Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about simplicity in design; whether that be in clothing, interior design, architecture or a wedding. I’m borderline obsessed with how much beauty is found when everything is stripped away leaving just a simple minimalist aesthetic.

Minimalist Inspiration

When we partnered with Linda Ha Events for this styled shoot we drew inspiration from the modern interior design of the venue and minimalistic simplicity of the dress. What resulted was a shoot that was modern and playful while still perfectly effortless. With nothing left to hid behind we were able to capture the true beauty of each element of the day.

All in the Simple Details

Common House, a contemporary social club, set the stage with clean lines mixed with cozy interiors to showcase the young couple’s effortless beauty and style. Colleen West adorned the table with breathtaking florals and simple brass accents. The deckled edge of the Refine Studio‘s paper goods added just enough texture to counter the sleek tablescape and attire. But, I’m not going to lie that my favorite part might just be Melanie’s just messy enough pony.

Our goal for this shoot was to remove all of the details that can so often be distracting. We wanted to see the simple beauty of the dress, the space, the flowers, the models. We could not be more happy with the end result! Finally, you can see more of this shoot featured on JoyWed and a huge thanks to our vendor team!

Photography: Bonnie Sen Photography | Creative Direction & Planning: Linda Ha Events | Venue: Common House Charlottesville | Floral: Colleen West | Beauty: Emily Artistry | Paper Goods: Refine Studio | Models: Melanie Collazo-Espinosa & Matthew Yeager | Gown: Sarah Yanks | Bridal Shop: Fabulous Frocks | Sweater: Massimo Dutti | Jewelry: Madewell

The Inn at Perry Cabin is one of my absolute favorite places in the area! Most well known for being in the romantic comedy “Wedding Crashers” it’s one of those classic Maryland locations. Not to mention the food, and the views of the Chesapeake Bay are incredible.

Lindley grew up spending lots of vacation time around this part of the state so The Inn at Perry Cabin was a perfect spot for her and Dustin’s summer wedding.

Perfect Weather in July at the Inn at Perry Cabin

All I can say is what a gorgeous wedding day! We got so lucky with the weather in July and we all know that can be risky for a tented wedding!  It, of course, helped that we were on the gorgeous Eastern Shore of Maryland. I always love a good Maryland wedding and this beautiful day was reminiscent of another wedding in Annapolis a few years ago.

The couple had an intimate bridal party which always leads to a relaxed environment for the whole day but especially getting ready. We started the day as the girls finished up their hair and make up and everyone got dressed for the big day. Lindley and Dustin opted for a first look but kept most of the photos for after the ceremony so after a few sweet photos we headed over to the ceremony.

Relaxed and Personal Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the Inn’s lawn with the Chesapeake Bay in the background. Guests were greeted with lemonade and fans to keep cool, just in case. The ceremony was officiated by a judge and personal friend of the family. The bride and groom had such a relaxed approach to this wedding that the whole day was effortless and easy.

Al Fresco Cocktail Hour and Tented Reception Perfection

Following the ceremony, cocktail hour and drinks were on the same lawn overlooking the Bay and it’s quintessential sailboats. Cocktail hour was completely outdoors and fortunately it was the perfectly clear day, a rare treat in this Mid-Atlantic region. After cocktail hour guests were welcomed to the tented reception full of colorful flowers and timeless decor by the planner, Kari Rider Events.  Lindley wanted “lots of navy blue and white blended with great pops of color in our floral arrangements”.

The dinner started with the introduction of the couple and a romantic first dance. The guests dinned on an amazing Inn at Perry Cabin sit-down dinner and wedding cake. After dinner guests hit the dancefloor and headed outside for the cigar bar as the sun sunk into the horizon. As soon as it was dark we all head outside for the grand finale. No not your typical sparkler send-off, but a firework show! The perfect end a beautiful night!

See more of this wedding feature on Inside Weddings.

Vendor Team:

Wedding Planner: Kari Rider Events | Floral: Amaryllis Floral & Event Design | Rentals: DC Rental, Eastern Shore Tents & Events, La Tavola Fine Linen and White Glove Rentals | Cakes: Steve Konopelski, Patissier | Paper Goods: The Dandelion Patch | Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy | Music & Entertainment: Bay Strings and Highway Star from Entertainment Exchange | Hair: Alison Harper & Company | Make Up: The Makeup Chic | Dress: Manuel Mota from Fabulous Frocks | Jewelry: Mystique Jewelers | Groom’s Attire: Alton Lane | Fireworks: Digital Lightning

a San Francisco City Hall Elopement to share with all. When my old friends from the architecture world Cat & Joe told me their plans to have a destination elopement wedding in San Francisco City hall, I don’t think I fully believed them! The day came and went, and it was even prettier than I could have ever imagined! Take a look.

How did this all go down, you may be wondering? Well, I flew out to San Francisco on a Tuesday night. That cross country flight really kills a whole day! But this way I had the whole rest of Wednesday to scout out City hall , And to do their “at home” engagement session (as seen here). I went to City Hall to see how these weddings worked. And wow what a gorgeous building! Also, so many couples getting married at the rotunda! I took a time-lapse video. You can see the couples go through every 15 minutes. Funny enough, not too many professional photographers around. Fortunately, my couple reserved the Fourth Floor Balcony so we didn’t have to avoid the crowd that was all over.

After getting married the couple and their families went off for drinks, and we decided to meet up at the Cliff House for dinner which was located right next to the beautiful Sutro Baths and Land’s End forest. Right at sunset, we walked around the trees and down to the baths for some sunset photos. Sunset photos are always ALWAYS a big hit!

A wedding in March is pretty rare in DC, we are at the tail end of March right now and it’s a 75 degree day while we had a snowstorm and delay of the Cherry Blossom peak bloom just a week or two ago. But for this couple the day was sunny and clear last spring when Robin & Jesse got married in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, DC. Their traditional Jewish Wedding with Ketubah signing and everything happened indoors, where it was nice and warm and cozy and we were outside for just the portraits. In DC I love shooting a mix of film and digital photography so that our local clients can get the advantage of both mediums. There was a super talented team behind the making of this wedding, credits at the bottom! Originally seen on United With Love.

Event Planning: A. Dominick Events  | Photography: Bonnie Sen | Floral Design: Amaryllis | Hair: Artistry by Claudine |Makeup: Claire Ashley Beauty |  Cinematography: Ryan Geldermann Wedding Cinematographer |Calligraphy : Lettering By Lynne  | Venue & Cake: The Ritz Carlton Washington Dc | Rentals: DC Rentals |Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Lighting : Frost Lighting | Invitations: A Fabulous Fete | Welcome Tags: Flourishing Penguin | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier

This Cooking engagement session is inspired by the couple’s love for cooking. Especially for each other.  Michelle and Derek are two architects in Seattle who love to cook! For their engagement photos, they rented The Pantry in Seattle.  Then we all followed the shoot with a cooking lesson. And finally private dinner as their engagement party.

Engagement sessions have the opportunity to be as creative and personal as possible, and therefore I try to incorporate as many personal details as possible! Michelle & Derek are two of my destination wedding clients. And as a result of my family living in Seattle, we were able to work out an engagement session in the Spring. Which will perfectly complement their late summer Oregon Coast wedding.

The engagement shoot consisted of making an apple pie. This is something they often do considering Derek is from eastern Washington State which is known for its apples. During the shoot, the two of them would dream of opening a restaurant as their next career.

As seen on Cottage Hill the rest of the credits are at the bottom!

Cooking Engagement Session Credits

Bride & Planner, Michelle Hamilton Makeup by Clarins of Nordstroms, Seattle Apron sewn by mother Nora Hamilton, pattern design is from Sewing Happiness by Sanae Ishida, fabric from Drygoods Design Bride’s striped shirt is from Lika Love Groom’s Shirt is from Butch Blum