I first met Deanna and her sister in their hotel room, which was filled with gorgeous, lovely afternoon light.  Deanna was absolutely glowing and anxious to begin all the preparations.  On a hanger hung an absolutely stunning gown and her mother’s vintage veil.  I found Dan and his groomsmen; smiling, laughing and in good spirits.  Everyone looked so blissfully happy, and the excitement was contagious.  In Deanna’s room, it was filled with mothers, relatives, friends and family; all anxious to see her in her gown.  I saw her father’s eyes well with tears.

At the church small lanterns graced the pews.  Vintage handkerchiefs were available for the guests.  A small girl was seated on the floor, coloring in a coloring book on the pew bench as Deanna walked down the aisle.  When they saw each other, they both smiled so big that I thought the whole world would feel an explosion of love.  After they were finally married, they kissed several times as the guests loudly applauded.

Deanna and Dan had a long, lovely first dance to God Only Knows by the Beach Boys.  The first piece of cake they shared was so gentle and loving.  Everyone danced and drank until the next day, until Canyon pizza was delivered as a late night snack.  All the love in the air that day was so intoxicating, Lucas and I slept in late the following morning from what felt like a love hangover.

Want to see even more?  Here’s the slideshow: http://jessicaames.com/Deanna&Dan

Tonight I was listening to Regina Spektor’s song “Us.”  In it, she sings over and over “and it’s contagious” and that’s exactly the way I feel around being Deanna and Dan.  Their love and happiness is contagious and you can’t help feel like the world is a bit warmer and lighter when you’re around them.  Dan is completely smitten with Deanna, and her eyes just sparkle in front of Dan.  They renew a sense of love in this world, especially when it can feel so caustic and cold at times.

For their engagement session last fall, they let me share some of their most favorite college memories with them.  I listened to Dan play songs for Deanna under the trees, just like he used to in the dorm.  We rode the Cata bus loop that they rode for years.  We went to their favorite spots on campus.

In the coming days, I’ll share some wedding photographs and stories.

I’m so unbelievably lucky that the most unique, thoughtful couples somehow find me to photograph their wedding.  Tonight I’m feeling so grateful and just darn lucky that I can do what I love.

And how can you not love Andrea’s smile?  Anyone looking at these can just tell how smitten and happy she is, which I completely adore.  JR is simply hilarious, and made the session one of jokes and laughter.  These two are literally going to radiate joy once they wed, I’m sure of it.

I also wanted to share some advice for all you soon-to-be-brides out there.  Remember to laugh, smile, snort and just have fun in front of the camera!  Emotional and authentic photographs speak volumes about your personality and your love.  And isn’t that the point of great photography?

Andrea and JR are planning an outdoor, country inspired wedding for late May – Which is going to be gorgeous and totally original!  Stayed tuned next month for that one.

At every single consultation, I try to really understand each and every one of our couples.  What makes them unique, how their wedding will be like no other one I’ve ever photographed.  I listen for the tiny little clues that are hidden like gems in between details about the dress and florals.  At one consultation, one of our brides for this year, Emily,  very briefly mentioned  riding a tandem bicycle for a few photographs.  Emily immediately shrugged it off as silly, but I immediately protested and went on and on about what a great idea it was.  This is unique, fun and completely memorable.  Since Lucas and I eloped, I would give anything to have some images of us on my red Vespa on our wedding day; that’s who we are.

I also had to share a few images from Meagan & Mike’s wedding.  They had a friend who had this amazing classic car and offered to be their chauffeur on the wedding day.  Meagan told me about it before hand, but didn’t let me know just how incredible it would be.  After it pulled up, I knew it would be the perfect backdrop for some amazing portraits.  It perfectly captures the everyday, understated elegance that is at the heart of Meagan & Mike.  So, as you’re planning, make sure your personalities shine through in all the details, and I promise your wedding will be as incredible as the ones you see in the magazines you’re reading and on the blogs you’re following.

I met Lea that morning, and I have never seen a more nervous bride.  She was quiet and seemed to have small tremors that ran through her arms, but she somehow managed to eat oatmeal before running out the door to the church.  I absolutely love the photographs of her sipping coffee out of a large mug, which she held on to with her slender, graceful hands anchored by two beautiful rings. Lea anticipated that she would be nervous, and told me she was going to get to the church just in time to walk down the aisle.  Lucas caught the most amazing photograph of Lea running into the church, with her sister and maid of honor, Danielle, following closely behind.  The ceremony was beautiful and the nerves seemed to melt out of Lea as soon as she saw Steve.

A formal cocktail hour and dinner was planned later that evening for guests, so I had hours to photograph Lea, Steve and their bridal party.  Everyone seemed full of love and happiness despite the temperature being in the teens.  They relaxed, soaked in the bliss of the day, drank a lot of champagne, ate nachos and danced.  All before a single guest arrived.  Once the guests did arrive, Steve and Lea danced, were toasted a long and happy life together, and ate a simply delicious dinner.  Once the party started happening, the floor bounced along to ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Light.’  And it didn’t stop for hours.  I left that night and still heard the laughter and music from afar.

Reception: Cairnwood Mansion

Gown: Sabrina Toy Couture

Cake: Ciao Bella Cakes

Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcakes

Catering: Jimmy Duffy

Florist: Monday Morning

She’ll also be a familiar face during sessions, client meetings and even on the blog; Courtney will be writing bi-weekly blog posts featuring unique wedding ideas, planning tips and who knows what else – But I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve.

Welcome to the family, Courtney.  We’re beyond delighted to have you here!