From the first couple of emails with Samantha last summer I knew her and Kristos' October celebration they were planning was going to be something special. Somewhere between her suggestion of La Colombe as a coffee date, mentioning a reception at Momofuku and photos in CityCenterDC, and suggesting a boudoir shoot (more of that gorgeousness coming later!), I pretty much fell in love with these two and their fun, kind, hilarious selves.
Wanting something intimate and true to themselves, Samantha and Kristos already eloped in Vegas a couple months earlier but were ready to celebrate with family in DC. They got ready together in a hotel near CityCenter and pretty much danced their way to and from their small, romantic ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in their rented limousine. We had an absolute blast grabbing portraits of their beautiful (and hilarious) bridal party under the amazing autumn leaves, the installation above Palmer Alley, and then moved on to party and eat some of the best food I've ever put in my mouth at Momofuku -- where I am pretty sure I did not stop laughing or smiling for hours.
Beyond the details that made this day so unique and special for Sam and Kristos -- and beyond their obvious model status as humans, can we just take a moment?! -- every moment of the day was so full of love and happiness. Everyone came ready to celebrate these two and it is so clear that the love they have for their family and friends is mirrored one hundred percent. Not a single person wasn't on the dance floor, and smiles (the deep, happy kind that lifts your cheeks and lights up your eyes) were on every dear friend and family member's face.
To say that it was a joy to photograph this entire family is an understatement. It was an honor and a privilege to document such an abundance of love. Thank you so much, Sam and Kristos and all of you, for welcoming me into your day. I love you so much!
