Sessions at the Cherry Blossom Festival | What You Need to Know

I have had many inquiries over the last month about sessions at the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. I thought it would be helpful to future clients (and current ones) to do a blog post that explains the process. 
This also covers sessions in DC at other iconic locations as well. 

Many do not realize, and I didn't either until I became a photographer, that a permit is REQUIRED to have any size session on Federal Land. The National Park Service patrols the areas, checking for permits. It's not a big deal if you have it. But if you don't, you're subject to fines and being kicked off the property. No one wants that in the middle of their engagement session! 

Please take the time to follow the rules so that you get the best experience from shooting at the Cherry Blossom Festival and at other monuments in DC. 

Step 1: Let your photographer know you want to have your session at the Cherry Blossom Festival (or other monument location). Be prepared to do a sunrise session as this is the best way to minimize tourists! 
Step 2: Your photographer will submit the permit on your behalf (Here's the ACTUAL permit I will submit.) Please note, and I'll repeat this again at the bottom of the post, the permit application cost (As of March 2017) is $90.  There is an additional fee for the permit (each location requires its own permit) and it's based on the number of people. Example: shooting an entire bridal party vs just the bride and groom has a different permit cost, but the application is still $90. 
Step 3: Wait. Which stinks. So as soon as you know you want to do a session in DC at a monument, let your photographer know so we can get the ball rolling! 
Step 4: Take gorgeous pictures. 

Cost Break Down: 
Application: $90
+
$50 per location for 1-10 people
$150 per location for 11-30 people
$250 per location for more than 30 people


"But what if I still want Cherry Blossoms, but the permit process is too expensive?" 
The Cherry Blossoms don't just exist at the Tidal Basin! Sure its gorgeous, and a large (okay massive) collection of them, but it's not the only place that has them! 

Down town Alexandria has a scattering of trees set against a backdrop of the cute town. Perfect for strolling with your love! Additionally, Founders Park has some beautiful trees and is right along the water! Andrea really wanted Cherry Blossoms on her wedding day, but the timeline didn't allow for us to go to the Tidal Basin. We found gorgeous flowering trees at Founders Park!! 

 

I hope this post has helped explain the process needed to photograph at the Cherry Blossoms (and other DC monuments)!! 
Send me an email and lets get started setting up your session! 

Emily + Brian | Engaged

They met in DC. They started a relationship in DC. They got engaged while following the Nationals on a road trip. 

What better place to do their engagement session than DC?! 

Emily (great name), wanted DC as the backdrop of their engagement session, but didn't want "to be obviously DC" I knew what she meant. She did want any dips in front of the White House, or strolls down the Mall. She wanted the DC where their relationship grew and blossomed. 

We started their session in front of the bar they met at, Queen Vic. I can see why they wanted to get some pictures there, SO COLORFUL and fun! 

Next, we went to the street where Emily used to live. They have gorgeous, multicolored townhouses right by the train tracks that Emily loved watching. I also coincidentally got eaten alive (20 bug bites guys, 20!!!) while doing her ring shot here. 

We finished up their session just as the sun was setting, at Union Station. They had walked through here many times and it decidedly felt very DC. Personally, I think train stations and airports are quite romantic and adventurous! I like the hustle and bustle. The coming and going. The saying hello and goodbye. Adventures departing and stories coming to a close. The kisses, the hugs and the tears. Easy to compare to the adventures these two are about to embark on in their marriage. 

Congratulations Emily + Brian! 

#TheSelbyStories | DC Edition

Ever since our honeymoon to Italy, we have talked about going on more weekend trips to just explore. One of my favorite parts of our honeymoon was all the walking and talking and seeing we did. Bryce's birthday is tomorrow but we celebrated it over the weekend with a trip to DC! (PS all photos are from my iphone- we traveled super light this weekend)

We already had plans to see Houndmouth at The 930 Club, so I built everything around that! 

We headed down to DC Saturday afternoon and checked into our hotel, The Dupont Circle Hotel (who immediately upgraded us when they found out it was Bryce's birthday!). Is my family the only ones that take pictures of the bathroom where they are staying? Just mine? Okay. Well the bathroom at our hotel was beautiful (white marble is my love language) and I couldn't not send it to my family! They had heated floors and the prettiest bath products you ever did see! 

Next we walked to the Spy Museum (and there was a bridge that reminded me so much of one in Rome that ends with the Colosseum) , grabbed drinks at our hotel and then went to dinner at Ezme. A fantastic Turkish, tapas restaurant. 

The next morning we took it easy with coffee and an easy walk around Dupont Circle (which we adore and if we ever move to DC we are moving there or Logan Circle). 

We did brunch at the most fantastic place called, Firefly Cafe. I had buiscuits and gravy, while Bryce had the french toast. The food was divine, and the atmosphere even cooler. There is a giant tree in the middle of the room. They give you your check in a mason jar with holes punched out at the top and a flameless candle to mimic fireflies in a jar. SO CUTE. Then we headed to (walked more) the Botanical Gardens, The Hirshorn and the National Archives.

Are you tired yet? I know I am after recounting all the fun things we did! We made it to dinner (decided to take the metro this time) at a place called The Commissary. They had a fantastic happy hour deal and we got truffle fries (because duh), a quesadilla and grilled artichoke hearts with an aioli dipping sauce. Oh yes, we were quite refreshed and ready to stand for a couple hours at the concert! We had a blast at the concert. Houndmouth recently added 3 new bandmates after someone left, which included 2 saxophone players. They sound so freaking cool. By midnight we had finally made it back home. Phew. And I sit here with lots of coffee. Hope you all had an awesome weekend too!

A+M | Married

"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape"

I'm so excited to share this wedding! Andrea + Marcos were amazing to work with and just as sweet as can be! 

They were married at the Holy Rosary Church, in DC and their reception was held at the Lorien Hotel and Spa in Alexandria, VA.  

All wedding days are hectic and crazy. I don't bother the bride when I come in to start shooting details. I have already told her to set them aside, so I can just grab them when I come in and start shooting. The particular room set up where Andrea and her girls were getting ready had a beautiful balcony with natural light, so of course I set up out there. After shooting for about 20 minutes, Andrea came out and handed me a towel. I admit, that initially I was perplexed. Was she worried I was going to get her details dirty? Was I flashing someone while I bent over in a dress? No. Sweet Andrea was worried about my knees! She wanted me to kneel on something comfortable. This is the kind of beautiful person she is.  

Every last detail of their day was perfection. Including their invitations. You see, Andrea is a major Harry Potter fan. What does a Harry Potter fan seal her wedding invitations with? Custom wax seals. Oh. My. Word. I was so in love.  And her cake topper? It said "Always".  Her MOH recited the famous lines in her speech (and the DJ played the Harry Potter theme music in the background). It was perfect. 

Their day was a mix of smiles, tears and delicate moments. Watching Andrea look at Marcos was like magic. It was electrifying. I always feel so incredibly blessed to be part of someone's wedding day. I don't feel like the photographer. I feel like family. And I love getting to know my couples and sharing in this special day.  

Andrea + Marcos, much love to you both, and I hope you are having a fantastic honeymoon! 

Vendors that made this day possible: 
Coordination by Kristin Corrigan
Florals by Erin Ward, The Little Flower Bud
Music by Julio Falcon, Black Tie Entertainment
Make-Up by Brigid Wilson
Hair by Julia Miller
Wedding Dress and veil: Paloma Blanca purchased at Love Couture Bridal
Invites from Minted