Talia works for Ridgewells Catering (which by the way makes the MOST delicious food) so she has been around an event or two in her career.  Ed on the other hand has a thing or two he doesn’t usually like about weddings.  Together, they came up with a unique wedding experience that took full advantage of their entire wedding day and will be a day guests will never forget.  After a morning wedding ceremony with only their closest friends and family at The Ballroom in Bethesda, Maryland, they hosted a lunch for the group afterwards.  This intimate affair was filled with toasts, delicious food, cake, and a lot of laughter. One of my favorite things about the ceremony and lunch was that they included their beloved pup, Zoe, who served as the Dog of Honor for the day.  Zoe walked down the aisle, listened and watched the ceremony and toasts, and even helped herself to a piece of wedding cake.  So cute! After lunch, I headed over with the bridal party and family to the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington DC where we had special VIP access to create some gorgeous portraits.

After portraits and some family photos, we went back to The Ballroom where a party of 250 people were waiting for us.  The Ballroom had been transformed by uplighting, a floor wash, and trendy furniture.  The band Nightsong from Entertainment Exchange was fabulous and kept the dance floor packed the entire evening.  About halfway through the party, the maid of honor stood up to give a quick “speech”.  But instead of a traditional toast, she said she would show how she feels about Talia through a little dance and so the awesome FLASHMOB began!! First off, I am literally obsessed with flashmobs so when her MOH called me and told me they were doing this, I was soooo excited! The music montage began with just the MOH and Ed.  Slowly more and more people joined in until literally almost every single guest was on the dance floor.  Talia was floored. Her reaction was priceless!

If you missed Talia & Ed’s engagement photos, you can view them here.

I’m so happy and honored that I could photograph this celebration for Talia & Ed.  They are two of the sweetest people and I had so much fun with them on their wedding day.  I wish them so much happiness in their future together!

PS-Tragically, Ed’s father passed away a couple of days before posting these photos.  I am so saddened to hear this because from the short amount of time I spent with him, I could tell he was a jokester and lived life to the fullest–much like his son.  On the wedding day, these two were all about the “fake laugh” and I’m glad they were because it created some very memorable photos.  I know nothing can make the situation better but Ed and Talia were so lucky that they were able to spend so much time with him leading up to and on the wedding day.  And I’m sure he was so incredibly happy that he could be there to witness it.  I would like to dedicate this post in memory of Pop Zerkle.

Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Ballroom

Photographer: Ashley Michelle Photography

Caterer/Cake: Ridgewells

Band: Nightsong with Entertainment Exchange

Florist: Philippa Tarrant Floral Design

Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting

Decor: Syzygy Events International

Other Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

Bridal Dress Store: Lovely Bride

Bridal Dress Designer: Nicole Miller

Make-up Artist: Lauren Jaber from Real Doll Makeup

Hair Stylist: Jewel Hair Design

Transportation: MJ Valet

Ceremony Music: O’Hanlan & Harp

Invitation: Old City Press