Most Stylish
It should come as no surprise that Tayler & Kunal’s Meridian House wedding was an easy choice for the most stylish of 2019! Tayler donned a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown complete with the most perfect Jimmy Choo Cinderella heels. And Kunal looked dapper in his fitted white tuxedo jacket. But their style exceeded more than just wedding day attire; their tasteful decor was throughout both the indoor and outdoor space at Meridian House. 

 

Best Florals
My brides and grooms work some amazing florists who come up with some really cool designs, but Jenlain’s circular ceremony arch at The Westin Alexandria designed by Yen of Chic Girl Flowers was a complete showstopper! Not to mention her overflowing bouquet and gorgeous centerpieces, both of which made this choice a no-brainer! 

 

Best Bayside Affair
Monica and Chris chose the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club to say “I do”, and their ceremony view over the Bay with the iconic bridge in the background just cannot be beat! Monica opted for a dusty blue color palette which perfectly complemented this stunning bayside venue.

 

Most “Classic DC”
Only a few of my wedding were outside the district this year, so this was a competitive category! Cady and James were married at the Army Navy Club downtown, but shared portraits at both the iconic Lincoln Memorial and Lafayette Park located behind the White House — what could be more DC than those two spots!? Beyond just locations, their elegant black tie wedding was the perfect encapsulation of all things DC!

 

Most Portraits
Kristina and Sean were married at St. Matthews Cathedral and celebrated at the Mayflower Hotel last January. And despite the sun setting before 5:00PM, these two somehow had the most portraits of the entire year! They shared an intimate first look at the Mayflower, followed by formal portraits with themselves and their wedding party at the Jefferson just days after it reopened due to the government shutdown! Following their nuptials, we headed over to the Capitol for some newlywed sunset portraits beneath the stunning winter sun! 

 

Most Carefree Couple
Ingrid and Colin were two of the easiest going clients I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and their Hollin Hall wedding was a reflection of that! Their priorities were focused on spending the day with those that they loved and enjoying time with one another; I love how much of an emphasis they put on those around them and soaked in the joy of the day from beginning to end! 

 

Most Surprisingly Beautiful Day!
Chi and Dayne’s DC elopement was in the dead of winter, but somehow we lucked out with the most beautiful winter day! The sunlight was streaming all around us and we were able to take our time with portraits throughout the city as Chi wasn’t freezing in her gown!

 

Most Well- Executed 
Melissa and Jake were married at District Winery, but they got ready at two separate locations in the city and had portraits at two different monuments! Not to mention all family portraits were completed pre-ceremony, as well as their traditional ketuba signing…whew; I’m tired just thinking about it! But luckily, with Tabitha of Robert & Co. at the helm, things went smoother than you could ever ask for! She’s an expert at organizing DC weddings and I loved working with her for three different affairs in the district this season. 

 

Best Guest Appearance
If you’re not a JMU grad, you might not appreciate this one, but Kaylie and Jake were able to secure the traveling Duke Dog for their big day at Raspberry Plain Manor in Leesburg, VA! These two come from a long line of former Dukes (including their parents, who knew attended one another’s weddings back in the day!), so it was only fitting that they would be the perfect choice! The rest of the day was absolutely stunning, including the perfect sunset!

 

Best Party 
I think anyone who has ever met Michelle and Chris could easily tell you that their Carnegie Institution for Science wedding would be a day full of joy! I mean, most weddings are, but Michelle was beaming ear to ear from start to finish. And as soon as that dance floor opened, you can bet she was the first one on it! These two let things like a little bit of rain roll of their backs; as long as their guests were having fun, they were happy! 

 

Best Design
Between the talented duo of Amelia Lawrence Events and White Magnolia Designs, there was no way Emily and Patrick’s Congressional Country Club wedding could be anything but stunning! Every detail from the initial invitation suite, to the bountiful floral arch, and the showstopping reception was perfectly coordinated from start to finish. 

 

Most Unique Venue
Karen and Joshua’s rooftop ceremony at The LINE Hotel in DC made for one of the most unique venues of the year! Not only does this location boast a stunning view of the entire city, but it’s history is just as interesting; an old church that was converted into a modern day hotel. 

 

Cutest Dog
I’ve got to photograph a lot of dogs at engagement sessions this year (which you know I LOVE), but only one of these babies joined us for wedding day photos and that’s Cooper! Katie and Lane chose to have their wedding at the Fairmont Hotel in DC in large part because of their wonderful dog policy. So this sweet boy was able to spend the majority of his mom and dad… and what else could make a bride and groom happier than having their pup with them!? Their joy is in all the photographs!

 

Favorite Couple
I could never, ever pick one! Since having Landon, I’ve cut back significantly on the number of weddings I’m able to photograph each year to continue to give the best service to every single one of my couples. So this small handful of brides and grooms seem even more special, if possible! 2019 was full of fantastic couples; I cannot wait to see what 2020 brings!