I remember sitting in my house on the phone with Chanel earlier this year about her wedding day. Details were still up in the air, but she was willing to work around my calendar to have me document her special day. Having a bride work around my schedule is always an incredible honor! I still cannot wrap my head around the idea because there are a bazillion photographers in the area, so it’s humbling. When I met Chris and Chanel in person … Goodness … It has been a fairytale working with them, especially when I had the chance to photograph their engagement portraits. They are not only down to earth, but their beauty and love shine from within. It’s evident in their photos, and I’ve been SO anxious to share these with you since Friday!
This day will forever be one of my all time favorites. I will admit that this wedding is different from my typical farm/winery wedding as I typically don’t book city weddings. Not that Springfield is considered “city,” but the day started at the National Harbor which is close enough to the city for me! 😉 I was so paranoid about traffic Friday morning that my assistant, Emily and I arrived 45 minutes early. We were able to enjoy a cup of coffee/relaxation time which started the day on a great note! We walked into the hotel room where Chanel and her sweet friends were prepping. Chanel and her entourage were the cutest bunch of bridesmaids! Biggest cheerleaders I have ever witnessed! They loved getting together to share the excitement of the day. The squealing/excitement carried throughout the wedding day where other brides need to hire them for their wedding party as professional bridesmaids. 😉 Haha! I could not believe how ALIVE they were since they started prepping before 5 a.m.!!! Chanel admitted that she has friends who have started prepping for their weddings before 3 a.m.! Goodness. I’m surprised that I woke up at the hour I did just to arrive at the National Harbor by 8:15 a.m.! Lol! The men were just as alive as the girls were. In their hotel room, they were practicing their dance moves and enjoying some “bro time”. While the men were getting their dancing on, the girls were finalizing hair and makeup. I was photographing Chanel’s details and could not help but to drop my jaw when I saw her Louboutin heels. Absolute perfection. 🙂
Fast forward to Chris seeing Chanel walking down the aisle towards him, his eyes filled with tears. She was flawless! They embraced the moment in front of family and friends as they laid their hearts on the altar to God. Looking around the room during a prayer, men and women were tearing up. It was a surreal moment! So much raw emotion, love, joy and faith. As soon as they were able to kiss as husband and wife, they could not help but to fill with excitement! They are the cutest! 🙂
Their reception was different from any reception I have ever photographed. They had a typical four-hour reception but they didn’t have any communal dancing, only performances! Even the toasts were performed!! It was an incredible thing to witness because EVERYONE is a talented singer and dancer! Even Chris and Chanel!! I found myself laughing, crying, enjoying every minute of the reception. I was so impressed and left the reception wanting more. <3 This wedding will forever be a favorite of mine because of Chris, Chanel, their family/friends, unique details and performances!
Thank you, Chris and Chanel, for everything! You left me on cloud nine the remainder of the weekend thanks to your love story. It was a fairy tale from start to finish, and I’m forever grateful my business brought you into my life! <3 I look forward to seeing you again in the future! I wish you the BEST time on your honeymoon! CONGRATS! XOXO!
CONGRATS!!!!!
Thanks to the vendors involved!!!
Prepping Location: Wyndham Hotel
Ceremony: Iglesia Ni Cristo – Church of Christ
Reception: Springfield Golf and Country Club
Reception Coordinator: Jennifer Toney
Day of Coordinator: Susan Rodriguez, Hey Bride
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Assistant Photographer: Emily Marie Photography
Hair Artist: Lorraine Cruz
Makeup Artist: Marquia Kinard
Caterer: Springfield Golf and Country Club
Florist: Arrow Peralta
Cake: Shilla’s Bakery
Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcakes
Macaroons: Salt & Sugar
DJ: Reggie Alignay
Videography: Simon Cook Films
Stationery: Kristina Castellano
Dress Designer: Pronovias
Rentals: Davinci’s Florist
Photo Booth: Fotovoot
Transportation: Limousines Inc.
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