Jessica Photo Blog

Just a few days after my last Capitol Hill session I was back to it again. This session was of a such a lovely family with great style. This is the sweetest little girl and it was just a nice way to spend an afternoon. This family was game for all my sometimes silly ideas and it’s so, so great when that trust is there. Most of my clients are like this, for sure, but I appreciate it each and every time. Anyway, loved this session!

This morning I had a fabulous session with a Capitol Hill family. It was great to be in my old stomping ground…I’m always more relaxed when I’m on the Hill. The session was a hit. I really love a session where the images reflect the full gamut - from modern to vintage and everything in between. I loved working with this family and really dig these images. It was also just a great day. Super weather, in a spot I love for the session, and this is the first weekend I’ve had off from a wedding in a very long time and although it’s not a weekend “off” (hello? I don’t use this word anymore…) it sure feels good to not be rushing around in the mad frenzy that is wedding photography. I love my weddings, but today…I gardened! I had a glass of wine with dinner, with my husband. Now that’s wild.

Lisa and Bobby were married at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA this past Saturday. I was also there to photograph the morning tea ceremony. It was a full day! This couple experienced a day full of traditions, activities and games. It started with the morning tea ceremony in which the groom has to bargain his way into the house. Once inside there was a formal tea ceremony and pig roast. At the wedding there were stuffed animals, Chinese lion dancing, and many surprises in store for the bride and groom from their loved ones. It was a busy, busy day but everything went smoothly and I must add that they had the best wedding coordinator too, Jasmine. Congratulations to Lisa and Bobby!

Many of my clients have had the pleasure of working Mark Gong, my most frequently used second photographer. Mark has worked with me since I started here in this area and has been a lot of fun. This past weekend is the last wedding we will have shot together, as Mark has moved to New York to persue fashion photography.

This is an email I wrote to Mark yesterday…”Thanks for always being dependable, punctual, hard working, congenial and lovely with my clients - treating them with respect and kindness, and being a friend….”

Thank you for all your great images, Mark. Can’t wait to come visit you in New York!

Happy to report I placed in the latest Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association contest (Q1 2008). I’m always thrilled to place as I feel I am amongst such an impressive crowd of peers. This image is from Eileen and Jason’s wedding. What gorgeous little girls!

Obi and Jerard were married this weekend at the Foundry United Methodist Church in D.C. The reception was nearby at the Cafritz Center at George Washington University. The elements going into this wedding were one of those days where you just have to hope for the best - record heat (H-O-T) , an enormous wedding party, multiple locations to get to on a tight schedule in city traffic and tons of activities packed into a short period of time. And the day was hectic, but it was more like a wild jazz piece. It was joy and tears and excitement, and lots of love everywhere. Also, this was the most gorgeous set of bridesmaids and flower girls. I mean - wow!

Read today’s headline: “…the East Coast turned into a steam bath with temperatures soaring toward the century mark.” I don’t think there was a single bride who could hold up better than Obi in these conditions. She was one of the coolest brides I’ve worked with. Her energy was absolutely lovely. I loved photographing her and felt like we’d known each other forever. That’s true of everyone Obi meets, I’m guessing. I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather be running around with taking mad pictures of on the hottest day in the city! I was thrilled to be the photographer at this wedding.

Congratulations to this overjoyed couple, Obi and Jerard!

Molly and Richard were married in Charlottesville, VA. The ceremony was at Christ Church and the reception at Keswick Hall. This was a warm, lovely, sophisticated affair. Most notably this group of people gave the most incredible set of toasts. I do believe they could go down in toast history. I think, too, that this is a true romance. So much congratulations to this sublime couple, Molly and Richard. May your lives together be as poetic as your wedding night.

My birthday was this holiday weekend. I can’t think of a better present than being able to work with such great clients. Kate, Perry and their families were a true delight. They were married at Chizuk Amuno Synagogue and held their reception at Linwoods Restaurant. Kate was the picture of grace throughout the day. Someone spilled a glass of red wine on her custom designed dress and she didn’t blink an eye. By the way, this dress is absolutely stunning. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful couple - everything was truly beautiful down to the last. I can’t imagine a better wedding. Congratulations to Kate & Perry!

Ashley & Kevin were married at Rasberry Plain in Leesburg, VA this past Saturday. Oh, what a wedding!

Han and Jason had a lovely wedding this weekend in Fairfax, VA at the Fairfax Old Town Hall. Han’s dress was stunning - she was stunning! Congratulations to Han and Jason! I’m so glad I got to share this lovely occasion with you!

UPDATE: Here is the link to this inspiring article!

http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/2008/06/colorful_brides

In this month’s issue of W magazine there is an article I wanted to share with all my brides - “Color Me Beautiful.” The article talks about non-traditional wedding dresses - dresses that use color and other elements. It is so up my alley and I wanted to share it! I’ll post a link to the article when it goes up online, but in the meanwhile, check out page 76-78 in the June issue. Love it.

Designers who make dresses using color:  Vera Wang, Christian Lecroix, Reem Arca, Roberto Cavalli, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lluillier, Alexander McQueen

I have photographed two brides who wore non-white dresses. Check them out…

All I have to say is get ready for some singin and dancin. This couple and their loved ones had a nice celebration! Congratulations to Jessica & John!

Today I visited the sweetest family out in a wooded haven, a peaceful place surrounded by towering trees. The family was great to work with, the weather was wonderful and it was a very nice early morning session. I couldn’t have asked for a better morning!

Just a few from this weekend’s wedding!

This last image is one of my favorite ever images…It carries a much better impact viewed larger…

Yesterday Molly and Richard and I hit Old Town for their engagement session. The rain could not stop us - we would not be detered - it actually stopped for the length of our session, fancy that. What a nice couple - can’t wait until the wedding this summer!

This past Sunday I photographed Dawn and Sam’s wedding at Celebrations at the Bay in Maryland. The most notable aspect of the day was this incredible warmth from everyone I was working with. I also feel strongly about Jewish tradition and have always been especially moved by it, so I was really glad to experience these traditions and felt lucky to do so. I feel compelled to share my one misadventure - I surfed a folding chair. No injuries were sustained. I rode the wave to the end. Lately I seem to be plagued by these little misadventures. Being on the sea was wonderful. The area had a VERY Bergmanesque quality to it. My husband, when he saw the pics, said the location reminded him of the wonderful film, “The Hairdresser’s Husband.”

I’m always so thrilled when I work with clients who are such incredible spirits - Dawn, Sam and especially Dawn’s family were those. Also, during the ceremony the Rabbi read some things Dawn and Sam had revealed to her about one another that was so well put, so moving and so special. I wish I were that eloquent and able to really locate in myself the words to express love so warmly. Congratulations to you guys! I’m glad I got to photograph your wedding!

Eileen & Jason were a gorgeous couple. I was glad I could fill in last minute for another photographer on super short notice. I especially liked working with the bridesmaids for this wedding - cool chicks. I felt right at home with this couple and their loved ones. The bride had a very movie star quality, especially with her little stoll. Congratuations!

Here, here for the Jessica Photo mascot!

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