For my latest blog post, I get to share one of my favorite things to photograph – A Washington Duke wedding. I’ve shot here many times in the past but for one reason or another (rain, heat, etc), I’ve never managed to actually photograph a wedding OUTSIDE. In the days leading up to Jessica & Jonathans wedding, I nervously checked the weather to make sure we weren’t going to get rained on. I think I maybe even said “finally!” as we got to the hotel and it was apparent the rain would stay away!
I was not only thrilled to finally photograph an outdoor wedding at the Washington Duke Inn, it was also another opportunity I got to work with the awesome ladies at La Fete who planned the wedding. With both the happy bride & groom getting ready at the hotel, it was an easy hop, skip and jump from one room to the other as they both prepared for the big day ahead. With plenty of time to spare once the guys were ready, and Ginger Mullins finished up Jessica’s hair & makeup, we got to photograph the guys and girls in the wedding party separately before the beginning of the ceremony.
Jessica & Jonathan’s wedding ceremony took place on the patio outside the main ballroom, which gave Jessica a great “sneak peek” of all the guests arriving thru the ballroom windows. It’s something I rarely get to do (hang out with the bride right before she walks down the aisle) so it was a great opportunity to have a little fun with a tattoo sleeve. Of course, we were there for a wedding so just a minute or two later, the processional began and the happy couple was getting married under their chuppah which had been gorgeously decorated (as well as the rest of the wedding) by the fine ladies at Tre Bella Florist.
After the ceremony and photo sessions, Jessica & Jonathan headed into their wedding reception in the main ballroom of the Washington Duke Inn and celebrate with their family and friends! The night was filled with dancing, laughing, quite a bit of singing and a whole lot of fun thanks to Randy Bennett from Bunn DJ Company. The night was capped off with a homemade pom pom exit which was the longest exit line of folks I have seen in some time.
I’d like to give my most heartfelt congratulations to both Jessica & Jonathan. Thank you both so much for letting me capture such a special day for you both! As always, here are a few wedding photographs from their Washington Duke Inn wedding!