Christine and Jenny knew they wanted a pop-up wedding in Washington, DC. They also knew they wanted their wedding to reflect their first date since it would be on the 4th anniversary of their meeting. Jenny and Christine's elopement was one of the most unique and fun weddings I have ever had the honor of documenting, every aspect of the day was thought filled and reflected who they are!
Their ceremony took place in front of The Blind Whino, a one of a kind muraled church that is just 2 blocks from Jenny and Christine's home. With just their family present at the ceremony and Congresswoman Karen Bass officiating the wedding was intimate and heartfelt. From The Blind Whino we took pedicabs through the city. This was an homage to the bike tour Christine and Jenny took on their first date! We ended our ride at the Taste of DC a food festival on Constitution Avenue. The Taste of DC was the final part of Christine and Jenny's first date and the reception site for their wedding. When we arrived we were greeted like celebrities with cheers and ushered through the VIP gate to a private tent complete with a Just Married sign.
Throughout the day strangers called out well wishes to Jenny and Christine or stopped them to give hugs and share in their excitement! Often people call out to couples "Congrats" or snap a photo on their phone but this was different. People stopped and chatted with them for several minutes, asked for photos with Jenny and Christine and even gave them free gifts! The well wishers were all types of people, from all different backgrounds - from a security guard at the Renwick Gallery, to the Taste of DC Organizers, to journalists, to a retired Marine. The joy that people were sharing for a couple they didn't even know was remarkable!
We finished the day riding five stories into the air on a crane lift. As we rose above the crowds lining Constitution Ave., and looked out at the Capitol Building I felt a swell of pride to be in an American. I felt hopeful, that we as a nation we were headed in the right direction. In the days since the election my pride and hope have been tested. I have felt confused and saddened, as many of us have. But the images from Christine and Jenny's wedding have reminded me how hopeful I felt. As I look over these images I am reminded of the community of strangers that came together to celebrate their union. I am reminded of the celebration of diversity and the shared joy of their day.
In the days since the election Jenny and Christine's wedding has given me hope and perhaps, if only for a minute, it will for you as well.
A Renwick Gallery security guard stopped Jenny and Christine to congratulate them with hugs and well wishes!
Jenny and Christine's first dance was held on the main festival dance floor, surrounded my hundreds of strangers watched on as the danced and then after joined in. It was beautiful to feel the support and excitement of all the strangers around us.
