Remember that big hurricane this past summer? The one that knocked down trees and knocked out power to some for almost two weeks?  Well Jennifer and Karif decided to get married in it! Well not exactly. They planned an elaborate ceremony and reception in her sister’s fabulous backyard. The invitations were sent, family had flown in from all over – so they decided that the wedding must go ON!

Thankfully, the fabulous backyard was also equipped with a covered poolhouse, so they took the wedding and reception inside. While the wind whipped around like crazy outside, they said “I Do” while remaining blissfully dry…until they went outside to watch their ceremonial fireworks. The guests were game to watch the fireworks in the rain and they went off without a hitch.

The next day I went back to the scene of the storm and took their bridal photos. Of course it was bright and sunny-absolutely no indication that a huge storm had just passed. It was a great experience and I’m so happy to have been a part of it.

I have to say that Bryan and Tyra were one of my favorite couples EVER! I love it when a couple gets involved in a shoot. This time the groom was not camera-shy in the least and even suggested our shooting locations. (which I loved!) What I also loved-the bold colors and the shoes! Tyra’s blue shoes are oh so HOT!

During the shoot, it began to rain…HARD! We made a group decision to sit in our cars

to wait it out, giving the daring couple enough time to change clothes. Don’t ask me how the two of them managed inside a car, but being the troopers that they were, it worked out.

While trying to come up with a clever new heading for my photo previews to replace “sneak peek” I came up with some interesting combinations.

The thesaurus pointed me to some not-quite-right options, including “ambush snoop”, “case gander” and “creep looksee”. While colorful, I don’t think they allude to the dynomitosity (not in the thesaurus) of the photos of Charles & Marnie’s wedding.

Sooo, here’s a photo from their gorgeous reception. It’s just a glimpse of more to come.

I know I’m in for a good time when I show up to meet a bride and she’s rocking hot pink Chuck Taylor’s for her wedding. Not to be outdone, her future husband had on his own Chuck’s. (I kinda wish they were pink too, but I digress…lol). Mischa and Thomas had  very touching traditional Catholic ceremony in Gaithersburg and the reception immediately afterward. The reception was so much fun and I know the guests had a good time. Just check out the pics from the “Soul Train Line” and the YMCA song below.

To see more of their wedding photos, visit their page. Please ask the bride & groom for the password!

Cake: Cake I Do by Karen Carrillo
Music: DJ Excalibur (Maurice Haskins)
Bride’s Hair & Make-up: Red Door Spa

Here’s the highlight reel from Courtney and Asibi’s gorgeous wedd ing

in College Park, Maryland.

Venue: University of Maryland Chapel
Reception: Riggs Center
Wedding Coordination: Vicky Johnson of Holy Matrimony
Second Photographer: Tiffaney Watts

Did you guess right? I was a little surprised when Domonique and Terrence wanted to do their engagement photos at such an unusual location. As crazy as a session outside of a mall sounds, our first location choice was Walmart! You’ll have to ask them about their first date there.

The best thing about this shoot was the challenge of taking a heavily-populated and hot location and making beautiful images out of it.

It helped a ton that they are such a happy-go-lucky couple. The session was really fun!

Perfect ending to a beautiful day. I’m so happy that I was invited to photograph this wedding!