With Stephanie and Joe, it seemed that the more I found out about them, the more I liked them. The first detail I learned about their story was that they would be getting married at the ZOO. And not only that, but a penguin and a toucan would be two of the guests attending! I was instantly hooked – but little did I know, this was only the beginning of their awesomeness. Then Stephanie tells me that Joe proposed at sunrise one morning while they were camping, just as they were stargazing at planets with the telescope Stephanie had gotten Joe for his birthday. A camping/sunrise AND stargazing proposal?? I don’t think it gets much better than that.

On the day of their engagement session, I finally met them in person, and their warmth, genuine sense of humor, and laid-back persona far exceeded my expectations. I knew I had just met the “Ideal M Rose Bride” (and groom). A sense of style and class, balanced with romance, joy, a zest for life, and laughter that not only comes easily, but comes often.

After we explored Meridian Hill Park, and as the weather turned quite brisk and chilly, we took a quick cab to their neighborhood, where they invited me into their home as they got sweet Cotton ready for her debut. Cotton is their puppy love, the sweetest bundle of fur baby ever! I loved getting a quick few shots with them and their pup just as the last light of the night was escaping. I truly could not have asked for a better couple or wedding to begin my 2016 Wedding Season. It’s going to be a phenomenal day!