One of my favorite parts of the wedding day is getting to capture the bride and groom! This is the time where it’s just the three of us (well 4 of us if you count the second photographer… okay sometimes 5 or 6 of us depending on if there is a video team…) I digress… Â it’s the time where I get to capture the love of the bride and groom at their venue or portrait location. I’ll save explaining portrait location choice for another blog post (sound like a plan?). Today’s post is a collection of my favorite shots from 2017 bride and groom portrait time. Before we get started, let’s do a little recap of some wedding stats from 2017.
16 couples had a Virginia Wedding
5 out of state weddings (Incl: 1 NC, 3 MD, 1 GA)
11 First Looks
15 Indoor Receptions
6 Outdoor Receptions (1 wedding had NO tent!)
10 Outdoor Ceremonies
11 Church or Indoor Ceremonies
6 couples had rain at some point on their wedding day
Biggest Bridal Party = 19 (7 Groomsmen, 12 bridesmaids)
Most popular venue types: Manor/Historic Home and Hotels
Let’s dive right into my favorite portraits of 2017 (complete with more commentary of course! Is it even a BDphotos blog if I don’t give my 2 cents about everything? nah)
I know this doesn’t look like the George Washington Hotel… that’s because it isn’t! Callie and John shared their first look on the steps of John Handley High School… since when do HIGH SCHOOLS look like that?!
Had to include Laila into some shots! I’m a sucker for brick and ivy and wrought iron! The wind was picking up and I swear Morgan’s veil could have blown off her head!
I have a lot of favorites from Libby and Nick’s Quirk Hotel wedding because she allotted so much time for portraits because that was what she wanted most! We had 2 hours! We shot in the lobby, out front, and on the rooftop before and after the ceremony!
Lovin’ those high ceilings! I love this moment in black and white!
Alli and Andreas had a brunch wedding! We took photos after the ceremony and then again after the wedding was over!
How cute is this swing!? I loved the low branches of this tree! We took these photos after the wedding reception had ended around 4:45pm!
My favorite shot of Katie & Jonothan!!
I like this perspective that shows the old car and the house in the background!
Ahhh – golden hour! I think this is my favorite shot!
Love this one! Did a little experimenting through the trees at golden hour!
I love this shot of Leslie and Kevin in the deserted street!
Sunny and bright, no problem!
Had to get the manor in the background! Caught a tiny bit of golden light before it disappeared!
That arch tho! Love this classic shot! Yessss golden hour! I love these two!Of course this photo was the talk of the wedding… cows showed up!
Had to include a shot with Bowie! Love this shot in black and white! Probably my favorite!
Even though this photo looks gorgeous in golden hour… I also loved it in black and white!
One of my favorite shots!
We had the best light for Cailin and Shazan’s bride and groom portraits! These two were total naturals in front of the camera!
It was literally the coldest day ever and Kathryn and Jason stood outside for family, bridal party, and bride and groom portraits for like 45 minutes! They were total champions!
In love with the Swan House as our backdrop for Sarah and James’ portraits! Happiness!
That’s a wrap! Thank you so much for each and every one of these 21 couples who hired me for their wedding days! I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store. If you didn’t see the other 2017 recap posts – tune in for Wedding Details and Engagements & Couples!