After being together for twelve years, Stephanie and Drew tied the knot this Memorial Day Weekend in Dulles, VA. While they are transplants from New England, they now call Virginia home and wanted to celebrate their marriage where they live!

Stephanie is one of those brides that has the attention for detail. Seeing all of the pieces of her wedding day come together after over a year of planning was magical! From personalized cuff links to her husband, to the wax seals and ring box with the initial of her new last name, the small touches really elevated the excitement and sincerity of the day.

To start the day off, Stephanie and her bridesmaids enjoyed some mimosas while getting ready. Then she slipped into her stunning princess dress before going to do a first look with her father. I have said it before, and I will say it again…I love daddy/daughter first looks! They always bring tears to my eyes behind the camera. Stephanie and her dad’s first look was no exception. That hug that always lingers a little longer than on a normal day…it is so special.

The staff at the 1757 Golf Club recommended a first look location, to which we were able to venture! Stephanie and Drew shared a first look right there on the golf course! Drew is not one to show his emotions. In his words, “Whatcha see is whatcha get,” but the emotion burst through on this particular day as he saw his girlfriend and fiancée of 12 years as a bride about to become his wife!

Now I knew Drew was not a fan of taking pictures after their Lincoln Memorial & Cherry Blossom engagement session, but this day…this day was different. He gladly nuzzled and shared kisses and did everything we asked of him. It was clear how smitten he was with his bride! How lucky am I that this is my job?!

This wedding day brought a couple of firsts for me (which is saying something now that I am going on my 4th years of photographing weddings!). First, they did a “Table Tapping” game, led by the DJ, Mike from Black Tie Entertainment. Stephanie and Drew had one song to go through and get a picture with each table at the reception. This was a workout for this pregnant lady, but it was so worth it. Such a cool way to document everyone in attendance! At the end of the game, Mike got everyone to come out on the dance floor for one large group picture! There was lots of high energy and the dance floor was packed all night long!

Another first happened to be one of my favorite parts of Stephanie & Drew’s day. They did a traditional Polish Dance where everyone danced with the bride after paying her maiden (in this case, Stephanie’s maid of honor, her sister!) for a dance with her! Stephanie was like the Energizer bunny out there dancing and jumping with almost every single guest that was in attendance! I am not sure how she did it, but she made it fun and look easy.

These two actually did a pre-wedding trip to Disney (one of Stephanie’s favorite places!) prior to the wedding as a stress-relief trip to alleviate the stress that wedding planning brings, in lieu of a honeymoon. I kind of love this idea since it makes so much sense! They are now settling into married life a week and a half into forever! Thank you to Stephanie and Drew for including me in their wedding and trusting me with their memories! Cheers to you two!

Vendor Team

Photography | Ali Rae Haney Photography
Venue | 1757 Golf Club
Bridal Gown Boutique | Kathy’s Bridal
Bridal Shoes | Keds & Betsey Johnson
Bridal & Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup | Best Face Forward
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse
Florals | Twinbrook Florals
Baker & Dessert Bar | Signature Sweets by Amanda
Caterer | 1757 Golf Club
Ceremony & Reception Musician/DJ | Black Tie Entertainment