It was last fall that I first spoke with Y. on the phone about her wedding photography. She had been referred to us by her wedding reception venue, the classy Lorien Hotel & Spa in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and after viewing my photography portfolio, said she was drawn to contact us both because she liked my Africa NGO photography, and because my wedding photography shows a lot of spontaneity … which complements her camera-shyness.

Well, it was just a few days later that I had the opportunity to meet both Y & M, in person, and are they just the sweetest couple, concerned with finding the perfect “fly-on-the-wall” wedding photographer. And as I began working with them as their photographer, I learned that not only are they sweet and kind, but gentle, responsive, and incredibly considerate. And on their wedding day, I brought the camera to my eye and watched through the viewfinder as Y’s dad slowly escorted her down the aisle of the regal Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington DC; I saw the joy on her face and on M’s, and a smile, though hidden behind the camera, came to my lips. Later, during the cocktail hour and dinner back at the Lorien, family and friends – converging from three continents, surrounded by the classic ivory floral designs of Alexandria’s Petal’s Edge – rejoiced. And as M. led Y. onto the dance floor after dinner, Y. out of her bridal gown and in a short black dress, and they began spinning, spinning, spinning in an amazingly impressive first dance, the audience cheered in awe. That first dance was inspirational and set the stage for all the dancing to come that joyful evening, as guests converged on the dance floor and danced the night away, encouraged by the beats of Mark Dennis of Bialek’s Music. A few days later, Y & M had embarked on their honeymoon, which included an amazing 4-day hike in the backcountry of New Zealand.

Congratulations to this happy couple! And many thanks to Y & M for an amazing 5-star wedding photographer review on WeddingWire! Also scroll to the bottom for a full list of wedding professionals that helped to make this wonderful day possible.

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