It’s weird, sitting down to write these kinds of posts. Trying to sum up an entire year of shooting weddings in one pretty little blog entry, with one image per event. Each of my couples means the world to me, and knowing how much love, time, and effort went into every one of their days makes me wish I could fit all of their wedding images into one post, but I have a feeling my blog may crash if I tried that. So for now, we’ll just settle for a pretty little blog entry, and we’ll tie it with a proverbial bow to wrap it up nicely. Yes? Yes!

In all seriousness, 2013 blew me away. I began the year with a lot of apprehension, and I feel like I’ve ended it with a much clearer picture of who I am, what I want, and where I see things heading in the future. 2013 was the year of settling into a groove, and so instead of constantly trying to get a grip on a system, I was able to bloom and grow as my systems became more and more consistent. I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be an even bigger year of growth, and I am so dang excited :).

Mike & Anna kicked off the year with their January wedding in Front Royal and shared their first kiss ever in front of family & friends! (And now they’re expecting a baby boy!)

David & Heather’s long-distance love story finally came full-circle with their Naval Academy Chapel ceremony, and military weddings officially became my favorite.

Joe & Sara’s stunning black tie wedding was perfectly timed for the DC cherry blossoms in bloom, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts was the perfect backdrop for their elegant reception.

Josh & Lorinda’s sweet barn wedding was full of soft, cozy details, from her dad’s cufflinks to the pretty peonies in her bouquet.

Chris & Alyssa’s wedding felt like something out of a fairytale, with her princess ball gown and Chris in uniform.

Greg & Sarah tied the knot in a coffee roastery in Kansas City and I really couldn’t have asked for a sweeter couple to photograph.

Greg & Jackie’s Merriweather Manor wedding had everything a classic rural wedding should- soft pinks, a pastel blue barn, peonies, and a first dance under an open sky.

Tyler & Ashley picked one of the most unique locations for portraits for their Southern wedding and we had so much fun clamoring around the piano field!

Charles & Jen’s intimate wedding at Stevenson Ridge had pops of unexpected joie de vivre, like the bouquets from Anthomanic and their sweet puppy Knuckles.

James & Deanna’s elegant garden wedding in Surrey, England was one of those days where I had to pinch myself to make sure everything was really happening. You couldn’t ask for a more welcome pair than these two.

Tim & Lauren’s pretty pink and grey fête at Trump National was one of those days that left me feeling thankful for family, friends, and the chance to hold my loved ones close.

No amount of rain could take the sunshine out of Brent & Lena’s wedding day. Seriously- look how radiant they are!

Chris & Chrissy’s classic Leesburg wedding had so many little elegant touches throughout the day!

Eddie & Priyanka’s secret garden wedding was one big daydream that I could live over again and again!

Chris & Leah, an antique Rolls Royce, and that lace dress of hers. Need I say more? Together, these two are the epitome of the word “darling.”

I will always love a good black tie affair, and Jake & Ashley’s wedding did not disappoint. Plus, portraits down by the Baltimore Harbor? Please and thank you.

Kam & Erin’s Naval Academy Chapel wedding was so, so sweet, and I loved their sheer bliss as the wonder of finally being married to one another.

Ware & Liz’s wedding was something out of a classic-lover’s dream. Black tuxes for the guys, a fur stole from her grandmother, and one of the most gorgeous wedding gowns I’ve ever seen.

John & Emily know how to throw an elegant soirée better than anyone I know, from her Jimmy Choose to the mini champagne bottles they used as escort cards. It was such a lovely wedding day!

And last, but most certainly not least, was Jeff & Tracy’s Caribbean wedding on the island of Vieques. Their intimate wedding with best friends and closest family was one heck of a way to end my 2013 wedding season, and I’m still not convinced that I didn’t dream up the entire thing.

To all of my 2013 brides and grooms, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, I thank you. I’m so grateful for the implicit trust you extend my way to document your wedding days, and for the way you all love each other fiercely and unabashedly. Each of you has left an undeniable impression on my and I am so very thankful for you all!