Happy Anniversary Rachel & Zach!

As I was searching through my old posts to find a shot for their anniversary, I realized I had made a HUGE mistake! Somehow, I managed to schedule this post in the future, so it never actually posted. ARRRRRRRRRG! I'm so mad at myself because this was a beautiful wedding. Better late than never, I suppose.

Rachel is one of my dearest friends and I love her family to bits. She's a former editor of the Monroe Courier, a paper I've been shooting for a lot this year. Rachel moved down to DC and met an amazing man named Zach, whom everyone agrees, is the sweetest guy you will ever find. I was excited to shoot their wedding because Old Town Alexandria is absolutely gorgeous. We had several amazing spots set aside for their portraits. That yellow wall? LOVE! Rachel and Zach are so natural together, which made my job super easy. It's been long over due, so I'll get right to the pictures.

Zach sent gifts to his bride to be periodically throughout the day. 

Rachel also left care packages for Zach. He's holding up a pack of tissues in that shot, and boy howdy, did he need them!

They did a first look before the wedding, and just as predicted, Zach let his emotions show. How sweet is he?

See what I'm saying about that wall?

Every corner of Old Town Alexandria has ridiculously picturesque facades. 

I grabbed Zach and Rachel to do a few shots at night outside the venue. The little girls on the street told Rachel she looked just like a princess and I couldn't agree more! I absolutely love the long exposure with people moving through the shot. I actually had to convince people to walk in front of the camera; they were being so polite and stopping!

Their guests came to party! From air guitars to the rabbi doing a head stand on the dance floor, every moment of the reception was a blast!

Rachel and Zach, I couldn't be happier for you and I'm still so touched that you allowed me to take part in your day! Happy anniversary!!

Ceremony/Reception: Hotel Monaco, Old Town Alexandria, Virgina

Hair & Makeup: Marc Rolleri

Florist: Petal’s Edge

DJ: Michael Blaufeld 

Cake: Buzz Bakery 

Dresses: David’s Bridal

First Dance: “Without You” by Keith Urban

Father/Daughter Dance: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Mother/Son Dance: “Love You Like a Rock” by Paul Simon

Photo of the Week: Week 46

I just got back from the wedding I shot in Old Town Alexandra, Virgina. I'm still downloading all the images I shot from the weekend. I don't have a tally on how many pictures I shot yet; let's just say a lot. The bride and groom wanted some night shots outside Hotel Monaco where the entire day was held. I set a long exposure, told the bride and groom to hold their pose and told the nice people who were waiting for me to take the shot to walk on through. I got a few looks, like won't this ruin your shot? Nope! They made it exactly what I was looking for!

Rachel & Zach Engagement Shoot

I'm really excited to be able to share the engagement shoot for Rachel and Zach. I couldn't have asked for a better location or weather, not to mention the cutest couple. Rachel and I go way back to the old Hometown days of the newspaper; she was the editor of The Monroe Courier. Rachel is the kind of friend that is incredibly supportive no matter what you're going through. To this day, one of my fondest memories of her was when she helped me through a bad break up. Amidst my tears, I told her how mad I was that I'd no longer be able to listen to a band that my ex had introduced me to. Rachel, very matter of factly but sincerely said, "Audra, there will be other boys and better bands." It was the perfect response to a ridiculous complaint.

Rachel moved down to DC and met Zach. They are such a wonderful, loving couple. I couldn't be happier for my friend to have found such an amazing man and I can't wait to shoot their wedding this November!

We wandered around Old Town so I could get a feel for it, and once the lighting was right, we were off! Our first stop was this incredible old railroad tunnel.

Next, we headed off to one of their favorite hang outs, Grape + Bean. While we waited for the outdoor patio to empty, we enjoyed a glass of wine.

There is such wonderful architecture in Old Town and this gorgeous cobblestone street. We dodged cars for a few shots.

Almost every stoop is perfect for pictures.

We tried a few serious shots, but Zach couldn't keep it together. In his defense, I'm sure Rachel was giving him a look to set him off.

The original plan for our DC shoot was to capture the Cherry Blossoms. Of course with the warm weather, the Cherry Blossoms had come and gone. We decided to have a little fun with the remnants.

We stopped for this vine covered nook and while Rachel got situated, Zach stole the show. Love the swagger of that shot!

And that might just be my favorite shot of the day.

After a quick outfit change, we headed into DC. Zach picked out some incredible, off the beaten path locations. I couldn't get enough of the waterfall or Rachel's adorable smile!

We had to wait for the light to go down for our last shot of the day, so I snapped this when they weren't paying attention.

Such a great back drop, I kinda feel guilty when things are this easy.

Since we didn't have enough time the first day to hit all the spots, we got up early the next day and headed back to do some monument shots.

Another one of my favorites.

We found a nice shady spot and took advantage of some greenery. Zach found his emo stare on Sunday. Can they do serious or what? I wish it were November already because I can't wait to shoot them again!

 

 Shooting Locations:

• Old Town, Alexandria, VA • Washington, DC