We photographers get to view a lot of intimate moments for our clients: stolen glances at the altar, the smallest detail of how she wrinkles her nose when she's really laughing, maybe even a little skin in a boudoir session. But in April I photographed a moment I'd only seen once before: a proposal. (The once before was when my own husband flashed that ring.) It was, frankly, nerve-wracking, but in the end really special and a huge honor for me. Emily and Stu:
In my opinion, the best option to get your proposal on camera is to do it at the end of a portrait session. She's got a reason to dress up and I've got a reason to be there with a big camera. So I met up with Emily and Stu looking super-dapper and adorable. There were still tons of trees blooming (don't you miss Spring already?)
I still believe I more or less got away with this one without arousing suspicion.
One secret password of exchange, and Stu was off to do his thing.
All these kids started screaming as soon as Stu took a knee, and we went over to say hi after.
Congratulations again, you guys! I hope you've been enjoying your engagement!
Danielle and Sam hosted a two-day wedding extravaganza - first an intimate wedding at the courthouse with just family, then a slightly larger lunch at Petits Plats, a lovely little French restaurant in Woodley Park. Then they brought in all the folks for a big shindig at American Visionary Art Museum, minus bouquet tosses and first dances and toasts and all of that noise but with lots of tasty food and giant paintings on the ceiling and massive amounts of relatives. Just the parts they wanted. Danielle and Sam:
The courthouse was very nice that day. I like this secondary room better - more space, more symmetrical.
The officiant phrased the put-the-ring-on-his-finger bit a little awkwardly, so Danielle ended up having to count his fingers.
Love the moms!
Hard to believe now, but we had a really chilly day a few weeks ago. Danielle and Sam mostly pretended it wasn't cold.
Wedding portraits round one completed, we rolled on up to Woodley Park for some eats and things. Look how Danielle's mom's hat doubles as a necklace! And the double-ear grab.
The next day, we all made it up to Baltimore for Act II: American Visionary Art Museum. I was a last-minute addition but it was supposed to rain on the day we arranged in advance for big-dress portraits, so they had me along to the reception.
I've seen photos with this sign about a billion times. I was glad to finally make my own mark.
But people *should* hang out with this giraffe more.
Those paintings are waaaaay up high, but take up the whole ceiling - very cool.
And then I skedaddled. I have to assume it was a rollicking good time afterwards. Congratulations Danielle and Sam!
Laura and Jeff tied the knot last week at the DC courthouse. When you've been together a billion years, sometimes a giant party doesn't make any sense. But the courthouse - that shiz is legal. Marriage certificate in hand, we wandered on down to the Mall for some portraits in the National Gallery.
Some people are foreheads-together people. These two are and they're really cute about it.
The National Gallery of Art is under all kinds of construction up top and for some reason they removed a bunch of art from the inside, too, and closed off some of the galleries. But now they're putting back some pieces, like these circles. I'm there a lot, so I've noticed the changes over time. I hope they put all the art back soon.
In the meantime, we play with what's left.
A newish take on an old favorite. Either improper flash placement or the burning, unstoppable love between Laura and Jeff - you can take your pick.
Congratulations, guys!
In my opinion, the best option to get your proposal on camera is to do it at the end of a portrait session. She's got a reason to dress up and I've got a reason to be there with a big camera. So I met up with Emily and Stu looking super-dapper and adorable. There were still tons of trees blooming (don't you miss Spring already?)
I still believe I more or less got away with this one without arousing suspicion.
One secret password of exchange, and Stu was off to do his thing.
All these kids started screaming as soon as Stu took a knee, and we went over to say hi after.
Congratulations again, you guys! I hope you've been enjoying your engagement!
The courthouse was very nice that day. I like this secondary room better - more space, more symmetrical.
The officiant phrased the put-the-ring-on-his-finger bit a little awkwardly, so Danielle ended up having to count his fingers.
Love the moms!
Hard to believe now, but we had a really chilly day a few weeks ago. Danielle and Sam mostly pretended it wasn't cold.
Wedding portraits round one completed, we rolled on up to Woodley Park for some eats and things. Look how Danielle's mom's hat doubles as a necklace! And the double-ear grab.
The next day, we all made it up to Baltimore for Act II: American Visionary Art Museum. I was a last-minute addition but it was supposed to rain on the day we arranged in advance for big-dress portraits, so they had me along to the reception.
I've seen photos with this sign about a billion times. I was glad to finally make my own mark.
But people *should* hang out with this giraffe more.
Those paintings are waaaaay up high, but take up the whole ceiling - very cool.
And then I skedaddled. I have to assume it was a rollicking good time afterwards. Congratulations Danielle and Sam!
Some people are foreheads-together people. These two are and they're really cute about it.
The National Gallery of Art is under all kinds of construction up top and for some reason they removed a bunch of art from the inside, too, and closed off some of the galleries. But now they're putting back some pieces, like these circles. I'm there a lot, so I've noticed the changes over time. I hope they put all the art back soon.
In the meantime, we play with what's left.
A newish take on an old favorite. Either improper flash placement or the burning, unstoppable love between Laura and Jeff - you can take your pick.
Congratulations, guys!