Stephane and Mario met as young adults and were friends for a while first. They even had a "friend fight" and did not speak to each other for three months. As people say, there is a thin line between love and hate. LOL! Stephane and Mario had great chemistry since the moment they met, everyone around them knew it. They, however, pretended not to notice it for a long timef. 
In December 2017, it will be 10 years since they first met. They could have never imagined it then, but it was the beginning of an amazing journey- They had each met their better half. 
Their relationship is full of love and has proven to be very strong throughout the years. Stephane and Mario have grown up together and supported each other through very tough and challenging times. Together, they also lived some of the most amazing experiences of their lives. They were there for each other's multiple graduations, professional and personal accomplishments, met their families in Peru and Brasil and actually got to experience a World Cup in person! They also had the opportunity to visit Europe- a lifelong dream and the setting for one the most special days in their lives.
On July 11, 2016, Mario proposed in the most magical way! Stephane had no idea- which was very unusual since she is always so on top of everything! After deciding that Paris was not the right place for his special proposal, Mario's heart was set in Venice. Some of the family members who knew of the initial plan, were very confused as Paris came and went and no announcement was made. Stephane got some curious texts (you know who you are lol) and a very funny phone call with her mom- she was all giggly and Stephane had no idea why. Venice was an amazing place. As they were enjoying a gondola ride at sundown, Mario decided he wanted a picture. He asked Stephane to hand the camera to the gondola driver and Stephane said: No way! She was so worried about her friend's professional camera falling in the water that for once, she did not want to take a picture. Mario insisted and handed the camera to the driver. Stephane's sight was laser focused on that camera when all of a sudden, Mario got down to one knee and said- "Stephane, will you marry me? I love you!" Stephane had a smile from ear to ear and of course forgot all about the camera, oops! lol Right away, She said Yes! 
Since then, Stephane and Mario have been working very hard towards building a solid foundation for their future. Driving themselves super crazy at times, obviously. Even then, they are so happy to begin the next chapter of their lives (kids included!) in their new home. 

Stephane and Mario held their gorgeous Friday wedding at Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Maryland. My lovely second and third shooters and I were so excited for their big day.  After photographing Stephane and Mario’s engagement session at Meadowlark Gardens in Virginia, I knew their wedding would be beautiful. My assistant and I started with our stunning bride Stephane and her bridesmaids in the getting ready suite at Ceresville Mansion in Frederick Maryland. Mario, his groomsmen and our second shooter started across the hall. They were truly meant for each other and we had so much fun photographing their special day. Here are a few of our favorites from their wedding day!

Vendors:

Photographer: Justy Photography

Videography: SOK

Venue: Ceresville Mansion

Dj- Master Productions

Cake- custom cake designs

Officiant- Pastor Ed Choy, Premier Wedding Pastors

Florist- Deicy Sinani Flowers

Saxophone- Espinoza Music Professionals

String duo- Capriccio String Quartet

Photo booth- Say Cheese Rentals, LLC