Julia’s Blogfest

So this particular weekend was INSANE in DC.  The Cherry Blossom Parade was the morning of Jessica’s and Mike’s e-session, moreover, we had 25mph winds and major gusts that day.  I asked my darling husband if he wanted to be my taxi driver so I wouldn’t have to bother with parking.  Ironically, we found a spot by the Capitol anyway!  But we left the kids with my mom as it was a great excuse (for her) to watch the kids so we could have dinner in DC afterward anyway!  STRATEGIC thinking is one of my strengths.  8-)  And our restaurant of choice which I do recommend was Mio.  Us + FOOD + WINE = Euphoria.

But look at these cherry blossoms!  I avoid the Tidal Basin and usually hit up the Blossoms in other parts of DC — and you know, they are all over NOVA anyway!  But I offer to do one session each year in DC when the blossoms are in full bloom.  But that’s it.  Otherwise, it’s just a hassle with traffic, parking and tourists.  Yes, they are beautiful but they are just pink trees!

Jessica and Mike are tying the knot in June up at Rocky Gap Resort in MD.  I’ll be staying overnight since it’s a 2 hour drive.  I look forward to that one b/c I’ve heard about it and never seen it and a change of venue is always a good thing for a photographer!  Jessica came to me via a mutual friend from Jack’s former days at CNN, Paul Miller, who is also a indie documentary and feature film producer of his own company Last Name Left Productions.  You know me, have to plug my friends businesses!!

Jessica has been with CNN as a producer for about 8 years now and Mike is an audio designer.  They met at Iota in Arlington a few years ago.  They are both into  music and are huge baseball fans!

This session with Alison and Jeremy was done in early March when they came up from FL to do some final wedding prep.  It was 35 degrees this day and we had no choice but to go forth with this session.  They were quite the troopers as we were all freezing!  As you can see we had a great time despite the elements — even my fingers were not operating at 100%.  They both have a tremendous sense of humor and Jeremy keeps Alison giggling all the time.  They have quite a great dynamic as well so I know their wedding in May will be easy to shoot.  I have such admiration for both of them and here’s why.  Alison is in graduate school and currently working for CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) in FL’s State’s Attorney Office for the Domestic Violence Division while Jeremy is an Addictions Therapist for the Vets Administration.  Such hugely commendable jobs.

Well, we all know spring to be a time of unpredictable weather here in the mid-Atlantic!  A couple years ago my late March wedding was more like late April — around 70 and sunny.  This time, it wasn’t the case.  It was chilly and gray and actually quite misty/rainy on March 28th.  Kristen and Greg were not the least bit phased by this.  I loved that about them.  They were truly in the moment — celebrating their love and all the people that came to partake in their lifelong union.  Kristen and Greg tied the knot at Celebrations at the Bay in Pasadena, MD — outside of Baltimore, on the Chesapeake Bay.  We go boating out of Pasadena all summer and I was anxious to see this venue and be up in that area because it’s so beautiful.  Despite the rain and wind, we managed to squeeze in some quick shots outside in the elements.  Kristen and Greg were up for it and I moved through their portraits pretty quickly.  Naturally, this is something I prefer NOT to happen but so be it.  I think the outcome is pretty cool.  Congrats guys!  Have fun in Hawaii!!

Kristen was chatting on her cell when I caught this.

When I attended a photography seminar by the famed David Williams last fall, he reminded us to ‘use tungsten light” to create mood and effect.  I now look for that lovely color of light in interior shots a lot more.

Kristen in the limo on the way from the hotel in Baltimore to Pasadena with the girls.

A regal groom.

My eyes kept getting drawn to her flowers b/c amongst the gray of the day, they were such a bright spot.

Yippie!  Married!!!!

So it was Kristen’s idea to hit the dock!  She rocks.  I was so happy to indulge.  What you can’t tell her is how windy it was….so the mist and dampness was just all over!

Finally, I have to plug DJ extraordinaire (and my friend and neighbor at my son’s preschool, St. Aidan’s), Mr. Bob Artman!!!   He is so much fun.  He did the emcee-ing and music for the ceremony and the reception.  Kept the flow going perfectly and is amazing! I totally enjoyed working with him and hope there are more opportunities!

Bob’s email:  artmandjs@hotmail.com

Bob and his beautiful wife, Maura!  She was a guest of the bride and groom so coincidentally, she was there as well!