Holland Photo Arts — Charlottesville Wedding Photographers

This week we’re celebrating the recent wedding of Laura & Tim, who married in front of their many loved ones at Epiphany Catholic Church in Georgetown. We’ve been excited to blog their wedding ever since it happened as Laura and Tim immediately treated us like family and it felt like we had known them for years.

“Geek love” is how Laura & Tim’s wedding web site put it, and they were each the epitome of a low-stress, easy-going bride and groom all day long. Of course the gorgeous 70-degree day didn’t hurt things at all. The exceedingly talented Michele Hodges put everything together that day and ensured it all went off without a hitch, and it was wonderful working with Kim Giammaria, who has done incredible make-up work with so many of our clients, again.

We started our twelve hours of coverage early that morning, as Laura and Tim decided they wanted to spend as much time as possible with their family and friends after the ceremony. Shortly after noon, we all met up at the beautiful and serene Tudor Place just blocks from their church for their first sight. Giddy excitement was another way to describe this pair, as we all witnessed their ceremony, including solos by two of their respective sisters, accomplished professional singers in their own right. The ceremony itself got off to an amusing start as a small piece of Laura’s dress caught in the door frame leading down the aisle, so she and her parents escorting her, as well as Tim, got a good laugh as Michele quickly got it unstuck for her processional.

Arriving at the stunning Halcyon House just after the ceremony Laura & Tim’s eyes lit up as they saw the stairwell lined with large votives, lighting the way down to the studio for the reception. They snuck a quick peek at the stunning studio, dramatically lit with paper lanterns, as well as the expertise of Frost Lighting. Upstairs on the lawn their guests enjoyed lemonade, cocktails and the views of the Potomac River as passenger jets approached National Airport along the river’s banks.

Soon after everyone made their way into the reception, they were amused by a custom made and highly descriptive cake topper. It depicted the couple sitting with their backs to each other, Tim with a notebook computer on his lap and Laura reading The Washington Post, a nod to her family’s long history with the paper. Even the props had details, as the notebook’s keyboard spelled out “I love you” and Laura’s newspaper’s headline spoke of President Obama’s inauguration. Tim also personalized the reception with a bourbon bar complete with several different types and flights of bourbon, as well as tips for the novice and experienced taster alike.

After Laura’s parents welcomed everyone, they all enjoyed a fantastic and leisurely sit-down dinner.  Later in the evening, Tim’s best man Nathan and Laura’s siblings Molly and Will regaled everyone with fun (and often hilarious) tales of their youths together, along with well wishes for a successful marriage. And then it was time for more dancing, and everyone most definitely got their groove on. As the party wound down late in the evening, their guests found a large assortment of candy spread out in several jars with to-go containers conveniently sitting nearby. You can imagine a couple of little boys’ reaction to such a spread, but it was a hit with kids of all ages. That is if they could tear themselves away from the dance floor! We had such an great time with these two and their families, and wish them all the best in this new phase of their lives together. Congratulations, you two, and thank you so much for having us out to document your wedding!

Tim gets things done at the Georgetown Ritz while one of his groomsmen takes five. Or maybe ten.

Marin, Tim’s God-daughter and junior bridesmaid, enjoyed some fun moments with the couple throughout the day.

The moment Laura’s dress caused a minor pause in her processional…

Be very, very quiet!

Laura and her dad enjoy a dance together.

Laura’s dad and two other guests react to Molly and Will’s toast.

We love all the things happening in this photograph! It’s not just about the cake cutting.

Success!

Time to get your groove on.

And of course, the post wouldn’t be complete without a collage of some fabulous details!

Laura & Tim’s coverage also included their rehearsal dinner (an increasingly popular option!) the night before at one of the best places in DC to find Cajun cooking, Acadiana restaurant. Initially they enjoyed an intimate dinner with their close family members, then welcomed all of their wedding guests to join them for dessert and cocktails afterwards. It was fun meeting so many of their family and friends and it was a great way to set the stage for the celebration the next day.

Their families put together this amazing scrap book filled with snippets of their lives growing up with their respective families, plus scenes from their dating. The book also served as their guest book on the wedding day. What an incredible keepsake for them.