I feel like I have started the last few wedding posts in the same way by stating that I can’t believe how unbelievably fortunate I have been this year with my wedding clients. I feel that I have a connection with each one that extends beyond just being their wedding photographer and I have longed for this moment! I love that we laugh about the same things, I love that my couples relax when they are in front of my camera and I absolutely love hearing their love stories!

I met Keith and Ashley based on a referral from another photographer and during our initial consultation we met at a Starbucks only to find that it was about to close about 5 minutes into our meeting- like really?!? Since when does Starbucks close at 5pm on a Saturday?

We decided to walk over to another restaurant in the area and of all of the choices the couple had, they decided on a Mexican restaurant!! Cue the bells!!! I could eat Mexican every day of the week if I didn’t care about my waistline! We had a great meeting and I found out a few days later they decided to book me!!

Keith is the prime example of why I add engagement sessions to my wedding packages because on the wedding day he remembered some of the poses from the session and they were so relaxed. They even explored Howard’s campus and the surrounding D.C. area for photo ops prior to the wedding day!

Fast forward to the wedding day of these Howard University alums- I have never seen a bride like Ashley that was so calm about her BIG day! They had their plan for the day and when plans needed to change a little, she was as “go with the flow” as you can get! Ashley was surrounded by her closest friends and her mother and mother-in-law and each one’s focus was making sure Ashley had everything she needed for the day! Ashley’s Matron of Honor- Leigh- gets the title as “World’s Best Dress Fluffer” because she made sure the dress looked great for the photos and ceremony!

Keith and his guys were relaxing in his room when I arrived and with in a matter of moments they were dressed and joking around with their soon-to-be-married buddy! I’ve never seen anyone get dressed that fast!!

When Keith and Ashley went to the adjusted location for their first look, I could see the feeling of relief when they saw each other that let the two of them know that this was finally happening! Their ceremony, at the Andrew Rankin Chapel on the campus of Howard University, spoke volumes to the level of commitment they were professing in front of their friends and family and their reception at Twelve and K Hotel was one large dance party complete with a cupcake tower, photo booth, and awesome DJ!

Although we attended rival universities, I must confess that Howard University produced some great alums and they took great care of this Aggie! I simply adore these two! Keith and Ashley may your lives together be all that you hoped for an even more!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding day:

OMG!!!! Leigh gave the funniest toast I think I’ve ever heard.  Let’s just say she wasn’t a huge fan of Keith when she first me him and now she loves him like a brother!

 
Keith and Ashley’s Creative Team:
Wedding Planner: LaKeisha Lockwood / LaKeisha@K2PEvents.com
DJ: William Lee / djdublee@gmail.com
Wedding Dress: Bridal’s By Natalie, Mori Lee / www.bynatalie.com
Bridal Shoes: Alfani
Make-Up: Hope Joyner / hopejoyner@focusonmebeauty.com
Groom’s Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse / Vera Wang
Invitations: Paper Source
Cake: Lynette’s Cakes
Catering: Jon Wright / sinfullywright@juno.com