I looked forward to Eileen and Derrick’s wedding ever since we met over breakfast months ago. Like most of our brides, they are just completely easy going and so kind to everyone around them.
I started off the day with Eileen at her parents’ home where she was getting ready with all her family and bridesmaids while Andrew started off with Derrick and the guys at the hotel. I need to ask Eileen where she got the hanger for her dress that had “Mrs. King” on it. One of my absolute favorite photos of the day is when Eileen’s nephew was watching her and her sisters put the final touches on her wedding dress – just a perfect moment (and he’s cute as can be). I also love the photo of Derrick getting his flowers pinned on by his grandmother.
The church was open and filled with light which was very nice. Eileen’s nephew was the ring bearer and made it half way down before freezing. I guess at that age having all those people staring at you can be a bit much. Of course with a little help from Grandma, he fulfilled his duties.
After the ceremony was over, we took off for Great Falls Park for portraits of the bridal party. While getting ready for the group portraits, Derrick recognized Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins who happened to be at the park with his mom – random! Eileen and her family are huge Redskins fans (Derrick is a Texas boy so he is a Cowboys fan) so they asked if they could get a portrait together — he’s the guy that’s just a “little bit” bigger than them. I photographed almost every Redskins game home and away for the last 7 or 8 years so it was funny to see my worlds collide.
Thankfully we had a bunch of space to work with since it was a large bridal party. Love the photos of the guys.
The reception was held on the top floor of the Sheraton National with views over the Air Force Memorial in Arlington and Washington, DC. We were blessed with a beautiful sunset right as they were having their first dance. The curtains had been closed right before the reception because the light is pretty intense at that time but we begged to get them opened up to have that light — when you see the warmth in that light, it was totally worth it.
They had an absolutely beautiful Fall wedding and we couldn’t be happier for both of them!
Wedding 411:
Ceremony: St. John Neumann Catholic Church | 703.860.8510
Reception: Sheraton National | Rooftop Galaxy Ballroom | 703.521.1900
Florist: Flower Gallery of Chantilly | 703.378.4007
DJ: Washington Talent | DJ Johnny | 240.428.8680
Photography: Connor Studios | Michael + Andrew | 202.527.9768
