Thanks, Lauren and John, for choosing me to document these important moments for you.

All the best,
Elisha Maria

Bridal Shop:
Bridal Extraordinaire

Dress Designer:
La Sposa

Shoes:
Jimmy Choo

Suit/Tux:
Calvin Klein

Florist:
The Enchanted Florist

Caterer:
Jackson 20

Officiant:
Rev. Dennis Kleinmann

Ceremony music:
Dr. Charles Saik

Reception music:
Artman DJ

Invitations:
Papyrus

Honeymoon location:
Florence and Rome, Italy

These photographers touched me as they spoke from their hearts, with raw honesty about their journeys – no fancy presentations, no sponsorships, no big post-workshop sell. They were simply photographers sharing their experiences. Because I’m in this for the long haul, their thoughts and struggles and advice struck a cord with me. Photography is not my side job – something to bring in beer money on the weekends. I have a long-term commitment to being a photographer, to being a mentor to photographers and to being in awe of other’s great photography. It has not been easy – I could have done anything I wanted, but when you are as passionate about photography as I am, there really is no other choice.

Musea helped remind me of how I got here, what I’m doing now, and where I want to go. It may take me a little longer than others – I am busy right now raising three boys – but I’m passionate, determined and inspired. For any young photographer who would like to be inspired, the next gathering is in Seattle and if you choose to attend, I’m sure you will walk away with a new perspective on your art. I can’t say enough good things about what Michael is doing to elevate the industry and provide great learning opportunities. Thank you to everyone involved. Here are a few images from my trip:

Of course, a trip to NYC is never complete without a visit with my brother Chris and his girlfriend Emily. He always takes me to the most interesting places to eat and this place was covered in string lights.

And one from home:

Thank you Danielle and Holger for allowing me to document these special moments. Best wishes on your new journey together.

~Elisha Maria

Event Designer: Jess George of HJ Planners

Bridal Shop: Hannelores of Olde Town

Dress Designer: Pro Novias

Shoes: Nina

Hair: Behind the Veil

Florist: Da Vinci’s Florist

Caterer + Cake: Four Seasons in Georgetown

Reception Music: Bialeks Music

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

]]> http://lovelifeimages.com/sandra-and-javiers-washington-dc-wedding-at-the-washington-plaza-hotel/feed/ 2 http://lovelifeimages.com/sandra-and-javiers-washington-dc-wedding-at-the-washington-plaza-hotel/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LoveLifeImagesStephensBlog/~3/nJ1hVr4vacA/ http://lovelifeimages.com/welcome-to-love-life-images-new-brand-and-new-website/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:56:43 +0000 lovelife http://lovelifeimages.com/new/?p=6648 After more than ten years of photographing weddings in DC/MD/VA, today marks a special moment for Love Life Images. Welcome to our new website, blog, and brand! Hours spent soul-searching, deconstructing our processes – how we communicate, how we design albums, how we process our images, and how we package our product for delivery – have all led to this. Our new look isn’t just a visual. It’s a reflection of a better understanding of wedding photography.

Outstanding photography is our raison d’être. It propels us forward and is at the heart of what we do. We believe in timelessness, honesty, and in images with feeling and integrity that will look as beautiful today as when you show them to your grandchildren. And while we’re thrilled to be remembered for our beautiful pictures, we’d love just as much to be remembered for the way we made you feel during our time together – informed, prepared and delighted. More than ever, we are dedicated to one thing: amazing photography backed by a fabulous client experience. We’re certain that you’re going to love this great new chapter for Love Life Images, and we are glad you’re here!

RICH EXPERIENCE

Strolling through the park one Sunday afternoon, you can’t help but notice one particular oak tree standing taller, seeming grander than the rest. It breathes the kind of character that only time can instill, the character of a hundred soft snowfalls and summers beneath the sun. Its roots lace in and out of the ground beneath your feet, tracing its rich history in the soil, its strength branching out all around you. This oak could tell a thousand tales of romance, a mighty testament to time and life itself.

Love Life images is an established team of respected wedding photographers, focused on providing a rich experience and finely crafted images. They are renowned for their vast experience and elegant approach. They’ve been recognized for excellence on numerous occasions in the Washingtonian, Baltimore Bride, and countless other publications. Love Life Images uses their vision and unwavering standard of excellence to produce the caliber of product that only boundless passion—rooted in experience—can provide.

Just as a mighty oak can embody an air of rich history and timeless quality, so do we. We capture love in a way that’s built to endure. It is our solid foundation of experience that allows our vision to flourish. We are passionate storytellers, yearning to tell your tale. We are a testament to the kind of class that endures, to a standard of excellence that continues to grow, and to the boundless possibilities of your love.

We are Love Life Images. We don’t just photograph weddings, we document love.

Did you see Debbie and Art’s multicultural, tradition-filled wedding on United with Love this week? Check it out!

Some more of the images we used as inspiration:

As time passes and Love Life Images continues to grow, we remain grounded in our unwavering standard of excellence. Our invaluable experience enables us to remove the trial and error from your special day and provide you with a sophisticated and seamless wedding experience. Our mission is to focus on the unique nature of your love, and translate those details into a set of glamorously polished images.

Our identity harkens back to signage from the turn of the century, channeling the class and trustworthiness of well-established brands like Brooks Brothers and Chanel. Its embellishments encompass the kind of fine detail we prize, and the couture elegance that allows our work to flourish.

Our typography is meant to feel refined and glamorous. Our polished approach allows our vision to shine through and your love to remain paramount.

We want our clients to know that we are reliable and accomplished. Our ever-growing experience and boundless vision allow us to provide not only excellent photos, but a couture wedding experience that is timelessly tailored especially to you.

Here are a few versions of the new logo, there is still more to come:

I love everything about Adele. I love her timeless, elegant sophisticated beauty. I love her soulful, rich mesmerizing voice. Her simply elegant, New York, London city style is enchanting. It speaks to me.

Colors come and go, but pink has stayed with me through many different shades and has represented very different times in my life. My previous raspberry/hot pink is replaced by a more subtle, elegant shade that is paired with brown and grey and metallic.

Stay tuned for some new blog posts about the brand in the next few weeks.

I’d love for you to join me in a unplugged retreat to give yourself the opportunity
to recharge. Yoga, hiking, creative workshops, spa time and wholesome eating in
a natural and tranquil environment will help you gain balance, perspective and
piece of mind. Capon Springs is a place that gives individuals the freedom and
permission they need to truly unplug and decompress. We’ll reconnect with our
creative mind through writing exercises, sensory exploration, and connected
conversation. You will return to your daily life with energy, inspiration, and a
refreshed approach to a balanced life in the digital age.

Cost for the Retreat: $250 per participant. Does not include room, travel or
spa services.

Schedule of Events: Arrival time is Monday 5/6/2013 between 2PM and 5PM
with an official welcome at 5:15PM. The retreat ends on Wednesday 5/8/2013 at
3PM. In between those times you will be invited to participate in creative
exercises, yoga, hiking, and spa time. Some activities are in groups and others will
be on your own. We’ll meet formally as a group for two creative exercise sessions.

Why hold the retreat at Capon Springs? The draw of this unique resort is
in its simplicity. Their focus on “back to basics” creates an atmosphere of
peacefulness and true rejuvenation. Family owned for years, their dedication to
their guests is not because it’s “good customer service,” but because they see their
guests as an extension of their own family. Tucked away in the mountains of West
Virginia, Capon Springs is part summer camp, part mountain resort with family–
style made-from-scratch meals meant to nourish your body and soul – not fancy,
just real. Capon’s on-site Spa offers soaking tubs filled with fresh mountain-
spring water to rejuvenate your body. Hiking paths wind up the mountain for a
scenic overlook or through the pine forest and past an old stone wall tucked in
the woods. A serene yoga room below the spa will be the site for our private yoga
classes and led meditation. The spa has reserved two days just for our group and
has therapists on hand for all their offered services.

From their website: “Capon’s 19th century architecture and town square layout,
combined with our camp-like informal atmosphere, help to create the feeling
that you have somehow stepped back in time to a quieter, gentler era.”

While Capon is a peaceful retreat, it’s campy enough to remind you that being a creative person is work. It is not a cushy, posh hotel but a more down-to earth setting intended to stimulate healing. Check out the website for more details: Capon Springs

What can I expect to get out of this retreat?: Some things you might gain from this experience include: relaxation, rejuvenation, increased focus, increased ability to make decisions, the ability to breathe easier, the opportunity to feel re-energized, a renewed excitement for your craft, a more open mind, a re-commitment to old dreams, an opportunity to create new dreams.

You are a photographer, will we be taking pictures?: No. I will not be leading any photography-driven exercises. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take photos, but you are also welcome to give yourself a break from your photography.

What is a creative retreat? It’s permission to step back and rekindle your passion for your art. It’s a chance to sit unplugged with your ideas and let them flow. It’s a chance to find the creativity that is uniquely yours through creative exercises in writing, sensory stimulation, and quiet.

Is this a religion-based retreat?:  No. There is no led discussion about religion.

Who will attend?: This retreat was created for all kinds of people – artists, photographers, entrepreneurs, business owners, bloggers, writers, designers or anyone who is driven by their creative spirit.

What kind of room will I stay in?: There is a variety of shared rooms, private rooms with a bath and private rooms with shared bath. All participants are required to stay at the resort.

Are there accommodations for special dietary needs? Yes. The resort is prepared to accomodate you with creative cuisine for anyone. Please let Tom know about these dietary restrictions when you book the room.

How do I sign up?: Fill out this FORM. Contact Capon Springs directly to book your room at reduced rate of $128 per person per night.  That figure includes lodging, 3 meals daily, all taxes and all gratuities. Contact Tom by calling 304-874-3695 and mention that you are with Jennifer Domenick to book your room. Spa appointments must be booked by 4/25/2013 to guarantee your services.

I am looking forward to connecting with a group of creatives. Please email me with any questions.