Posts Tagged 'halloween wedding'

In October, I thought my art school friend was living in China (she still was but is moving to the US now). So I was a little surprised when she sent a text saying she was getting hitched in our nation’s capital and would I photograph the wedding. Of course, I said! Nikki and I have the kind of friendship where it doesn’t matter if we fall out of contact because we always fall right back in with ease.

I was really really surprised when she said, “Awesome! It’s on Halloween!”

Halloween was in 6 days. These two crazy kids (and their friends and family) managed to plan and have a wedding in under a week. And it was one of the most joy-filled events of my life!

Untitled-1

Can you believe the bride created these flower arrangements herself? She used bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s and added some feather details too. Not all of her family were able to make it so she used a locket to keep her brother and sister close.

IMG_1661

Everyone who wasn’t local stayed at the Hyatt Regency where we got ready and did a First Look.

IMG_1492

Untitled-2

IMG_1508

One of the sweetest things I’ve seen is Nikki’s Daddy tying her sash.

IMG_1529

first look

IMG_1631

After the first look (and a quick drink) we headed down to the District of Columbia War Memorial. Beautiful location!

IMG_1694

mommy

Nikki’s not to subtle shout out to China, where she and Chad met.

IMG_1772

IMG_1790

meow

family

IMG_1792

Everyone should have this much fun, laughter, and joy at their wedding! This was just minutes before walking down the aisle.

kisses

IMG_1969

Nikki and Chad chose to whisper their vows to each other. Very sweet. This was their friend Dave, who became an officiant for their ceremony, telling everyone (but especially me) not to follow.

no no no

vows

IMG_1993

ceremony

IMG_2071

IMG_2103

Now THAT is how to be excited you’re hitched! These two and ther entire group were a blast and had me in stitches all day!

IMG_2115

IMG_1906

formal

formal portrait

There was some luck and fate at play in this wedding. In addition to everything falling into place (location, friends and family able to fly in, and so on) Nikki found the perfect heels at a consignment shop in Georgetown. That might not sound like a big deal but they’re also French and vintage satin.

heels

full space

Once it got dark we headed back to the hotel Can you spot the happy couple in the elevator? The lovebirds also updated their Facebook status as a very public display of affection.

elevator

IMG_2315

Thanks for having me along on your wonderful wedding adventure, Nikki & Chad! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness! Much love to you both!

IMG_2294

Location: The National Mall, Washington, DC
Ceremony Venue: District of Columbia War Memorial
Hotel: Hyatt Regency | Crystal City at Regan National Airport
Dinner: Osteria de Nino
Bride’s Dress: Modcloth | Aisle Be There Dress in Ivory by TrashyDiva
Bride’s Sash & Veil: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Consignment
Florist: Bride with bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s
Officiant: Dave Goretsky

Ok, guys, I know I’m not supposed to pick favorites. But…I can’t help it.

It’s not my fault really. My favorite holiday is Halloween and one of my favorite places for weddings is Pebble Hill Plantation. And, Heather & Peter know how to throw a party! They even imported one of their favorite bands from Atlanta (and they played “Jackson” at the wedding and you know I love some Johnny & June). Their wedding showed off their personalities and they filled the plantation with vintage Halloween touches and loads of music. Everyone (even grandma!) danced all night to The Whiskey Gentry. An absolutely lovely time was had by all!

See, not my fault at all. I better go ahead and show you the photos so you can see what I’m talking about. 😀

IMG_8964

IMG_7484_1

dress

IMG_8964-(2)

IMG_8964_2

I love it when a couple decides on having a First Look. They get to spend a little time together before the ceremony and without being surrounded by family members. Being a Halloween wedding, the family cemetery provided a perfect location for this and the following shot.

IMG_7601

DSC_1607

The ceremony took place in the tennis court area. I adore all the touches they added to the space to help personalize it!

IMG_7631

IMG_8964_1

IMG_9217

IMG_8964_4

IMG_8964_5

IMG_7712

IMG_7721

IMG_7734

They brought vintage seating for their guests to enjoy during the cocktail hour!

chairs

IMG_9293

The courtyard always looks stunning at night. And from what I hear, Grandma made these favors herself!

IMG_7462

food

IMG_7400

IMG_7757

IMG_8020

IMG_7398

dancing

IMG_7824

IMG_7796

IMG_7825

IMG_7884

IMG_7963

The groom’s favorite movie is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The 1954 classic was even featured on their save the date card. His bride surprised him with this cake head of his beloved creature! Good job, Karen Cakes!

cake

DSC_1970

IMG_7833

IMG_9401

IMG_9625

IMG_9712

IMG_9941

P&H-1

rock-out

IMG_9883

flowers

Oh Heather! Your Grandma cracks me up! Everyone needs one as wonderful as she is!

IMG_9790

IMG_7746

Venue: Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia
Bridal Gown: Christina Wu
Catering & Bartending: Gourmet Guys in Valdosta, Georgia
Florist: Flowers by Cooper in Bainbridge, Georgia
Cake: Karen Cakes in Bainbridge. Georgia
Band: The Whiskey Gentry in Atlanta, Georgia (check them out on iTunes!)

As a special bonus, check out this sweet 5 star review from the bride’s mama: “Ansley did our daughter’s wedding pictures at Pebble Hill Plantation. She is wonderful. We could not have found anyone else as great to work with. She knew exactly what our daughter and son-in-law were looking for in their wedding pictures. Ansley and her staff were very professional and we just all had a blast.” Thanks, Diane – I had a blast with ya’ll too!