David + Allison :: A Hay-Adams Wedding

As I walked into the bridal suite at Washington D.C.'s Hay-Adam's hotel last Sunday afternoon the room was abuzz with a mixture of Jay-z music and giddy squeals. And there, beneath the window light, Allison sat as her maid of honor placed the finishing touches on her make-up. She was anxious, but not in the nervous type of way. More so in a way that said she was excited to see David, the man she would finally be spending her forever with. As she slipped into her dress and fastened her veil, her mother and bridesmaids watched as the anxious feelings began to disipate. And as they waited for the fifth floor elevator to take them to the hotel lobby, they asked if she was ready to see her groom. Without hesitation Allison's reply was a resounding yes! Last Sunday David and Allison married in front of of their family and friends at the Top of the Hay. As they stood, looking down on the capitol city they had so fallen in love with, they promised to be honest, faithful, and true. And then, in true Jewish fashion, David broke glass amidst the claps, cheers, and Mazel tovs of their loved ones...

The couple's first time seeing one another on the wedding day.

A few portraits in the park {and special cameo by the President's home}.

Ohhhh you two are perfect.

We stayed in the park for a few bridal party pictures. And this bridal party? They're the sweetest, most wonderful group of bridesmaids and groomsmen on the planet. Honest.

Allison's dreamy peony + english rose bouquet by Helen Olivia.

After portraits we returned to the bridal suite for the Ketubah signing...

...and then made our way upstairs for the ceremony and customary breaking of the glass.

The view from the Top of the Hay is absolutely incredible. We even watched President Obama fly in on his helicopter during the dinner hour. The timing could not have been planned better.

The gorgeous cake, modeled after Allison's dress, made by Kendall's Cakes.

A stolen kiss in the elevator...

...and the party begins!

David and Allison, thank you doesn't even come close to expressing the gratitude I have for you. I feel so privileged to have been the one that photographed your incredible day. If I had it my way I would spend the entire year shooting your wedding - weekend after weekend after weekend. Thank you for inviting me into your lives and allowing me to capture this special time. I hope you feel the same joy seeing your pictures that I felt taking them.

With love, Michelle

A Washington D.C. Sneak Peek

Hold the phone, it's Thursday? And June???!! I've no complaints the weekend arrived extra early but it certainly made for a super short work week (again, not so bad). I've been glued to my desk all day making sure I could have David and Allison's wedding ready to hit the blog tomorrow. I still have a few hours of work ahead of me but I wanted to leave you with a peek, a tease, of what will be heading your way soon. I don't want to build the hype, but it may be one of my favorite weddings. Ever.

Happy Thursday,

Michelle

Memorial Day + a Preview

As a painfully West Coast girl I never thought I'd hear myself say that there are parts of living in Virginia that I really, truly miss. The history, the style, the annoyingly irresistible accents. Colton and I just arrived home from shooting an amazing wedding in DC yesterday and while my feet feel as though they should be left in an ice bath for the next three days, I couldn't be any happier to have spent the memorial weekend in our nation's capitol. Having just spent the last five hours on a plane I'm officially taking the afternoon off to relax, enjoy the perfectly warm sun outside, and to spend a few minutes thinking about the incredible men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they're the reason I'm able to do what I love, in freedom, while filing it under the guise of a job. I'll leave you with this completely unrelated sneak peek of the workshop I attended last Thursday with Gabriel + Carlie Davis. The full post (and more from that gorgeous tablescape) will follow later this week.

Happy Memorial Day,

Michelle