When we started planning for Emily and Mike’s National Museum of Women in the Arts wedding a year ago, I think we all expected for their to be cold weather. It was February in Washington, DC, after all — Leap Day, to be exact! — so we knew with that can colder temperatures. But this winter played a cruel trick on us as it has been so much warmer than average nearly every day of the season! I hoped this would hold true on their wedding day, but unfortunately the wind, specifically, had other plans for us!

Luckily most of the day was planned indoors, including their stunning ceremony at the iconic St. Matthews Cathedral and their gorgeous reception designed by Alison of Cherry Blossom Events at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. But, of course, as I urge all of my couples to do no matter what the season, we had portraits outdoors at the DC War Memorial in the heart of the District. I can honestly say, in the 90 minutes we were out there, Mike and Emily didn’t complain one time. And let me tell you, that wind was no joke — by the end, I could barely click another photo and I was dressed in a warm coat with gloves! They were the epitome of grace and showed nothing but gratitude to their friends and family who joined them in the freezing temperatures.

Why do I share all of this? Because as much as Mike and Emily didn’t complain, neither did their friends and family. Seriously! Everyone rallied around them to get the best photos possible and, as you’ll see below, it clearly paid off. Their wedding day was full of so much love for this sweet couple. We got to hear four different speeches during their reception, many of which echoed the same words throughout: kind, loving, humble, gracious. And these two clearly exemplify that and have impacted the lives of so many in such a positive way. I consider myself lucky to have been a small part of such an important moment in their future. Hope you two are lying on a WARM beach in Hawaii!

A huge thank you to these vendors for making Emily & Mike’s wedding amazing! And a special thank you to my second shooter, Jessica Green Photography!

Ceremony | St. Matthews Cathedral
Reception Venue | National Museum of Women in the Arts
Coordinator | Alison with Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events
Hair | Salon Daniel
Florist | Chic Girl Flowers
Catering | Spilled Milk Catering
Cake | TapNSweets
Band | Millennium
Invitation Suite | Minted
Calligraphy | Wild Hearts Calligraphy
Bridal Boutique | Global Bridal Gallery
Dress Designer | Allure