SUSIE & MICHAEL | 9/28/19 | Mayflower Hotel Washington DC

It was great to be back at Mayflower Hotel Washington DC the second time this year! No matter how many times we shoot here, there’s something always fresh and unique to capture. It definitely helped as well that Susie & Michael were always game to explore the hotel to get some shots.

But the day started out with some quick shots with Michael and his groomsmen. I brought along Andrew which was his first wedding assisting me (who is now my official second shooter)!

Michael was relaxed and enjoying his time. We were able to capture some of his details quickly before moving into the bridal suite. Susie was so kind as well which added to the comfortability of us shooting and being in our element.

Part of our job is to make our couples comfortable as they have so many things to do and think about. Our couples being kind and relaxed is just the cherry and Susie & Michael were just that!

Ceremony

As much as we love first looks, we love just as much first looks at the ceremony. I remember bawling at my own wedding as I saw my bride, Susanna, walking down the aisle with Canon-D playing. Michael also became emotional seeing Susie walk down the aisle and we just live for these moments!

The ceremony went without a hitch and they both gave eloquent, heartfelt vows to each other which you can hear in the video above! Although the ceremony went without a hitch, the start time was a little delayed which made for a rush of a trip to Georgetown to capture their portrait sessions.

Paul Woo from Wandering Woo Photography was awesome to work with because he’s quick and fast! He had to be, but you’ll be amazed the amount of things that we can capture and you’ll never be able to tell when looking at our video that we were rushed for time, so don’t sweat it if things get delayed. Delays happen all the time and we are ready for it!

Reception

We love Historic Georgetown as there are so many picturesque scenes with the old and modern. When we all Uber’d back to Mayflower Hotel DC, we got ready for the grand entrance which we love at the Mayflower because they welcome everyone on a terrace in the grand ballroom.

They performed their first dance and was followed immediately by the Lion Dancers, which is a traditional wedding custom and performance from acrobatic Chinese dancers – Michael, being Chinese.

With Susie, being Korean, they also did a Paebaek traditional tea ceremony which we love shooting because Susanna and I did not do one at our own wedding. The lack channels into passion in what we do which I have expressed multiple times throughout the years! Haha.

The rest of the evening went smoothly and beautifully with Fluffy Thoughts Cakes always delivering extravagant cakes and a sparkler exit in the back of the Mayflower. We are again so happy for Susie & Michael entrusting us to capture their wedding day and also entrusting our vision in the final product! Congrats again to you two!

Check out their Highlights above, leave a comment, and be inspired by the awesome vendor team with their links below!

To check out another film from the Mayflower Hotel, click here.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Mayflower Hotel Autograph Collection DC
Planner: Gilded Leaf Events
Florist: Blooms Reston Floral Photography: Wandering Woo Photography
Hair: Hairxjojo

Makeup: Suhreal Artistry
DJ: DJ Phlipz Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes Lion Dancers: Yee Association @ Washington CYC Korean Paebaek Ceremony: Wedding Story, LLC

Anna & David | 3.23.19 | Mandarin Oriental DC Hotel

I had the pleasure to reunite with Anna’s family having shot her older sister, Hannah’s wedding a few years ago. Their day started out getting ready at what I think is the best hotel in DC, the Mandarin Oriental DC. In addition their customer service was the best I had experienced!

Usually at this time some of the cherry blossoms would have been blossoming, but we were a tad bit early, however, the first look outside in the courtyard due to the wind made for great video and a dramatic entrance! They braved the cold which made it worse with the wind and started some bridal party photos which continued into the National Gallery of Art.

Soon after the ceremony commenced in the hotel followed by the traditional Korean tea ceremony called the “Paebaek.” There’s a tradition where the parents of the couple throw dates onto a piece of cloth the bride and groom are holding to catch.

Typically many dates are caught, but surprisingly only one was caught which means they will be having one child.  It’s just a tradition! However, Susanna and I always talk about how we wish we did a Paebaek for our wedding. We regret what could have been more memories to cherish and for all of our future children and grandchildren to see.

Shortly after, the reception commenced with the traditional elements of the first dance, a touching dance with David and his mother, toasts, cake, and a bouquet toss. Anna & David couldn’t have been any more sweeter to us and made for such a fun, relaxed, yet epic wedding day. See for yourself above and enjoy their beautiful union at the Mandarin Oriental DC Hotel!

If you want to check out another Korean-themed wedding, click here.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Mandarin Oriental DC
Florals: Atelier Ashley Flowers
Photography: Sincereli Photography Hair & Makeup: Susan Lim Makeup Artist DJ & Lights: NYX Entertainment & Events
Cake: Cake

Juliana & Paul | Ritz Paris Destination Wedding

We had the privilege to capture, in the most romantic city in the world, Juliana & Paul’s Ritz Paris Destination Wedding! We actually captured the first look at dusk at the famous Trocadero steps with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

The sunrise light was beyond words and different than any light we experienced (or at least I think, haha). But it definitely was such a beautiful light at that time.

We were so so honored to have worked with Oliver Fly Photography who was familiar with the city and took Paul & Juliana near the steps while still maintaining the Eiffel Tower in the background.

They then got ready at the Saint Petersbourg Hotel followed by some portraits in front of the Ritz as well as in the back of the reception/cocktail hour room.

The official ceremony at the Ritz then occurred, followed shortly by the reception. It was such an intimate time with family and the events from the cocktail hour, toasts, and cake were such a treat, literally.

It was such an unforgettable time in the city of lovers and we are so honored to capture these memories for them! Enjoy the film above!

Vendor Credits

Venue: Ritz Paris
Photography: Oliver Fly Photography Florals &amp Cake: Ritz Paris
Hair & Makeup: Trine Juel