Now that we’re back, we’re so excited to share one of the super fun projects that kept us busy last month – the fourth annual Washingtonian Bride & Groom Unveiled show held at the the Washington DC Mandarin Oriental! Not only did we have a booth (our very first bridal show if you can believe it), we were so honored to be asked to photograph the event on behalf of the magazine. Seeing as how it’s one of our absolute favorite wedding mags and the fact that the super duper team at Simply Chic Events would be designing it, how could we say no. (Is that really a champagne glass chandelier, ladies?!? Whoa!)

The show was filled with so many talented DC area wedding professionals, many of which we’re grateful to call friends. (Only those on the Best of List are invited to exhibit.) Seriously, most of the “booths” were off the charts gorgeous. (See a short slide show of a few favorites on the Washingtonian Bridal Party blog.) The highlight of the day, though had to be the runway show filled with the latest bridal fashions from Reem Acra via Saks Jandel. The fabulous and so sweet, Reem herself, was even on hand to greet brides to be and help orchestrate the flawless fashion show.

A special thanks to Rebecca Schwartz, Katharine Ragsdale, Eleni Savopoulos and of course, Jill Hudson and Catherine Merrill Williams for inviting us to be such a special part of this incredible event. You ladies have some serious talent and we couldn’t be more thrilled to get to work with you all. Be sure to check out more event photos on Washingtonion’s blog!, as well as some behind the scenes shots on Washingtonian’s blog.

And last, but not least, a big thanks to our fellow production team vendors:

Jamie Sears, Jessica Brown, Kate Harlan, Claire Ward & Cara Collins at Simply Chic Events
Booth-o-Rama
Suburban Video
Bialek’s Music
Edge Floral & Event Design
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Kelci House
Regal Limousine
DC Rental
Linder & Associates Event Architects
Say Cheese Props
Mandarin Oriental
Carl Ray at George Salon
Christophe
The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel
Pamela Brown of WJLA
the aba agency

A few of our favorites from the day…

Numbers associated with the door prizes were hung with crystals from a “floral tree” at the entrance.

Our booth! Thanks to Fabrication Events and AFR for the draping and furniture and to Multiflor for the flowers.

Maggie Austin is the house baker for the Mandarin Oriental and cranked out yet another beautiful, delicate cake for the event. She’s a powerhouse!

The registration area greeted attendees as they descended the escalator steps.

Our awesome team! Thanks so much to previous brides (l-to-r) Karen, Maya, and Liz for manning our booth while we were off shooting the rest of the event. You. Ladies. Rock!

Acrobats on stilts cut down glasses one by one for attendees to fill with champagne as they entered! Crazy cool.

Panel Discussion lead by Kim Forrest of Washingtonian with Ray Bialek, Terri Eaves (Bash), Steve (Edge Floral) and Heidi Kallett (The Dandelion Patch)

Carl Ray and Cristophe took care of all the models’ make-up needs prior to the show.

Wiling away the time.

Reem Acra and her team put the finishing touches with direction for the dresser in preparation for the runway show.

Reem gets a spritz, as well!

Bill loves the shots Anne got backstage at the runway show.

Bill rocks the main runway…

while Anne rocks the side.

We also had some absolutely delighted door prize winners. We were talking about holiday trips out of the country for some of these lucky winners!

What an incredible show to be a part of. If you’ll be getting married in 2013 and beyond, we highly recommend attending the next Unveiled show. It’s sure to be gorgeous, inspiring and fun!

With Joy,
…a&b

We made it! Year 1! We are even more in love with each now than we were when we got married. Robert has started residency at UVA, and Jen is nearing the final stage of her Ph.D. training. We moved into a larger apartment and undertook the arduous task of combining everything – what to do with six spatulas?! We love entertaining and, in a great leap of faith (with a touch of naiveté), hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 17 and our families for Christmas. One of our favorite traditions that we’ve begun is that of “Fancy Fridays” – one day a week to use our wedding china and crystal while trying a new recipe together. 2011 was a great year for us. Here’s to the start of another by each other’s side. 

I love this picture because Jen and I practiced our dance for several weeks prior to the wedding with the help of a close friend. I was so nervous about standing on Jen’s dress or messing it up somehow. When we finally started dancing, I forgot all of that prep work and just enjoyed dancing. I think this picture captures how much fun we had.

I really love this picture because it is very artistic, and the juxtaposition of us and our shadows is like that of our serious and playful sides. 

I love this because it shows Robert’s playful side. We chose not to see each other prior to the wedding, and Robert knew nothing about my dress (besides the fact that it was purple and had feathers on it…) I think this picture really captures his excitement as he was peeking around people to get a glimpse of his soon-to-be wife at the back of the church.

This one captures the essence of our wedding day. Jen’s dad jokingly calls this one the “Nike pose,” in honor of the Greek goddess of victory. Greek goddess is a bit of a stretch, but I think we both felt pretty victorious at that moment. The bells were peeling, and everyone was all smiles. I love how our arms are interlocked, and how Robert is helping to lift my dress.

We both just look so happy in this one! We had just walked out of the church and Bill captured our first moments together. It was freezing that day (strapless gown in January, for the win!), and we look so cozy and giggly together, like we can’t believe we actually just got married.

Some people leave their wedding in a limo or horse drawn carriage. We opted for a golf cart. Showing us leaving our reception, this picture reminds us of all that we have to look forward to in the future and our friends and family who have supported us along the way.

Congratulations, you two!

Ready for more? You can view their complete wedding gallery here. The password is Summer’s last name and is case-sensitive.

Their little  boy was all about the cake as it was being presented. I don’t think his lips were more than just a few inches from it at all times, ostensibly protecting it for his parents.

Yum!

A toast, and a finger-full of icing.

As we were wrapping up their portraits, we walked past the Homestead’s arcade. They were, of course, totally up for some old-style off-roading via video game.

Congratulations, you two! It was such a pleasure spending the afternoon with you both.

xoxo…
…Bill

We’re grateful to share this holiday with family, on their way to Virginia as we write this. We’re grateful to have such warm and loving relationships with so many of you. We’re grateful to have a solid roof over our heads, a reliable car, and fresh food on the table. So many fight every day for these basic necessities, and for us to enjoy this abundance is humbling. So we’re also grateful for the reminder that we live in a land of opportunity–opportunity not only to succeed personally, but to help and to be kind to others. We hope that this holiday season helps remind you of the kindness welling up inside of you, simply waiting to bestowed upon the next person you see.

Lastly, so that we can regenerate a little and recharge our creative batteries here, the studio’s going to be closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. If you happen to write, we thank you in advance for your patience as we’ll get back to you as soon as the clock strikes 2012. Well, maybe a few hours later. And we’ll have some brand spankin’ new blog posts (superlatives, anyone?) for you then, as well.

Happy Merry Everything, dear friends.

Love,
…a&b+c

After returning inside for a little dinner action, Matthew, Stefanie, and Anne went upstairs for Matthew’s bath (and to shoot some of it) while Bill and Karl did what would be expected  in a case like this–hang out downstairs with some choice tequila. Oh yes, and help prepare dinner. Yes, definitely did some of that. Sure we did. Thanks, honey, for working so hard! ;-D

That boy can get some air! His mom may have had her hands over her eyes when all this was going down.

Matthew and Max, the perfect pair. We’re still trying to figure out which treat Karl may have been holding in his hand that enraptured both baby and dog.

Gotta get me some of those Cheerios!

Yes, we believe most girls would kill for these eyelashes.

Playing with some wine corks while Mom prepares dinner. Not that there was any doubt with those big blue eyes and cheeky grin, but that definitely proves he’s S&K’s little boy!

Bathtime’s over. Almost time for bed!

G’night Matthew! We had a great time with you and your mom and dad. Happy, happy birthday and we can’t wait to see you again soon!

xoxo,
…a&b

The talented team:

Church: LaGrange Christian Church
Reception venue & catering: Kinston Country Club
Gown: Monique Lhullier
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Band: Jupiter Jones
Baker: Your Perfect Cake
Stationary: The Green Kangaroo
Videography: Duncan Armsby
Flowers:  Cheryl’s Floral Designs

Ready for more? You can view their complete gallery here and the SnapHappy photobooth images here. The password is Ashlee’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

Now those, boys and girls, are heels! I would likely break my neck if I even attempted such heights, but man, a girl can dream can’t she? At least I get to take purty pictures of these beauties. (Oh, and yes, this is Anne. Although I do believe Bill would most definitely break his neck, too.)

Love Aaron’s duck tie from Vineyard Vines!

Gotta love those little ones. Hee..hee…

Ash, your smile could light up even the darkest, coldest night. SO beautiful!

Excuse me, I really need to take this call…

Yea, being in weddings can be hard, hard work. Loved this little drama princess.

Quiet moment as Ashlee watches her bridesmaids line up for the ceremony. All fourteen of them!

Time for blast off!

Houston, we have a problem.

Just Married!

Who’s afraid of a few portraits after the sun goes down? Not us! Ashlee was a serious trooper in that 40-degree night air, too. Guess it was a good thing we were only out there for five minutes after all.

First dance!

Adore this sweet moment between Ash and her Dad that Bill captured just after their father/daughter dance.

Cool shot Anne snagged during dancing!

Love, love, love this one.

Dear a&a…

It was so nice arriving for your Friday evening rehearsal after a chilly, rainy, and super windy five-hour drive to see your smiling faces and welcoming hearts. It was as if we had just left off from your engagement session last Spring. Even though it was over much too soon, there were a great many things for which we were grateful at your wedding celebration:

- Your smiles. Yes, we might have mentioned them before (and we just might mention them again!) but, they’d truly heal any rift and lift any heart. They set the day’s (and night’s) tone for all of your 300+ guests.
- Speaking of which, we’d not ever seen such a large grouping of family all together in one spot to support a couple. It means so much that you chose your home towns to say your I Do’s so that everyone who loves you could be there to celebrate with you and support you. What a wonderful and meaningful way to start your married life together.
- If you looked up southern charm in the dictionary (or wikipedia for you youngsters), we’re pretty sure we’d see your smiling faces. You two are as sweet as tea. Sweet tea, of course!
- Everyone’s southern hospitality. (Oh, we love us some southern weddings!) It didn’t matter whose job it might have been to do something–there was always a member of your wedding party or immediate family to step in and take care of it for you.
- We hadn’t seen a get-away vehicle “decorated” in quite some time, and it was fun watching your groomsmen take care of that little task, Aaron on your huge truck.
- That you brought your love for hunting and sense of humor into the day with Aaron’s Vineyard Vines duck tie; Ashlee, your hot pink & camo garters (one to toss and one to keep!); and your beer coozie favors that boldly stated “The Hunt is Over.” Love it!

Well, the day flew by much too fast, but we are so happy to have been a part of it all with you and your families. We love our job and can’t thank you enough for bringing us down to document your wedding day for you and your future generations. Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

PS – Don’t miss the crazy SnapHappy pics from their wedding on the blog Monday!