MEREDITH & MIKE | BELLE HAVEN COUNTRY CLUB | OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

 

They day started with me accidentally going to the wrong hotel — luckily only a block away from the real one… my bad. As soon as I got to the right hotel, I was welcomed right away by Meredith, her sister, and her bridesmaids! Meredith had all her pretty details all ready for me in the suite – invite, shoes, rings, and earrings. The girls were getting final touches of makeup in one room and I had everything spread out in the connecting room. I always like to stay out of the way by shooting in another space away from the madness of the bridal party hair and make-up! Typically hair and make-up sets up shop in front of the window so I don’t want to add to the madness by trying to push my way through for some natural light! This is why I always recommend a suite for my brides getting ready in hotels!

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Meredith and Mike tied the knot in Old Town Alexandria at the oldest Catholic church in Virginia where Meredith’s brother also happens to be the reverend!  The ceremony was a full hour mass followed by family portraits and then bridal party! I was thankful Meredith and Mike built in a lot of time after the ceremony for portraits! We got to wander around Old Town and revisit some of the same places that I took them for their engagement session! Can’t say no to cobblestone streets and brick alleyways with perfect light!

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When we got to Belle Haven Country Club, my second photographer, Kir, and I captured reception details and admired Meredith’s beautiful calligraphy handiwork on the menus and place cards! Gorgeous! We were able to sneak Meredith and Mike outside for a few golden hour shots in the front lawn of Belle Haven – love them! Throughout the evening, guests danced (a lottttt – Thriller anyone?!) and were handed late night snacks! When it came time for the sparkler exit – it started POURING so we had to wait a second for the rain to stop a little bit!

So classic!Happy!Love this green and white bridal bouquet!I’ve shot in this alley several times – but never on a wedding day!! LOVE!One of my faves!So handsome, Mike!Love this sweet shot of Meredith!
Reception details! Green, white, gold, and pops of coral!Meredith did all the calligraphy!
The NEW Dr. & Dr. Morcos!!!Stole them away for some more portraits!Lookin’ so good!

The whole room broke out into Thriller!The face of two little girls who would very much like a piece of that cake!Loved their cute favors!Father of the groom bustin’ a move!Snacks – yes please!Gotta love a good “SHOUT” picture!
Congratulations to the new Dr. and Dr. Morcos!!!

Shoutout to the fantastic vendors who helped make Meredith & Mike’s day so special! Thanks to Kir2ben for being my second photography!

Venue: Belle Haven Country Club

Church: St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Old Town

Caterer: Belle Haven Country Club

Baker: Sweet Ladies Bakery

Florist: Brookhill FLorist

Officiant: Reverend Nicholas R. Barnes

Dress: Global Bridal Gallery

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom

Tux:  Nordstrom

Reception Music: Jukeboxx Band

Ceremony Music:  Organist: David Elliot, Cantor: Paige Johnson, String Quartet: Cherry Blossom String Quartet, Trumpet: Anthony Bellino

Hair/Makeup: Carola Myers

Favors: Market Spice Tea

Invitations:  Hawthorne Fine Paper

Menu Cards:  Meredith Barnes