Swapna & Bobby | 10/05/19 | Westfields Marriott Dulles Hotel

Swapna & Bobby got married at their lavish spectacular wedding in Northern Virginia at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Hotel.

It was great to be back after almost 5 years had passed. It’s a local favorite for different cultural weddings. Previously we had done a Muslim/Hindu wedding here and it’s a great place to hold a really large party.

We were privileged to capture day number 3 of their 3 day extravaganza. If you didn’t know by now, Hindu weddings are multiple days with various types of customs and traditions. The more days the better. Get with the program, Americans!

The day started with both Swapna & Bobby being so welcoming as they were getting ready and prepping for their first look outside in the front of the hotel. A few tears were shed as all her jewelry was being put on her. I’m sure everything must have been pretty heavy! But you wouldn’t know from her excitement to see Bobby!

After more tears were shed upon seeing each other, we did some photo sessions with the always amazing Nat Wongsaroj Photography and the groomsmen and Bobby made their way further out in the front to prep for their Baraat.

Think of the Baraat as the bride walking down the aisle to meet her groom, but this time it’s a long celebratory walk/dance with groom’s side and family and friends making their way to greet the bride’s family and friends and perform a mini-ceremony.

During this walk/dance, sometimes the groom is on an elephant, horse, but in this case Bobby was in a nice car from Regal Limo Inc.

Ceremony

As the official ceremony began shortly afterwards the Baraat, Swapna makes her way with her parents in the outdoor ceremony beautifully arranged by Yaadein Weddings with flowers from Nova Blooms by Megan.

I love seeing how Indian ceremonies include so much of the parents, relatives, and friends in their unique customs.

There’s definitely some traces I see in Korean tea ceremonies with the types of foods involved, colors, different families’ blessings to the couple, and even the circling that occurs.

As they made their way out to their car for an exit, they made their way back to get some rest as well as change into their second formal outfits. We did some quick nighttime shots with Nat and began setting up for the grand entrance into their grand ballroom.

Definitely a highlight of the day is all the dancing and choreography involved. Bobby & Swapna performed a beautiful first dance followed by many performances from their bridal party and a highlight from the bride – a large group flash mob!

You can witness all of these in their highlights above! Watch and leave a comment! And enjoy this most special day in the lives of Swapna & Bobby!

To check out another Indian wedding, click here.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Westfields Marriott Dulles
Planner: Preetie Exclusive Events
Decor: Yaadein Weddings Mendhi: Henna by Shazia

Florist: Nova Blooms by Megan, LLC Photography: Nat Wongsaroj Photography
Hair & Makeup: Salon SBS

Transportation: Regal Limo Inc.
DJ: DJ Lucky USA Bride Wedding Outfit: Frontier Bridal Boutique

Anne & Matt | 6.15.19 | Trump National Golf Club DC

I swear we have the nicest couples. Anne & Matt kept up this streak on their beautiful day in Sterling, VA. My second shooter was with Matt and his groomsmen at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. While I was with Anne in the nearby townhomes capturing details and them getting ready before the first look the Golf Club.

We loved the setup of the first look as Anne approached Matt near the staircase in the lobby. Something about staircases that always exude that classic, elegant look and feel. Almost like those old Hollywood romantic films.

After their first look, they took some photos and we were informed early on that Trump would be in attendance at his golf club. The couple wanted to take advantage of this time to grab a photo op with the president as he was apparently down below us eating a meal. Secret service told us we couldn’t, but somehow through some pleading, were allowed to go down.

So I didn’t grab my tripod because I thought we had to be as inconspicuous as possible. We headed to the bar and Trump noticed the couple and congratulated them. I think someone asked for a photo and he was willing. Fortunately with the ability to shoot in 120 fps and without my tripod, I captured some steady footage while having to be hand held. It made the cut!

Ceremony & Reception

Then after we headed to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church a few miles away and began the ceremony. I love Catholic churches because they are long enough where I can have enough time to get creative shots as well as appreciate the sounds and beauty of the images of God and Jesus.

One bad thing about the Protestant Reformation was that most images in churches were forbidden! There is a loss of art in Protestant churches that the Catholics have, but I digress!

Love him or hate him, Trump has a really nice golf course and we were able to do some portrait sessions out on the course for some stunning shots.

After, we had to setup for the reception and capture a little bit of the cocktail hour. There were some awesome toasts which really carried the feel of their wedding film and can see how much God had a hand in their meeting and marriage.

We also had some amazing vendor meals courtesy of one of Anne’s family members. Golf club venues apparently are not known for great vendor meals, so I was thankful to scarf down my lobster roll!

In conclusion, the reception continued into the night with the traditional events, but a not so traditional electric type of guitar instrument that I’ve never seen before during the open dance floor time.

We were thrilled and honored to be Anne & Matt’s wedding videographer. Thank you and congrats again to you guys!

Vendor Credits

Reception: Trump National Golf Club DC
Ceremony: Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church
Event Planner: Wedding Muse Photography: Hanz Photo Studio
Makeup & Hair: Susan Lim Makeup Artist
DJ: Wizer Productions

Cake: Tivoli Gourmet

Armin & Eric | 5.11.19 | Keswick Vineyards Charlottesville Wedding

Armin & Eric’s day was a true miracle.

As soon as I arrived on premises of the Keswick Vineyards Charlottesville wedding , I started to fly the drone knowing my window of opportunity would be short because of the imminent rain. As soon as I began my flight back down to the ground, it started raining and I got enough drone footage.

Then we spent the morning with Armin & Eric in their rooms. They managed to not see each other, despite their rooms until the ceremony began.

They opened up their thoughtful gifts to each other and saw each other’s parents. It was already such an emotional day with tears of joy and a little sadness from rain ruining their dream of having a beautiful Persian outdoor ceremony.

The Miracle

However, as the ceremony time approached, the wedding planner from Cando Catering, saw a window of opportunity. The weather miraculously cleared up ONLY for one hour which was just enough time for their 30 minute-ish ceremony.

The team carried all the decor and setup of the ceremony that was already setup in the reception tent outside and the ceremony went off without a hitch.

There was even some time for some portraits of their families and bride and groom portraits! I’ve had a lot of clouds break just in time for sunset portraits, but I’ve never experienced the rain stopping just for the ceremony. The outdoor event truly helped the video come out more beautiful and it was such an awesome call from Cando Catering. Brilliant move!

The rest of the evening went beautifully planned. From Armin’s father’s awesome toast about F.O.B’s (fresh off the boat, you have to hear it!) and traditional dances and heartfelt toasts from Eric’s brother-in-law/best man & Armin’s older sister, the evening ended with dancing, and driving away in their vintage car.

Keswick Vineyards provided a perfect backdrop for this awesome, perfect couple and we couldn’t be more honored to have captured this day for them! Enjoy their Feature Film!

To check out another Vineyard wedding, click here.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Keswick Vineyards
Florals: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs
Photography: Aaron Watson Photography Cake: Cakes by Rachel Strings: Melodious Strings Professional Ensembles
Event Planner: Cando Catering