Lisa found me through a google search and contacted me for family portraits. She wanted her sisters and brother-in-law in a group portrait for her parents. I could tell from our emails and phone conversations that this was going to be a fun group to photograph.
Their parents live in Ellicott City and they wanted outdoor portraits from somewhere in the area. Patapsco State Park was the first location that popped into my head. It’s always a scenic location no matter the time of year. Lisa told me they were adventurous so they wouldn’t mind walking……little did they know……heck, little did I know 😛
Johnny assisted me and we had a great time with this family…a fantastic group of gorgeous sisters and one handsome husband.
Here are just a few of my group favorites…
A fun silhouette of Anthony and Jami…
Lisa, Jami, Anthony, Laura and Maria – Johnny and I really enjoyed walking and talking with you and oh yah, photographing you too! I love the spirit that you all seem to share. You are a great group of individuals and it was a pleasure hanging out with you for the afternoon. As Johnny simply put it, “They are good people!!” Thanks so much for finding me!!
I’m looking forward to showing you all of your pictures!
on a gorgeous day, at beautiful venues and with wonderful families and friends witnessing their love.
I will post their slideshow at a later date.
I’m not even clear as to where to begin talking about this couple and their wedding day. It was an extraordinary day. Kaci and John worked together to plan this amazing event and their hard work definitely paid off.
Tracy and I met Kaci, her mom and her bridal party at the JW Marriott. The suite accommodated this great group of girls with ease, it was a welcoming yet spacious set of rooms. Two sets of double doors opened to a deck that spanned the length of the building; the view overlooking Washington DC was amazing. It was the start to a phenomenal day, the marriage of Kaci and John.
Kaci and John chose to have their First Look prior to their ceremony. They wanted to spend their cocktail hour greeting their guests and by doing the First Look, this allowed them to talk and mingle after their ceremony with comfort. The First Look is an intimate time between the bride and groom prior to the ceremony; this is the moment when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It’s a chance for them to REALLY see each other and talk without 200 sets of eyes watching them. I coordinate it in such a way that the bride’s walk down the aisle is still very special and memorable (and often brings tears to the couple’s eyes!!).
Once Kaci was dressed and John was ready, I escorted John and the guys to a nice little park adjacent to Freedom Plaza. John anxiously waited for Kaci to meet him. Their families and wedding party joined us for group portraits afterwards.
They were married at the Ronald Reagan Building. Danielle coordinates the events there and is an organized, gracious and fantastic person with which to work. The staff moved that afternoon and evening with tremendous finesse.
I have to mention the toasts. John’s brother, Richard, gave an amazing toast. I’m not sure if there was a dry eye in the room…I couldn’t see past my own tears (good thing I can hide behind my camera 😉 ). I felt bad for Kaci’s Matron of Honor, Susan, for having to follow him in toasting. But then Susan clearly spoke from the heart, and once again, laughter, tears, total emotion throughout the room. Next up, Kaci’s dad and I thought to myself, wow, how’s he going to feel having to follow that….and again, I was amazed by the heartfelt wonderful words that were spoken. The love that everybody shares for Kaci and John is tremendous!
The rooms at the Ronald Reagan building were also amazing. The views from each of the balconies were picturesque. In the evening, tiny white lights throughout the trees illluminated the landscape of the outdoors.
Here are some of my faves that tell the story of the day. I will eventually be posting a slideshow.
Kaci’s mom surprised her with a beautiful pearl necklace and exquiste earrings…
A couple of portraits of the beautiful bride…
John anxiously waits for Kaci…
I love this one…check out John trying so hard not to peak and look at the excitement in Kaci’s expression…
A super nice, fun and good looking bridal party…
After the First Look and the bridal portraits were done, it was time to head back to the JW. As we’re crossing the street, a car blasted a horn that sounded like a police siren. Here’s their great reactions…
John and his mom enjoying a quiet moment…
I wonder what Kaci’s dad is thinking about…
Kaci is a beautiful girl and an exceptionally beautiful bride…
While heading over to the Ronald Reagan building…
And the ceremony has begun…
The staff “flipped” the room during the cocktail hour. Once the room was prepared for the reception, Danielle let Kaci know that the room was ready for her to see. Kaci and John’s expressions were wonderful, there was no doubt that they were pleased. They even “snuck” in a little private dance before their guests entered.
A beautiful cake by Watergate Pastry
I absolutely LOVE taking dance pictures at receptions.
One of my favorite all time dance reception pictures…
You see???? Men really CAN multi-task!!! Here, Larry of Retrospect, is not only a great band leader and a tremendous trumpet player but can snap some pics at the same time.
A very special picture…
Kaci took a moment to enjoy the wonderful ambience that surrounded her reception…
I need to thank the terrific vendors that had the opportunity to share the day with this couple. It was a phenomenal day with top notch professionals. Danielle is the Event Planning Manager for the Ronald Reagan Building, she and her staff is top notch. Jim and Barbara Skipper from Black Tie Productions, an extremely conscientious, professional duo of videographers. Larry Elliott and his band, Retrospect…an amazing, energized, exceptional band…this group is so fluid and a pure blast to listen to while working!!! The wedding cake was from Watergate Pastries and the beautiful flower arrangements were created by MultiFlor. I would not hesitate at all to recommend any and all of the these vendors. They are passionate about their profession and it was a pleasure to work with all of them.
Kaci and John…I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past several months. We’ve had many opportunities to get together and I’ve enjoyed each of them. You are fantastic people and make a great, strong couple. Remember the wonderful memories from your wedding day always ~ tomorrow….next week…next year…50 years from now. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing me to document this incredible chapter of your lives. I look forward to creating your album with you, it’s going to be an amazing bound memory for you and a very special heirloom to show your grandkids!!! ♥
and I got together for a photo session at Lake Elkhorn Park. It was a beautiful afternoon, fantastic setting and a fabulous group of people.
Nancy had purchased a gift certificate when I met her at a Girls Night Out event in which I had participated. I met some great women that evening and she was one of them. She decided it would be best served to get some family portraits. She has wonderful sisters and I enjoyed meeting each of them! Her brother-in-law and parents also joined us, which made it even better!
Here are some of my faves from our time together…
Nancy, it was a pleasure seeing you again and meeting the rest of your family. I’m looking forward to showing you the rest of the images next week!!
Thank you for choosing me to photograph your family….I enjoyed it!
Pam Long Photography 
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