This Summer Woodlands at Algonkian Wedding was a first for me for two reasons. One – none of this wedding (ceremony or reception) were spoken in English and two – the days leading up to this wedding, all you heard on the news and radio was how hot it was going to be over the weekend and, if at all possible, stay inside. That wasn’t an option and being 8 months pregnant wasn’t going to stop me! The temps were 102 with a heat index of 102. I planned out an alternative wedding outfit so I wouldn’t get overheated and made sure I had my favorite electrolyte drink Body Armor Lyte chilling in the fridge.

The beautiful bride Melat made last minute arrangements to help her family stay cool and ensure no one would need to be outside too long. Melat and Kinfu’s wedding ceremony was beautiful and the pastor made it short. He knew how hot it was and in a blink of eye the ceremony was over.

This Ethiopian wedding was filled with dancing, music, food, and laughter. The reception was especially fun because Melat and Kinfu had a male and female dancer that had several outfit changes through the night each one representing a different tribe and cultural dance in Ethiopia! This was the neatest thing to see and I couldn’t help but dance along.

Congratulations Melat and Kinfu and thank you for choosing me to capture your wedding day.

Enjoy my favorites from Melat and Kinfu’s Summer Woodlands at Algonkian Wedding.

To view Melat and Kinfu’s DC engagement session, click here.

Special thanks to the vendors who made Melat and Kinfu’s wedding so special!

Bridal Dress: Casablanca Bridal
Caterer: Great Blue Heron
Wedding Favor Cookies: Three Melons Bakeshop
Florals: True Love Designs
Reception Coordinator: Mauren at Woodlands at Algonkian
Videographer: Kevin Rist Productions
Venue: Woodlands at Algonkian

To view more recent weddings, click here.

xoxo

Sarah Botta is a Northern Virginia based wedding photographer whose work can be described as organic, natural, and timeless. Sarah specializes in capturing people’s stories and building connections with each client to help tell their story. Sarah has photographed over 55 weddings across Virginia and Maryland from rustic outdoor ceremonies to elaborate estate mansion receptions. Her natural timeless style shines brightest with outdoor locations. Sarah is available for travel and is passport ready.