Adam and Karin :: Marterella Winery + Vineyard

October 27, 2010 Michelle Cross

The truth of the matter is that my husband has noticeably handsome friends. And these handsome friends of his happen to choose absolutely stunning girls to spend the rest of their lives with. When Adam and Karin asked about the possibility of doing a day after session I distinctly remember appearing overtly eager for their business as I leaped across couches and ran through living rooms to brainstorm ideas with Karin. People, I do crazy things when I get excited about taking pictures. Crazy, crazy things. We spent our afternoon at Marterella Winery + Vineyard in Warrenton and I could not have been more excited about the location. It's always a little risky committing to a venue before seeing it, but Marterella exceeded every hope and expectation we had. The rolling hills of grape vines, the flawless afternoon light, the intriguingly beautiful couple. It's almost as if it was all a dream. A dream I'd rather not wake up from.

I'll be honest, these pictures were really, really easy to take.

Sweetness...

Karin, something about your expression says that you're safe in Adam's arms. And happy there, as well.

I almost feel as though I shouldn't have interrupted this moment with a picture. But then again I think this is a perfect moment to be able to remember forever.

Alright, I take back everything I've said thus far. Karin, you're too gorgeous for anyone's good and I'm kinda sick with jealousy. I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore.

Friends, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jerry {you're gonna love him}. Jerry is the owner of the Marterella winery and he is just as wonderful as these pictures imply. After nearly a million unfruitful calls to local vineyards, Jerry was more than happy to let us traipse around his property all afternoon. During our phone conversation he even told me {and I quote}, "Why, we just love supporting newlyweds and wedding photographers!". Oh, Jerry, you're the best.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all,

Michelle

An All American Proposal :: Engagements

October 6, 2010 Michelle Cross

When Joe left the house on Saturday morning, Jill was under the impression her beau would only be gone for a half hour or so. She began making breakfast, french toast, but was soon stopped by the knock at the front door. When she opened the door to find her neighbor standing with a red rose and a card, the confusion set in. After being told she had an hour to get ready, Jill headed out to the nearby lake where she was to find rose - and clue - number two. After a row boat ride across the lake and an obstacle course challenge, she was given her second rose by Joe's fellow Marine before being directed to the National Marine Corps Museum. It was here that Jill realized she needed to prepare her mind, and her body, for the marathon she was about to begin. What she thought was a quick trip to the lake had now turned into a day full of physical challenges, relationship trivia, and lots and lots of roses. From the museum Jill was sent to the Kennedy Center, the White House, the Haupt Fountains, the Washington Monument, the Starbucks on H Street, the Korean, WWII, and Vietnam memorials, and then, finally, the Lincoln Memorial. If you lost count, that makes twelve roses, twelve challenges, and twelve Marines in their dress blues that Jill had to find.

If you haven't had the chance to experience a man in uniform in public, you should know that they draw quite the crowd. During the two and a half hours we were waiting for Jill to find her roses, the boys had little more than a five minute break from tourist after tourist asking for pictures.

Good thing the tourists were pretty cute.

This is Jill at the Vietnam memorial being asked to correctly answer how many children Joe wanted.

Internet World, the following picture is proof that we have seriously brave men fighting for our country. In the off chance you're blind and reading my blog, that's a big audience.

She said YES!

This is Joe. He's handsome.

And this is Jill. She's gorgeous.

And then there were toasts.

Jill, I know you had absolutely no part in planning this beautiful adventure of a day so I'll have to take this moment to thank Joe for letting me be part of his amazing plan. I feel so honored to have been able to document such an unforgettable moment and I cannot thank you enough for letting me come along. Congrats on your engagement and welcome to wonderful world of wedding planning!

Michelle

Jacob + Chelsea :: Washington D.C. Wedding Photography

September 30, 2010 Michelle Cross

Unlike Aaron and Leticia, I didn't have the opportunity to meet Jacob and Chelsea until the day of the wedding. Given the choice, I would always want to meet a bride and groom before the day of, however sometimes life just doesn't permit us this luxury. Fortunately for me, Chelsea welcomed me into the bridal room with open arms, introduced me to all of the wonderfully important women who would be helping her get ready, and then proceeded to offer me all of the amazing foods and beverages from the room's buffet table. It is warm welcomes like this that take away all of the pressure of meeting a couple for the first time on their big day. Chelsea and Jacob, thank you for trusting me enough as a photographer to let me join you on your wedding day without ever having met me. You make a beautiful couple and I am so thankful to have had the chance to share in your union as husband and wife. Enjoy your pictures!

Before the ceremony Leticia and Chelsea had a few of the women from their church join them in the bridal room to pray over the day and the impending marriages.

How beautiful is this woman's laugh?! Seriously stunning.

And then there was this handsome guy.

Chelsea and Jacob were dying to take pictures in front of the Capitol building, so after the ceremony we made our way to Constitution Ave. for a quick portrait session.