Ronald Reagan Building Wedding: Beejal + Ben

It was a bustling day at the Willard InterContinental, where Beejal rented out a large room for her and her 11 bridesmaids to get ready.  Secret Service roamed the halls, for what we assumed were because of dignitaries there on business, and peeked into their room several different times.  (Don't worry, gentlemen, the girls in saris getting their makeup and hair done while drinking champagne are not a threat...I promise!)

Beejal was calm and collected, ready to let the day unfold as it would.  I had been excited about this wedding ever since shooting their engagement session in April.  My husband and I came to know Beejal and Ben through mutual friends, and we all immediately got along.  So it was no surprise to me when I found out they had 17 bridesmaids and groomsmen.  These two don't know a single stranger with their warm and welcoming personalities!

Thank you to Gina Robinson for making the girls look their amazing best, and thank you for being so sweet and fun!

The first look, where Ben gets to see just how beautiful his lovely bride is, and Beejal gets to see her handsome groom for the first time.  For me, there isn't much better than this unscripted moment a bride and groom get to share....

I could not have made it through the day without my incredibly talented and amazing 2nd shooter, Melissa Manzione.  While I was taking the photo on the left, Melissa was capturing the image on the right, as well as a few others in this post.  Love you, Melis...I couldn't have done this wedding without you!!

Katie Martin of Elegance & Simplicity and her amazing team did such a beautiful job transforming the Ronald Reagan Building into a gorgeous reception space...

After the Hindu ceremony, Beejal and Ben also had a Christian ceremony...

Beejal and Ben, thank you for the joy of getting to spend your day with you - not only as your photographer but also as your friend.  I love how you make each other laugh and smile, and the love in your eyes as you look at each other says it all...here's to a lifetime of happiness for you both!!  xo...


Associate photographer: Melissa Manzione
Event Designer, Flowers, Lighting: Katie Martin of Elegance & Simplicity
In-house Coordinator: Danielle Johnson (thank you for being so awesome to work with!!!)
Accommodations: Willard InterContinental Hotel 
Wedding and Reception Venue: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Cake: Forget-Me-Not Cakes
Makeup: Gina Robinson
Hair Stylist: Lauren Perkins
DJ: Brian King

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Washington D.C. Wedding: Nicole + Kelly

The Occupy Wall Street protestors camped out on Freedom Plaza just outside her hotel and the closing of several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue for the Taste of DC didn't deter Nicole on her wedding day.  She knew that what mattered at the end of the day was marrying the love of her life.  She sat quietly in the chair while expert hands applied her makeup, breaking out into smiles and laughs as her bridesmaids talked and joked with her.  And then as she moved about the room in silence with a calm facade, her eyes told the story of someone with a million things running through her mind.  She re-read her vows, bringing tears to her eyes, and then fanned herself with the paper to keep the tears from spilling and her makeup from running.  Nothing could hide the love she felt for the man she was about to marry.

I just love Nicole's Badgley Mischka shoes!

"...you constantly motivate and inspire me to want to do better and be a better person.  As we stand before God and our closest friends and family, I promise to continue to keep the Lord in our marriage first and foremost...."

Kelly getting ready at the W Hotel.  (Thank you Peter for capturing these!)

I've said it time and again, but I love when the bride and groom choose to do a first look!  They get to share a special moment together, just the two of them.

That look on their faces?  That says it all....

The loving looks and glances from Kelly to Nicole lasted the whole day through as he celebrated this day with his beautiful bride.

And as we were headed back for bridal party photos, we made a super quick stop at Union Station for a few photos under the repeating arches.

This cake from Edibles Incredible??  Oh. So. Delicious!!  The layer I had was lemon and it was sooooo good!  Just thinking about it now makes me want another slice...

Nicole's cousin sang a beautiful song he wrote just for her and Kelly...

Nicole and Kelly, I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in Hawaii, and I'm sorry that some of your friends and family may see this post and these photos before you do.  (Just remember I told you that blog stalking while on your honeymoon is allowed and encouraged.)  ;)

Event Planner: Karla Mitchell of Kelley Cannon Events
2nd Photographer: Peter Bang
Accommodations: JW Marriott and W Hotel
Wedding and Reception Venue: City Club of Washington
Hair: Fiona
Makeup: Mahogany Williams of Maze Me Concepts
Flowers: B Floral Event Design
Cake: Edibles Incredible
Ceremony Musician: Ben Young of Disc Jockeys on Call
Reception DJ: Aaron Couch of Disc Jockeys on Call Pin It