Blog

Michaelle & Michael — Fort Myer — Virginia wedding photography

Michaelle and Mike were married New Year’s Eve in Puerto Rico. They had a gorgeous wedding and a wonderful day — except for the teeny tiny detail of their DJ. He failed to show up. Which, needless to say, put a bit of a damper on their reception. So when they returned home to northern Virginia, they decided to plan a DC-area wedding party.

I had shot some portraits of Michaelle before their wedding as a surprise gift for her hubby-to-be, so I was thrilled when she contacted me to see if I was available to photograph their reception. They lucked out with a spectacular spring day on Fort Myer, an Army base adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. Yet, once again, their day did not go quite according to plan. This time, the bus transporting their friends and family to the military post for photos broke down, squashing our plans for fun outdoor portraits before the party. No matter. Michaelle & Michael shrugged it off and had a wonderful second party.

Here are some of my favorites from our afternoon together.

The bride, looking happy and gorgeous.

With her new husband’s children, Eva and Gabriel. They served as flower girl and best man and were just darling.

Eva’s toenails — and shoes! — reflected the color scheme for the day.

A special ring that Michaelle and Mike gave her for the wedding.

A few more of the beautiful bride…

Fully embracing her color scheme as well.

I love the excited looks on their faces here just before they were officially announced into the party.

A wonderfully choreographed first dance.

Lots of cute kids.

The father-daughter dance.

And a spin around the dance floor for the mother and son.

I always ask my clients whether there’s anything they want me to pay a little extra attention to. It’s a question that helps draw out the special little details of the day that couples are most looking forward to — that the bride designed her own cake topper or that a violinist playing at the ceremony is a close family friend or (and I’m not kidding here) that the mascot for the groom’s favorite professional sports team is scheduled to show up during cocktail hour as a surprise from the bride. When I asked this question of Michaelle, she told me about the choreography for their first dance and mentioned their cake cutting. Michaelle and Mike did not, it seems, love the cake cutting photos from their wedding in Puerto Rico. So I shot a bunch of them with their cake. I love love love this next series. I hope they love them, too!

A little icing to the nose.

And yes, she licks it off.

And still, Michaelle has eaten no cake!

Congratulations, Michaelle & Mike. It was so much fun to be with you for your take-two wedding reception. I wish you nothing but happiness in your marriage!