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I love photographing weddings and capturing the raw emotions of the day. I not only shoot in the D.C. area but love a good destination wedding. I hope my journal inspires you.
I knew right away when I showed up for bridal prep, and Colleen (Bride) had her furry friend Lola (AKA her dog) all dolled up and ready to go, that our day was going to be a blast!
Being close to her family, Colleen chose to get ready at her parent’s home which I love. Watching Colleen and her family move around the home she grew up in was a beautiful moment. From looking at all the photos of her growing up on the walls and scattered around the home and photos of her parents wedding, I have no doubt Colleen’s wedding photos will be right next to them.
After we got Colleen into her dress and finished her portraits, it was time for the First Look with her father. Standing nervously waiting for his baby girl to spin him around, you could see a rush of memories overcoming him as a tear starts to fall. One can only imagine what he is thinking about, her birth, bringing her home for the first time, 1st day of school, all the bangs and bruises, from heart breaks to great triumphs and now her wedding day. As she walks up behind him, she also starts to tear up as she is experiencing the same memories and emotions at the exact time. She reaches out and spins her dad around and the hugging and tears begin. Seconds later mom rushes in to get her hugs in and shed a few tears herself, one of my favorite moments of a wedding day.
After the bridal prep it was time to pack up and head to The Winery at Bull Run to meet up with Zachary (Groom). What a great place for a wedding – beautiful rolling hills, wooden barns, elevated stone ceremony site and did I mention it’s a winery, lots and lots of wine!!! Everywhere I turned there were so many great locations to photograph Colleen & Zachary.
As the guest settle in and take in the beauty of the elevated stone ceremony site with a backdrop of trees and a grey/blue sky peeking through dramatic clouds, you can start to feel the anticipation and HERE COMES, COMES….LOLA!!! To start off the ceremony, Lola proudly comes prancing down the aisle as the crowd erupts in joy and laughter.
Next the bridal party eagerly walks down the aisle with smiles and tears and then it happens. Colleen and her father turn the corner and begin the slow walk towards a tearing and joyful Zachary. The ceremony was full of their personalities with outbreaks of laughter and a 1st kiss that we all thought would never end.
After the ceremony Colleen, Zachary and yes Lola too and I went on a short photo-walk and got some of the most beautiful and emotional images. As we returned for the reception, everyone was there to cheer them on and that is when I realized there would be no rest for me. From song to song the dance floor was packed. Even as my time was up, the dance floor was still packed and going strong.
Thanks for treating me like family!
Virginia Wedding Photographer – Lee Weddings
Washington DC / Virginia Wedding Venue – The Winery at Bull Run
Virginia Wedding Coordinator – Amanda Turner and Meredith Hill with The Winery at Bull Run
Wedding Florist – Debbie Kelly at The Flower Gallery in Manassas
Band/DJ – Karl Stallknecht with Pulse Entertainment
Hair Artist – Leandra with Updos For I Dos
Makeup artist – Erin with Updos For I Dos
Wedding Dress Boutique – The Bridal Room
Wedding Dress Designer – Stella York
Officiant – Jean Muchanic (friend of bride’s mother)
Catering and Dessert: Margaret Zagrodniczek with Purple Onion
Click here to schedule a call and let’s chat about your wedding.
Cheers,
202-744-0341
Lee@Weddingsbylee.com
www.WeddingsByLee.com