Cherry Blossoms are arriving early Peak 3/24-31

The Cherry Blossom's are arriving early this year

2012 Peak Bloom Date: March 24 – March 31
2012 Blooming Period Forecast: March 22 – ???

I will be updating this post weekly as the Park Service revises its estimates of the 

arrival of the Cherry Blossoms.   Below is a link to sample sessions and ideas on places to photograph in DC

2012 Engagement Session locations, samples and dressing ideas

My love and thanks to Kat and Shingai for being so funny and amazing. The guards at the Jefferson were trying not to laugh as Kat and Shingai ran up and down the steps, danced on the stone walls and played airplane on the lawn at 7am! .  Only in DC!  :)  Food for thought ... the earlier the better at the Jefferson.  7am is perfect.

Little did we know that our 2009 bride Katie who is also a Park Service Officer  watched over our session that morning trying not to laugh.  She never stopped us, not once!.   Imagine that! :)  

My very special thanks to Katie for letting us have a great time.  

We love the Park Service!  You are the very best.

April Engagement Session - Kat and Shingai at the Jefferson Memorial

Kelly & Phillip at St. Albans

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Kelly, Phillip and their families for sharing their wonderful wedding day with all of us.

There are some days that are so beautiful, it seems as if they were arranged by the angels.   Kelly and Phillip's 60 degree day and sunshine walk through Bishop's Garden of the National Catherdral fell on Saturday between  Friday thunderstorms and snow on Monday.   Kelly and Phillip had so much fun on their day and are such a stunning couple.

 Kelly wore the same beautiful graduated pearls her mom had worn on her wedding day at St. Albans

Kelly's wedding bouquet of Roses, Hydrangas and Chrysanthemum carried her grandmother's bracelet

The most beautiful Rolls Royce provided their transportation to and from the ceremony.

St Bartholemew's Church

St. Albans Carfritz Refectory and their beautiful wedding cake

Kelly and Phillip were given permission to walk through the Bishops Garden at the National Cathedral

A little bit of cake on the cheek with family looking on.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

   Pattie Martin for her beautiful makeup artistry and all of her support.
   Maureen Tuchman for the absolutely amazing cake
   Christina Beach for the beautiful, perfectly arranged, eye catching flowers
   Aaron Brooks at St. Alban's a perfect wedding reception
   and to Jacqueline Studley for absolutely nailing the perfect balcony image :)  just beaming :)

Save the date!

Meet Melissa & Matt :) are planning a fall wedding in Georgetown.    The year goes by so fast and there are so many details to think of.   Melissa and Matt stopped by the studio for a quick "Save the date" session before the Spring outdoor engagements begin.    This is such a great way to engage your family and friends in the planning.

Their big day will be at the amazing Park Hyatt in Georgetown.                               Park Hyatt Weddings

My heartfelt thanks to Melissa and Matt for sharing their images and their day   

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/

HayMckenna Photography: Gay Weddings

HayMckenna Photography: Gay Weddings: This year has been so amazing. The sense of celebration just jumps off the page. Our special thanks to Christopher & Matthew, Jenn and...

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.  

Meredith & Sean

Meredith & Sean

We were privileged to share this beautiful day with Meredith and Sean.  There is something so romantic, warm and amazing about a winter wedding.   Congressional Country Club was decked out in its holiday finest.    The reception room looked like a fairyland of lights.

Meredith wore a beautiful gardenia in her hair

and Jimmy Choo shoes

the flower girls wore champagne satin dresses with a rosette and bow

the girls wore warm tone satin and carried bouquets of cala lillies and roses

it was warm enough to get outside

oh those moments of waiting........

the last few moments of sunset.......

Ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Potomac Maryland

Reception at Congressional Country Club, Potomac Maryland

a work of art.....

a perfect end to a fairy tale day

With our heartfelt thanks for allowing us to be part of your beautiful day.   Elaine and Jacqueline.

Congressional Country Club

Congressional Country Club

8500 River Road, Potomac, Maryland
(301) 469-2000