Let your special moments be captured beautifully in DC!

Herrington on the Bay - Wedding Photos

Bridesmaids Photos Virginia Wedding

Bride and Groom Photos - Virginia Outdoor Wedding

A wedding is one of the most joyous occasions in a person’s life. Because of this, it is essential to capture all of your precious moments through beautiful photographs by bringing out the best in the bride and groom. May it be a destination wedding or traditional wedding; the photographs will allow you to remember this day for a lifetime. The right photographer will turn your wedding album into a timeless treasure you and your spouse will cherish from this time forward.

For this distinguished occasion you need an experienced photographer with whom you can communicate comfortably. He or she will be able to turn your dream photographs into a reality. There is a number of talented Wedding Photographers in DC, but in order to have your desired shots captured in the clicks of a camera you need to do some research. For getting the perfect essence in your photographs, you need to find a dedicated photographer for whom photography is not just about owning the most sought-after equipment, but one who spends time and effort getting to know the couple and exactly what they want. When searching for Washington DC Wedding Photographers it is important to choose an individual who fosters a great passion for photography. You will be able to see and feel the warmth and liveliness in each picture he or she captures.

For any bride or groom wedding photographs can be overwhelming.Washington DC Photographers understand how important it is to include all of the wedding events in your pictures. From the couple's first look to their last dance, each and every event holds a place close to the hearts of the bride, groom, friends and family. From the elaborate traditions of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready to the cutting of the cake and everything in between, including the beautiful attire, colorful dreamy decorations, heartwarming toasts, mingling guests and delicious food. All of these shots are necessary to include in your finished gallery. You can hire an Event Photographer in Washington DC to capture all of these details for you.

Your photographer will capture this significant day in the form of beautiful photographs which you can look back at years to come. You will be able to relive these moments with laughter and tears every time you see them. Not only will these photographs express such special moments, but each one will tell a story in itself. Contact the most skilled and experienced photographer for your wedding and you will have one less thing to worry about on your big day. Make your wedding day memorable through timeless and mesmerizing photographs.

How to choose the best DJ for your wedding?

How to choose the best DJ for your wedding?

The trend of hiring DJs at weddings is very common and almost everybody hires one. The choice of DJ should be made wisely while taking under consideration a number of factors. First of all, you should visit those DJs who are well known and who are certain to make the event livelier according to your desires. You can consider DJs whose performance you have already seen in another wedding and admired. You can also ask your friends to recommend some good DJs who have enough knowledge about them. You should not take any risks while making this choice because music is one of the most noticeable parts of a wedding.

After shortlisting two or three top list DJs, you should visit them yourself if you find time to do so; otherwise, you can also ask any reliable friend to do the job. Then you should definitely go for the best of them. After that, you must tell him about all your requirements related to music, such as when to play party music, when to play romantic music and so on. You can also specify the songs for different events of the wedding, like the music when the bride and groom enter the lace, when they cut the cake or do any other traditional activities. Similarly, for the reception and dances at the entrance and at the end of the wedding; the complete theme should be set and the DJ should be told about all the musical requirements clearly so that there are no mistakes made later.  

You should also specify the number of hours you will want the DJ to work during the wedding. Moreover, if there is a chance of the event getting finished late at night, he must be informed about that earlier as well. All the related matters should be sorted out and the charges must be finalized before the ceremony. If you want some additional services from the DJ, like focusing the spotlight on the bride, there would definitely be some additional charges but you should try considering the packages for weddings offered at affordable rates.  

On the wedding day, you should ask someone to check in on the DJ every once in a while to make sure everything is working nicely. The DJ should also be offered food and should be treated with respect like the other guests. It is okay to trust the choice of the DJ for the songs to be played randomly at the event at the time of dinner, as he knows about the music that is suitable for that specific time. However, you can also provide him with your own playlist that you like. All these things must be kept in mind while hiring a DJ in order to enjoy only the best services and make the wedding ceremony even more memorable. 

Capture Special Moments of Your Life through Pictures!

Special moments in our life can be short and all we want to do is hold on to them. The best way to capture the special moments of your life is to get them captured in photographs and create photo albums to collect some of your greatest memories. Engagement sessions, maternity shots and family portrait sessions: photographers can capture all of these unforgettable times in your life.

 Listed below are just a few examples of important events that should be captured by an experienced Washington DC Photographer.

Engagement photography: Why should photographs just be taken at weddings? Everything begins at the time of a couple’s engagement! Thus, it is the perfect time for creating fabulous tokens of the times when it was just the two of you. Whether you want a studio session or lifestyle photography, this is the time for both of you to focus on each other. This is also a time where you can practice getting comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera without the presence of family and friends.

Wedding photography: A good wedding photographer is one who will be able to put you at ease, deal with your friends and family and still ensure that they capture the feel and emotions of your big day. Each wedding is unique and with the help of a Wedding Photographer in Maryland you will be able to show everyone just how special it was. Whether its guests enjoying their time on your wedding or just the two of your happy with each other, you want a photographer who understands the environment and captures photographs without disturbing your special occasion.

Maternity photography: Most of the time, during pregnancy all the focus is given to a baby. A Maternity Photography DC will provide you the opportunity to capture special moments during your pregnancy that are about you. The baby bump is forgotten once the baby arrives, so planning a session for capturing this wonderful shape of a mother to be will make her feel special and will give her memories that she will treasure all her life. While your baby bump might seem like a nuisance right now, you will want to remember it once it’s gone. Find a photographer who specializes in maternity photography and you can always look back on those beautiful times.

Newborn photography: The initial days of running on no sleep might not seems like a time you want to remember, but the fact is that your baby will grow up quicker than you can imagine. They change each and every day in this crucial year and you will want to look back and reminisce on all of these details. If possible, get someone to photograph your baby within the first two weeks of his or her birth. This is the time when they are in an angelic sleepy haze and you will be able to get fantastic photographs without all of the screaming and squirming.

Family photography: No matter how old you are, your loved ones are always changing. You grow older, your children grow up and there may even be some new additions to the family! Taking pictures regularly to capture how you look as a family during every stage of life is completely worth it, so schedule your Family Photography DC sessions at least once every year and after a few years you’ll have fun watching how much all of you have grown.

Each stage of your life can be beautifully captured in pictures, so hire a reputed photographer and have lasting memories for a lifetime!

10 Reasons Not To Hire Uncle Bob To Be Your Wedding Photographer

10 Reasons Not To Hire Uncle Bob To Be Your Wedding Photographer

Uncle Bob definitely means well, but it does not suffice to let him be your exclusive wedding photographer. I mean who does not want to have the best moments of their life magnificently captured? Trust you me, we all want to look back and say that indeed it was worth it. To this regard, you really need to be equipped if you want to draw a clear cut line between your professional photographer and the Uncle Bob type. There are reasons worth considering when choosing not to hire Uncle Bob.  

Say no to Uncle Bob

• Uncle Bob lacks the training and expertise needed in the field of photography. Professional photographers will tell you that it is not enough to know how to maneuver your way through a camera. Photography is a skill that when coupled with the right training and exposure brings out the best of the moment. With a professional photographer, minimum editing is needed since the shots taken are at their very best. 
• Uncle Bob is a big distraction. Truth be told, Uncle Bob gets in the way of the professionals hired to do your wedding photography. He will either block professionals from taking perfect shots or just be a distraction the whole good time. Some will entice you with the free gift speech but at what cost will that free gift cost you?
• Uncle Bob lacks variety. The thing with professional photographers is that they capture the moment from different angles and perspectives. Any place is good enough for them to bring about the best effect. You cannot expect to find this with Uncle Bob. He is in the simplest term shallow. 
• Uncle Bob’s equipment is limited to an extent. Maybe not entirely but trust me, he has not invested in his pieces of equipment as much as the professional photographer has. With the right pieces of equipment and the skill to operate with them, it is possible to bring out the best of every moment.
• How many weddings has Uncle Bob attended? A few maybe. You cannot compare Uncle Bob’s experience and exposure with that of professionals. He is more of a liability than an asset in your wedding. Let us not forget that even in the few weddings attended, his focus will be limited to the people he knows and not in creating an all round effect. 
• Uncle Bob’s flow of the events of the day is not well scheduled. He most of the time will not be where he is supposed to be when needed. Professionals on the other hand have a clear schedule of the events of the day from the time they begin to the end of the ceremony. 
• The mere fact that photography is not a career for Uncle Bob provides grounds of failure. He will thus not be as keen and careful as need be. Professionals understand that photography is their means of livelihood and will not want to jeopardize that at all cost. This explains why they will offer the best that they can as they serve their clients. 
• Rarely will Uncle Bob bring along backup equipments. If anything he does not have any. Why risk putting you hope in such risky hands?  It might work to your disadvantage. 
• Uncle Bob does not have the expertise of post production and editing. To him, taking the pictures and burning them is enough, which should not be the case. For professional photographers, they have computers and software that they use in editing, printing, uploading and creating the best albums. 
• How about insurance? Uncle Bob probably has no idea of the concept called insurance. To him, taking pictures is just but a hobby. In today’s times, you most certainly agree how important having an insurance cover is. As a matter of fact, there are venues and grounds that do not allow photographers with no insurance certificate.

Photography is key and instrumental to your wedding. It is the best gift you can give yourself by choosing to hire the services of a professional photographer. 

The Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid!

The Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid!

Timeless wedding dress

Many wedding planning mistakes happen because of ignorance. Here are some of them.

We all know how tedious and overwhelming planning a wedding can be. Regardless, it is the one-time thing that deserves all your attention and detail. Besides, you can have fun and make the planning an awesome adventure. With so much to do and figure out, there are certain mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

Don’ts of the wedding planning process

1.     Failure to get yourself a wedding planner. Let us face it. It is not as if you are in a full time job of wedding planning. Well, not unless event planning is your actual job. But if not, it might be hard to understand the secrets and puzzles of planning for a perfect wedding. If this is the case, you definitely need a wedding planner who understands all the aspects of wedding planning. On the D-day, it is not your job to figure out how things are evolving but that of the wedding planner. Even before you dismiss the idea, think about it. As a matter of fact, you get involved in all the fun while the wedding planner does all the hard tasks.

Washington DC Urban Wedding Photo at night

2.     Avoid planning before coming up with a budget first. The budget that the couple set is what helps in determining the type of services to go for. You cannot begin picking a venue before you know how much money you have planned to allocate for the same. This goes for all the other services such as food, décor, cake and transport among others. In simple terms, with a budget it is easy to maneuver since you know how far you are willing to incur cost on respective services.

Mount Vernon Wedding Photos

3.     Settling on the service providers based purely on the fee they charge. This is the worst mistake you can possibly commit. You first need to establish the kind of work they do, sample previous services offered and if possible get testimonials from previous clients. Remember; they say that it is better to be safe than sorry. In other words, be sure to carry out sufficient research before settling for a respective vendor. When you finally settle for the service providers kindly let them do their job. They are professionals you know. Rather than being a distraction on everything they do or say, just allow them to do what they do best. Your part is in ensuring that you lay down all you want to see on the day of the wedding and they will work out the rest of the magic.

4.     Failure to get a videographer. You may argue that the photos taken will do but ... really? Don’t you want to recount everything that happened on your wedding day by watching the video? How about hearing yourself tremble as you say the words “I do”? The feeling you get is priceless. Even if it comes at an extra cost, it is worth it in the long run. A wedding is filled with so much drama some of which can only be captured if you invest in a professional videographer and photographer.

5.     Do not be too quick to spread the word. Take your time and ensure that you have everything in place including the guest list. After you are sure that all is set, spread word to as many people as you desire.

When all is said and done, relish in the moment and enjoy your day to bits. You deserve it, you know! After all, it is your wedding day. 

How To Choose Your Wedding Venue

 

 

How To Choose Your Wedding Venue
 

Selecting the wedding venue is most at times the meat of the event. Why so, one may ask? This is because a wedding venue has direct implications on a number of things.

1.     The style and design to use

2.     The number of people on the guest list

3.     The appropriate location

4.     The kind of attire to wear

Hey, it is just being sure with what you want as a couple. That should not be that hard I suppose. And after all, if you stick to the following tips, then you will find yourselves the best wedding venue as per the desires of your heart.

Selection tips

·      The geographical accessibility. On the wedding day, you expect to have as many guests as you can possibly have. Some are familiar with the city or the village (depending on where the wedding will be) while others are not. With this in mind, you need to select a venue that will be easy-to-access for all the invited guests. While you may be tempted to think that Google maps will be their buddy during the drive, they may end up pretty frustrated while tracing the venue. Why not save them the trouble and come up with a venue that is easily traceable and accessible.

·      An exclusive versus an inclusive wedding. Do you want to have a limited number of people on the guest list or is the ceremony open to every Tom, Dick and Harry? The people you want in the wedding event are crucial in determining the kind of venue to settle for. If it is an inclusive wedding, ensure that the room or the ground is large enough to accommodate everyone. Often, when a ground is empty, it seems big, but when tents, chairs, tables and other accessories are put in place then you realize that space can be limited. Ensure you are sure that the venue you settle for will fit everyone.

·      How much do you want to spend on the venue? A budget will offer you the limit and the boundaries that you cannot cross to in the decision of a venue. Part of coming up with a budget is having a rough estimate of the different rates offered for different venues.

·      The view and the lighting. Select a venue that has a spectacular view and one that has sufficient lighting. A great view is an added advantage to weddings since it adds joy and excitement to the ceremony. Additionally, with a unique decorations and styling, it is possible to create an amazing effect that will still serve the purpose.

·      Sufficient parking space. You can be sure to expect many vehicles on the day of your wedding. So as to make your guests feel safe and taken care of, ensure that the venue has parking space and tight security.

·      Find out the restrictions of the venue and the layout as well. Is there a time limit that you are not supposed to exceed? What other restrictions are you supposed to observe? What of extra facilities such as chairs or a public address system? Having all the information as pertains to the restrictions and the facilities is an added advantage in helping you make the decision.

Here is a small secret if you settle for an outdoor venue. Have an alternative plan. Sometimes, the weather is bound to change and that means that you will need to be flexible enough to adjust. Whatever you settle for, ensure it is what you desired for your big day. 

Congratulations to Ashley and Andrew! A beautiful wedding at Celebrations at the Bay. Photographed by Eylul Gungor.

Cabell's Mill Wedding Photos - Virginia

 Cabell's Mill Wedding Pictures - Virginia

Danielle and Andrew got married at Cabell's Mill in Virginia on May 28, 2016. I was lucky enough to photography their special day on this location. If you live in the DMV metro area you probably already know how difficult it is to find a beautiful wedding venue that would fit your wedding budget. Fairfax County Parks offer variety of historic properties.

• Cabell's Mill
• Clark House
• Great Falls Grange
• Forestville Schoolhouse
• Hunter House
• Stone Mansion
• Wakefield Chapel

Located in the wooded acres of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Cabell's Mill has long been a unique setting for social occasions. Built prior to 1800 and operated as a mill until 1916, the property was purchased in 1935 by Ellanor Lawrence. She and her husband, David, founder of US News & World Report, transformed the old mill into a guest house and hosted many Washington notables, including Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. 

For more information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hprs/cabells.htm



Fairfax County Parks have so many charming locations for your engagement and family photography needs in Virginia. The annual Commercial Photography Permit covers commercial photography at over 400 parks without additional fees or reservations. 

For more information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/photography-permit.htm