Warm. Kind. Generous. Tall. Short. Loving. The bride's sister Liz read off a huge list of adjectives Karen and David's friends and family had used to describe them. I looked around the room and saw a lot of tears and a lot of nodding heads. Some came all the way from Egypt to see these two tie the knot and it was truly an honor to be their wedding photographer.
Karen and David were married at the
Mayflower in DC, a beautiful historic hotel with quite a bit of history and a ton of class. Karen was an incredibly sweet and very composed bride. David didn't seem the least bit nervous, an admirable trait in any groom. I was struck by the graciousness of their families. And even though I saw it plenty in their
engagement session, they once again won me the heck over with how ridiculously cute they are once you tell them "go stand over there and hug."
These cool cats were upgraded from some other swanky bridal suite to the Presidental Suite, which they informed me is one of only two hotel rooms in the city that is bullet-proof! This here room where Karen's getting dressed? That is their
hallway, y'all.
Karen's gorgeous ring is an antique and was picked out by David alone because he knew she would love it.
Karen and David didn't have a lot of bridesmaids and groomsmen, so they went all-out on the bouquets. Check out Karen's on the left full of anemones (I learned this flower word that day), and two other kinds (the tendril-things and the fern things). I don't know all this technical flower stuff, but I was super-impressed with these bangin', unusual bouquets.
So much thanks to
Kelly for helping me out. Love this frame she grabbed right before they walked in the doors!
They were married at the gorgeous
Holy Rosary Church on Third street right downtown.
I love their families. Everyone was so gracious.
David's brother brought down the house.
And then Karen's sister made everybody cry.
And then there was a surprise belly dancer! With a candelabra on her head! She did the
splits balancing this monstrosity on her head. I photograph the coolest weddings.
This is what happens to the photobooth at the end of the night.
Karen & David, your wedding was spectacular and so filled with love and good wishes and kindness. Thanks for being you and good luck with everything!!
You can see even more of Karen and David's day in this little slideshow action right here:
Mad props to the fabulous vendors who helped with this wedding:
Ceremony -
Holy Rosary Church
Reception -
Mayflower Hotel
Cake -
Fancy Cakes by Leslie
DJ -
David Grimm with Signature Talent
Flowers - Mayflower
Hair and makeup -
Salon Blu
Karen's fantastic dress -
Lazaro
The whole week before the wedding, there were a lot of anxious brides and vendors watching the storm move. I grabbed a screen shot just in case we'd all forget that yes, this was seriously crashing peoples' weddings. I was very happy for Katie & Josh that their wedding was inland. Some couples who planned events on the beach were not so fortunate.
Wedding day rain boots!
I didn't realize you could get married at Nationals Stadium before Cassidy called me up about their day - what a cool venue! Teddy came out before the ceremony to warm up the crowd.
Their slideshow played in the main screen over the field. Everybody watched from inside, so there was plenty of cool reflection action going on for a photographer willing to brave the wind and rain.
Little vendor secret: we love when brides and grooms have cupcakes. Then we can steal one to take to our loving spouses, who patiently wait for us to come home every Saturday night. I normally don't like cakes of any sort, but these cupcakes really were divine.
Congratulations Katie & Josh! I certainly won't forget this wedding!
David had this whole "just doing this for Karen" vibe going on but it was sooooo working for him in the photos!
Guys, I'm so pumped for your classy winter wedding! Congratulations again!