Marine Corps Commissioning Ceremony

I had the chance to attend a Marine Corps commissioning ceremony with my friend, Danielle, a few months ago. She and I worked together as graphic designers right after college in '01, and we've kept in touch over the years. She told me that her husband, Sean, was graduating from the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS) and that she would love to have some pictures taken at his commissioning ceremony. I jumped at the chance, not only because it seemed like an amazing event to witness, but also because this was an important achievement for Sean and their whole family. The ceremony took place at The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. The exterior design of the building is beautiful and meant to "evoke the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima". After witnessing the powerful ceremony and Sean's pinning and salute, I was moved. I now have an even bigger appreciation for the men and women who serve our country.

Kara + David | Married

We posted a sneak peek from Kara and David's wedding way back in October. Ever since then, we've been itching to post the rest of their pictures! Kara and David's amazing celebration took place at one of our favorite venues, Glen Echo Park. It was once an amusement park from 1900 to 1968, and now serves as an arts center. It's full of life with vibrant colors, unique architecture, a working carousel, and a bumper car pavilion. If you live in the DC/MD/VA area, you must visit this place.

We loved all of the personal touches Kara and David incorporated into their wedding. Everything matched the whimsical, playful feel to their day. The bouquets were made out of felt, the adorable flower girls wore polka dotted sundresses, there was an assortment of pies instead of a cake, they had mustaches on sticks... And we were ecstatic that Kara and David let us steal them away for some fun pictures before the ceremony. They allowed plenty of time for us to wander around the park. Kara was even cool with climbing down to a creek in her dress - it was awesome.

After the ceremony, Kara and David were glowing. Their reception was held in the bumper car pavilion, and they danced the night away with their guests to the sounds of a zydeco band.

Our friend, Leigh, came out to second shoot, and as usual, we had a blast working together. Leigh, thank you so much for all of your help - you're the best! Also, thank you to Astrid Ruggeri of CityAffairs for coordinating the day.

Kara and David - We're so happy to have met you both. I hope we can keep in touch. Best wishes!

Dharma and Andy | Married

This day was absolute perfection. From the gorgeous setting at Sunset Hills Vineyard, to the creative details and flowers, to the crazy storm, to the clouds parting and letting the sun pour out JUST as the bride and groom had their first look, to the fabulous bluegrass band that had everyone dancing - it was wonderful. We had anticipated Dharma and Andy's wedding for months, ever since we had spent a morning with them in Old Town taking their engagement pictures. They planned their day so meticulously and included touches of their personalities everywhere - no detail was overlooked! We loved it all.

Dharma and Andy's guests came from near and far, and it was obvious that every single one meant the world to them. We were honored to document such a special day in their lives! As always, the wonderful Maria Cooke of Ritzy Bee Events did a fantastic job coordinating the day. And we were so excited to work with Holly of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers for the first time - her work is breathtaking.




























Lovely details...



Holly used lace and buttons from Dharma's grandmother to bind the stems of her bouquet. It looked exquisite.


YAY! :)

This is Dharma's sister, Surya, and her beautiful family. Surya is a talented photographer in Colorado.





Dharma and Andy - thank you for sharing your life with us! Wishing you both all the best!

A New Year, A New Us

Ahhhh. We've given our blog a little face lift, and it feels so good. We're kicking everything off with Dharma and Andy's wedding tomorrow! Then many more 2009 posts to follow - with a few 2010 posts sprinkled in here and there. I'm determined to get caught up! For those of you who continue to come back looking for updates, thank you for sticking with us! Stay tuned. We have lots of good stuff in the queue, including pictures from our last few trips to NYC. Like this shot of Drew engrossed in his iPhone, as always ;)


Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Dharma + Andy | Sneak Peek

More from this spectacular vineyard wedding coming soon!