Amanda and Tony- Veritas. "First look" is always fun to document. It was so lovely to witness Tony's anticipation before looking at his breathtaking bride

Amanda and Tony - Veritas - It was so sweet when their little daughter, Sophia clapped when she saw her mom walking down the aisle.

Trisha getting ready at the Clifton Inn. It expresses pure joy and love from a mother.

Caitleen at Pollak Vineyards with Barb Wired. Even though we had torrential rains in May, it did not stop Caitlin from enjoying the outdoors.She was probably one of the most exuberant yet relaxed brides I know.

Sarah and Daniel at the UVA Chapel and UVA Alumni Hall. It was one of those super sweltering July afternoons and we did the portrait photos in the UVA gardens . I asked them if they wanted to sit in the shade and relax and that is what happened.

Laura and Jim at the UVA Chapel and UVA Alumni Hall with Harvest Moon and Blue Ridge Flowers. Friends were a big part of their wedding. I love the camaraderie of that shot.

Elana and Rich at Ash Lawn with Couture design .Their wedding was such a blissful family celebration filled with traditions and laughter.

Elana and Rich at Ash Lawn

Hope and Eric at Pippin Hill with Easton Events. I love Hope's beauty and serenity as she watches her guests arrive.

Hope & Eric at Pippin Hill (Easton Events)

Susan and Timo at her parents' home with Barb Wired and Pat's Floral Design. I adored their wedding. I guess it was due partly to the fact it was an international celebration and reminded me of my own wedding. I love when cultures blend so naturally.

Susan and Timo (Barb Wired Events & Pat's Floral Design)

John and I kicked off our 2011 wedding season with Meghan and Jason’s wedding at UVa’s Darden Business School. This shot was taken right after their ceremony and both were just absolutely giddy with delight. I especially love this photo in black and white set against the clean lines of the columns.

For Sarah and Matt’s wedding, we hopped on a plane and headed out to San Diego. I love this flirty shot of Sarah with her bridesmaids. It was one of the moments that just organically happen. Literally, we were walking from one area to another, I turned around, everyone was in this formation and I just told Sarah to “show me a little sass”. Voila.

Katie and Marco’s wedding took place at the lovely Rosebrook Inn. Katie had a beautiful outdoor ceremony planned, but about five minutes before it was about to start, it began to pour. All I remember was how well both Katie and Marco handled the last minute switch to an indoor ceremony. And although this doesn’t always happen, just after the ceremony, the clouds parted and we had beautiful light for their portraits. I just love this shot because, again, it’s not contrived. Both are just head over heels in love with each other, and it showed in every photo.

Sylvia and Michael had their ceremony in UVa’s Garden X and then headed over to 2nd Street Gallery for their reception. Because they decided on a First Look before the ceremony, we had plenty of time to walk around to the different gardens taking pictures. For this particular shot, they were walking ahead of us and I asked them to turn around and, just instinctively, Michael waved while Sylvia gave us a peace sign. John and I thought it was really cute.

Allie and Adam had their ceremony at Nutmeg Farm and then held their reception at The Omni. Before heading into their reception, they wanted to spend some time taking pictures around the Downtown Mall. There’s just something that I really like about the simple color palette of this image as well as the contrast between the urban and refined. I also love that Allie wanted some shots of the two of them with this bunch of balloons.

Deveryn and Bryce were married at Bryce’s childhood home. This wedding was just bursting at the seams with DIY details, and it all came together so beautifully thanks to the help of Lindsay at LK Events and Design. I love that Deveryn wore her mother’s wedding dress and that they constructed the arbor under which they got married from wood collected around the property. This image was taken right after their ceremony. I love the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background but I also love the sweet simplicity of it.

Morgan and Michael were married this past summer at the UVa Chapel and then held their reception at Farmington Country Club. John and I loved so many aspects of this wedding, so it was really hard just to choose one favorite photo. I chose this image, however, because it really speaks to what is most important about the wedding day: the relationships. Morgan is really close to her grandfather, and the fact that he was able to play the bagpipes at her wedding was so important to her. I love that this image is able to communicate the priority of the relationship between Morgan and Michael, between Morgan, Michael and her grandfather, and then between all three of them and the other guests

Erica and Tom were married at the UVa Chapel and then held their reception at Alumni Hall – a true Wahoo wedding!! This image was taken just minutes after becoming husband and wife. They had just exited the church and I ran after them with my camera. They had started to walk down the path together and I yelled out “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Howard!”. When they turned around they both had these ear-to-ear grins of pure joy. Such a great moment!

Robin and B-J were married at Sycamore Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, VA and then held their reception at Richmond Country Club. Robin is a complete romantic at heart and just all girl. B-J is a true southern gentleman. Together they are the perfect match. When we got to Richmond Country Club after the ceremony, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and then sun was beaming down from directly overhead. I typically shy away from harsh light and do everything I can to find some shade, but as I was looking around trying to find this (in the middle of a golf course, might I add!), I glanced back and saw this image taking shape before my eyes. Click. I pressed the shutter and it’s been one of my favorites ever since.

This image is an example of why John and I love it when our couples choose to do a First Look. Kelly and Adam had decided that they wanted to arrange to see each other in one of the UVa Gardens before their ceremony at the Chapel. John snapped this image moments after Adam had turned around to see his bride for the first time. Adam’s face just gives it all away, and even though you can’t see Kelly’s, you can image her expression. This is just absolutely priceless.

Emily and Tom were married at Ash-Lawn Highland this past October. Both are just so easy to be around and really care about others. They were definitely nervous about being in front of the camera, but as you can see from this photo, they didn’t have anything to worry about. I love shooting along this fence at Ash-Lawn (well, actually, I like fences in general), but I especially love that they’re completely present and absorbed in the moment and not even worrying about the camera.

Whitney & Logan at Mt. Ida Farm: This is one of my all time favorite pictures. Night photography is very challenging, so when we were able to pull off this fairytale setting with the stars surrounding Whitney and Logan in the gazebo at Mt. Ida Farm I was ecstatic. The fountain in the background creating the angel wing on Whitney was the cherry on top! Huge thanks to Blue Ridge Light Forms for stringing the cafe lights in the gazebo as that was essential to capturing the moment .

Sarah & Matt at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards: I chose this picture because of the gorgeous scenery and the natural awe in Sarah and Matt's faces as they look at each other. Pure Love!

Jing and Jeff at Maymont Botanical Gardens: The overall scene of this picture is awesome. I'm a big fan of reflections, so I asked Jing and Jeff to stand close enough to the edge for me to capture their reflection on the water. Their natural emotions completed the magic of the picture.

Afton & Brian on the Skyline Drive (Blue Ridge Mountains): This picture from Afton and Brian's engagement session on skyline drive is poetic to me. I will remember 2011 as one of the rainiest years ever, but despite so much rain the sun seemed to always find a way to shine through if only for a little bit on our couples' most important day!

Courtney & James on Carter's Mountain: I love when I can capture a completely candid moment between a couple. I had Courtney and James sit in the middle of a row of vines at Carters Mountain, and then James started tickling Courtney, which made for a great (and funny) picture.

Jillian & Chad at Montfair Resort Farm: This picture is so romantic with the bridge and the creek running under it, as Jillian and Chad share a private kiss. I think the colors in this picture are amazing, the greens and blues as well as the purple flowers make it enthralling.

Sarah at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards: When we have a nice sunny day I love using the sun to create a halo effect around people. Sarah's dress was absolutely gorgeous and I love the way that the light surrounds it making it glow.

Jillian & Chad at MOntfair Resort Farm: This picture is one of my favorites because I have never seen a couple escape their wedding in a row boat, and I love the idea of letting go a wish lantern at the end of a wedding to bring good luck to the couple.

Alex & Shannon: This is a picture from Alex and Shannon's fall engagement session at Mt. Ida Farm. I chose it for the golden light coming through the trees and making a starburst against Alex and Shannon standing on the stump. I think it has a majestic feel to it because of the colors and the tall trees.

Jillian & Chad at Montfair Resort Farm: Picking 12 favorites from the course of a great year can be very hard, so I asked Kelsey to help me out. Kelsey loved this picture because of the creative framing of Jillian & CHad in the mirror of this old pickup truck. As Kelsey pointed out "It is so different, and very intriguing to look at, you have to look twice to understand what you're seeing." This picture was taken after Jillian and Chad's ceremony, and it definitely represents them as a couple because after they saw the old truck and immediately wanted to hop in the back to get some pictures!

Dan at Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa: This picture makes me laugh. I thought it was great when Dan and his groomsmen decided to take a fishing break on the dock before the ceremony. … ok I may have encouraged this a little.

Anne at King Family Vineyards: As I reflect on wedding photography as a whole from 2011 I noticed a trend towards creating beautiful images with natural light with bright blown out backgrounds. Now as we transition to 2012 I love to look at what inspires me to create a unique look. One of my biggest inspirations from 2011 was an article on the Knot about fairytale weddings, candlelight weddings, and ballerina inspired themes, which inspired this bridal portrait of Anne at King Family Vineyards.

Bianca & Dain married at the Belmont Baptist Church

Bianca & Dain

Emily & Ryan married at Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton, VA

Emily & Ryan

Emily & Ryan

Francesca & Sam were married at St. Paul's in Ivy and then photos at Toad Hollow Farm

Lauren & Ryan were married at Keswick Vineyards

Laura & Ryan

Ram & Marie at Keswick Hall

Marie's shoes!

Ram & Marie before the ceremony.

Erin and Josh - Old Trail Golf Club - Woodbridge, VA - Erin and Josh had just seen each other for the first time before the ceremony during their first look and we sent them off on a short walk by themselves for a few quiet moments alone. We turned back towards them and saw this gorgeous light shining down on the scene and we knew we were going to get some special images.

Jenny and Bill - Spring Creek Golf Club - Zion Crossroads, VA A little while before Jenny and Bill's pool-side ceremony was set to begin, ominous storm clouds rolled in and made everyone second guess having the ceremony outside. Encouraged by Jenny's father's faith that all would be well, they decided to go ahead with the ceremony and we were spared save a few warm drops of rain. We love this image especially because you can see both the look of joy and the look of relief on Jenny's face!

Lara and Ben - UVA Chapel and Greencroft Club - Charlottesville, VA We had a difficult time choosing one photo from Lara and Ben's late November wedding, so we chose three emotionally packed images to share! We were so fortunate that the huge tree near the UVA chapel was still dropping golden leaves and it provided a perfect frame for Lara as she walked toward the Rotunda colonnades for their first look.

Lara and Ben (#2 of 3) The second portrait captures a sweet moment between Lara and Ben before they headed into the reception.

Lara and Ben (#3 of 3) The third image made us both a little teary. We love Daddy/Daughter moments at weddings mostly because we have 2 daughters and we begin to imagine what it will be like to see them get married! This embrace came just after Lara danced with her father at the reception.

Saman and Arif - Private Residence - Earlysville, VA (#1 of 3) Again, it would have been impossible to choose just one image from Saman and Arif's colorful, two-day wedding celebration, so you get three! The first image we chose shows Saman preparing for the Mehndi Friday night with the help of her mother, aunt, and grandmother. We could sense the pride in these women as they were helping her get dressed in the traditional clothing.

Saman and Arif (#2 of 3)The second portrait captures a sweet moment just after their Nikkah when they made time for some peace and quiet together before preparing for the reception.

Saman and Arif (#3 of 3) The final image from their wedding happened during the reception. We love their relaxed, sweet expressions and all of the color in their clothing and the decorations!

Virginie and Joseph's US Civil Ceremony and Reception - The Boathouse at Sunday Park - Midlothian, VA This is hands-down one of our favorites because of the color, back lighting, and the sweet moment captured. One thing that we love about it, though, that you can't see is that Virginie and Joseph were gracefully enduring a 100+ degree outdoor wedding at the end of May! They didn't let that stop them from celebrating and enjoying the evening with their friends and family from around the world!

Virginie and Joseph's France Wedding Ceremony at St. Pierre Cathedral in Montfort l'Amaury and Reception at Chateau Villiers le Mehiu - We were given the opportunity to also photograph Virginie and Joseph's wedding in France this summer with the ceremony in a medieval cathedral followed by the reception at a gorgeous chateau! The first image is of Virginie's dress hanging in the window of the ivy-covered chateau.

Virginie and Joseph (#2 of 3) The second image is possibly our overall favorite moment we captured all year long! As Virginie and her father walked towards the cathedral, the locals from a nearby pub ran to the street and boisterously sang the wedding march and cheered. This isn't a scene we see very often especially given the dog, the man wearing a skirt and the other man in the back wearing a wrestling mask!

Virginie and Joseph (#3 of 3) The final image continues to give us chills as we relive this pinch-me moment where Virginie and Joseph exited the cathedral into the heart of the small town with the church bells ringing and their guests cheering. These were certainly moments we will never forget!

stefana and glass

Liz wore her mother's wedding dress, and there was this quiet moment with her mom by herself looking at the dress just before her daughter put it on. There was so much emotion, even though it wasn't explicit.

Liz and Jon wanted to see each other and walk together to the National Museum for Women in the Arts where they were to marry. This moment was when Liz turned the corner to see him for the first time that day, and it really set the mood for the rest of the celebration.

This was the moment Liz and Jon were announced...by Jon. The officiant had talked with Jon ahead of the ceremony and they agreed it'd be a great idea if Jon were to present his wife, which was a total surprise to Liz.

We love it when our clients lose themselves in the moment. In this case, Jennifer & Greg's first dance at the Willard Hotel was watched by everyone, yet the couple were completely alone in the moment.

Jen & Rob were particularly enthusiastic about their cake cutting, and I thought it'd be a great idea to capture their cake and exuberance in a different way. (Boar's Head Inn)

The look in Kimya's face as she prepared to feed Brian during their cake cutting was priceless! They had 400 guests and a *lot* of desserts, which made for framing the couple with them a lot of fun. (Omni Shoreham hotel)

Scott had a lot of fun moments while he was getting ready at Clifton Inn, but this one really stood out given his nephew's nonchalance and particular affinity for Route 11 potato chips in the middle of the wedding day's hectic schedule.

There's just this subtle beauty about Liz as she was getting into their vintage Packard for the drive from Clifton to the church that seemed really compelling to me, shooting the scene from outside the car with the leaves reflected in the windows.

Liz and Scott took a moment during their reception at Clifton to quietly step outside the tent and take it all in. I love the intimacy and peacefulness in the face of the loud, raucous party in front of them.

I was in the "back seat" of a two-seater convertible with Sara and Tony as they drove toward their reception.

As we passed by a 7-11, Sara made the spontaneous decision to grab a Slurpee. I was not about to disagree.

Weddings guests can get pretty enthusiastic with their glass clinking and urging on of the couple to kiss. I was impressed with the height and breadth of this particular person's agitation!

If I have a chance to frame a couple in an interesting and different way, I'll do so, in this case on a Georgetown street through a car's back window with really colorful houses in the background. It was perfect for Adrienne & Mike's fun personalities.

This painting at Farmington Country Club had all the trappings for a gorgeous frame around Amy & Tim, almost as if the couple had a ready-made audience even though they were in the room by themselves. I love that it's a formal scene, as weddings usually are, as well - it was perfect fit.

Right after Ben and Deena walked down the aisle after their UVa Chapel ceremony Ben's mom grabbed them both for a huge hug. What a great moment.

Just before their guests made it into the Veritas ballroom, Deena perused the tablescapes by herself in utter peacefulness. Moments like these are rare on a wedding day, and it's nice to take a breather to take it all in.

Cake cutting is often such a spectacle so it was fun capturing Beth & Peter's at Meridian House with all their guests watching and taking their own snaps.

Having shot at these steps in Georgetown with another couple years ago, I found them completely inspiring and was excited to return, but wanted to do something different for Diana & Carlos. Love seeing this private, giddy moment between them peeking through the stairs.

Jewish couples practice "yichud" immediately following their ceremony. It's a time for reflection and contemplation, and in the case of Liz and Jon, celebration and checking out of their shiny new wedding rings. And of course, given the venue, had to get some art in there, as well. (National Museum for Women in the Arts)

Hope and Glory Inn has this fun outdoor shower area, and their owner's daughter was getting married at the Inn. We thought it would be fun to get some great portraits of the two of them in this eclectic and decorative area.

This is the very last frame I shot at Liz and Scott's Clifton wedding, of the couple just after their sparkler send-off, looking back just one last time to see all their friends and relatives waving goodnight for the evening. I love the light coming down from the driveway--it's almost ethereal and feels completely magical, as wedding days should.

Margaret and Chip had their First Sight in Margaret's parents' back yard which featured a pool. I thought it'd be really cool to capture the surrounding moments in reflection. Literally.

After Stacy and Craig's New York-styled wedding at The Homestead, we walked together back toward their suite and got this smokin' portrait of the two of them in this old elevator.

Hope and Glory Inn has this fun outdoor shower area, and their owner's daughter was getting married at the Inn. We thought it would be fun to get some great portraits of the two of them in this eclectic and decorative area.