It is no secret that I love architecture! I am an architect myself and met my husband while working in the field. So it should come as no surprise that this Washington DC wedding at the United States Institute of Peace made this photographer/architect so unbelievably happy!

Katie and Jessie are some of the nicest people you will ever meet (seriously!) and that would have been more than enough to make me thrilled to capture their wedding. But they also truly appreciated the space they were getting married and that made it extra special. The couple with the help of Anne Kelley Events, designed a wedding that perfectly complimented the architecture of the United States Institute of Peace.

For instance, Katie even describes finding her dress in terms of the architecture of the venue. “As soon as I saw it, I knew that Jesse would love it, and from an architectural perspective, that it would be impossible to find something that better fit the clean lines of USIP.” See what I mean? In short, the architect in me was jumping for joy at every turn of this wedding.

Institute of Peace Wedding

Firstly, after a sweet and very nerve filled first look on the staircase at USIP, Katie and Jessie held a traditional Jewish ceremony in the International Women’s Commons. Modern white chairs and a curved aisle accented the breathtaking windows that created a backdrop for the ceremony.

After that, cocktail hour took place under a string quartet resulting in some of our favorite images of the day. Then, dinner and dancing followed in the USIP Great Hall. The all white dinner tables with ghost chairs were topped with colorful arrangements and greenery adding a pop to the modern space. Finally, the couple danced and celebrated the night away with their guests.

To sum up, I feel honored that I was able to bring together two of my passions in capturing this gorgeous wedding for such amazing people. Lastly, see more of this stunning wedding on Martha Stewart Weddings here.

Washington DC Wedding Vendors

Venue: United States Institute of Peace
Wedding Planning and Event Design: Anne Kelley Events and Design
Flowers: Duran Floral Design
Invitations: EVR Paper
Day-of Paper Products: Just Write Studios
Officiant: Justin Bolois
Bride’s Gown and Veil: Alexandra Grecco via Lovely Bride
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Hair: Roberto Alercon
Makeup: Leah Margosis
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: Enzo and Sid Mashburn
Groomsmen’s Attire: Suit Supply and Chipp Neckwear
Wedding Bands: Tiny Jewel Box and Bario Neal
Guest Book: Sugar Paper
Music: MSE Productions
Catering and Cake: Occasions Caterers
Rentals: Table Manners DC
Lighting: Frost DC
Favors: The Emerald Hound

These family photos in Frisco, Colorado for our good friends were a real treat! We have known this family for a long time. In fact, my friend Katie is also a talented family photographer and we started our photography journey together. I don’t know about you, but my friends’ kids are some of the best humans. Maybe it’s because they are little mini versions of my favorite people. But I jump at any chance I get to see those sweet kiddos.

We had a mini-reunion in Silverthorne, Colorado and spent one night with Katie’s family. After reconnecting over dinner and drinks, we were ready to hit the trail with this good looking bunch the next morning for some Colorado family photos. Of course, I had the chance to review the wardrobe selections with mom (always a must) in advance to make sure everyone coordinated.

Make Family Members Shine During Family Photos

While it’s not imperative to feed me, provide beverages and overnight accommodation, it is helpful to give me a heads up about family members before a photo session. Any favorite sports, hobbies, passions, dislikes all help me capture the spirit of a person better during our time together. For example, I knew that the middle daughter in this family loves photography. And she wanted to help me take a few photos. As one of 3 siblings myself, I know how important it is to be recognized as an individual. And because of this I always capture each individual child and each parent with the kids during my family photo sessions.

As for finding a perfect location for photos, there were so many great trails in Frisco that we had our pick of the bunch. We hiked in just past the trail entrance and found a great clearing for photos. After this shoot, I know I need to work on my hiking skills. But maybe not after a night of reconnecting with friends!

Our design concept for the Las Hermosas Flores, an elopement style wedding shoot at The Broadmoor, came from an exploration of Hispanic culture and its integration into the American West. Spanish and Mexican culture has been an integral part of the American West for centuries. The influence dates back to 1694 with the first expeditions into the western region. For this styled shoot with Enjoué Studio Event Design & Decor House, we wanted to create a visual story of the unique and rich traditions that set the Hispanic culture apart while working in the beautiful colors and textures.

The bride wore a modern version of a traditional ivory lace dress with statement jewelry. The dress was a nod to her heritage and way to bring family tradition into the day. Meanwhile, the groom’s attire was semi-formal, yet tailored. He wore dark jeans with a suit jacket and a western touch in the form of a bolo tie. The couple dressed casually but were elegant and graceful against the backdrop of the Pauline Chapel at the Broadmoor. Additionally, the creamy terracotta blush stucco buildings laid a foundation for other colors in the design.

Colors of the Southwest at a Broadmoor Wedding

Kara of Enjoué Studio crated a color palette of black, brown, cobalt blue, warm pastels, and subtle pops of bright colors. Each color pulled meaning from a part of Mexican culture and tradition. The blacks and browns were reminiscent of dark and heavy wood used in Southwestern adobe buildings. Secondly, the cobalt blue was a symbol of Talavera pottery. The pottery was first introduced in the 15th century by Spanish settlers. It was later developed into the art form you see today. You most commonly see the pottery today as in tile and tableware created in Mexico.

Cena Al Aire Libre

For the intimate dinner, a wood carved chandelier accented by flower garlands was centered over the table as a statement piece. The table, set in an inviting outdoor space, was elevated, yet approachable. Kara set the foundation for the design with three handwoven table runners and black oval chairs.

After that, Kara topped the table with a layered stack of plates. The china included a mixture of a blue-grey ceramic charger, a navy blue dinner plate, and a floral salad plate all mixed with modern gold flatware from Enjoué Studio’s exclusive tableware collection. In addition, the stemware was a mixture of amber and rose taupe to accent the subtle and rich tones of the table’s flowers. Finally, Kara finished the place setting with a custom napkin ring made from a horse bridle and brown leather strap.

A Taste for Tequila

Furthermore, for a special touch after the wedding ceremony, we created a custom tequila bar for the bride and groom. Kara used the bar to pull in the black and brown colors of the day. She also accented the bar with a handmade cobalt blue and white table runner from Mexico. Above all, the bar featured a painted tequila bottle and top-shelf tequila brands ready for tasting.

Finally, the wedding cake and bride’s second look served as nods to Frieda Kahlo. Kahlo is not only the famous Mexican painter known for her portrait with a floral crown but more importantly an activist for Mexican culture and history. The bride’s second look included a black embroidered dress and a bright and bold floral crown. Frieda certainly would have been proud!

The wedding cake featured a moody and bold painted flower design. It included colors from Spanish Colonial paintings and that are found in the Southwest.

The Broadmoor is a stunning wedding venue in Colorado. In short, we were grateful to be able to use the space to bring this inspired shoot to life and we could not have done it without an amazing group of vendors!

Broadmoor Wedding Vendors

Design & Rentals: Enjoué Studio Event Design & Decor House⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Floral Design: Amy Lauren Floral Design⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Venue: The Broadmoor⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Beauty: Elwynn + Cass⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hair & Make Up: Ashley Smith Beauty⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Leather Goods: Animal Handmade⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Models: Suzanna Garza from nxt|MODEL ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Paperie: Sweet Zion Paperie
Cake: Sleeping Makes Me Hungry⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Wedding Dress: LoveShackFancy⠀⠀

This Indian micro wedding came together like a whirlwind. And I’m so glad it did! I originally met this couple when they were planning a larger, DC ballroom bash for late October 2020. The bride and groom are both medical doctors and saw the writing on the wall at the start of COVID. They paused any wedding plans until after quarantine in early 2020. Of course, after a few weeks, we all knew it wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

After a few months, I was thrilled when Elizabeth and Neil decided to have an intimate wedding after all! When the couple started planning the micro wedding, they called me and asked for my open dates before diving into any details. Love them! We picked a weekend that we were going to be in DC, and the rest is history. The end result was a stunning 11-person ceremony and dinner with their immediate families.

Maintaining some of their original vendor team, Elizabeth and Neil worked with Elizabeth Gopal of East Made Co who helped both craft the design and implement measures to keep everyone safe. Elizabeth and Neil wrote their own vows for a private self-uniting service before a traditional Hindu ceremony. The Hindu ceremony was a bright and vibrant in every way from the florals to Elizabeth’s saree. Elizabeth wore a stunning red and gold saree she bought on a trip to India the year before.

Chic and Small Wedding Dinner

To contrast the vibrant ceremony colors, the dinner design focused on a more traditional wedding aesthetic while still weaving in some bright red and orange colors of a traditional Indian wedding. The reception took place at, La Vie, a chic DC restaurant in the Wharf neighborhood. The couple requested socially distanced tables by family. The tables surrounded an open area where the couple could share their first dance.

Early on in the planning, I learned that Neil’s family is from the same town I am – Kolkatta, India! Not only are we from the same region, but we are also from the same neighborhood. With such a close connection, I was very excited to work with Neil and his family. The bride’s family is from Tennessee and work in hospitality. Naturally, that made them the warmest group I’ve come across at a wedding in a while.

Overall, their wedding may have looked a bit different than originally planned. But spending such a special day with their families made for an unforgettable and meaningful day, merging cultures, traditions, and two wonderful families. 

See more of this wedding featured on Martha Stewart Weddings here.

Indian Micro Wedding Vendors

Styling and Design East Made Co | Florals Sophie Felts Floral Design | Rentals Select Event Group | Catering and Venue La Vie | Ceremony Venue ISKCON of DC | Cake Buttercream Bakeshop | Hair and Makeup Tamar C Makeup | Dress Amsale | Mehendi Henna by Shazia| Bride’s Shoes Manolo Blahnik | Groom’s Attire Brimble & Clark, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton | Mandap Galaxy Event Solutions | Rentals Select Event Group | Linens BBJ Linen

Liz and Matt were our second engagement session in Colorado! For their Colorado mountain engagement photos we headed to White Ranch Park, where Matt often goes biking. Liz and Mat are our good friends and we almost missed our photography window because we were so busy hanging out. Fortunately we got to the park just in time. We arrived right before the sun went behind the mountains. And we had lots of time for that beautiful glowy twilight!

Like Megan and Peter, Liz and Matt thought they just wanted a few photos locally in Denver. But knowing that Matt mountain bikes and know lots of beautiful spots, we knew we had to go big for their engagement photos. Not to mention the fact that Liz and Matt both work at a mountain biking company! The whole drive up to White Ranch was spectacular! I’m convinced that runners and bikers get to access the most beautiful locations here in Colorado. This was the perfect spot for their Colorado mountain engagement photos!

Colorado Mountain Engagement Photo Outfits

For Liz and Matt’s wardrobe, we worked with them to help narrow their outfits. Knowing them personally made it even easier to make sure they looked like themselves while being a little more dressy. For the first look, Liz picked a fall colored sweater and Matt a plaid shirt. I always love having two looks so you can get a few “casual” photos that are still intentional.

However, the second look is my favorite. Liz and I worked together on locating the perfect dress. One that would have lots of movement in the landscape. I loved how this dress moved while they walked across the field. Most importantly I loved how pretty Liz felt in the dress. Having a flattering dress is super important! An A-line dress like this with a tie at the waist is usually a good bet.