My husband has been a faithful listener of Big O & Dukes since their radio days several years ago.  So much so that he created an iPhone app for them.  That app allowed (and allows) him to work closely with the guys behind BOAD & he has formed some great friendships.

The guys recently had their “Back to the Bunker” show at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia & asked if Josh & I would like to come along – as listeners & as sound & photography.  And while I was out of my element shooting at a crowded, standing-room-only bar with, it was a great learning experience with my off-camera flash.  And also a great learning experience in telling that one dude who said, “Your flash is really distracting to the people on stage” to buzz off & let me do my J-O-B.  Yeah, buddy, they asked me to flash them in the face over and over again – k, thanks!

Here’s some of what I saw:

A few weeks ago a friend & fellow photographer Stephen Gosling contacted me about assisting him on a wedding.  When he said it was on a Thursday, I was surprised!  I have never heard of a Thursday wedding before, but this couple couldn’t have requested a more perfect day.  They had their ceremony on Thursday, followed by a lovely reception on Friday.  Hop on over to Stephen’s blog to see the wedding in it’s entirety.  He does amazing work!  Thanks for having me Stephen, it was great to work with you!

And I just had to add this last one showing Stephen at work.

A few weekends ago I had the great privilege of shooting again with Nicole Benitez Photography.  Nicole & I met at Justin & Mary Marantz’s Spread the Love tour a while back.  Shortly after meeting Nicole, her family moved to sunny California.  And while I was bummed to have a new friend move so far away, I get excited each time she comes back to the east coast & invites me to assist her at a wedding.

This wedding was for the lovely Jeff & Lara at the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico, Virginia.  What an amazing venue!  I love finding these gems of beauty & character like Lara & Jeff chose.  They were married in a quaint, stone chapel at the top of a hill & celebrated the night away down at the museum amongst everything Marines.  It was a wonderful day & I am so happy to have been able to share in their joy.  Go visit Nicole’s blog to see two posts of Jeff & Lara’s lovely photos.

Here are a few that I was able to capture.  And thanks Nicole for letting me try out your macro lens – I think I’m in lens love!

My good friend Beverly I and drove down this past weekend to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia to shoot the wedding of Greg & Ginnie.  Now I had only met Ginnie & her parents once prior to the wedding day, but I knew from that day & from our numerous e-mails that we had a connection.  Her dear, sweet father even asked me how my children were doing when I first arrived – how awesome & thoughtful is that!?!?  Beverly & I both commented to each other that it was so refreshing to see a wedding where two people were so much in love with one another that all they could do after the ceremony was just gaze at one another & be in each others’ arms.

And despite the sweltering heat, everyone was so gracious & so wonderful for Greg & Ginnie’s special day.

On to some photos….

Ginnie got this AMAZING dress off of Craig’s list!

Ginnie got very emotional after reading a card from her sweet Greg!  *sniff*

And he dipped her!!!!

I love Greg’s dad’s face in this shot!

The whole gang wanted to do a football team pose – they were so fun!

We almost ran out of daylight for the next set of images….almost!

Ginnie & her dad had a lot of giggles during their dance.

Ahhh….the love of a momma for her dear boy…

Ginnie’s sweet sister gave a wonderful (& funny) toast

And another touching moment between big brother & little sis

One of my favorite shots of the day.  Greg & Ginnie wanted to thank all of their guest for celebrating with them.

Greg & Ginnie are married!  I have lots more to show you in addition to this picture, but it stood out to me as unique for this wedding.  Ya see, Ginnie’s favorite color is green & she just knew these shoes would be perfect for her wedding day.  And she had wanted a photo all day showing them off.  As the last of the light was quickly fading, Beverly & I took them out in to the June heat, sat them down, and got this shot.  Congratulations Greg & Ginnie!  You’re wedding was awesomely wonderful, and I should know, I am super tired today to prove it!