One of the truly beautiful things a wedding does is it allows you to see the bringing together, combining, adjoining of two different people, their families, and cultures.

Shannon and Shayan's was that and more. Their rainy October wedding day saw both a Persian rite as well as a Chinese tea ceremony in traditional attire. And these unique traditions were celebrated at the iconic Legg Mason Tower, one of the most modern buildings along downtown Baltimore's cobbled streets with the Inner Harbor skyline as its backdrop. To top it off, Shayan created a custom logo combining their initials which could be seen creatively incorporated from the invites (which featured a wet seal!), the reception decor, to the Sofreh. 

Don't even get me started on the different shades of the bridesmaid dresses.

Congratulations, Shayannon!

Of all the brides I've had the pleasure of working with, Alison is by far with whom I go back the furthest. Like, grade-school and her-grandmother-sold-us-our-childhood-home type of way back. Granted she was in kindergarten and only recently have I been able to tell her and her twin sister apart, but that's our history and I'm just disclosing it because I ended up marrying a relative of hers and I take claims of nepotism seriously. 

But really, it was such an honor to come out to Napa and celebrate with her and Matt's families. They truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. 

Congratulations again, Alison and Matt!

When you live just outside Washington DC, it's easy to take the nation's capital for granted. Once you've seen the monuments and checked out the Air and Space Museum, you leave the out-of-towners and middle school field trips to it. 

Thankfully, Christina and Carlo weren't as jaded.

Shooting couple's portraits and wedding party formals in front of the Lincoln Memorial was a much-anticipated first for me. And although I'd shot at Freedom Plaza before, I'd never actually been inside the Reagan Building—an amazing venue truly fitting for such an epic day.

Another first: Shooting on a day so hot, an excessive heat warning was issued. Good thing stopping at arguably the locale's best soft serve was part of the itinerary. 

Coordinator: Events by MCGP
Videographer: Ryan Geldermann
Makeup: Phenomenal Faces
Hair: Tress HairCo
Florist: Eight Tree Street

When you think of curve balls being thrown when planning a wedding, you never anticipate having to scramble to find another venue because the one you initially booked inexplicably can't host you anymore. Less than a month before the big day. But that's exactly what Mandy and Mike had to deal with.

On top of that, their outdoor ceremony was set to begin right when a summer thunderstorm was forecasted to roll through. Talk about stressful.

Yet, from the photos below you can see it was anything but. The smiles couldn't have been any bigger, the laughs any louder, the sing-alongs more intense. After partying with this family in Puerto Rico, there was no doubt in my mind, it was going to be nothing short of perfect.