a boy and girl, ten years later

I feel like I should just start off with saying that I really (really really) loved this wedding.

Chris and Caitlin started dating in high school, and had stayed together every since. After a decade of relationship goodness, their family and friends were bound to get to know each other. So unlike most weddings where guests form cliques and hide behind centerpieces, theirs were already a community and made for the most welcoming, happy party of the year.

(i.e., exponentially awesome.)

From my first meeting with Caitlin I was thrilled to work with her – she’s the relaxed yet capable sort of person who can plan a beautiful wedding and enjoy it the whole time. She’s from a fiercely Italian family who loves Bruce Springsteen, and he’s a sweet Hawaiian guy with a most excellent sense of humor.

Their wedding had an upscale luau theme, bringing the best of tropical lushness to the city!

Sarah of Ampersand Photography was lovely enough to come along to help shoot, and (if you’ve met either of us, you can imagine) we had some quality gushing time starting off with her gorrrrrgeous Alvina Valenta gown.

I love when brides choose to get ready at their own house surrounded by the peripherals of their life.

Caitlin, effortlessly gorgeous as ever.

the men and their getting ready / tailgating party

St. Louis Catholic Church, Alexandria

the presentation of (handmade!) leis to their parents

they chose Old Ebbitt Grill for their reception, not only since it’s one of the best restaurants in DC, but also has the BEST EVER cocktail hour space – on the roof!

…with views, of that one place.

Ebbitt’s famous oyster bar, making this basically the best luau ever.

…and in case the rooftop views weren’t good enough, the reception was held in the 9-story atrium. The look of the venue couldn’t have been more fitting for the wedding – chic, modern, and filled with gorgeous palm trees.  

Hollin Hall designed an incredible cake, and thanks to Sarah for these two shots.

Caitlin’s twin brother was the best man, and in his speech he announced some great promotion in his military career.

everyone was shocked and cheering, until he confessed it was a joke, and he just wanted to see how it’d feel to upstage his sister at her wedding :]

<3

  1. Soooooo sweet. Soooooo lovely. [happy sigh]

  2. Jen says:

    you’re the best of life.

    [ aaron’s making fun of me for saying that right now, but it’s TRUE, dude. ]

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