Brian & Kim's Wedding and a Fiery Sunset

October 10 - Remington, VA: When I met with Brian, Kim and Kim's mother to talk about the upcoming wedding for Brian & Kim, I knew that we were in for a fun wedding day. Our lunch was an enjoyable way for us to get to know each other better and plan for the couple's wedding. I think we all left the meeting feeling good about this arrangement.

I had the pleasure of photographing an engagement photo outing in Old Town Alexandria for Brian & Kim at the end of August. They had come to know the kind of photos that I was going to photograph and I was looking forward to the wedding at the area around the historic place called "The Inn at Kelly's Ford." I was pleased to find that this location had plenty of space and the wedding was going to be kept outside as the weather cooperated. It was a large open area where the wedding took place and the guests were seated a good distance from where the couple stood for the ceremony. Although a couple video cameras were running I knew I needed to get closer to the couple since the longest range on my lens was 200mm, so effectively it's the equivalent of a 300mm distance. I had to use the foliage in the background to move around discreetly and so did the video camera operator, yet I was able to get in really close. I try to be "invisible," quiet, and unobtrusive when I photograph weddings, so this was an added challenge. I had to do what it took to get the shot.

The wedding went well and it was so beautiful with setting and environment. The carriage that transported the couple made the wedding seem all the more majestic. I had some time with the couple to photograph just them together and they were very patient with my desire for "just one more picture." The reception continued and when I had a break I headed toward my car and then noticed a fiery red sunset sky and had to get a picture of it with the couple. I rushed in and urged the couple to come outside and so they got to experience one of the most amazing sunsets ever. The celebration was in full force on the dance floor and I was roving around with my camera, flash and small video light capturing all the fun. As the night came to a close I remembered that the bride wanted me to take a picture of some artwork on the ceiling. I had the couple go under the artwork and kiss while I was on my back taking the picture that I feel encapsulates the wedding and what's it's all about...it's for love.

MIRZA MPÉRIAL - Sounds Cool

October 10 - Debut of Taimur Baig's MIRZA MPÉRIAL Spring/Summer Collection: I heard about this debut which was to take place at the L2 Lounge in Georgetown, D.C. The event was to go from 8-10:30pm, and I expected to see a fashion show, and there was one in a sense. It's just that there was only one model that represented the collection this night who wore an outfit that is part of the collection, yet DC denizen and media personality Kate Michael was also dressed in MIRZA MPÉRIAL clothing to compliment the evening. There were a good number of people present enjoying the cavernous yet modern lounge along with drinks and conversations.

Quick poses and camera flashes were regular occurrences to help capture the evening. The highlight of the night was the showing of a video that showed the Spring/Summer Collection and featuring the model that was walking around and modeling an MIRZA MPÉRIAL outfit at the L2 Lounge on this celebratory night. MIRZA MPÉRIAL elegantly mixes fashion with influences from art, architecture and world cultures to produce a unique vision of creative expression.

Walk This Way - End Domestic Violence

October 6 - Washington, DC: When I heard about Becky's Fund and their mission to end domestic violence, I was immediately interested in supporting the fund. It's sad that domestic violence continues, and we can make a difference in helping to end it.

When I received an invitation to attend a charity fashion show fundraising event by Becky's Fund, I knew I wanted to support it by attending it and I thought it would be a great event to photograph. The event was to be hosted by Clinton Portis and Eric Finn (Custom Clothiers) at The Liaison (an Affina hotel) in Washington DC. This was to be the first fashion show in DC over a pool! There were several notable people in the DC area that walked the runway including Washington Redskins Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell, DeAngelo Hall, Albert Haynesworth and from DC United there was Bryan Namoff , Devon McTavish, Ben Olsen and Santino Quaranta.

The event was sold-out with over 500 guests enjoying the evening together. A step and repeat banner was a hot spot of the evening with photographers snapping pictures of guests in front of it. The silent auction offered a variety of fine sports memorabilia and services.

The main event of the night was the over-the-pool runway show which was emceed by Lindsay Czarniak of NBC. The edges of the pool were packed with people vying for a good view. Athletes walked the runway suited up by Eric Finn Custom Clothiers and Club Monaco clothes adorned the women models. The message of the event came through clearly as viewing of fashionable clothes and models revealed the effects that domestic violence wreaks upon victims. Toward the end of the show, we see the freedom that can be achieved as Becky Lee unravels the bonds that bound a victim. The night was a success in raising awareness and funds for this cause.

Tim & Tania's Elegant, Fun and Green Wedding

October 3 - River Creek Club, Leesburg, VA: I had the pleasure of photographing Tim & Tania's engagement photo outing back in August, and we were all in anticipation of their wedding. They are a fun couple and that was evident in spending time with them.

On the morning of the wedding there was a heavy fog in the area where the wedding was taking place. It was hard to see while driving there, even with my headlights on. Eventually the fog cleared and the sun lit up the beautiful River Creek Club. The interior of the club was elegant and the view out back where the wedding was to take place was a great backdrop. There was a definitive theme of green running throughout the wedding and reception as that is the bride's favorite color.

The morning seemed to go by so quickly, and I was able to get the pictures I needed. I like to try and get to the wedding location early to have ample time to prepare for the day. It was go time for the ceremony and I stepped outside to see many of the guests looking at me and so they knew it was about that time. With the shaded balcony and the sunlit backdrop outside I found out that Aperture priority mode on my camera worked best. Everything went well and the couple seemed so enraptured by each other. The smile from the bride said it all. There were many tender moments and also lots of fun on the dance floor. The reception ended at 3pm but the celebration continues.