Yesterday was an amazing day for me. I knew these two features were in the works, but I didn’t know when. I woke up and had a wonderful surprise from Bayside Bride who featured Kate & JP’s The Oaks wedding in Eastern Shore Maryland and then anxiously awaited the 3pm release of Megan & Brandon’s Richmond Mankin Mansion wedding on Style Me Pretty. Two features in ONE day! Needless to say the social media networks were on fire and I was whooped by the end of the day. Be sure to take a peek at them…and leave these wonderful couples and host blogs a little comment love for all of their hard work!

Below was such a unique and 40 year old family tradition!

I absolutely adored the blends of culture in Brandi & Steve’s wedding day. Formal manor style wedding, pops of modern damask and purple, hints of 30′s class and swing dancing, and a splash of Hawaiian thrown into the entire mix. Some how Brandi seamlessly mixed it all together into a stunning timeless day.

You might remember Brandi & Steve from their steamy DC Engagement session.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Oxon Hill Manor Oxon Hill, Maryland

Florist: Enchanted Florist

Cake: Eat & Smile Foods

Band: Retrospect

Gown: Hannelore’s of Old Town

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jcrew Wedding

Special thanks to Kea Alfred for second shooting with me!

It was a brief break, but I had one.

I needed one.

I am back, refreshed, flooded with ideas, inspiration, and a bunch of late summer/fall/winter weddings and personal projects.

I adore the Eastern Shore. I grew up at the beach and lived just off the Chesapeake Bay for several years and vacationed several times a year in the Outer Banks. So diving into a world of water, ducks, shell fish, and a very Navy family was like stepping into a big part of my past. Kate & JP have clearly found what they had been waiting for. And I still smile ear to ear every time I see Kate’s smile. She is probably one of the most glowing brides I have ever photographed.

Dress: Vera Wang (classic) Saks Jandel

Ceremony: St. Lukes United Methodist St. Michaels, MD

Cakes: Bay Country Bakery
Flowers: Petals of St. Michaels
Rings: Washington Diamond

Reception: The Oaks

Guys Getting Ready: The Tidewater

Special thanks to Kea Alfred for assisting me for the day!