GAITHERSBURG WEDDING: TIFFANY & DAVID

Tiffany and David had their wedding ceremony and reception at the Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It wasn't too long ago I was shooting David's sister's wedding so much of the family was familiar. This made the family photos really easy because everyone knew how I work and where to stand. The bride was looking beautiful and along with her man and the bridal party we had a fun group, managing to take some great photos outside among the perfectly manicured gardens and up on the balcony overlooking the front lawn, and of course, on the dance floor.

LEESBURG ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: SHANNON & RYAN

After throwing out a couple location ideas for this engagement session, Shannon and Ryan were most excited about visiting a winery. Tarara in Leesburg has a perfect blend of open spaces, patio, vines, and leafy, shade covered nature. And the surrounding countryside has many old houses and barns and rustic fences running along rolling hills.

We started with the wine, which, I decided, is going to be requisite for all future engagement sessions. Although it certainly wasn't necessary with Ryan and Shannon, who have a ton of fun together anyway. It was still a great way to start a Friday evening. Shooting at sunset, we had interesting light to work with and some of my favorites came with the low sun shining straight on them and reflecting off the nearby lake.

Shannon and Ryan have known each other for many years, dated long distance through college, and have grown together over that time. They are incredibly comfortable around one another and not afraid to be themselves, even when someone is pointing a camera at them. I'm excited for their wedding in the fall and for the marriage of two really awesome people.

POTOMAC WEDDING: JEANNE & JEFF

It was a beautiful spring day when Jeanne and Jeff had all their closest friends and family gather to celebrate their wedding at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. My favorite thing about this wedding was how fun, genuine, caring and loving both of the families were—one could easily see how much they all love each other and how excited they were for Jeanne and Jeff. Happy families are one of the key ingredients in great wedding photos. It didn't hurt that they were all really good looking either! The ceremony was held under a huge tent, right next to the picturesque golf course, and afterward everyone made their way inside to a romantic country inspired reception filled with heartfelt toasts and a crowded dance floor.

It took many people to pull off such a beautiful wedding, among them was Danielle at Evoke, who coordinated the day and kept everyone organized, taking care of every detail. I also really appreciated Olivia at TPC Potomac, who coordinated the club's efforts to make it a perfect day for the bride & groom. It's tough to imagine how much goes into a wedding, especially one of this size and quality, until you've planned one. With professionals like Danielle and Olivia taking care of the details, the bride won't see half of what they're doing, but she'll be so glad they are there on the wedding day—and able to just enjoy the special moments as they unfold.