Elizabeth & Mark .. St. Johns ... The Army Navy Club

There are some days that just make you say.."Oh yeah, this is why I do this". Mark and Elizabeth's day was perfect. The weather was dry and beautiful.

St. Johns Episcopal church is one DCs most beautiful, intimate and historic churches. Every sitting President has visited St.Johns. It has played an august role in many inaugurations and has been host to more great Military and Civil leaders then any church in the nation.

St. Johns is the home church for Mark and Elizabeth so their ceremony was filled with warmth, friendship and love.

There is nothing more wonderful then a traditional military ceremony in front of St. Johns. Elizabeth and Mark came through the traditional sword arch and were stopped by each set of swords. "THE PRICE OF PASSAGE IS A KISS" and so they kissed and passed to the next set of swords.

At the final set of swords was a salute from the Navy and a "whack" on the behind from a sword. I have no idea where this "unique" military tradition comes from but tourists stopped and felt compelled to photograph it. Mark and Elizabeth took everything graciously in stride, so befitting their military heritage.

Mark & Elizabeth took some alone time and wandered through Lafayette Park. Benjamin Franklin wandered up and posed with them. You just can't make this stuff up. Only in DC.

They went on to the Capitol, roamed around senate fountains in flip flops and did a victory spin in front of the Capitol Dome. It could not have been a more perfect day.

The Army Navy Club is one of the most beautiful venues on earth. What made this day so special was that it was a daytime brunch. The 25 foot stunning arch windows were filled with daylight and every amazing detail of the room shone more then I have ever seen it.

They chose the most wonderful, jazz trio. It was so perfect for this classy venue. Sarah a beloved niece shared one of the most stunning renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow I have ever heard. The room was spellbound. It is one of those moments you remember forever no matter how exciting the day. I don't doubt that Mark and Liz will sit in rocking chairs in 50 years and reminis about this beautiful song.

:) So you think this is all so proper :) A cardboard President Obama joined the event posed with guests, tasted their cake and joined in on their cake cutting. Honest! Gotta love it.

Our special thanks to the Andrew Chrecky Salon and Spa for making the getting ready so wonderful.

With our heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth and Mark for sharing such their joyful, amazing day.
:)

The Army and Navy Club
901 17th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20006-2594
(202) 628-8400

An example of what uplighting can do to a reception

We often have the privilege of working with amazing wedding vendors and one of those vendors is Da Vinci's Florist.  They not only provide beautiful wedding flowers but their uplighting techniques is truly incredible.

Florist  Davinci - Diana
http://www.davinciflorist.com/

How to choose a great DC wedding photographer

Most of the time we share with you wedding photos but this week we wanted to give you some advice on choosing a great photographer.  Whether that be Hay Mckenna Photography or another DC wedding photographer it's still very important for you to know how to choose the right one for you.

• Insist on meeting the photographer that will be shooting your wedding.
• Check out their portfolio.
• Discuss details about your wedding location/venue to see if they understand the "lay of the land."
• Inform your photographer of special family members that you want photographed.
• Make sure that on the initial consultation you and the photographers personalities mesh.
• Ask for referrals.  

We hope that this information is helpful in your search for a wedding photographer in DC.

The Hay McKenna team has a collective 30 years in urban hotel, documentary garden and historic architecture weddings.  We are outdoors in a urban cityscape or at a historic mansion virtually every weekend.  

Is it a dress? Is it a cake?

What do you think?  Is this a wedding dress or a wedding cake?  It's a CAKE!

www.bridalbubbly.com

Tell us what you think below!

Amazing DC wedding | Amy & Jeremy

We had a fantastic time as Amy and Jeremy's wedding photographer and I wanted to share their wedding photos with you:

Thank you Amy and Jeremy for allowing us to photograph your amazing wedding.

Gonca & Ali's Wedding at the Lorian Spa

Our heartfelt thanks to Gonca and Ali for sharing their wonderful day with us.

The Lorian Spa is an intimate, romantic setting.    Gonca's dress was an incredible, soft, romantic, side shoulder gown.   It is almost as if Gonca's dress was made for the Lorian's beautiful spa.

Gonca and Ali's warmth and great sense of humor were reflected in everything about the day.   They posed peeking over their reading as if this was just another day at the spa.

Those last few moments of waiting ....

One of the most wonderful aspects of a wedding day in Alexandria is a chance to walk the historic cobble stone streets of Alexandria.

Catering Director - Christina Hardin

Historic Old Town Alexandria meets fresh, modern style at the Lorien Hotel & Spa , metro Washington DC's newest luxury spa hotel.

www.lorienhotelandspa.com/

sales@lorienhotelandspa.com

Hotel Direct: 703.894.3434

Petals Edge

petalsedge.com/ - Cached - Similar

624 N Washington St # 2, Alexandria, VA 22314-1926 (703) 518-8488 weddingwire.com

Matthew & Christopher at Meridian House

It was the warmth of the day which brought out the amazing smell of the gardenias on the wedding party's jackets

The day was filled with priceless quiet moments

vows in the garden...

a few moments to talk.....

The stunning architecture of Meridian house

one formal moment on the grand steps

Royal blue table cloth and gold rim chargers

To the beloved memory of Milton, my second dad, who spoiled me beyond measure.

Uniqueka & Markeycion at the Omni Shoreham

Uniqueka and Markeycion's smiles light up a room no matter where they are. What a fun day, from the antics of a tiny flower girl escaping to the balcony and playing peekaboo with her dress, to groomsmen posing their argyle socks and dancing to the last moment of the day.

Most romantic moment.... the saphire gift earrings from Markeycion as they traveled from the guys room to the girls room for Uniqueka to wear. The bottom of her shoes had the bling words "I do".

The Omni Shoreham is a dream setting with a garden and grand stone staircases that look like a European castle or a Hollywood set from the 40's. It is amazing that this huge stunning garden is in the middle of DC.

Uniqueka and Markeycion married at the Gazebo decorated with hanging baskets. It was unbelievably beautiful.  Uniqueka coming down the stone steps with her dad is one of those images you remember for a lifetime.

Elizabeth from Cherry Blossom weddings made the day happen from stunning flowers everywhere to meticulous attention to detail in the beautiful reception room, uplit with floor lights including hints of the purple in Uniquekas bouquet.

Our thanks to Elizabeth from Cherry Blossom Events and the Omni Shoreham staff for making this day seem so easy and for the wonderful food and impeccable service.

Our love and thanks to Uniqueka and Markeycion and their families for making this day an incredible joy for everyone, all day long.

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events

4615 Newcomb Place
Alexandria, VA 22304
info@cherryblossomwe.com

202.730.6427

Omni Shoreham Hotel

2500 Calvert Street NW (at Connecticut Ave.)
Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Phone: (202) 234-0700, Fax: (202) 265-7972