May 25, 2008

An Annapolis Naval Academy Wedding

What an exciting time for these young lovers ... they graduated from the Naval Academy and got married all in the same weekend! Sarah and Greg were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Following basic training they will report to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training as Naval aviators.

Monica and I loved being able to help capture the memories of such an important day in the lives of this young and ambitious couple. And, oh, being surrounded by young men in uniform — what's not to love about that?!

We had a few minutes to kill while hiding from Monica and the guys before the ceremony. Someone suggested we go over to the fountain for pictures. I got some cool shots of the girls through the cascading water, but this one is even more unusual.

Bridesmaid Daphne watches as Sarah and her mom share a special moment.

Cool lineup of the guys and use of wide angle by Monica!

Junior Groomsman Danny checks out the big boys and their toys.

Classic Monica ring shot! 

I caught this shot while setting up for the ceremony. The USNA Chapel has such dramatic light streaming in through the high windows. I love how the light catches the texture of the monogram and casts dark shadows. The white gloves add to the drama.

It's quite a trek to the altar.

Sarah's mom requested this classic shot. It's usually done before or after the ceremony, but I agreed to try it during the recessional even if the wedding party gets backed up ( I got yelled at, but it was worth it!)

The guys preparing to exit the church for the sword arch.

Walking over to Bancroft Hall for more pics before heading over to the reception at Yellowfin. We were in heaven with the soft, beautiful light and grandiose architecture.

Inka Browne of Great Expectations by Inka created the bouquets for the wedding! 

Monica shot tight for the first dance.

I shot wide! 

"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" performed by the groomsmen. Even better than Tom Cruise.

-AR 

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hanging out in Annapolis with Amy and Doug for their engagement shoot. My trip there was a quick car ride, but theirs took a little longer. Anna and Doug were visiting from the other side of the world - Bangkok, Thailand, to be exact.

We had a great time walking all over the side streets of Annapolis, finding special spots to shoot. I can't wait for their wedding in Annapolis in September!

This fun spot is right behind our favorite sushi place - Tsunami! 

After we sneaked up this little alley and took it over for a while, I kept hearing people come up behind me and turning around with a huff! 

-DSS 

 May 3rd, 2008

A multicultural wedding in Millersville, MD

Kim's 4 nieces were too cute, looking in every direction!

The studly Oscar.

I just loved Cole's look...a young Christopher Walken!

My assistant, Monica, hung out with the guys before the wedding...let's hope that is not poison ivy! 

Oscar looked like he had been sent to the back of the classroom for a timeout.

The afternoon sun offered some nice light in the church, with flowers provided by Weddingscapes.

Kim and Oscar looked lovely under this giant oak tree, although the pollen was a bit much for his allergies.

Monica, grabbed this nice shot of the rings. 

These centerpieces just popped when we lit them.

Oscar and Kim taking their first dance. 

Lining up for a look at the planes from BWI.

-DSS

I found these really cool picket fence/window box things in the woods behind our new house. (moving in two weeks, btw......yikes!) They are the perfect props for portrait sessions. They are actually on wheels! Whoever made these and dumped them in my yard...THANK YOU!

My dear friend Sydney's mom Patty was in town from California last week. We all first met about 10 years ago in Jackson Hole when I was the photographer at Sydney's sister's wedding. I guess I have become the official family photographer! Sydney asked if I could take a few pics of her mom with her boys, Hayden and Hudson. I didn't have the flowerboxes ready, so we all joined forces for the photo shoot. Sydney brought the flowers, and Patty and the boys planted them for me.

Two secret ingredients to capturing the true spirit of  a little boy: dirt and worms!

Don't ever tell a 6 year old boy to "say cheese"!

Does this one belong in Martha Stewart LIVING or what?

Don't you dare!!

-AR 

Every year some couple gets lucky enough to schedule their portrait session on the last brilliant day of fall foliage. Fall is my favorite season, and I just hate to let a beautiful Sunday go by without someone to photograph!

Last year was a double whammy for me at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis; Shannon and Dino had their engagement session, and then David and his family met me afterward for a romp in the leaves for their family Christmas card.

Shannon and Dino's wedding is coming up on May 31st, and I am so excited! They are young, happy and in love ... and their wedding is going to be so beautiful. I'm extra fired up for their big day since my friend and colleague, Kathy Blanchard, is going to make a special guest appearance as my second shooter.

 My associate, David Spence, and his family, Molly and Jackson, asked me to do their family picture last year, of course I said "Yes!"

-AR 

April 26, 2008 

An English garden wedding at The Oaks Country Inn, St. Michaels, MD

We love to work with Joanne Galey of English Rose Floral Design. She does amazing work, she even made name tags for all the ladies.

I love it when the bride's color scheme matches the room!

The guys had such a hard time getting their windsor knots tied right.

 
Anna was all smiles, all day. Isn't she lovely?

 
We used the old barns at the Oaks for our session with the bride and groom. The texture of the old peeling paint was a great contrast to Jay's suit and Anna's dress.

Watching the guests fill up the seats, Anna couldn't keep herself hidden...she was so excited for the ceremony to start.

Testing out the bustling job on her dress with a few spins.

I loved how their sweetheart table was by the windows...so romantic and in perfect light!

 -AR

Last Saturday, I got to hang out with Jahnna, Josh and their dog, Zoe, to shoot their engagement photos. We had a blast! The shoot was at the Robert E. Lee Park in Baltimore city, one of the few parks to allow dogs. And were there dogs at the park, you ask? You bet!! We were interrupted at least half a dozen times by crazed dogs running up to me, since I had treats in my pocket to entice Zoe(she likes PB). Needless to say, I tried my best to maintain my professionalism while being run over by dogs.

Jahnna and Josh were fabulous for the shoot. We just hung out and they opened up for me as the shoot went along. They are having a July 4th wedding, with all the guests heading to the Inner Harbor for fireworks afterward. Sounds like the big day will be a blast!

Giving Zoe some much needed attention, since she is so lonely!

-DSS 

Anna and Jay came out to Annapolis from DC for their engagement session one evening LAST JUNE! I can't believe that was almost a year ago. We spent a few hours frolicking around in the grass and sand (I don't think Jay ever got used to smooching in public) and then they went out for crabs with their friends. And I've been looking forward to their wedding ever since.

-AR