Old Town Alexandria Wedding Portraits: Angela and Tom

They met in Hong Kong while Tom was there on business for a couple of years.  He needed help putting together a PowerPoint presentation, and Angela was recommended by another co-worker.  He knew right away there was something special about her; she had an aura he was drawn to and couldn't explain.  Worried about dating her because he was more of a superior, it wasn't until Angela changed jobs to another company that Tom asked her out.  She thought it was as business friends, but by their third date she realized it was something more.  Their relationship stood the test of time when Tom moved back to the States.  They dated long distance for several months, until Angela was able to move and finally join him.  And just recently, they sealed their commitment to each other with an intimate courtyard ceremony, then asked if I would capture their wedded happiness during a portrait session in Old Town Alexandria.  I was honored to be able to do this for them, and to see just how happy they are together...

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Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Julie + Brandon

I asked her how she found me, and she said she had been following my work for a while and knew she wanted to hire me as soon as she got engaged.  And that right there is when I became smitten with Julie.  It's a photographer's dream to hear those words.  As for Brandon, well, he became smitten with Julie the first time he laid eyes on her.

Out playing pool with his roommate and roommate's cousin, the latter two were betting they could spot the other person's "type" if they saw them.  While this discussion took place, Julie, who wasn't even in the mood to go out that night but was eventually convinced otherwise, walked in with a friend.  Brandon stepped over to his roommate and his cousin, stating, "I can tell you exactly what my type is.  She just walked in the door."  Playing wingman, the cousin invited Julie and her friend over to play pool with them.

Julie didn't think much of it all night.  She actually thought Brandon's roommate was interested in her friend.  She didn't realize Brandon was actually interested in her.  And Brandon, almost forgetting to ask Julie for her number, ran out to the parking lot at the end of the night to catch up with Julie and suggest maybe they could go out some time.

The third time's the charm, as they say.  It wasn't until date #3 that Julie became interested in Brandon as more than just a friend.  It was their first "real date" where Brandon dressed up and they went out to a nice dinner.  He treated her like a lady, being a gentleman and opening doors for her.  He was unlike the guys she had dated before, and she knew he was a keeper.

Julie is a photographer herself, and it can be a little nerve-wracking photographing a peer.  But being around the two of them and enjoying getting to know them helped to ease my nerves.  They were fun and sweet, not only to each other, but to me as well.

Julie and Brandon, I'm so excited for your wedding at Bluemont Vineyard in September!  Until then, STAY GOLD!  ;)


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River Farm Alexandria Wedding Portraits: Jeff + Kun

They wanted to spend a few hours with their closest friends.  Bride, groom, and bridal party portraits for the wedding they wouldn't have.  Not here, anyway.  In just a few short days, Jeff and Kun are headed to Hawaii to exchange their vows in an intimate ceremony.  And since the friends who would have stood at their sides are unable to make the journey, they spent the day together in celebration, and I was honored to document this time for them.

We started at River Farm in Alexandria.  Its gardens are oh-so-beautiful, and the wisteria here was soft and romantic.

We then headed to Old Town Alexandria for a few more photos....

...before we headed to Columbia Firehouse for a late lunch, where everyone was famished from a long day of shooting.

Jeff and Kun, I had a wonderful time getting to know you and your friends, and I wish you all the best as you travel to Hawaii and commit your lives to each other! Pin It

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Amanda + Dave

He asked if she needed a date to her senior prom.  He had escorted her during her previous year as a junior (after she went in a roundabout way and had her aunt set them up together), and thought she might need a date again that following year.  While nothing really materialized after junior prom, enough sparks flew at her senior prom that they started dating full time after that night, now over 7 years ago.  Amanda says she knew he was the one from the very beginning.  I asked Dave when he knew, and he replied, "Two years ago when I asked her to marry me."

Bigger sparks flew the night they got engaged.  It was the 4th of July and they were with Amanda's family in Havre de Grace, waiting for the fireworks display to begin.  Amanda sensed it was going to happen at any moment.  She had been hugging on him that evening and (discreetly) felt his pockets for the ring box.  Not finding it, she realized it wouldn't be that night.  But after the National Anthem played out its tune, she turned around to find Dave on one knee.  Her mom was so surprised watching the moment unfold in front of her that she stood there in shock, camera in hand.  But didn't take any pictures.

While there are no photos of the actual moment Dave proposed, we did have plenty of time to walk around Old Town Alexandria and celebrate their engagement while capturing their love for each other.

Amanda and Dave, thank you for an AWESOME engagement session!  I'm so excited for your wedding that's just around the corner!!  xo Pin It

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Sneak Peek: Amanda + Dave

Posting a little sneak peek of Amanda and Dave's engagement session in Old Town Alexandria from this past weekend.  Can't wait to share the rest with you - this couple is AMAZING!!

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Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Julie + Paul

They met 4 years ago through a mutual friend.  Paul saw Julie standing there talking to her and thought she was cute, so he walked up to be introduced.  Their first few dates were hanging out with their friends - because they came to realize they had a lot of friends in common.  Little did Paul know that Julie wanted a real date - just the two of them.  But by then it didn't matter anyway; they already knew they wanted to be together.

Julie and Paul will be having a small, private marriage ceremony, but in keeping with their love of travelling they will be honeymooning in beautiful Ireland in May.  I told them, with my most charming smile, that I do travel documentary and portraits, but I don't think I'll be getting that invite to Ireland.  Ah well, maybe next time...  ;)

Aren't these two hoooottttt??!  And if you know my love for sportbikes, you know why I about died when I heard we were using Paul's new Triumph for the shoot!

It was seriously chilly during the session (in the 40s!), but Julie wanted some great photos in her super cute outfits, so she rallied through it for "high fashion!"

Julie and Paul - thank you for such a great session!  And Paul, if you need someone to babysit your Triumph while on your honeymoon...call me. Pin It