Lauren and Christian came all the way from Germany to get married in NYC at City Hall.

Lauren began getting ready for the day at the beautiful Warwick Hotel.

nyc wedding elopement photography warwick hotel

nyc wedding elopement photography warwick hotel

nyc wedding elopement photography warwick hotel

Everyone got into a limo and made their way down to City Hall for the ceremony.

nyc wedding elopement photography city hall

City hall wedding NYC

City hall wedding NYC

City hall wedding NYC elopement

Wedding photography Love sculpture NYC

City hall wedding NYC central park

Married! Congratulations to the happy couple!

Wedding NYC central park

Wedding NYC central park winter snow

Wedding NYC central park winter

Wedding NYC central park winter snow

The celebration kept on going at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle for a wedding toast and brunch.

Wedding NYC

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Wedding NYC wedding photography

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Wedding NYC wedding

Congratulations Lauren and Christian!

Mel and Aaron were married at City Hall on a very chilly day in New York City, eloping all the way from Australia!

The day began with a short and sweet ceremony.

After the nuptials, we took a tour of the city, stopping at many favorite spots including Grand Central Station, the red steps of Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park and Trump Tower.

Mel tells me, “Aaron and I met almost 10 years ago at a friend’s party. My friend and I were dancing away and I noticed he’d been standing around just hanging out with some guys but not doing all that much. Boring! So I made him come and dance! Not the best dancer might I add, but it was nice that he (reluctantly) gave it a go. Shy and a bit on the quiet side, I had to make all the moves in the beginning–it was quite hilarious. I’d call him and say things like “Here’s what we’re doing today. We’re going to meet up and hang out. Pick me up at 1!” And he did.”

After a few years, on Mel’s 21st birthday, they moved into a new house together and began to talk about marriage. “We had discussed getting married, but after seeing many friends and family members have all the stress and sometimes drama of planning their special day, we both thought it would be really cool to one day just elope somewhere and save ourselves the trouble!”
“Just last year, in 2012, I won a competition at work. I’m a make-up artist working in a busy department store. The competition winner would be given a $3,000 travel voucher for anywhere in the world. When I was told I won, Aaron and I saw that as a sign, that this trip would be it. I told a few family members and close friends about our plans, and that was only a few months beforehand. For everyone else, I wanted it to be a surprise when we got back!”

Mel finishes by saying, “The day was amazing. Memorable in so many ways!”
For me, this was a really special day. I really enjoyed helping Mel plan from halfway around the world! After spending the whole day with them and taking them all over the city, I felt like we were long-time friends and I was so happy to share their wedding day with them.

The evening ended with a champagne toast and dinner at a wonderful new Italian restaurant along Central Park West, Caffè Storico.

Congratulations Mel and Aaron!

Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Dress: DKNY
Bracelet: Kate Spade

Flowers: Flowers by Richard, 316 West 53rd Street
Photography: Jessica Schmitt Photography

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Natalia and Edward were married on a beautiful December day at the Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C.

Natalia’s accessories were ahead of the style curve. Emerald is the new color of the year. Gorgeous!

The Hay-Adams, Top of the Hay was such a beautiful location for the wedding. They had so many pretty Christmas decorations and an amazing view of the White House and Washington Monument.





Congratulations Natalia and Edward!

Photography by: Jessica Schmitt Photography
Special thank you to the team:
Ceremony and Receptions Venue: The Hay-Adams, Top of the Hay
Top of the Hay Catering: Rebecca Ventura
Wedding Coordinator: Engaging Affairs
Floral Design: The Ociana Group

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes
DJ: Jared Rosen
Musicians: Sage String Quartet
Officiate: Rev. John W. Wimberly, Jr.

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Kristie and Clint had a beautiful wintery wedding in Arlington, Virginia. The day began with preparations at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel.

This dress is STUNNING!

Clint got ready in a nearby room and then came over to meet Kristie for the first look before the ceremony.

Kristie shares, “There were so many moments that I will remember forever. Seeing Clint for the first time before the ceremony was probably my favorite. It was more emotional than I expected. We’ve been together for a long time, but seeing him for the first time the day of our wedding was so exciting.”

After the first look everyone gathered together to go to a special photo location in Old Town Alexandria: The Carlyle House Historic Park.

I had the great pleasure of photographing Kristie and Clint’s engagement portraits in April. We had a really fun styled shoot in Central Park. See the photos and read about the wonderful proposal story on their engagement session post.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped to take some photos at the firehouse. Clint is in recruit school for the City of Alexandria Fire Department.

The ceremony area really captured the wintery theme, surrounded by gorgeous lit branches covered in snow.

“Every decoration was DIY,” Kristie shares. “My mom made all of our centerpieces and Clint and I made all of the save-the-dates, invites, place cards and programs. Needless to say, we were all covered with fake snow and glitter for the past few months as we finalized the details.”

After some beautiful and tearful vows, Kristie and Clint were married!

Now time to party!

Kristie continues, “Music is really important to Clint and me and we were excited to have three different styles of music at the wedding. Our friends, Jon and Chip, played Just Breathe by Pearl Jam (Clint’s favorite band) as I walked down the aisle. We loved having the Latin jazz trio during cocktails–they brought life to the party and we had fun dancing to them before the reception started. When Clint told me he booked The Moonlighters for the reception I was ecstatic! I love Motown and was so excited to have it be a part of our wedding.”

Kristie and Clint shared their first dance to the Beatles, In My Life, under dramatic chandeliers.

Dancing with Kristie was Clint’s favorite part of the day, “Kristie and I have always liked dancing together and for a long time people have commented on what a good couple we are from our dancing at other people’s weddings.  It was nice to see that familiar smile on Kristie’s face when we danced at our own wedding. I also loved Mr. Murray’s toast. Kristie’s dad isn’t the sentimental type so hearing him say all of those kind and caring words about our relationship in front of so many people was a heartwarming experience.”

Aside from the first look and dancing together, Kristie also loved listening to her sister’s toast. She said, “It was unexpected and hilarious, but also heartfelt. My dress also turned out to be one of my favorite things about our wedding. It perfectly fit my personality and style and I loved its poofy pinkness! The size of the dress quickly became a running joke throughout the day.”

I’m trying something new: a blog slideshow! More photos, more love, more happy! Enjoy!

Congratulations Kristie & Clint!

Special Thanks to the team:
Photography: Jessica Schmitt and Eric Swartz
Bridal Gown: Lazaro, from Jeanette’s Bridal, Manassas, VA
Bridal Party Hair and Makeup: Aquilano Salon, Alexandria, VA
Nails: Serenity Day Spa, Alexandria, VA
White Fur Jacket: Forever 21; Grey Stole: Target
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade; Jewelry: Kate Spade
Maid of Honor’s Dress: BCBG; Jewelry: Ann Taylor; Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Engagement Ring: Tiffany’s; Wedding Bands: Jared
Guys’ Tuxes: BonobosBow ties: Brooks BrothersGroom’s Coat: Express
Cake: IndAroma Bakery, Alexandria, VA; Cake Topper: Etsy, MorganTheCreator
Flowers: Bloom Fresh Flowers, Alexandria, VA
Ceremony Musicians: Jon Lawlor and Chip Johnson
Cocktail Band: Trio Caliente
Reception Band: The Moonlighters
Framed Name Artwork: Charla Hayen
Day of Coordinator: Sarah Magee

Miki and Nicholas had a beautiful winter wedding in Washington, DC. The day began with preparations in the bridal suite of the Willard Hotel.

The bride was able to relax knowing she would soon be marrying the man of her dreams, “Nicholas’s mom kept telling me the morning of the wedding that she was amazed at how calm I was.  To be honest, I was surprised as well.  I mean, the favors didn’t arrive like they should have, and my sister was making/sewing my veil the morning of and didn’t finish until 2:00 that afternoon.  My thought was: All could go wrong, but I knew that at 5:30 that evening Nicholas and I would be exchanging our vows.”

Miki’s garter was handmade by one of her bridesmaid’s mothers. I love the personal touch! The bride says, “The details on the garter were amazing! She put both our names (Nicholas and I), silver rings, our wedding date, the color red (one of our wedding colors), and she even added old lace (for my something ‘old’)!”

Miki and Nicholas decided to have a first look. I love when couple’s decide to do a first look and see each other before the ceremony because they get to have a special moment just between the two of them.

Miki and Nicholas were able to enjoy their first look from the hotel room of the Willard.

The Willard looked so beautiful all dressed up with Christmas decorations.

Having a first look also helped with the schedule because the daylight in winter is limited and we were able to get lots of fun outdoor shots before dark.

For a very cold December day, these bridesmaids were such good sports as they popped in and out of the limo to the spots the bride and groom had chosen for outdoor photos. Ladies, thank you for smiling while you were shivering! The red dresses looked so festive and vibrant.

Just down the street from the Willard is the beautiful, historic Old Post Office Pavilion. We rode the elevator up the 315-foot Clock Tower to get the perfect shot. The chilling winds didn’t keep this couple from enjoying the moment. Miki and Nicholas, you two look so happy! I’m so glad we took the time to go up. I think this is my favorite photo from the day!

Here you can see the Clock Tower and the Capitol building in the distance next to the lights of the gorgeous Warner theater.

The ceremony and reception took place at the City Club of Washington.

The bride and groom had a very special officiant marry them, Nicholas’s father!

I absolutely love Miki’s ring! Her sapphire sparkled so beautifully.

Three very touching toasts were given from the bridal party–by the groom’s two brothers and the bride’s best friend.

The first dance was set to “Slow Show” by The National, a song Nicholas played for Miki during their second date.

Congratulations you two!

Wedding Preparation Venue: Willard Intercontinental Hotel
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Catering: The City Club of Washington Coordinator, Cassandra Centers
Wedding Dress: Private company; Tailor: Zarif Custom Tailors, Ashburn VA
Bride’s Shoes: Chinese Laundry
Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist: Zia
Groom’s Suit: Michael Korrs
Rings: Washington Diamonds
Officiant: Reverend Charles Kalmbach
Florist: Growing Wild Floral Co.

Cupcakes: Red Velvet Cupcakes
DJ: Kirkabee Deejays

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