Blind Whino Elopement | Christine & Jenny | Washington, DC Wedding Photographer

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. 

Orchard Artist's Wedding | Michelle & Dylan | Australian Wedding Photographer

I'm not that kind of person that has ah-ha moments. All my life, my decisions have come gradually, as if the idea or decision slowly diffuses out from my inner-most self, into my thoughts and deeds until I can't remember ever deciding, but know exactly what it is I'm going to do. This happened with my decision to marry Ivan. There was never a big moment, there was just one point after several years that I knew spending the rest of my life with him was exactly what I was going to do. The same thing happened with our move to Los Angeles. There was no defining moment, no list of pros and cons--it was just the diffusion of a feeling until there was no other option. 

But Australia was different. 

We returned home changed after spending 2 weeks with Michelle and Dylan. Our hearts were opened and our perspectives shifted by this incredible couple. The time we shared with them is a moment in my life that I can point to and say, "Here is where I changed and this is who changed me."  

I have tried over and over to write this post, to explain how powerful spending time with Michelle and Dylan was to us, how sacred the space around their wedding felt and how loved they make everyone feel, but words fail when your heart has been touched, forever changed for the better. Knowing and sharing two weeks with this wonderful couple and their incredible group of friends and family is something Ivan and I will never forget.

Michelle and Dylan swept us up, welcoming Ivan and me into their home, family and friendships, giving us a front-row look into their relationships and daily life. We witnessed how Dylan and Michelle put their values of connection, creativity, joy and generosity into all they do. It was inspiring to watch how each of these was folded into different aspects of their lives, from daily swims in the sea to how sweetly they care for Grandpa Norm, Michelle's 98 year old grandfather. Michelle and Dylan have a way of making each person feel valued and celebrated; they actively make their friends and family the priority in their lives. They take the time to foster their relationships and celebrate them along the way. 

Dylan and Michelle's wedding was a reflection of these values. They poured intention into every detail of the day, from the tables guests dined at that Dylan built by hand (14 in all!), to the watercolor birds Michelle specifically chose and painted by hand for each guest. There was meaning in every aspect of the wedding. Feathers were carefully collected by Michelle and her mother for months and handmade into boutonnieres, while food was lovingly made and packaged into baskets by close friends for a picnic. The theme of birds was woven throughout the day and was made even more special when two wedged tailed eagles flew over the ceremony as Michelle walked down the aisle. The strength of Dylan and Michelle's relationships with their guests shone throughout the weekend, from excited reunions with guests attending from overseas, to inside jokes, to meaningful hugs, the love was everywhere. 

We are so profoundly grateful to have been a part of it all and to now have the honor of calling these two fantastic humans friends. Thank you Dylan and Michelle for being you, for changing our hearts forever and helping us to redefine our priorities by showing us the way you lead your life together. 

Michelle hand painted their invitations with scenes from the orchard where their wedding took place

Michelle and her mom, Margret, collect each of  the feathers for the boutonnieres from the forrest, bush and beaches around their home. Michelle chose the colors and feathers specifically for each one of their friends to wear. 

Dylan made every one of the tables guest had dinner at by hand, out of repurposed screen printing frames. Guest received a hand watercolored and specially chosen bird painting. Each had a quote on the back and were used as unique and personalized table cards. 

The bridal party surprised the bride and groom with a rousing and hilarious performance of "The Goatherd Song" from the sound of music. It was complete with choreography, costumes and lyrics customized for the occasion! 

GRIFFITH PARK ELOPEMENT | RUTHIE & PARA | LOS ANGELES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHEr

It seems that the universe was conspiring from the start to bring Ruthie and Para together. Despite living on different continents, they have had a whirlwind romance. Ruthie is currently living in California and Para in Poland, together they have made it work, overcoming differences in time zones and culture.  As they told me their story it was clear that there were outside factors pulling them together, as if everything aligned to give them more time with one another to fall in love. From their chance meeting, to canceled flights, no vacancies and flooded roads, the beginning of their story could  be right out of a movie!

I met Ruthie and Para a few days before their elopement. As we sat outside a coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard, I could see instantly  how in love they were.  The way the glanced at each other, laughed unabashedly and snuggled up close as they told me about themselves. I loved being near them and the energy they exuded: so hopeful, excited and loving!

Their wedding day was intimate; accompanied by 4 friends, surrounded by a grove of trees in Griffith Park, they pledged their love to one another. The ceremony was filled with sentimental details. Guests shared a drink of Polish vodka and apple cider to honor Para's Polish heritage, and Ruthie shared pecans grown on her grandfather's tree to celebrate her Texas roots. Her grandfather has passed away and the tree is no longer standing, so Ruthie was saving the nuts for a vert special occasion. Sharing in this food and drink was such a beautiful and unique way to honor their heritage and loved ones. It was incredibly moving to be included in such an intimate, thoughtful ceremony and an honor to document the beginning of their journey together.

Styling and Florals by Holiday Celebrate (http://www.holiday-celebrate.com/)

THE METROPOLITAN BUILDING WEDDING | DANIELLE & CHRIS | NEW YORK CITY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

When I met Danielle for the first time we instantly connected; after just one hour on facetime, we knew we were friends. I loved that I got to see some of her walk home as we video chatted through her phone and that I got to see her in her own space! What was so memorable about our conversation is that we talked about really real things. Danielle shared with me that in the past years she and Chris had experienced several big losses that made both of them focus on what was most important in life. She said they realized they wanted to get married soon and wanted it to be a celebration of life and their friends and family. I felt so honored that Danielle was willing to share with me. Their urgency to gather their loved ones and celebrate life really resonated with me. Having been touched by sudden losses in the last year I felt that I was able to share that with her. We sat together miles apart but it felt like we were side by side.

The picture above is my favorite image from Danielle and Chris's wedding. To me it speaks volumes about them as a couple and the intent behind their wedding. There is so much darkness in the world it can sometimes feel that we are surrounded and alone, but in the face of hardship these two came closer together and stood in the light. The connection between them is a quiet, strong love. One that is steady and deep. When confronted with darkness, they choose to see the light, to embrace it and share it. Their willingness to give of themselves and connect with others was evident in their friends and family. The way Danielle's mom hugged Chris and called him her baby, the way Chris's groomsmen spoke about Danielle, and how the bridal party felt like a big family of fun kids who had grown up together showed me just how precious these two are to the ones they love.

Their New City York wedding at The Metropolitan Building was stunning! Danielle looked like a 50's goddess with her beehive hair and perfect red lips! She enlisted the help of her friend Stephen J Remington who turned The Metropolitan Building into a forest-like fairy land with his floral designs! It was such an incredible beautiful day that ended with Danielle and Chris encircled by the people they love most on the dance floor. Thank you both for welcoming me in to be part of your wedding and lives! I am truly honored.

ECHO PARK ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION | SABRINA & MOIRA | LOS ANGELES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Sabrina and Moira are a real-life queer Chilean-American couple living in Los Angeles, CA. They met through mutual friends in Portland, OR in 2005. Moira attempted to get Sabrina’s attention several times, but it wasn’t until 5 years later, when the 2010 earthquake hit central Chile did they make a real connection, bonding over their concern for family in the region during the natural disaster. In Moira’s words, “It took an 8.8 earthquake in Chile to get her to notice me!” They fell in love and have been together ever since. This past New Years Eve, they spontaneously eloped in Hawaii.

 We utilized the serendipitous timing of their elopement and the Out of The Box Challenge to create some images of their imagined wedding celebration. Shooting took place in Echo Park, Los Angeles, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the US, a haven for creatives with an incredibly rich and vibrant Latino history. Details of traditional Chilean textile patterns were used to create the paper design, which was given a fresh twist with unique typography and split fountain letterpress printing. A California nouveau take on traditional Chilean cuisine was employed when assembling the menu. Moira’s own motorcycle was used for the brides' getaway ride.

 Our expression of the theme “moving forward” chronicles the celebration of a lesbian Latina couple in LA. Taking cues from their Chilean heritage as a guide, this reinterpretation of tradition has Hawaii. created a truly modern celebration of their love. 

Written by - Marisa Suárez-Orozco 

EVENT PLANNING & PAPER DESIGN: Holiday Celebrate -  www.holiday-celebrate.com

FILM: Lovelit Films - lovelitfilms@gmail.com

FLORALS: Anne Cousineau - @annefcouisineau

BAKED GOODS AND FOOD STYLING: Leaven Bakery - @leavenbakery

MAKEUP: Valerie Ramirez - valerieramirezmakeup.com

 LETTER PRESS: Bullhorn Editions  - www.bullhorneditions.com

CEREMONY DRESS: Maggie Sottero - www.maggiesottero.com  

DRESS PROVIDED BY: Urban Set Bride - www.urbansetbride.com

RECEPTION OUTFITS: Model’s own elopement outfits

VEIL: Kerry Ann Stokes - www.kerryannstokes.com

FALL DELAWARE WEDDING | LIV & NATE | FENWICK ISLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The first time I met Liv there was an instant connection. By the end of our Skype session we were giggling together and did an air hug, both clutching our computer screens. I'd made a new friend and I was going to get to photograph her wedding! I had a hunch from the start that Liv would be amazing since she is the best friend of one of my former brides Lauren! Both these ladies are sweet, sincere, and so much fun! 

Liv and Nate are both teachers. They live in beautiful southern Delaware where their wedding took place. Liv is a stunning, little, happy red head and Nate is a quite, tall bearded athlete. They compliment one another in so many ways, like the way Liv fits snuggled up under Nate's arm and how Liv's out going personality perfectly balances Nate's quiet, calm demeanor. Their wedding ceremony was held at Prince George's Chapel in Dagsboro, Delaware, one of the oldest churches in Delaware. It's small and intimate with a stunning vaulted ceiling. Built in the 1700's the aisles are tiny! It made for an adorable walk down the aisle for Liv and her Dad. Seeing them walking down, shoulder to shoulder holding hand was one of my favorite parts of the day! Another highlight was Nate's surprise dance with his mom and groomsmen. Nate and his mom started to slow dance together and then suddenly the music changed and all of Nate's groomsmen jumped on the floor with them. The guys broke it down with a choreographed dance and then each groomsmen grabbed his mom! It was one of the sweetest and fun surprises I have ever seen at a wedding! 

Liv and Nate picked one of their favorite restaurants Catch54 for their reception. It has stunning views of the bay and the most delicious food! I love that their wedding embraced the locality of Fenwick, with fresh seafood, views of the bay and local flowers. I like to think Fenwick was congratulating Liv and Nat with a stunning sunset that kicked of their reception!