so divine we decided to take it out to the hallway for a slightly different, warm and edgy light.  We wanted to capture it in its entirety.  In an environment that wasn’t actually its own.  The wedding was an outdoor affair with a sweet and delicate chuppah perfectly placed at the end of the white rose petaled aisle. As we turned the lenses towards Josh to capture his reaction as he watched Michelle walking towards him, arm in arm with her father, he teared up so endearingly. Always a very raw and honest moment…that first look.  Following the ceremony, they ventured into a super cool country style restaurant for food, drink, and some serious dancing.  Oh, and did we mention that they had prepared a practically professionally choreographed dance that could have very easily made it onto any of the top routine-based reality shows (not that we watch those, ahem)?  All in all, a natural and gorgeous wedding.  Congratulations again, Michelle + Josh!

It was a Belizean/Panamanian + Angolan affair. How often do you get to say that? Only in DC! (And, maybe NYC). One of the many reasons we love this area. Anyway, back to our usual wedding musings…  Christine was so full of positive and excited energy when we arrived the the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, where she was getting ready. Everyone was all about massive hugs, so sweet. Not to mention the insane gorgessity that was the lobby and its many elegantly contemporary back-drops. I mean, everywhere we turned there was another corner to capture, with just the perfect lighting. The ceremony was beautiful as well. And, the best part, well, of course that came at the very end when Christine looked at Danny, smiled, raised her arm in a gesture of “we just did it, we’re married!” Loved. Every moment of it. And, if you haven’t been to the Key Bridge Marriott and indulged in some of its striking views of pretty much all of DC and the monuments the city is so famous for, I would highly suggest you make a trip. The 360 degree views were incredible. Hope you guys had a wonderful time in St. Lucia…and have many more lovely memories to share with each other.

P.S. – Having lived in Belize for almost a year, I have a very soft spot for the country, its people, the food, and the music. Man, those Belizeans can dance! As can the Angolans! Not gonna lie, it’s definitely hard, as the photographer, to refrain from jumping on the dance-floor when the soca/marimba/creole jams are playing. =)

Traditional sword arches. Train tracks. A stunning church. A pink + black reception theme. And bubbles. Yes, it was one beautiful and wonderfully thrilling wedding. We had actually shot Sam and Tyler’s engagement photos several months before, so we were fully aware of their utter cuteness together. And, we knew it would be a somewhat Navy-themed affair as both of their fathers are in the Navy. And, Tyler himself is a proud member of the Navy. The ceremony was gorgeous and very heart-felt, loaded with emotions. Oh, and I did mention there were train tracks. Old-town Clifton is filled with such sweet charm, between the general store to the vintage, red train. We were so happy they wanted to head there following the ceremony. We heard through the grapevine that Sam and Tyler are headed to Croatia, Italy, and Greece on a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon. Oh, we’re slightly jealous. Congrats again, guys!

From the beautiful, traditional manor to the subtle, surrounding green, the setting was stunningly picturesque and warm.  Kaleisha was the epitome of a relaxed bride as she prepared for her big day, tending to a few last-minute decorative tasks…with just enough perfectionism. And, Joe was all smiles and more, ready to both give and take direction in his own very cool and collected way.  The ceremony itself took place outside of the mansion in an intimate circle, allowing each person to view the nutpials and mutual respect and adoration from a slightly different perspective.  Oh, and did we mention Georgetown Cupcakes was involved?  All in all, an amazing day that ended with Kaleisha and Joe dancing their way into the night alongside family and friends. Just as it should be.  Congratulations to the two of you!  We hope you had a wonderful honeymoon!

Sahanna was full of sweet giggles. Absolutely adorable. And, at the precious age of a few months shy of 1, she was oh-so-ready to pose when we arrived. Little did she know, she would not be sitting in what likely seemed to her to be an over-sized, very cozy chair the whole time. Nope. No shoot is that simple. But, she went along with the posing, the lifting, the propped up standing. You always wonder if babies are aware of the lens when it’s right in front of them. Much like you wonder if they understand the concept of a mirror…and their own reflection. She seemed to, as she spent much of the time looking directly at us. During those very rare moments of innocent cries, which were certainly few and far between, her mom and dad would sing a little “Sheila Ki Jawaani” and the giggles and smiles would start up again. Such wonderful, tender moments. What life is all about.

We shot their engagement session several months ago, so we were ready for a fun-filled day. And, we knew they both felt completely comfortable in front of the camera. Just very natural. We headed out early in the morning to their respective homes and, even though it was only 8am, the celebrations had already begun. As they do in most, if not all, Sikh weddings. So much fun! She looked absolutely, glamorously stunning. And, he, well, he was just cool as a cucumber, soaking it all in. Both of their families were so very kind too, opening up their homes to us as we galavanted around, climbed on top of sofas…with cameras in tow. As we do. The wedding itself took place at a Gurudwara we’ve passed by many times – the dome exudes such a beautiful golden glow. It was so wonderful to watch their families come together in the parking lot before the ceremony officially began, that is, after a vibrant and energy-packed Barat. And, the ceremony itself was beautiful and simple. I remember watching him turn to her, put his hand on her knee as she smiled back endearingly towards the end of it. It was the perfect moment. A moment that defined the entire day and evening reception that would follow. Big hug to you both, we had so much fun, and we wish you the best!