This past weekend’s wedding ceremony is one of my all-time favorites. We photographed Lori and David almost a year ago for their engagement session and right then we knew this couple was very special. But it was not until their wedding day did we learn just how much.
From the minute I walked into their respective rooms and began photographing them getting ready there was an incredible feeling of love and joy everywhere and from everyone. Lori’s family lives in Dubai, UAE and all 10 of them made the journey, not an easy thing to do when you have young children… On the groom’s side- David had 14 groomsmen, ranging from childhood friends all the way through college… check the boys out below!
Lori’s Dress left me speechless- normally we split duties between the bride and groom, today I was blessed to shoot the groomsmen. As I mentioned earlier, Dave had 14 boys in his party (if you are old enough to remember the band Thin Lizzy they had a song “The Boys are Back in Town”, if not, go YouTube it). These guys were awesome- and Dave LOVES Michael Bolton and Canadian beer! But after getting some great photos of Dave I walked down to Lori’s room to check in and found the most lovely women in there- Lori walked out in her dress, beautifully designed with lace and flowing down to the floor off her shoulders, the keyhole opening in the back was exquisite.
Onto the Bus and off to The Oatlands Plantation-
Outside venues are my absolute favorite weddings to cover- they offer so much to the celebration, and The Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg is the one of the most beautiful in Virginia. There is everything anyone could want, open formal gardens full of beautiful colors and finely manicured, brick walls, historic buildings, and the most stunning vistas!
The ceremony was gorgeous- Lori was escorted down through the gardens by her father and mother led by her beautiful matron of honor and her bridesmaids. Waiting at the other end was Dave… her husband-to-be. Music was beautifully done by Sage String Quartet and beautifully officiated by the honorable Reverend Joyce Cochran.
Everything was perfect!
Below is their day…
Photography by: Doug Stroud of Stephen de Leon Photography (703) 946-7194
Wedding Coordinator: Kate Crummett, CMP of KLC Events, www.KLCevents.com, (703) 798-6693
Hair & Makeup: Bridal Artistry: Hair/Jacinda, Makeup/Jo, www.bridalartistrydc.com
Catering: RSVP Catering www.rsvpcatering.com
Wedding Cake: Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe, www.heidelbergbakery.com
Flowers: Twinbrook Floral Design: www.twinbrookfloraldesign.com
Musicians: Bialek’s Music / Sage Strings Quartet: www.sagestringquartet.com
DJ: Bialek’s Music / Dan Goldman (DJ)
Officiant: Say I Do Your Way / Reverend Joyce Cochran
Shuttle Tranport: Reston Limousine: www.restonlimo.com
Tent: www.capitalpartyrentals.com