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Dasha + Mehrdad | MARRIED! | Strathmore Hall - Bethesda Maryland Photographer

Although Dasha and Mehrdad have been legally married for a while, they waited to celebrate with family and friends at the Mansion at Strathmore Hall on a Thursday evening in late July. As this beautiful Russian bride began putting on her make-up, the sun began to peek out of the cloud that had been plaguing the Bethesda area for weeks with ferocious storms that knocked out power and flooded streets throughout the region. And frequent check-ins with the National Weather Service seemed to indicate that the evening would be perfect for their outdoor, traditional Iranian ceremony. However, as Dasha began to descend from the steps of the Mansion, ominous clouds did the same across the sky, heading straight for their pastel colored service, and threatening to overtake the golden sunset rays that illuminated them. Within moments of the minister beginning the rite, drops sprinkled on them from the sky and only seconds later, the entire congregation was running for cover as the sky opened up and rain seemed to fall from all directions, soaking almost everyone in attendance. And Murphy’s Law being what it is, the storm lasted mere minutes and left a stunning rainbow in its wake…as well as soggy chairs, humid air and sloshing shoes. As I think back to that afternoon, I remain impressed with Dasha and Mehrdad’s unshakeable demeanor, as they simply picked up the train of her gown, and carried on into the Mansion where they completed the ceremony and the recitation of their vows. And afterward, we braved the humidity and damp grounds to capture a number of lovely portraits to commemorate the day. Despite the soaking, Dasha remained stunning in her gown, as I quipped that she looked better drenched from a rainstorm than I do fully dry with an arsenal of products to help me get ready.

Thank you both for allowing me to be part of your day and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

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Andrea + Howard | ENGAGED!| Smithsonian Institution- Washington, DC

Anyone who meets with me knows that my favorite part of any consult is learning how each couple met and got engaged. And Andrea and Howard were no exception. Like me and my boyfriend, Andrea and Howard met at work — except their meeting wasn’t simply in passing — their offices share a wall! In fitting with their story, we chose to shoot their engagement session at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum where they work. This sweet couple were so naturally affectionate in front of the camera and I can’t wait for their wedding in October!
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Rachel + Andrew | MARRIED| Brantwyn Estate, Dupont Country Club, Wilmington

Venue: Brantwyn Estate - Dupont Country Club, Wilimington, DE
Florist: Flowers by Yukie
DJ: The Little Big Band
Gown designer/retailer: Judd Waddell
Bridesmaids dress designer/retailer: Alfred Angelo
Invitations: Kennett Advance Printing
Rehearsal dinner: Pig Roast hosted at Fox Quarry
String Trio: Wilmington String Ensemble

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Ann + Brian | MARRIED! | Celebrations at the Bay

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Jennifer + Ricky | ENGAGED! | Leesburg, VA

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Lindsey + Bob | ENGAGED! | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Vienna, VA

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Ashley + Josiah | ENGAGED! | Old Town Alexandria, VA

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Sara + Tony | MARRIED! | Oxon Hill Manor

Sara and Tony celebrated their wedding in traditional DC-style at the end of April. Despite the overcast skies that threatened to rain at any moment, the weather held out and allowed us almost three hours for portraits all around DC. Three HOURS for PORTRAITS! As you may guess, I was a VERY happy photographer!! And Sara didn’t miss a beat when it came to the details — in fact I wish I had invested in Etsy stock before she started her planning :)

Florist: Maryam Flowers
Music: MSE Productions
Caterer: Basikneads Catering
Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator: DIYva Designs
Gown designer/retailer: GiGi Bridal – Mequon, WI
Bridesmaids dress designer/retailer: J.Crew
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Cake: Cakelove
Programs/Menus/Placecards: HellotenfoldEtsy.com

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Mina + Ray | MARRIED! | Key Bridge Marriott

Florist: Davinci Florist
DJ: Aryan Raeisian
Gown designer: Ralph Lauren @ Priscilla of Boston
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Invitations: White Aisle
Videographer: Blue Sky Films
Wedding Cake: Heidelberg Bakery

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Caroline + Aaron | MARRIED! | Brookside Gardens

Gown designer/retailer: J Crew
Bridesmaids dress designer/retailer: J Crew
Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Silver Spring
Portrait location: Brookside Gardens
Reception: Sheraton Washington North
Wedding Cake: Georgetown Cupcake

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