Jason loves Thaisa: a love story at Woodend Sanctuary

On a slightly chilly and grey April morning, Thaisa busily hopped around her Bethesda hotel, gathering herself for the day ahead.

At the hotel, the dress awaits.

Everything in place, her mother put the final touches on her dress–simple, with a beautiful swooped neckline.

Her loving mother helps Thaisa put on the dress.

After a tender moment over Skype with her father–who had to stay behind in the Philippines–Thaisa made her way to Woodend Sanctuary.

Thaisa chats with her father in the Philippines, then leaves the hotel.

Can you tell it’s SPRING? Jason hadn’t seen Thaisa all morning until she walked through the newly-budding grove of trees.

The ceremony begins, with spring in the air.

Such warmth!

Little laughs and lots of joy during the ceremony.

While watching the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice some of their friends exchanging looks and gestures throughout the ceremony.

A couple reminisces about their own love, while Jason & Thaisa commit to theirs!

And now it’s one big happy family! Emphasis on BIG.

Enjoying family--BIG family!

We took some alone time after the family disbursed. The early spring gave these portraits a more introspective feel than the wilder greener growth of summer.

Some quiet and quirky portraits.

And my favorite shot…

Wild growth and wilderness.

And some dancing!

Celebratory dancing!

The toasts were full of jokes and smiles, and while everyone had at their meal, I snuck away and made use of their cute couple photographs they sprinkled all throughout the historic house.

Hilarity and a leap of joy!

Jason–who works with video–couldn’t help but check to make sure everyone had their focus correct before taking his bite of cupcake. HAH!

Thaisa and her mother enjoy a dance, and Jason stages his cupcake eating.

Although the day stayed overcast throughout, all the warmth they needed came from within themselves.

On the upper floor of the historic building, and some of the new buds coming up for spring!

Thank you, Jason & Thaisa, for a beautiful and memorable (muddy!) day!

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Venue: Woodend Sanctuary / Coordinator: GLOW Weddings and Events / Catering: Festive Foods / DJ: Chris Laich / Flowers: Sidra Forman / Makeup: Kim Reyes / Hair: Giselle Zlotnitsky