Lisa began preparations in the bridal suite with her family and bridal party:

Susan went and checked on Fernando as her prepared upstairs…

Before the ceremony began, we loaded up a bus with the bridal party and went out on the town to take some portraits. It was a busy, touristy day in the city, but we managed to get some shots by the monuments:

…and then it was back to the Mayflower for the ceremony!

The room had such an elegant, romantic feel to it with the soft lighting and painted ceiling:

I love taking couples outside for a few moments alone and some additional portraits!

We unfortunately got ourselves locked out for a couple of minutes after sneaking out! Luckily someone found us and let us back into the party :). Lisa and Fernando, thank you so much for inviting me to shoot your wedding! You are such a sweet and wonderful couple!

It’s that time of year again when everyone starts thinking about taking a family portrait for their holiday cards! I wanted to kick off the holiday card season with a cause that is close to my own heart, and donate 100% of the proceeds from a shoot to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My incredible mom is a survivor of a rare form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma (a type of leukemia). 11 years ago on September 1, 1999, she told the family about her diagnosis. The next several years consisted of chemo, stem cell transplants, experimental drugs, etc. etc. She pulled through and is healthy and in remission today. Strangely enough (and before I even knew them), Justine’s dad was diagnosed with the same cancer and followed a similar treatment. He is also doing well today.

Last year I had the opportunity to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon with Team in Training, and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I participated in honor of both my mother and Justine’s father. My dad participated in the race as well, and between the two of us, we raised over $4,000! I was not able to train for a race this year due to my schedule, but my dad is again preparing to complete another marathon with TNT this coming October. I wanted to help him contribute to his fundraising efforts by donating a portrait session.  The session is $500 and 100% of the cost goes directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (you can write a check out to LLS or pay directly on my dad’s fundraising page). Included is an on-location shoot of your family, as well as a digital file of your favorite image…. perfect for your 2010 holiday card! Leave a comment or send me an email if you or someone you know might be interested!

The Greene family took me to Lake Braddock for our portrait session this summer.  We had a fabulous time during our time together, which included falling into the lake, being dropped into the lake, and running around the lake.  These beautiful spirited children are why I love being a photographer so much.  We had a wild time together.  I remember staying with friends of my parents at Lake Braddock in 1961!  It hasn’t changed much since then.