Washington DC Photographer - Azaleas - National Arboretum

Have I mentioned how much I love spring? In the DC area one thing after another blooms, it's such a beautiful time of year! Coming a little early this year are the azaleas. Being from the south, I have a fondness for azaleas which are often accompany my favorite tree, the live oak (those trees that are usually "decorated" with Spanish moss). The main difference is that in the south you almost always see the largest of the azalea flowers and they are color coordinated much better - you don't see reds and pinks and oranges planted next to each other like you do here!
The azalea collection at the National Arboretum is just stunning with colors and sizes not found anywhere else. Here are a few pictures from last week in case you haven't been able to go visit them in person. Enjoy!

Northern Virginia Photographer - Meghan and Patrick

Engaged high school sweet hearts, Meghan and Patrick will be tying the knot very soon. After many years together, Meghan still gives Patrick the cutest look - it's so adorable! Being able to capture a moment of happiness is my goal as a wedding and portrait photographer so working with these was a joy. Their wedding should be full of fun with many more adoring looks and playful laughs, I can't wait!

Cherry Blossom Wedding Theme - Wedding Photography - Congratulations Melissa and Matt!

Melissa and Matt were married on a windy spring day with a beautiful cherry blossom theme wedding in Ashburn, VA. Melissa had some really fun pink petal wedding shoes (that were being coveted by many :) ), and lots of other pretty pink and chocolate brown details. Other personal touches like the Virginia Tech pom-poms leaving the church and the groom's NASCAR cake made the day special. And isn't Melissa's dress gorgeous?? Friends and family all had a great time celebrating this couple's wedding at the charming Belmont Country Club. I just love historical and unique wedding venues with character! I really hope to return to this wedding venue in the future.
Melissa was an organized bride, but it was still great to have the help of Elizabeth from Cherry Blossom Weddings and Events, to make sure everything ran smoothly and everyone was free to enjoy the day and all the sweet moments that come with an oldest daughter's wedding. Side note - Melissa is the oldest of four kids, two girls, two boys, just like me! I was honored to be a part by capturing the day's memories as Melissa and Matt's wedding photographer!
Melissa and Matt - I hope you're having a wonderful time in Mexico!















Fantastic Wedding Planner: Cherry Blossom Weddings and Events - Elizabeth Leibundguth
TIP - If you're getting married, besides the photographer :), put hiring a coordinator high on your list! Don't underestimate the value of having someone like Elizabeth to take care of the details and be on hand to make sure the day goes smoothly so you're free to enjoy it all.
Hair: KC Felton
Make-up: Marti Wright
DJ: Chris Laich
Florist: Holly Heider Chapple Flower
Wedding Photographer: jan michele photography- Jan Graves - jan@janmicheleimages.com
Beautiful, Historical Wedding Reception Venue: Belmont Country Club 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn, VA 20147

Belmont Country Club Wedding Pictures - Melissa and Matt

Baby Photography Arlington VA - Caleb

I know I've mentioned a few times how wonderful all my clients are and how much I enjoy seeing them over the years as their families grow, but it's so true! This adorable little guy belongs to Jay and Karen who were married a few years ago and I had the privilege of being their wedding photographer. It was great to see them and meet Caleb for his first photo shoot on a warm spring day. Caleb gave us his attention for about an hour and a half, which is quite impressive! With grandparents on hand to help with the family shots, I think he enjoyed having the attention of all his favorite faces. Babies change so fast, I'm so glad Caleb's parents are making sure to document these days with pictures before they slip past.




At this point, he was telling us it was his dinner time! This was the last picture I took. :)
Contact Jan today for pictures of your children before another day, week or month goes by!

Anniversary Photo Shoot - Alayne and Matt

You may remember Alayne, as she appeared on my blog from her recent shoot in Jacksonville, FL. She and her husband, Matt, were in DC last weekend to celebrate their 4th anniversary and to see the cherry blossoms. The tidal basin blossoms were gone, but there were plenty of other flowers for their "DC in bloom" pictures.
These beautiful double ruffle pink trees are also cherry blossoms, just not the ones we usually think of. And the wisteria, tulips and dogwoods are as spectacular as ever. And of course a DC photo shoot wouldn't be complete without a stop at the famous "blue doors". I had a great time photographing them up here in Washington DC for a change!









An anniversary is a great excuse for a photo shoot! Contact Jan today to be your photographer.