Planning a wedding that was supposed to take place in 2020 has been anything but normal and uncomplicated, and my heart has broken for the frustration I know this has caused so many couples. Brianne & Sam had a larger “normal” wedding celebration planned for May 2nd in the heart of DC, but due to the pandemic and the strict social distancing mandates, they had to pivot. While they knew plans had to shift, what they didn’t want to put off was actually getting married – and I was SO on board with that. So on the most perfect, sunny, incredible Spring day I met these two at the National Gallery of Art for the sweetest first look & portrait time, followed by an intimate DC Spring wedding ceremony with their immediate family that was full of as much joy as I’ve witnessed at any wedding. Their love and adoration for each other, and their excitement to be getting married, was truly so palpable and I absolutely love the images we created together. It was such a joy and honor for my own creativity and sanity in the midst of the pandemic to get to be part of this special day, and hello – they are a GORGEOUS couple with incredible style! I hope you love these photos as much as I do!

Isn’t her dress + cape just incredible? The top and skirt are BHLD and the cape is a custom piece by The Law Bridal that she borrowed from a friend. Couldn’t have been a more perfect combination and I’m still in love with how elegant and unique it is!

It was a fun challenge to get creative with some family shots, while keeping everyone feeling safe and socially-distanced. But I love how they came out and how they’ll always be a joyful memory even of this strange, unprecedented time.

The patio at Big Bear Cafe (which is where they met!) was perfect for their intimate ceremony, but I’m definitely looking forward to their second celebration back there next year, as well. Congratulations, again, to Brianne & Sam and for love and joy winning out in the midst of a pandemic!