Duncan and Annie: Meadowlark Gardens Wedding Photographer

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
– Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
two are better than one…That was how we found Annie when Joseph and I showed up last Saturday. Relaxed, joyful, and enjoying a little shoulder massage from her sweet mother-in-law. Not a bad start to the day, huh? :) Annie also wore her grandmother’s ring, and her bouquet was wrapped with lace from her mother’s wedding gown!one of my new favorite dress shots!
as I was preparing their blog post I kept thinking “oh man THIS was my favorite part of the day!” then I’d come to the next group of photos and think “no, THIS was my favorite part!” :) This moment though was most definitely in the top three! Annie and Duncan both exchanged surprise gifts before the wedding, and let me tell any single folks out there, y’all need to take notes! Duncan had written a book that told their story, but the book was written as a story for their future kids. The book told the story of ‘Annie the Wonderful’ and ‘Duncan the Incredibly Lucky’ in a way that will be SO sweet for their children to read one day. Safe to say, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room!
Goodness gracious I could have done bridal portraits of Annie ALL. DAY. LONG! How stunning is she?! Annie had them add the bow to the back of her dress, and I think it suits her so perfectly! These next three portraits of Annie are all from Joseph’s camera:Annie, my sweet friend, you are such a classic, beautiful bride!Then we headed over to Meadowlark Gardens to meet up with the guys! Annie also had a special gift for Duncan…She had started a journal exactly one year before their wedding, and for 365 days she had written one thing that she loved about Duncan for every day. I’m SO glad that Joseph grabbed this photo of one of the pages and Annie’s handwriting (there’s something SO special to me about handwritten notes!) if you can’t read what’s on the page, it says “You don’t “seem” to get mad at me when I hit snooze 12 times on 3 different alarms every morning.”… “You actually helped me design the Save the Dates for our wedding.” … “I didn’t realize how wrong everyone else was for me until I found you.”  I’ve never seen such thoughtful, intentional gifts in my life. Annie and Duncan, I love how well you love each other :) Then it was time for their first look! Another favorite moment from their day: Joseph’s view: Duncan literally couldn’t take his eyes off of Annie :) Even while his best man Rob was pinning his boutonnière, Duncan was just staring as I took a couple bridal portraits of his stunning wife-to-be :) My shot on the left, Joseph’s on the right:ha! i love this shot and how you can see Duncan’s excitement ;) I had just asked Duncan how that wedding ring feels on his finger ;) Joseph’s photo on the left, mine on the right:seriously these two made my job SO dang easy!another favorite :) Duncan, you were looking so sharp my friend! Duncan and Annie have the greatest friends!
then it was time to get married!! this was another moment during the day where there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd… photographers included!loved Joseph’s view of their first kiss as husband and wife!
a few fun reception details:they had a coffee bar and donuts for all of their guests to snack on during the reception!I get SO excited when a couple is willing to sneak out for a few minutes for sunset portraits!! the 10 minutes they spent away from the reception was totally worth it! my photo on the left, Joseph’s on the right:we were able to time it just right to get that perfect evening light! here’s Joseph’s view:and here’s mine… I always love going through the photos after the wedding and seeing how we saw the same thing in such a different way:first dance:these two were tearing up the dance floor! ;)
Duncan and Annie, thank you so much for making us feel so welcome from the moment we stepped in the door. It was one of those days where I was constantly overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m so thankful for couples like you who love each other so well. Thankful for the reminder that two really are better than one, and that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. and so very thankful that you allowed us to be a small part of your day. I’m so happy for you both!

Ceremony and Reception: Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna VA
Wedding Gown: Pattrapon Bridal– Designer: Allure
Florist: Bryan at Karin’s Florist
DJ: Marc Augenbraum
Cake: Edible Incredible Desserts
Catering: Great Blue Heron Catering
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Grooms and Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Invitations: Vista Print
Coffee Bar: Vigilante Coffee Company

Share This Post

  1. […] sneak attack action :)I got to know Rob and Jess back in June since they were both in Duncan and Annie’s wedding party! Jess opened the door when we arrived that day and made us feel SO welcome right from the […]

  2. Jess says:

    Jessie, you are amazing!! These are so fabulous!

Leave a Reply to The DeLaski Family- Ashburn VA Family Photographer » Jessica Smith Photography Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *