At the outset, I have to provide full disclosure. I was so excited that I averted rain at our wedding in Sweden, and kept my 8-year streak of no rain on weddings alive, that I bragged about it. For any of you who believe in God, karma or cheddar cheese, you know that bragging is not the best thing to do – EVER! So with that, I perform my act of contrition and apologize whole-heartedly to Shawn and Mike for the water that fell from the sky during their wedding. Please forgive me!
All rain aside, Shawn and Mike’s wedding was amazing. Luckily, the rain only stopped us from shooting the portraits outside since their ceremony and reception were well protected. I had been looking forward to their wedding for a long time — if you know Shawn and Mike, you will understand why. We have the pleasure of working with great brides and grooms here but there is something about both of them that puts them in the “even nicer” category. That is the problem with this industry. Most businesses want to make repeat customers out of clients like Shawn and Mike. I hope to never work for them again!! I take that back — I can’t wait to work for their “family” some day! (no pressure)
Their wedding was at St. Aloysius (Gonzaga) in downtown Washington. I love working in this church. It is absolutely beautiful and the Priests have been great to work with. The wedding was gorgeous and Shawn’s dress was spectacular! During the ceremony, there were a couple well placed thunder claps (or God’s applause if you will…).
After the ceremony, it was off to the Reception at Union Station. We photograph a LOT of weddings at Union Station and it is by far one of the most beautiful locations in Washington. The rain made for some great photographs as the Bridal Party got out of the limo and dashed inside (or hung out under the tailgate of a random guys Hummer to stay dry). Once safely inside, they had their cocktail hour in the Columbus Club and the Reception in the East Hall. You just can’t go wrong with that combo.
I have to say a sincere thank you not only to Shawn and Mike but their friends and family as well who all treated us better than you could have ever hoped for. At the end of the night, I asked Mike if there was anything else he needed from us and his only request was a photo with me in it (the last photo). You know you did something right in your life when you get to work with people like them!
Wedding 411:
Ceremony: St. Aloysius
Reception: Union Station / Hillary / 202.289.5282
Coordinator: Patti Ogle / 202.251.5667
Band: Marquise
Florist: Devers Design / Michael Corrado / 703.522.9331
Caterer: Design Cuisine
Photographer: Connor Studios / Michael Connor and Jonathan Newton / 202.321.1496
The pics: (lots-o-pics!)
