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.

Strong, lasting relationships are built on a solid foundation. Theirs just happened to form in high school. So even though their careers later on put several states between them, it did nothing but strengthen their bond.

And throughout their day, during the Catholic and Hindu ceremonies, it was an honor to help commemorate the blissful union of families, traditions, and national garb. 

Planner: MaramiEvents
Videographer: Ryan Geldermann
Hair and Makeup: TC Beauty
Florist: DaVinci's Florist
Cake: CustomCakes
DJ: NYX Entertainment

While scheduling their initial consult, Jen asked if I could bring a camera along to take a couple quick photos for their save-the-dates. Literally after less than four minutes and two poses, we were done. That's what excellent facial bone structure will do.

But cheekbones aside, "Jenton" and their families were an amazing bunch to work with. Well into the night you could see just how much everyone enjoyed being in each other's company, and it was truly an honor to have been able to help document that.

Venue: Turf Valley Resort
Hair and Makeup: Kate Ricasa
DJ: Tommy Gatz