We developed a great report and had lots of fun doing so, which was especially comical considering more than a few of the bridesmaids shared the same name. (As if remembering names isn’t challenging enough!) They thought it was especially funny that their photographer seemed unusually attached to the word ‘awesome’. It quickly became the adjective of the night.

Tracey was truly a bride to remember. A stunning dress, and carefully applied makeup only highlighted Tracey’s stunning natural beauty. Antonio wasn’t looking to shabby himself.

During the ceremony, Tracey & Antonio shared some of the most beautiful custom vows I’ve ever heard. While all personal vows are beautiful in their own right, these actually made me choke up at one point.

Once again, the toasts during this wedding were exceptional. Nothing was gleaned from internet cookie-cutters. The words came from close friends and family, but more importantly, came from the heart.

Without hesitation, I can say that I not only enjoyed this wedding but was also encouraged by Antonio and Tracey’s relationship and their sentiments toward each other. Both in word and in action.

Antonio & Tracey, I wish you all the luck in the world and hope very much that you will make each other happy, day in and day out.

Day One

Day one was much more akin to what Americans are used to, but not without a heavy infusion of cultural creativity. There was no ‘ceremony’ so to speak. Rather, Hagir and Medhat walked into the reception hall and took their seats on a stage in front of their guests and were welcomed and congratulated by them. All of this was followed by lively dancing and even a professional belly-dancer!

Day Two

The second day was far more traditional than the first. During the second day’s ceremony, Hagir changed into a number of different outfits and performed a special dance for the guests and her new husband.

Due to the personal nature of the second day, Hagir asked that I be very selective with which images I shared here. These images are some that she reviewed and approved. They give a good sense of the event.

The formal photographs were taken at the historic Bel Air Stables also in Bowie.

Our plan to take formal photographs by the water outside of Sequoia’s Restaurant where the reception was held, was officially foiled. Unfortunately, our only option was the hotel restaurant. Although perhaps the photographs were not what they would’ve been had they been taken by the water, they came out excellent nonetheless.

Keith & Sara’s wedding was nothing short of a great time. We started at Sara’s mother’s house in Bowie while the girls got ready. From there we moved to the Bel Air mansion for the formal photographs of the wedding parties. The wedding was held at Grace Baptist Church in Bowie, MD and the reception at Pauls On the South River in Annapolis.

All of the formal photographs were shot with the help of natural lighting.

During the ceremony, which took place outside on a large boardwalk style dock, I had an unexpected run-in with a huge snake. Of course, it was nowhere near the guests. It’s just what I get for trying to find new and creative angles to photograph the ceremony. If you care to read about it, I wrote the whole story on my personal blog.

Anyways, back on track. Catherine & Brian weren’t too interested in traditional wedding pictures. (Of course, for the sake of family, we took them anyway). They were more excited about getting creative and using the setting to do something fun and memorable. So, that’s what we did.

Catherine & Brian were married at Silver Swan Bayside, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It’s a small venue, but the catering is delicious. The staff is extremely friendly—even to the vendors (which believe it or not isn’t always true)—and the view is gorgeous. It was a wonderful location to hold a wedding—one that I would definitely recommend.

As with any wedding planned for outside, there was always the risk of uncooperative weather. That Friday morning, it was raining on and off. In fact, it was still raining when I pulled up with my assistant. But, literally just in the knick of time, the clouds parted and made for one of the most beautiful skies anyone could ask for on their wedding day.

So, congratulations Catherine & Brian! Kudos on throwing a great party and a beautiful celebration. I truly wish you many years of happiness and excitement as you move foreword in life together!