I almost can’t believe that MaryEllen and Mike’s wedding has already come and gone! I feel like I have been waiting for their winter wedding for forever and now that it’s over, and I don’t have another East Coast wedding for awhile, I am feeling sad! Their wedding, however, was filled with so many wonderful moments that I am so excited to live through again with this post and all their gorgeous images.
On a slightly personal note, their wedding held a very special moment for me. MaryEllen and Mike found me through several mutual friends and past brides of mine, which means that on the night of their reception, there were FOUR #mrosecouples in the ONE room. Of course I had to have a picture with all those wonderful people (you’ll see it below!). But I wanted to share that because this was such a large reason for why I was so excited to work with MaryEllen and Mike. I had so enjoyed the other 3 couples, I knew that these guys were going to be just as amazing as their friends who had recommended me.
Their National Mall DC Engagement Session proved it to me once, and this beautiful wedding day proved it to me again. The winter weather held off just long enough to finish up family portraits, and by the time the snow started to fall, we were all tucked away into the reception hall, ready to fill the rest of the night with dancing and dining. (Don’t be fooled – I TOTALLY made them go back out into the snow for an epic nighttime shot…..you CAN’T miss it!!) I love photographing wedding days because it gives me a little bit of EVERYTHING I love to shoot – I get to be both photo-journalistic and artsy, in control and a fly on the wall. By the time we get to the reception, my directing job has mostly ended and I can capture it all as it unfolds. I love to fall into that role – of being the bride and groom’s eyes and noticing the small things and reactions that they miss. I also love watching the people they love interact with each other and with the bride and groom. This is always when the stress of the day finally melts away, and the two of them become their best, most relaxed selves. This is where I say, “I see them for who they are and who they will be together in this marriage.” I saw that in MaryEllen and Mike, and it made me happy from my head to my toes. I saw who they were together, and what forces led them to each other. I saw that they brought out the best in each other, and I saw the potential they had for good, with one another at their sides. I loved hearing MaryEllen’s sister tell the whole crowd about MaryEllen’s determination to make more resources available for Special Education, and I saw Mike’s eyes lit up as he danced with his mama and clasped his brother on the back.
I also met and worked with Natalie from Broomfield Photo for the first time, and she wow’ed me with her creative eye, calm demeanor, and gracious service to me and the bride and groom. She was the perfect fit to a missing piece in my puzzle. It’s because of her I have some images that are a little different from my usual style but I LOVE them (she brought a prism for me to play with!).
MaryEllen and Mike, I love you both. I love your love. I loved being a witness to this day unfold, and I hope you love re-visiting it through my eyes just as much as I loved capturing it!!
Second Shooter | Broomfield Photo
Hair | Ariel Katrina Hair
Makeup | Kelley Unthank
Dress Designer | Essence of Austrailia
Bridesmaids Dress Designer | Sorella Vita
Dress shop | Couture by Posh Bridal
Florals | Robertson’s Flowers
Ceremony Venue | Saint Thomas of Villanova Church
Reception Venue | The Inn at Villanova
Day-of Coordinator | Courtney Battista
Cake | The Master’s Baker
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Jos A Bank
Socks & Ties | The Tie Bar
Belts | Vineyard Vines
Invitations | Classic by Lauren Chism
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