PHILADELPHIA WEDDING: CATHERINE & BRIAN

Catherine & Brian were married in Fort Washington, PA just outside of Philadelphia. The ceremony was at a beautiful church and the prep and party were at the Manufacturers Golf & Country Club. It was a beautiful day for photos and MGCC was the perfect spot.

I met this couple for engagement photos almost exactly a year ago in Old Town Alexandria. I had high hopes for their wedding photos based on how well our session went last year, and I am not disappointed! This is a classy, attractive and sweet couple and I think their wedding reflected those qualities. Everyone had a great time celebrating with them, including Erin and I.

Also, the band was awesome. Franklin & Alison Music brought a great mix of songs and a lot of personality to the reception party. They are based in Philly but said they are willing to travel for weddings, including DC!

BLUEMONT WEDDING: JESSICA & JOSH

It seems like every wedding I've shot this spring/summer has had the risk of rain, and I've had to keep an eye on the forecast and keep my plan flexible. I arrived at Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, Virginia very excited for the photo possibilities around the property for Jessica and Josh. They have a huge lawn, old trees, fields of grass, an old barn, and a tree swing. But just before the ceremony was set to start the rain came pouring down. The staff did a great job of getting ceremony seating set up inside within minutes and like that, the plan changed and the problem solving began—with new portrait locations and additional lighting setups. Thankfully, summer storms don't last all that long out here and the reception schedule was flexible, so once the rain passed we were able to sneak out for a few more portraits. I love how different the look for these photos is, with clouds seeping over the mountains and shiny wet grass. I always have a little panic attack when it rains on a wedding day, but with a good attitude and some creativity it inevitably turns out well.