DC and Baltimore Photographer - Weddings and Corporate

December 9, 2014

USO Metro DC Salute to Military Chefs Event: Ritz Carlton Pentagon City – Arlington Military Event Photographer

Last month I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite jobs each year – the USO of Metropolitan Washington DC’s annual Salute To Military Chefs. Each year, top chefs from each branch of our Military are selected to come to the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City to work as a team to prepare a meal for the awards banquet – serving Chiefs of Staff, and dignitaries from all of the Military branches – and receiving awards for their outstanding service. This year, celebrity chef Robert Irvine gave his time and talent to help honor these men and women, as did WWE Diva Eva Marie and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

This event is like Christmas time for a foodie like myself, and one of the perks of working as a volunteer photographer is getting to actually sample the food – and let me tell you first-hand that the food that comes out of this kitchen, prepared by these active duty Military men and women could compete head-to-head with any 5-star restaurant in the city. As the insignia on the White House chef’s jacket says – these guys truly are the “Best Of The Best.”

And speaking of the Best Of The Best – It’s always such a pleasure to work with everyone on the USO of Metropolitan Washington team as well. Their energy, professionalism and passion for supporting the Troops is limitless. I can’t think of a more worthwhile cause to volunteer my time and skill to than one that supports the men and women who give so much of themselves to keep this country free.

December 2, 2014

St. John the Evangelist Parish Severna Park Wedding: Jason and Lauren

As we get into engagement season, I wanted to take a look back at a wedding that happened a couple of years ago. Why is it important? Because it answers the question:

Why should you hire a professional photographer?

Jason and Lauren’s wedding took place in the middle of hurricane season in Maryland. The night before the wedding, a large Derecho wind storm knocked out all of the power in the area of Severna Park – including Lauren’s home, where everyone was getting ready, as well as the church. It was a hot, humid summer day, of course, so the stress level was already running high for everyone. And to top it off the church had a black ceiling, dark brick walls and a dark floor and of course – NO WINDOWS in the sanctuary. None.

Thankfully, I always carry a set of wireless battery-powered lights with me. Having those lights and the experience of knowing were to set them up and how to configure the power settings with literally no time to do any light tests was the only thing that allowed me to get pictures of the ceremony even though it was so dark the guests couldn’t even read their programs. I cannot over stress the importance of hiring a professional photographer who has the experience to know what to do in challenging situations, because you never know when you’ll need it!

Lauren describes her day below.

What will you remember most about your wedding day?
The night before the wedding we had a major storm that knocked out power in most of our town. The power remained out on our wedding day too…including the church where we were married. It was also extremely hot that day. We got married in the heat and the dark by candle and lamplight. Luckily, the reception venue still had power. We were all very happy to get into the AC!

Another highlight was the photo booth that Robin set up at the reception. It was so much fun and my guests got a huge kick out of it. They loved taking cute and wacky photos, and they came out great!

Favorite wedding photo and why:
It’s hard to pick one because there were so many great shots. Robin did an amazing job of capturing the ceremony even though it was incredibly dark inside the church. I think my favorite church pic is the one of my Dad and me entering the church and walking down the isle.

What was the most stressful thing about planning your wedding?
I was lucky to have over a year to plan so it was pretty low-stress (until the day-of, that is)! If I had to pick one thing, I would say selecting the bridesmaid dresses. I wanted everyone to be happy and I didn’t want them to have to spend a ton. It was not an easy process.

And the most enjoyable part of planning?
In general, I like picking things out (I really enjoyed trying on wedding gowns)! And I was so pleased to have Robin as my photographer. Once I met her and saw her work, I knew she was the one! Our engagement photos were also gorgeous. Aside from our wedding day, I will always remember our engagement shoot day because it was truly a beautiful experience.

If you were able to do it all over again, would you do anything differently?
Yes, I would not allow my guests to make requests of the DJ. We hand-picked all of our music and missed out on hearing some of our favorite songs because some guests were choosing really weird music to be played.

Any words of wisdom for brides who are currently planning their day?
I know everyone says this, but it goes by in a flash. It’s easy now to say “try not to stress” but really, I wish I could have been more relaxed on the big day. The power-outage didn’t help because it caused things not to be “perfect” as we planned. However, we have a great story because of it, and none of our family or friends will forget our wedding. Things will go wrong…just focus on the amazing and most important moment you are experiencing, and cherish being surrounded by everyone who loves you.

Wedding location:
Ceremony: St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park
Reception: Marriott Annapolis Waterfront

Bridal Shop: Annapolis Formal and Tuxedos (note from the bride: “They are awesome”)
Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca
Hair Stylist: Image Creators Severna Park
Invitations & Stationery: The Paper Trousseau
Flowers: Severna Flowers and Gifts
Cake: Annette’s Cakery
Honeymoon: Valentin Imperial Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico

November 26, 2014

Washington DC Corporate Event Photographer – Ronald Reagan Building

It’s Holiday Party Season once again – my absolute favorite time of the year! So I decided it was time to feature an awesome event that I photographed earlier this year for CustomInk’s main office in Tyson’s Corner, VA. The “Inkers”, as all of the company’s associates are called, are an amazing, fun, creative, outgoing and friendly group that throws a great party! But then again I would expect no less from a company that makes custom t-shirts. Every one of CustomInk’s custom orders is one of a kind, and so are they. Nowhere else can you find the design resources, real people, and dependability that make CustomInk special. Every year, during the “Inkademy Awards” portion of the night, I look forward to hearing stories of great customer service and the ways that these “Inkers” go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations, help their fellow Inkers, and give back to their communities. And the venue? How can you resist a party at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC? What a beautiful space for any event that’s meant to impress!

November 24, 2014

Baltimore Lifestyle Family Photographer: In-home session with Dylan

I think that as parents, we all want the “nice” shots of our kids smiling and looking at the camera. You take 500 shots in hopes of getting one… JUST ONE that you can send to grandma where the kid is sort-of looking at the camera. I know, because I do that with my own kids. But I think that in the hurriedness of daily life we tend forget how extraordinary the ordinary is. In going through some of my past files, I came across this beautiful session with my good buddy, Dylan, which I had to share. Although the photos are now a few years old now, what I absolutely LOVE about this session is that Dylan’s mom hired me to come to their house and take photos of “Dylan just being Dylan.”

Dylan and I spent an hour or so together during which time he showed me all of the things that he was into at the time. He adored his Thomas The Train set and would make elaborate tracks on the living room floor. His mom made him an amazing “boy” bedroom where he could play with and keep all of his cars and dinosaurs. Dylan had such fun showing me all of his treasures before we went outside and took a spin in his motorized red sports car and played at the park. And guess what? Along the way we got those beautiful smiling, looking at the camera shots too.

Today, Dylan is 3 years older than he was in these photos, and his interests have changed. He no longer makes Thomas train tracks all over the living room floor, but rather makes Star Wars space ships out of Legos. He doesn’t ride in the motorized red sports car because he’s too big for it. But the photos from this session capture that brief slice of time that he was in at that moment before time relentlessly marched on.

The images that result from an in-home lifestyle session are ones that will be treasured more than any portrait you could get from a Picture People or a Target Photo Studio – because in looking at the images you not only remember what your child looked like at that age, but you essentially freeze time and remember WHO they were in that very moment. And that’s what great photography should do.

November 18, 2014

Holy Korean Martyrs’ Catholic Church Baltimore Maryland Wedding: Ann and Aaron

Ann and Aaron are two of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Though Ann is originally from Baltimore, they currently live in San Francisco – so they had a “San Francisco meets hometown Baltimore” wedding, with a picnic-style reception, gypsy jazz, and some AMAZING Korean food. This couple has a style that’s all their own, and it was such a joy it get to know them and their families to document their wedding day. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Holy Korean Martyrs’ Catholic Church in Baltimore Maryland. Ann and Aaron planned the whole wedding from California and even flew their officiant in from Ireland! Despite the long distance logistic challenges, everything came together beautifully. There were many special touches throughout the day, so many special friends who participated, and such a heartfelt ceremony. Thanks so much to Ann for sharing some insight into her planning process and sharing her wedding experience!

What will you remember most about your wedding day?
Seeing all the beautiful faces of my family and friends beaming back at me as I walked down the aisle.

Favorite wedding photo and why:
Robin did a spectacular job of capturing the emotions and dramatic moments of the entire day. It would be impossible to pick a favorite. But I really cherish the peace and calm memorialized in the photos taken right before the ceremony (below – left), before even the family portraits. There was no more planning to be done; I had delegated all responsibilities to other people. Aaron and I had this precious alone time with each other before taking centerstage for the rest of the night. (Aaron’s favorite photo is below – right!)

What was the most stressful thing about planning your wedding?
Planning the wedding from California. I made one visit to Maryland three months before the wedding, but besides that I had to book venues and order decorations etc. from afar. I didn’t see most of the items I ordered online until a few days before the wedding!

And the most enjoyable part of planning?
Involving family and friends–this really made each moment of the day so special. Our best friends played the ceremony music, did the readings, emceed, decorated, coordinated. This wedding couldn’t have happened without them!

Any words of wisdom for brides who are currently planning their day?
Let people help you. Delegate tasks.

Wedding Location: Holy Korean Martyrs’ Catholic Church
Wedding day theme: San Francisco-Style Picnic in Baltimore
Dress Designer: Aidan Mattox
Hair Stylist: Kristen Foster
Makeup Artist: Kristen Foster
Wedding Favours: Mason Jar
Flowers: Meghan Brennan
Officiant: Fr. Patrick McDevitt
Catering:
Cake: Dangerously Delicious Pies
Music – ceremony, reception, cocktail hour, etc.:
CEREMONY
String Trio – Robin Massie-Pighee
RECEPTION
Hot Club of Baltimore
Honeymoon: Aaron and I took a few days after the wedding to stay in Litchfield County, CT, and soak in the New England fall colors (something I miss now that I’m living on the West Coast). We plan to take a longer honeymoon next year.

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