Happy birthday to my always smiling husband, friend, business partner and psychologist!
I adore you and our adventures. Our walks. Our conversations. And the way you help me flush hairspray and bugs out of my eyes.
Today the weather is as gorgeous as you are and the way when I feel snuggled up with you.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays and all the adventures 28 can bring.
I love you, like you love the mountains.
xoxo.
E
Photo credit to Elizabeth Fogarty
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!
"Don't be delicate. Be vast and brilliant."
My littlest sister is graduating undergrad in one, very short month! When we decided to do her photos, she mentioned to me that she wanted to include the family dog, Luke. Amanda has a special (albeit, allergic) relationship with animals. They just flock to her. I don't get it. Anyways, when she said she wanted to include Lukie, I was not surprised.
I have photographed a 6month old, golden retriever puppy, who was FAR more obedient than our elderly Luke. Nonetheless, we had quite a giggle trying to get our teeth-missing, spazzy, twitchy, loveably Lukie to sit for photos.
Amanda, Manda-Panda, I'm so proud of you! You've worked incredibly hard over these last 4 years to achieve your goals, all while balancing work, intramural sports, CHAARG, your relationship with Mike, and of course your family & friends. Writing it all down makes me feel exhausted just looking at it and I didn't do anything! We have had many conversations about not feeling ready for the things to come, well let me tell you sissy, you ARE. And you will handle it with as much grace, enthusiasm and fantastic humor as you always have.
And never forget your good pal, Dumbledore.
"It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
"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
If you follow along with me on instagram then you'll have seen the copious gorgeous photos of Andrea + Marcos from their wedding day last week. I'm not quite ready to share the full gallery until Tuesday, but I thought i'd do a quick sneak peak of my favorites! Happy Sunday morning all, thank goodness it's not snowing!!
