Here’s the outdoor bar with a chalkboard telling you what kind of beer you could have (sidenote: there was also sweet tea – YEAH! – and at the end of the night they served iced coffee with the cake instead of hot coffee because it was SO HOT outside, good call!)

The bourbon that Zach wanted because he was a fan of old-fashioned’s:

The place settings were super-cute as well, I know that the wedding party and family put these together all themselves. I love how everyone’s name was stamped on their place setting. That was just one of those small details that totally pulled things together.

Each table had a lemon marker with a number telling you where you should be located,

Each table (which were really long), had several cakes each,

This is the bride and groom nephew and niece, they really enjoyed playing with the water fountain out front!

Water never tasted so good

Lining the path from the parking area to the barn were bags filled with candles and it looked incredible when the sun was setting!

This was pretty much the dance floor the entire night, what a fun party it was!

Zach decided to jump in and help the bartender make old-fashioned’s the way that he liked them,

This is also pretty much how the bar outside looked the entire evening

Zach and Emily, thanks once again SO much for allowing me to be a part of your day! What a fun and special wedding to be able to capture. You two are awesome and I can’t wait to meet up with you again someday

I love these two, it was obvious that these two had so much fun together

And seriously, this wedding party was awesome, they rocked that tractor, I think:

My most favorite wedding party shot ever (nothing real special about it, I just love it):

The boys looking quite daper:

Awww (the lighting was perrrrfect!)

I tried to get them to eat off of the same piece of corn on the cob, but Emily kept laughing at the ridiculous faces that Zach would make and she couldn’t bring herself to do it

More later!!

I love these two, it was obvious that these two had so much fun together

And seriously, this wedding party was awesome, they rocked that tractor, I think:

My most favorite wedding party shot ever (nothing real special about it, I just love it):

The boys looking quite daper:

Awww (the lighting was perrrrfect!)

I tried to get them to eat off of the same piece of corn on the cob, but Emily kept laughing at the ridiculous faces that Zach would make and she couldn’t bring herself to do it

More later!!

Emily wanted to go with a kind of vintagy/old feeling for her wedding, and she definitely pulled it off. It was so fun! The wedding reception was at the Groom’s family’s barn on the Eastern Shore in Virginia. The barn had been newly renovated and the entire wedding party helped with the decorations, lights, cakes, everything! It was truly a family and friends affair.

Emily had bought some vintage brooches for her bridesmaids as gifts, and they pinned them on their bouquets for the evening. She also had all her girls pick their own dresses in yellow. I love when brides give their bridesmaids that option of wearing a dress that suits their own body type and personality. It makes the girls much more comfortable and then they are able to have a better time.

Emily’s dress was of course gorgeous, bought from a boutique in New York.

Waiting for her dad to walk her down the aisle.

Yay for being married! WOO!

I have a TON more, but they are going to have to wait for another day. Hopefully not another two months

The dress is cute and all, but look at those eyelashes!!

And that smirk! HAHA! She was cracking me up

He’s a pretty cute kid

He is seriously the biggest sports nut I’ve seen at 2 years old!

Also very patriotic

Hi Luke’s Mom and Dad! I’ve known Karen and Kelly for about 2 1/2 years now. We all met in our Bradley birthing class before the kiddos were even born. Kelly is in the Marines and Karen is a soccer person, so they are both these ridiculously good looking people who could probably beat you all up They also make one good looking kid. Luke is quite a handful, he’s only 3 days younger than Bryce, and SUCH a little boy! It’s amazing the difference in attitude and playfulness of boys versus girls. I thought my kid was busy….

See? Sports nut. He has quite an arm on him! Watch out major leagues!

Oh hai, Luke!

Aww, some cute family time

Kelly had been hoisting Luke up high into the air and he loooved it!

Love this one

Tickle time on the couch!

What a fun family! I know we didn’t get to hang out too much, but I’m seriously going to miss you all when you move! I’m glad we at least have facebook to keep in touch, haha! Love you all and I wish you the best!

I recently had the honor of photographing the wedding of two good friends. I met the groom while in the choir at our church, and the bride I met over time as they started dating. I *instantly* liked Linda, from the very start. She is one of those very unassuming people who makes you feel comfortable and as though you’ve known her for a long time. Jim I have known for a few years, and while he is closer to my husband, I’ve always considered him a good friend. He is funny, smart and you know for sure that Jim is one of those loyal friends who would do anything for you!

The wedding was gorgeous, yet laid back and relaxing. This is probably the least stressed out I have ever been while photographing a wedding. Both Jim and Linda went with the flow, whatever happened is what happened (not that anything bad happened, the day went so smoothly), they were flexible and receptive to what would come their way.

Jim and Linda, thanks again for choosing me, I had so much fun and felt more like a guest than your photographer on your big day

Linda got ready at her maid of honors house, but her dress was waiting for her in the basement at her parents house (which, by the way, is now Jim and Linda’s house because her parents moved out). It was a very European home (Linda and her family are from Denmark), and I loved every inch of it Linda’s “bridal room” was very clean and open. Quite soothing!

Linda stepping into her dress, her maid of honor is on the other side of her helping her out,

I’m not sure what it is about this photo that I really enjoy, but I sure do love it!

Linda was SO excited when the car came to pick her up! She was thrilled that she was about to get married

Linda is one very eco-conscious woman. She wanted her florist to be as green as possible in the choices that were made for their flowers. Most of Linda’s flowers (including the centerpieces on the tables) were from the florists very own garden! I got to take a centerpiece home with me and it is still sitting outside on our porch (although I think I really need to water it at this point because it has been incredibly HOT here in NoVA!).

Last minute touch-ups,

On the way to see her groom!

Not the best picture, but the paparazzi were everywhere!

WOOHOO!!

So happy to be married

One of the awesome centerpieces:

I forgot to mention that the wedding was at the Hay-Adams hotel in Washington, DC (yup, the one by the White House). And people let me tell you… this was one of the BEST brunches I have ever had! I mean, they had a WAFFLE BAR! Brides, this is one option that will not disappoint anyone. Guaranteed.

More of the beautiful centerpieces. Linda was telling me that most (if not all) of the centerpieces had herbs and flowers in them were able to be used in cooking!

Linda relaxing with a glass of champagne

Shrimp Cocktail!

Behind the food stations there were some couches set up that you could relax and hang out on. There was definitely some cigar smoking times being held throughout the ordeal.

I’m assuming Linda’s dad is busting on Jim, but I can’t remember what he was saying

The Hay-Adams has some beautiful China!

Linda and Jim used Georgetown cupcake for their sweets (again future Brides, another option that will never disappoint!). YUM!

They’re cute

Oh, and did I mention that this was our view from the rooftop terrace? We could see the snipers and workers on the roof of the White House. How awesome is that?!

Listening to a speech by the maid of honor, and seriously, could not be cuter

*sigh*… what a wonderful wedding. So beautiful and full of love from two of the most genuine people I know

I took a similar picture of Claire last year, I love how stoic she looks, quite the little model

These are the grandparents, I *loved* how affectionate they were with each other, too cute

Here’s the cousins!

And the whole family:

I asked Joshua to give Claire a little kiss, she was fine with it until she realized what he was actually doing

What a lovely family you all are! I had so much fun with you guys and I can’t wait for next year!

Seriously, they’re adorable together

I know it’s cliche to have the partner hold the basketball next to the pregnant one’s belly, but it must have been fate because we happened to come upon a basketball on our walk. So of course I made Luke be cheesy, he enjoyed it, I know he did.

And then there were the frogs. I was not a fan, but this one was kind of cute.

I love me some good ole’ sun flare!

Apparently this is how Luke kissed Michelle for their “wedding” kiss (awww…) so they like to recreate it any chance they get

There are one of these shots of Michelle every session I took. I love the series

Yay for the home stretch! You can come now Baby P., we’re all ready for you