All this engagement session was super fun and definitely extraordinary:) We've visited three famous locations: Thomas Jefferson Memorial, United States Capitol and Chinatown. I think life should become much more fun when you find your perfect match. This fun-loving couple is the true example of such a connection. All engagement session with M + L was full of joy and laughter!
It was such a blast to capture the wedding for Cyril and Lucy in such a beautiful place - Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. You can feel the sincere connection between the two of them and whole their loving people around. Thank you Anna Nguyen Stratton for helping me to document their amazing day.
Camera gear Nikon D750 and Sigma 35mm 1.4 art, Sigma 24mm 1.4 art, Sigma 85mm 1.4 art
Engagement sessions are always so bright and full of joy! Glad I was able to capture this day of love for Nicholas and Jessica in Dumbarton Oaks Garden and I will be sharing their wedding images on my blog soon as well.
Camera gear Nikon D750 and Sigma 35mm 1.4 art, Sigma 24mm 1.4 art, Sigma 85mm 1.4 art
Guess who is happiest person on Earth? Yes. It's Me! Why? Because somehow my image won Rangefinder Magazine contest "The Best in Wedding Photography". I am so happy to share this news with you all!
Sleep is essential every day, but it's especially important when you have a significant event like your wedding. We all need rest to function well, physically, mentally, emotionally. When you're not getting the sleep you need, it's tough to get through the day, much less an important day when you want to be at your best.
If you're not sleeping well, you'll suffer, both on your big day and beyond. You're at a greater risk of getting sick and developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. After one night of poor sleep, your concentration and cognitive focus suffer, along with your memory, problem-solving, and alertness. You're forgetful, your risk of getting in an accident increases, and it can even reduce your libido.
And if you're concerned about looking your best on your big day, sleep is essential. You'll look tired, and the condition of your skin will suffer. People with too little sleep may have more fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin, and skin looseness.
Your wedding day should be joyful, not a drag. But if you aren't sleeping well, it will be tough to get through. It can be a physically and emotionally tasking day as you get ready, greet guests, go through the ceremonies, and dance the night away. You'll need all of the energy you can get for that -- and that means getting your full night of sleep the night before your wedding, and ideally, every night.
Of course, sleep is sometimes easier said than done. Wedding jitters, last-minute projects, guests, and events leading up to your big day can interfere with healthy sleep -- and some people just have a hard time with sleep in general. That's only compounded with the excitement of a wedding.
Use these tips to protect your sleep time and make the most of your rest before your wedding day or any other big day:
Make time for relaxation. Stress and anxiety go hand in hand with weddings. There's a lot to worry about, and that can definitely keep you up at night if you're not careful. It's normal to have these feelings, but managing them appropriately is key. Take time to vent to loved ones about what's on your mind, and use relaxing activities to shake off stress and get in the right mental place for sleep and a great wedding day. Take a bubble bath, do yoga, practice meditation, journaling, or any other activity that offers stress relief for you.
Plan activities around sleep. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, the rehearsal dinner, and other events leading up to your wedding could keep you out too late for a good night of sleep. Plan ahead and have them end early enough for you to get your full night of sleep, or on a night when you have some time to sleep in or nap the next day to catch up.
Don't leave projects last minute. Again, this may be easier said than done, but you shouldn't be staying up after midnight putting bows on favors or updating your seating chart. Ask for help to get everything done, and plan ahead so as your wedding date nears, you have more time to relax instead of work. Delegate last-minute tasks to other people so you're not wrapping things up when you should be resting.
Work through sleep issues. If you're dealing with chronic sleep disorders, that's not going to change when you're getting married. And the stress of the event may actually make things worse. Talk to your doctor about how you can deal with any sleep disorders or difficulty with sleeping, such as chronic pain.
Big days require big preparation, and that includes sleep. Make sure you're prioritizing rest so you can look and feel your best on your wedding day and every day.
Amy Highland is a sleep expert at SleepHelp.org. She loves taking naps during thunderstorms and cuddling up with a blanket, book, and cats.
It was an honor to document my childhood friend's Gintis and Kristina wedding. By the way Gintis was my Breakdance teacher just 17 years ago. Wedding took place in one of the most unique places in the world called Nida which is located in Lithuania. Nida is a part of the Curonian Spit which is declared as a national park and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Camera gear Nikon D750 and Sigma 35mm 1.4 art, Sigma 24mm 1.4 art, Sigma 85mm 1.4 art
I can call myself very lucky photographer. Not because of my images, because of my amazing clients and memories which I able to create for them during wedding. Kevin and Seul wedding was hosted in very unique place named National Colonial Farm located at Piscataway Park. Surprisingly this place located just few miles from Washington D.C.
Thank you DVLOP for creating amazing presets!
Camera gear Nikon D750 and Sigma 35mm 1.4 art, Sigma 24mm 1.4 art, Sigma 85mm 1.4 art
One of the most exciting, if not the most exciting, part of wedding preparations is picking out a wedding dress. While there are already so many design options available today, it can still be quite challenging to find the dress that looks and feels right. With the right bridal salon and experts, the search is made easier. For brides-to-be living in the DC area, they’re in luck as there are some great wedding dress options right here in the city.
Since 2006, Carine’s Bridal Atelier has helped local and international brides find the right dress for their wedding day. This bridal shop has built a reputation for housing some of the gorgeous designs from renowned designers like Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, and more. This atelier definitely stands by their motto, “Your aisle is our runway.”
Besides its sophisticated offerings, Carine’s Bridal Atelier also offers high-class customer service for an overall positive shopping experience. Brides are guaranteed to be treated like the queen they are from their very first appointment. The consultants will offer guidance in selecting the right gown, as they consider the bride’s style and personality, as well as the wedding venue. There are around a hundred designer bridal gowns at any given moment, so there’s no shortage of choices whenever the bride decides to visit.
Ellie’s Bridal Boutique offers beautiful wedding dresses in a wide range of styles—be it classic or modern, simple or intricate. They offer in-store and at-home appointments to give their clients the exact experience they need. Besides bridal wear, they also provide other services, including alterations, gown cleaning and preservation, trunk shows, and sample sales.
A typical in-store appointment consists of 60 minutes with a personal bridal consultant and a choice selection of gorgeous bridal gowns from designers like Justin Alexander, Madi Lane, and Stella York. Their gown offerings range from petite to plus size, so they’re able to accommodate every bride.
With Anomalie, brides don’t have to leave the comforts of their home to get the dress they’ve been dreaming of. Touted as the number one for online wedding dress shopping, this boutique offers a large selection of bridal gowns. With beautiful designs and style options that are body-inclusive, brides don’t have to settle for anything less on their wedding day.
Their online model means there’s an almost unlimited selection of customization options so that the brides can find the dress that’s distinctively theirs, one that reflects their own style and personality. Additionally, the boutique overhead costs are eliminated, so the brides also get better prices. Anomalie Collection gowns start at just $1,399. A custom dress can be delivered to the bride’s doorstep straight from the shop’s factories in just 10 weeks by removing the middleman.
With Anomalie, women can enjoy a better fit, better selection, and better value, a truly hassle-free online wedding dress shopping experience for the modern bride.
These days, it’s not enough to have a unique aesthetic or signature look; you also need solid business, branding and networking skills to build a profitable brand that evolves and grows over time. And we get it—making your mark in an over-saturated market can be overwhelming and frustrating, to say the least.
Rangefinder editor-in-chief Jacqueline Tobin brought together a panel of hardworking industry creatives at WPPI in Vegas this past February to discuss not only how to get hired by brides and grooms, but also what type of wedding imagery wins competitions and receives accolades from industry leaders and peers alike.
Two of the 2017 Rising Stars, Mantas Kubilinskas and Cami Grudzinki, joined wedding photojournalist Kevin Mullins and Art, Life, Business branding expert Blair deLaubenfels to discuss inspiration versus imitation, how to submit a strong, cohesive 30 Rising Stars portfolio rather than a collection of images that fail to deliver, what catches a photo editor’s eye and why, what to consider in naming your photo business, how to be your own best editor on your website, and so much more.
(A big thanks to our 30 Rising Stars sponsors, Fujifilm and ShootProof!)
By Jacqueline Tobin
Old Town Alexandria, a picturesque town in Northern Virginia, is a hidden gem for engagement photography. Its historic charm, waterfront views, and cobblestone streets make it a dream location for couples looking to capture their love story. Eric and Breana, a deeply in love couple, decided to have their engagement session in Old Town Alexandria, and the results were simply stunning.
Eric and Breana's engagement session took us through the enchanting streets of Old Town Alexandria. As a wedding photographer in Northern Virginia, I have always been captivated by the historic townhomes, cobblestone streets, and the Alexandria waterfront. These elements provided the perfect backdrop for Eric and Breana's love story.
Captain's Row, with its cobblestone streets and colorful historic townhomes, is one of the most charming spots in Old Town Alexandria. Walking down this street feels like stepping back in time, and it was the perfect place for Eric and Breana to share intimate moments and create lasting memories. The picturesque architecture and romantic ambiance of Captain's Row added magic to their engagement photos.
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Carlyle House Gardens exudes historic beauty and charm. This 18th-century mansion, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, provided a romantic setting for Eric and Breana's engagement photos. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and elegant architecture of Carlyle House Gardens created a serene backdrop that perfectly complemented the couple's love and joy.
Windmill Hill Park, situated along the Alexandria waterfront, offered breathtaking views and romantic moments for Eric and Breana's engagement session. The park's picturesque walking paths, scenic overlooks, and stunning sunset provided the perfect setting for capturing their love story. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Eric and Breana shared sweet kisses and embraced each other, creating beautiful and intimate moments that will be cherished forever.
The waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, with its panoramic views of the Potomac River, provided a breathtaking backdrop for Eric and Breana's engagement photos. As the golden hour approached, the couple shared tender sunset kisses, their love illuminated by the warm hues of the sky. The tranquil waters of the Potomac River added a serenity to their photos, capturing the essence of their love and the moment's beauty.
Old Town Alexandria is renowned for its cobblestone alleys and hidden gems, and Eric and Breana's engagement session took full advantage of these charming locations. The narrow alleys framed by bricks and adorned with ivy provided a romantic and intimate atmosphere for the couple's photos. As we explored the streets, we stumbled upon beautiful houses, iron gates, and hidden corners that added a touch of mystery and enchantment to their engagement shoot.
One of the highlights of Eric and Breana's engagement session was the iconic Wilkes Street Tunnel. Once a railroad tunnel, this pedestrian and bike path offered a unique and romantic backdrop for their live shot. The tunnel's arches, brick walls, and soft lighting created a whimsical atmosphere, allowing Eric and Breana's love to shine through in every photo. It was a genuinely magical moment captured through engagement photography.
Ford's Landing Park, nestled along the Alexandria waterfront, provided enchanting scenes for Eric and Breana's engagement session. The park's green spaces, waterfront views, and serene atmosphere created a tranquil setting for the couple's photos. As they strolled hand in hand, laughter and love filled the air, creating beautiful and candid moments that reflected their deep connection. Ford's Landing Park offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and waterfront charm for their engagement shoot.
The ultimate goal of any engagement shoot is to capture the essence of love. Eric and Breana's engagement session in Old Town Alexandria beautifully captured their love and joy. These photos are a prelude to their wedding day, capturing the excitement and anticipation leading up to their big day. Through scenic locations, natural moments, and genuine emotions, their engagement shoot tells a story of love that will be cherished for years.
Old Town Alexandria is a perfect backdrop for engagement photos for several reasons. Its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and waterfront views create a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The locations within Old Town Alexandria, from Captain's Row to Carlyle House Gardens, offer endless possibilities for capturing unique and stunning engagement photos. The town's rich history and picturesque scenery add depth and character to the images, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
Engagement photography is all about making every shot count. As a wedding photographer, I aim to authentically and beautifully capture the love and connection between couples. Eric and Breana's engagement session in Old Town Alexandria was picture-perfect, capturing intimate moments, stunning landscapes, and genuine emotions. Every shot was thoughtfully composed to tell their unique love story and create lasting memories.
Mantas captures the essence of love in every frame. From Old Town's historic charm to the waterfront views, each shot tells a story of romance and anticipation. With a focus on authenticity and emotion, these images are more than just photographs – they are treasured memories frozen in time, celebrating the journey forward forever.
During their engagement shoot in Old Town Alexandria, Eric and Breana discovered their favorite photo spots that perfectly captured their love story. These spots allowed them to express their personalities and add a personal touch to their photos. Some of their favorite spots included:
Wilkes Street Tunnel or "Tunnel of Love": This spot offered an urban feel with its cobblestone streets and ivy-covered walls, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Alleyways: Old Town Alexandria is filled with charming alleyways framed by bricks and ivy, providing a picturesque backdrop for intimate moments and candid shots.
Captains Row: This cobblestone street, lined with colorful townhouses, added a touch of charm and character to their photos.
King Street: As the evening set in, the couple ventured to King Street, where the street lights created a magical ambiance for their photos.
By exploring these favorite photo spots, Eric and Breana created a unique and personalized engagement shoot that reflected their love story and showcased the beauty of Old Town Alexandria.
As a seasoned photographer specializing in love stories, Eric and Breana's engagement session in Old Town Alexandria reflected their connection. From the enchanting "Tunnel of Love" at Wilkes Street Tunnel to the charming alleyways and colorful Captain's Row, every location encapsulated their romance beautifully. The magical ambiance of King Street as dusk fell added a touch of whimsy to their photos, creating everlasting memories of their love story against the backdrop of Old Town Alexandria.
Capture the timeless love story of Eric and Breana against the backdrop of Old Town Alexandria's charming streets and romantic hideaways. From the historic beauty of Carlyle House Gardens to the enchanting scenes at Ford’s Landing Park, every shot resonates with the essence of love. Discover tips on feeling natural in front of the camera and making every moment count. Whether seeking the best season for engagement photos or wondering about permits and props, this blog leaves no questions unanswered. Explore the magic of Old Town Alexandria with Eric and Breana, and let their story inspire your own. Get in touch to create your picture-perfect engagement session today.
The best seasons for engagement photos in Old Town Alexandria depend on personal preferences and the desired atmosphere. Spring offers blooming cherry blossoms, while summer provides lush greenery. Fall showcases vibrant foliage, and winter offers a cozy and romantic backdrop.
You can personalize your engagement session in Old Town Alexandria by incorporating meaningful locations or activities that hold significance to your relationship. Consider adding props and clothing that reflect your style or choosing locations with sentimental value to create a unique and personalized experience.
Permits may be required for photography in specific locations in Old Town Alexandria, primarily if they are privately owned or have particular regulations. It's essential to check with the venue or location management to ensure compliance with permit requirements or restrictions.
If it rains on your scheduled photo day in Old Town Alexandria, it's essential to have a contingency plan in place. Discuss alternative indoor locations or rescheduling options with your photographer to ensure you still capture beautiful and memorable engagement photos.
You can bring props to your engagement photo session in Old Town Alexandria. Props can add a personal touch and help to personalize your photos. Consider items representing your interests, hobbies, or significant moments in your relationship to make the session unique.
