More of Sarah and Erik's "farmtastic" wedding later!

Benjamin got a peek of her before the ceremony--isn't his reaction splendid?

A quick portrait before the ceremony here...

Entering with her dad, and exiting with Benjamin; what symbolism!

I'll close with a few of my favorites from the Bishop's Garden on the cathedral grounds.

We had perfect weather, and what a joyous day to celebrate! You can see a slideshow of the entire thing, too...

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Lead Shooter: Jocelyn Mathewes
Second Shooter: Eric Carlson
Venue: Washington National Cathedral
Flowers: a family friend!
Catering: RSVP Catering

I love these guys; they're really up for ANYTHING and love posing for goofy and romantic pictures.

And we found some really super cool lighting for portraits, too.

By far, MY FAVORITE EVER. Richard is an amazing straight man, and never cracked a smile despite the stares and cars whizzing by. But then, of course, when you prompt them, they'll make faces gladly.

Ah, the lovely afternoon light on metal and chrome.

And boy, she does fashion well!

You will recognize Stephanie, my friend (and model). We decided to do a photo shoot that would also function as a fun ice cream outing.

And my kids came along for the ride, too.

This is all a part of my efforts to photograph those who are near and dear to me (just like my in-laws).

And it's wicked fun.

After a ceremony filled with beautiful music, we made our way to the well-groomed and picturesque Bishop's Garden for some portraits.

Of course, since this is only a sneak peek, you'll just have to hang tight for more.

I'm spending the summer with my in-laws, who haven't had a real portrait session in a long, long time. The last time, their kids--my husband one of them--were still in school.

I'm torn when photographing folks I know very well, in whom I have a lot invested. It can make things both harder and easier. You understand your subjects a lot better, but that understanding can make you reluctant to suggest or pose in ways that you might otherwise.

I love my in-laws. It pains me that I don't spend more time photographing at home.

These portraits are ones that we'll both cherish for a long time.

My husband is away for part of the week. He gave me this beautiful bouquet. I miss him, but this is here to remind me of his thoughtfulness.

I've been blogging for awhile now (as you can see), and it occurred to me that I've never officially mentioned that I have a newsletter. In fact, you can read the latest one if you're curious as to what it looks like!

That's right, folks. A newsletter. E-mail, of course. Not spammy, I promise. Usually it's just ramblings about what I've been up to, with an assortment of favorite photos from recent sessions. Occasionally, I'll send out a super-special newsletter-only promotion that no one else in the entire universe knows about.*

So, join up if you like. It's helpful if you tell me where you're from, and I promise I don't spam, or sell your information. That's just wrong.**

*Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure it's easy for there to be things that no one else in the entire universe knows about. After all, as Bill Bryson would tell you, the universe is a pretty big place.

**I can tell that I'm a mother of a two-year old, because I almost typed, "That's yucky" instead. Obligatory photo of my child thus included in this post.

Katie & Robbie asked me to do their engagement session in the delicately landscaped Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. The $5 admission fee is well worth it; this is a quiet haven of magnificently kept grounds. The three of us seemed to have the entire place to ourselves!

As we chatted, I soon discovered something Katie had left out of the details. Not only were they planning on getting married there, but Rob proposed to her there too!

What a hopeless romantic, eh? The two of them are huge sports fans--Redskins, Braves, Steelers--and brought along some props with them in honor of their fandom.

Thank you, Katie & Rob, for suffering through the sweltering near-100-degree heat and being such wonderful subjects!

Cal isn't too much into being photographed, but he was a good sport; when he & Colleen laugh together, their faces light up with well-worn and easy smiles.

With three grown children, it was time to get the whole family together for a portrait--much harder to do with everyone's schedules going this way and that.

You'll notice an addition to the family. That's Rob. He's relatively new, but he counts, too, you know!

And so I had to get this shot of Emily & Rob together when we took a detour at a local playground. Cutesy, I know, but it's still exciting to find those kinds of things!

And it's even more exciting when your clients really commit to something silly, too. Thanks for indulging me, guys!

A small collection of rusty sawblades only hints at the interesting (and highly organized) outdoor museum hidden in the woods there.

It's so hard not to love photographing around sunset and wildflowers. The luxurious stems turn into a golden, disorganized beauty.

Stella's skirt was such a funky pattern, I had trouble not fixating too much on it.

As with many couples, being in front of the camera is a new experience until you announce your love to the world. Towards the end of the session, they seemed to let out a breath of air and just slipped away into their own little world, drinking in the cooling summer air.

Congratulations, you two! May your wedding be filled with as much golden light and joy as our afternoon together.

The bridesmaids looked on, in vibrant pink hues.

Weather cooperated, and everyone enjoyed the cool summer evening.

Oh, and Scott and Meredith are, in fact, dedicated bird enthusiasts (hence getting married at the sanctuary). Can't you tell?

Meredith put together one hot hot hot hot pink reception!

And everyone danced the night away!

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Lead Shooter: Jocelyn Mathewes
Second Shooter: Mindy Best
Venue: Woodend Sanctuary
Dessert: Georgetown Cupcake
Flowers: Local Color Flowers
Catering: Carribean Caterers

At Woodend Sanctuary, Meredith and her friends took on amazing hot pink hues.

After the ceremony in the grove, they walked, hand in hand, as the sun set.

More to come!

And they're the perfect height to do a lollipop totem pole.

Yowza! Garth waited in the wings upstairs, while Doanh hid below. The church, candles, prayers, choir, and guests awaited the perfect moment.

After exchanging rings, the pair were crowned in according to Orthodox rites.

And what would a wedding be without wonderful toasts and delicious cake?

The wedding party was very fun to be around. They decorated Garth and Doanh's car with quite a bit of hilarious graffiti.

The couple and I escaped elsewhere to do portraits together with some rainbow lollipops.

And then things got a little more romantic.

Doanh and Garth, thank you for your fun, high-spirited love!

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Ceremony: Holy Cross Church
Wedding Crowns: Anne Clough
Candles: Laura Nee
Rings: Samuelsons Diamonds
Reception: St. Christopher's Church
Cake: Lily Rowe
Catering: Olive Grove
Florist: Janda Florists
Music: Phil McCusker (Jazz Band)