What is a "First Look"? 3 Pros to Having a First Look on Your Wedding Day
The "first look" is the moment you see your soon to be spouse for the first time on your wedding day in your wedding attire. The first look can be a staged moment before the ceremony opposed to the traditional way of seeing other for the first time when you walk down the aisle.
Here are some Pros to having a first look before your ceremony:
- By having the first look before the ceremony we can capture all your wedding party and family photos so there are no more or less group photos to do after the ceremony. Everyone will be freshly done with hair and makeup and looking their best.
- Some couples find that it's easier to relax during their ceremony if they have seen each other prior, however some couples like to keep this special moment reserved for the ceremony.
- More time for portraits. Without the first look before the ceremony all portraits would have to be after the ceremony where time may be limited by cocktail hour. By doing portraits before the ceremony you will be able to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guest
Deciding wether to have a first look or not is a huge factor in determining your photography timeline. If you have any other questions or thoughts regarding a first look and your wedding day timeline please feel free to reach out!
Georgetown Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
Captured another surprise proposal along The Georgetown Waterfront with The Key Bridge in the background! One of my favorite spots in DC for proposals. I am starting to lose track of how many proposals I have captured here! I loved capturing shots with the birds out on this session.
Georgetown Waterfront Engagement Session at Night
I love photographing at night when I can get super creative with lighting! I have photographed engagement sessions, surprise proposals, and weddings many times in Georgetown & Georgetown Waterfront but photographing at night is completely different! After this surprise proposals I captured some portraits around Georgetown with Rosslyn in the background and other sites.
Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
The Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite monuments and I have captured many surprise proposals here! Between the columns with a view of The Washington Monument is always an amazing shot with iconic views of Washington DC. After this proposal we walked around the front of the memorial and along the reflecting pool and captured more portrais! Congratulations to this newly engaged couple!
Georgetown Waterfront Park Surprise Proposal
Georgetown & Georgetown Waterfront Park is one of my favorite Washington DC locations for engagement sessions & surprise proposals! I captured Spencer's surprise proposal to his girlfriend Amanda over the winter along the pathway directly next to the water. The surprise reaction was picture perfect! Holiday lights and decorations around Georgetown made for some great portrats after the proposal. I am so excited to share these images.
National Harbor Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
National Harbor is always a great location for a Surprise Proposal! The Ferris Wheel makes a great backdrop for portraits especially at night after the lights are very visible. The National Harbor also has a lot of great sculptures and statues to capture photos with.
Georgetown Waterfront Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
I captured another surprise proposal in Washington DC along the Georgetown Waterfront! The Georgetown Waterfront Park has a great view of The Key Bridge which connects Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia. This is a perfect spot for a surprise proposal with minimal tourist and an amazing view. During the winter Georgetown has it's Georgetown Glow Festival which features many light exhibits scattered around the area which makes for some unique photos. We also stopped by one of my favorite bridges for more portraits. Here are some of my favorite images! I love captureing surprise proposals and the emotional reactions involved!
Great Falls Park Winter Engagement Session
Sean & Walter love hiking so they wanted to have their engagement session at Great Falls Park on the Maryland side in the winter on a snowy day! The snow coverage trails and rocks made for some great shots! We braved the cold and it was totally worth it! Great Falls Park is just 15 miles outside of Washington DC along the Virginia & Maryland border. The park is known for it's views, hiking, and history.
Springfield Hilton Wedding Ceremony
Tahseen & Nayyirah had their marriage ceremony with 380 guest at The Springfield Hilton in Springfield, Virginia on New Years Day! The evening had many traditions including the "holding gate" where the groom must negotiate and pay members of the brides side before he can enter the hall. Once at the ceremony the bride and groom will sign the paperwork and exchange rings to complete the marriage. Bengali traditions including the garland exchange and mirror viewing where the groom will look into the mirror to see his bride and say something nice also happens during the ceremony. After the ceremony the bride and groom cut the cake and watched as their bridal party performed a dance. Hair & makeup was provided by Styles By Swati. Photography & videography was provided by Jon Fleming Photography and Raheel Khan Photography & Films. DJ & Lighting was provided by Stylish Click. Many other vendors are mentioned below! Congratulations to Tahseen & Nayyirah! We had a pleasure capturing your wedding day at The Springfield Hilton.
VENDORS:
Venue: Hilton Springfield, VA
Make up: Emaan Humnah
Hair: Styles By Swati
Mendhi: Heena Shah
DJ/Lighting: Stylish Click
Photography: Jon Fleming Photography
Videography: Raheel Khan Photography & Films
Decoration: Yaadein Events
Caterer: Gharer Khabar
Pies: Pie Sisters
Table: Inayah Zaman
Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Wedding in Middleburg Virginia
Will & Anna had a New Years Eve wedding at Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg, Virginia! Briar Patch is a historic farm that was built in 1805 on 47 acres of land with views of The Blue Ridge Mountains. The Bed & Breakfast also serves as a wedding venue that can host up to 200 guest. I provided photography and our photo booth rental for this New Years Eve Wedding celebration! The photo booth was a hit! At the stroke of midnight everyone celebrated and rang in the new year with a kiss as the party continued!
Middleburg Virginia Photo Booth Rental for Weddings
Will & Anna booked our photo booth for their New Years Eve wedding at Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg, Virginia! The photo booth was a hit with all their guest! We brought some special New Years Eve props to help ring in 2017 and the gold sequin backdrop and custom designed template worked perfectly with the theme! Guest lined up and grabbed a few props and snapped away all night long!
5 Unique Surprise Proposal Locations in Washington DC
5 Unique Surprise Proposal Locations in Washington DC
Looking for a unique location in Washington DC for your surprise proposal? I have captured many surprise proposals all over DC and here are 5 of my favorites! If you need help planning your surprise proposal or are looking to book a surprise proposal photographer i'd be happy to chat with you further! Just send an email by going to the contact form on my website here!
The Newseum Rooftop Terrace - The 6th floor rooftop terrace at The Newseum in Washington DC has an amazing view of The Capitol making for a great backdrop for any photo! The museum does have an admission fee but the museum and this view it totally worth it!
The National Zoo - The National Zoo is a fun place to propose! I loved capturing this surprise proposal in front of the African elephants exhibit!
The National Gallery of Art - Outside of The National Gallery of Art in DC there are some cool sculptures including the glass pyramids! During the winter the ice skating rink is also a great place to propose!
Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia was George Washington's home built in 1735. The back of the mansion has a grassy area with a great view of The Potomac River and the mansion.
Georgetown Waterfront - The Georgetown Waterfront overlooks The Kennedy Center and is a great spot for an afternoon walk along the water.
Jones Point Park Engagement Sessions
Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia is a popular location for engagement sessions and surprise proposals! The park is right along The Potomac River with a view of The National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It's super easy to get to by car and there is always parking avliable. Jones Point Park is normally a quiet location with most people there just running or biking through. One of the most popular features of the park is the lighthouse that was built in 1855. It is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. The Lighthouse is not open for the public to go inside but it makes for great portraits with it in the background. There are many great pathways, grassy areas, and the parking lot under the bridge is perfect for portraits as well. The grounds of the park are open from 6am-10pm but the best time for photos is a few hours before sunset. Each surprise proposal and engagement session I capture at Jones Point Park is different and unique as the park changes each season.
Why you should rent a photo booth for your next event!
Deciding wether or not to book a photo booth for your next big event? Photo booths are a prefect addition to any wedding, birthday party, social function, or company event! Here are some reasons to consider!
The perfect ice breakers! A photo booth provides entertainment for your guest. By adding photo booth to your event guest can interact with each other and have fun with props! It's suitable for all ages.
Party Favors! Photo Booth prints are perfect memorable party favors! Our photo booth instantly prints images for your guest to take with them. Unlimited printing is available so each of your guest will walk home with a print custom designed for your event. View some of our sample custom designed templates here. Our photo prints are not only an item to keep but an item your guest will share with others when they rave about your event.
High Quality Images! Our photo booth captures images of the highest quality! If your event does not have a photographer, a photo booth may be a more affordable way to have images of your guest!
Affordable! Photo Booth pricing starts at just $600 for a 2 hour rental. We offer competitive rates in the Washington DC area market.
Washington DC Engagement Session at The Capitol
This couple got engaged on the steps of The Supreme Court! After the surprise proposal we walked around to capture these portraits in front of The Capitol, on the steps of The Supreme Court, and in front of The Library of Congress! All these locations made for a perfect Washington DC engagement session!
Weddings at Old House Vineyards in Culpepper, Virginia
Old House Vineyards in Culpepper, Virginia is a 75 acre winery that host weddings for up to 200 guest! The outdoor ceremony space is on a man made island accessible by a dock leading out from the vineyards. The processional from the vines and across the dock is so beautiful and picture perfect. Old House Vineyards was voted best Virginia winery for weddings in 2012 by Virginia WineLover magazine. The reception is held in the outdoor tented area next to the vines and lake. I have captured multiple weddings at Old House Vineyards and am always excited to return for more!
Surprise Proposal at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia
Jones Point Park is one of my favorite parks in Alexandria, Virginia for surprise proposals and engagement sessions! The park is right along The Potomac River with a view of The National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Jones Point Park is normally a quiet location with most people there just running or biking through. One of the most popular features of the park is the lighthouse that was built in 1855. It is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. There are many great pathways, grassy areas, and the parking lot under the bridge is perfect for portraits as well. The grounds of the park are open from 6am-10pm but the best time for photos is a few hours before sunset. Each surprise proposal and engagement session I capture at Jones Point Park is different and unique as the park changes each season.
Washington DC Photo Booth Rental for your Holiday Party!
Our open air photo booth is perfect for any holiday event including company parties, family gatherings, and social events! Photo booth is a great way to spice up any party and get your guest interacting and having fun! Our photo booth is available for rent in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, & Maryland. We also travel as well! Each photo booth rental comes with setup & breakdown, a friendly attendant, fun props, your choice of backdrop, and the online gallery of your beautiful images. Pricing starting at only $600 for this amazing photo booth!
You can add on unlimited printing and guest will receive their prints within seconds! Someone to take home with them and keep!
Ask about holiday themed print templates like this one!
Weddings at Celebrations at The Bay in Pasadena, Maryland
Celebrations on The Bay is a wedding & event venue located in Pasadena, Maryland right along The Chesapeake Bay. I have captured several amazing weddings at this venue and each one is different! The venue has an amazing view of The Chesapeake Bay and the dock makes for a great spot for portraits as well as the gazebo, grass, and trees around. Each wedding is different as there are multiple setups available as far as tented reception or indoor reception. You can also have your ceremony on the deck on on the grassy area, both which overlook The Bay. Celebrations at The Bay is always a pleasure to work at and I have enjoyed all the photos I have captured there! Getting married at Celebrations on The Bay? I would love to chat with you about your wedding day!
The Chesapeake Ballroom has the best view of The Bay with its huge windows that allow some much natural light to come in! The ballroom can accommodate up to 140 guest.
Washington DC National Mall & Tidal Basin Engagement Session
I always love taking my clients to The National Mall & Tidal Basin for engagement sessions. The National Mall & all The Memorials is always a popular location for surprise proposals and engagement sessions. Each time I make a trip here for a session I love having the challenge of creating new images in the same locations. This was a session right after a surprise proposal on the steps of The Jefferson Memorial. Walking around the Tidal Basin we found many great spots for portraits without tourist in the way.
