Typically, when brides are getting ready in a hotel, there’s a ton of people, stuff everywhere, and the music is bumping. While there is nothing wrong with that, it can be a bit chaotic. With Charlene, she was quietly sitting getting her makeup done, with all of her details all neatly together waiting to be photographed. By the time I was almost done with details, her bridesmaids came in to get dressed. It was such a relaxing atmosphere for Charlene to get ready on her wedding day.

We captured Charlene and Josh’s details and getting ready images before heading to their ceremony venue. It rained on and off all day but luckily never a hard enough rain that it prohibited us from photographing outdoors. I love that Charlene choose to walk with her Dad and Mom down the aisle for the ceremony. Josh looked like he was about to loose it when he first saw his beautiful bride but was able to keep most tears from falling. In traditional wedding fashion, Charlene’s veil covered her face and her Dad lifted it up and kissed her before giving her away. This was such a beautiful moment.

Wedding Ceremony

Charlene and Josh’s wedding ceremony was elegant and officiated by the youngest priest I’ve ever met. Guests enjoyed a ribbon exit after the ceremony before heading to the reception venue, RiverView at Occoquan. From there we were able to take portraits by the water before heading into reception. Even with the rain, it was such a gorgeous wedding day. I absolutely loved Charlene and Josh’s easy going and such joyful personalities. They are the type of people who, I’m sure, meet people and become instant friends because they are just so fun, energetic, and kind.

Reception

After the ceremony, we headed to RiverView at Occoquan for their reception. We were able to take portraits with the bridal party and Charlene and Josh by the water before heading into reception. Their reception had the best money dance I’ve ever seen! Charlene’s parents created a sash of money that guests were able to tape money to. You have to scroll to the bottom of this blog to see what I mean. I thought this was the most fun way to have a money dance.

Even with the rain, it was such a gorgeous wedding day. I absolutely loved Charlene and Josh’s easy going and such joyful personalities. They are the type of people who, I’m sure, meet people and become instant friends because they are just so fun, energetic, and kind. Thank you Charlene and Josh for choosing me to capture your day.