David + Allison :: A Hay-Adams Wedding

As I walked into the bridal suite at Washington D.C.'s Hay-Adam's hotel last Sunday afternoon the room was abuzz with a mixture of Jay-z music and giddy squeals. And there, beneath the window light, Allison sat as her maid of honor placed the finishing touches on her make-up. She was anxious, but not in the nervous type of way. More so in a way that said she was excited to see David, the man she would finally be spending her forever with. As she slipped into her dress and fastened her veil, her mother and bridesmaids watched as the anxious feelings began to disipate. And as they waited for the fifth floor elevator to take them to the hotel lobby, they asked if she was ready to see her groom. Without hesitation Allison's reply was a resounding yes! Last Sunday David and Allison married in front of of their family and friends at the Top of the Hay. As they stood, looking down on the capitol city they had so fallen in love with, they promised to be honest, faithful, and true. And then, in true Jewish fashion, David broke glass amidst the claps, cheers, and Mazel tovs of their loved ones...

The couple's first time seeing one another on the wedding day.

A few portraits in the park {and special cameo by the President's home}.

Ohhhh you two are perfect.

We stayed in the park for a few bridal party pictures. And this bridal party? They're the sweetest, most wonderful group of bridesmaids and groomsmen on the planet. Honest.

Allison's dreamy peony + english rose bouquet by Helen Olivia.

After portraits we returned to the bridal suite for the Ketubah signing...

...and then made our way upstairs for the ceremony and customary breaking of the glass.

The view from the Top of the Hay is absolutely incredible. We even watched President Obama fly in on his helicopter during the dinner hour. The timing could not have been planned better.

The gorgeous cake, modeled after Allison's dress, made by Kendall's Cakes.

A stolen kiss in the elevator...

...and the party begins!

David and Allison, thank you doesn't even come close to expressing the gratitude I have for you. I feel so privileged to have been the one that photographed your incredible day. If I had it my way I would spend the entire year shooting your wedding - weekend after weekend after weekend. Thank you for inviting me into your lives and allowing me to capture this special time. I hope you feel the same joy seeing your pictures that I felt taking them.

With love, Michelle

A Washington D.C. Sneak Peek

Hold the phone, it's Thursday? And June???!! I've no complaints the weekend arrived extra early but it certainly made for a super short work week (again, not so bad). I've been glued to my desk all day making sure I could have David and Allison's wedding ready to hit the blog tomorrow. I still have a few hours of work ahead of me but I wanted to leave you with a peek, a tease, of what will be heading your way soon. I don't want to build the hype, but it may be one of my favorite weddings. Ever.

Happy Thursday,

Michelle

Jessie :: Virginia Portrait Photography

If you've read this blog for long enough you've no doubt seen me mention Jessica Smith Photography. Nearly every weekend last summer, if I wasn't shooting my own wedding or out of town on an adventure, you could find me shooting alongside Jessie. I met Jessie at my first WPPI just over a year ago and, no joke, asked if she would be my friend! Can a person really get any more pitiful?! But, true to her style, Jessie welcomed me into her life with open arms and allowed me to second shoot with her for the entire summer. Weekend after weekend I spent my entire Saturday with Jessie and got to know just how beautiful of a person she was, inside and out. She never tired of my endless business questions and always replied with honest and open answers - something I so appreciated. I've realized there are two types of photographers; ones who guard everything they know in fear of being surpassed, and those who give their knowledge freely and in confidence. Jessie most certainly falls under the latter category and I think it's a reflection of the person she is inside - a girl who is selfless, kind, and beautiful. Jessie, I seriously cannot believe you asked me to take your pictures! I can't thank you enough for all the kindness you've showed me over the last year, it truly means the world to me (and then some). I really, really, really like you and I wish you didn't live so many states away. I just, well, miss you.

Juuuust stop.

Our backdrop for the day was pretty amazing. I felt like we had walked straight into a scene from Anne of Green Gables (which, for me, was a total dream).

These next photos make my heart melt. Jessie, you are gorgeous.

Jessie loves horses so we did the shoot at the stable where her mom's horse is boarded. Obviously Cordento (le horse) is a total hunk.

These next pictures are for a project Jessie is working on. Fortunately for me Jessie not only plays the guitar but she also sings like an angel and serenaded me as we took pictures. This job I have? It's so rough.

And I'll end with my favorite picture from our day. At least I think it is. It's a close tie between, well, all of them, but I think this one is my favorite. I can't help but smile every time I look at it.

loveLOVElove,

Michelle