They day started with me accidentally going to the wrong hotel — luckily only a block away from the real one… my bad. As soon as I got to the right hotel, I was welcomed right away by Meredith, her sister, and her bridesmaids! Meredith had all her pretty details all ready for me in the suite – invite, shoes, rings, and earrings. The girls were getting final touches of makeup in one room and I had everything spread out in the connecting room. I always like to stay out of the way by shooting in another space away from the madness of the bridal party hair and make-up! Typically hair and make-up sets up shop in front of the window so I don’t want to add to the madness by trying to push my way through for some natural light! This is why I always recommend a suite for my brides getting ready in hotels!
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Meredith and Mike tied the knot in Old Town Alexandria at the oldest Catholic church in Virginia where Meredith’s brother also happens to be the reverend! The ceremony was a full hour mass followed by family portraits and then bridal party! I was thankful Meredith and Mike built in a lot of time after the ceremony for portraits! We got to wander around Old Town and revisit some of the same places that I took them for their engagement session! Can’t say no to cobblestone streets and brick alleyways with perfect light!
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When we got to Belle Haven Country Club, my second photographer, Kir, and I captured reception details and admired Meredith’s beautiful calligraphy handiwork on the menus and place cards! Gorgeous! We were able to sneak Meredith and Mike outside for a few golden hour shots in the front lawn of Belle Haven – love them! Throughout the evening, guests danced (a lottttt – Thriller anyone?!) and were handed late night snacks! When it came time for the sparkler exit – it started POURING so we had to wait a second for the rain to stop a little bit!