Many little girls at some point in their childhood dream of their wedding day. The pretty dresses, the cake, the guests, and – most importantly of all – the Prince Charming she is to marry. As little girls, these things seem so certain and so simple that no thought is given as to where this Prince Charming is going to come from. This wedding at the Bellevue Conference and Event Center in Chantilly, Virginia is the stuff that dreams are made of.
Though many assume they will meet him in some magical moment, there are times when life doesn’t go as planned – and that’s ok. This is exactly what happened to Abigail and her husband Michael. This couple met through a close friend of Abigail’s mother. Convinced the two would be a good match, this friend gave Michael Abigail’s phone number, and out of the blue, Michael began texting Abigail. Concerned that a long distance relationship wouldn’t work between them, Abigail had plenty of her own hesitations when they began talking. But, by the end of the 6 hour conversation, she knew he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The beautiful windows int he dressing room of the Bellevue Conference and Event Center were the perfect spot to hang the wedding dress.
If there is one thing that can be said about this beautiful couple, it is that conventional is not how they do things. They met in a unique way, and Michael proposed in a unique way. Instead of the traditional one-knee proposal, the couple found themselves in a jewelry store, and Michael asked which ring she would like. When Abigail finally selected one, they knew from that moment onward they were to be married. We at Judah Avenue caught up with this couple at the Bellevue Conference and Event Center in Chantilly, Virginia. As wedding photographers, we are always thrilled to be a part of every couple’s special day, and each photography session is a thrill.
We instantly set to work snapping photos of Abigail and her bridesmaids as they got ready for the ceremony. Their wedding planner’s biggest piece of advice was to make sure the couple planned their special day for themselves – but it was clear that they didn’t have to! Friends and family lovingly surrounded Abigail, showing her all the support in the world. From getting her makeup done to putting the tiara in her hair, supporters of all ages milled about the room, all laughing and joking with the bride as they got ready for the event.But, there was more fun taking place in another room, as Michael, too, got ready for the event. Laughter floated down the halls as his friends helped him buckle down and button up for is big moment, and it’s clear that he, too, has unlimited loving support from his family and friends.
As the anticipated moment drew near, we photographers snapped photos of all the guests as they eagerly sat in their seats, waiting for the arrival of the bride. When she did appear, all eyes in the room were on her, and what a breathtaking sight she was!
Their beautiful ceremony was filled with happy moments and joyful tears, with the most touching moment of all being when they slid their rings onto each other’s fingers. If there was ever a couple who was completely certain about spending their lives together, it is Abigail and Michael.
As soon as the ceremony concluded, we photographers did what we do best and snagged the bride, groom, and their parties for some stunning photos. Not only do the bride and groom look like the perfect couple, but their gathered parties do nothing but make the shots look even more beautiful.
Then, it was off to the celebration. The glorious ball room was decorated from floor to ceiling with vases, candles, and a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace. The cake towered in the corner of the room, and beautiful dinnerware graced each of the tables. The darkened purple lighting to the room set a perfectly elegant tone to the evening, only further enhancing the beauty of Abigail in her wedding gown.
Speeches, toasts, and dancing became the theme of the night, with a smoke screen causing the scene to look like something out of a real fairytale. Friends and family members gave their tearful blessings to the new couple as joyful conversation filled the air.
Sticking to their unconventional roots once more, Abigail and Michael once again did things their way with a father-son and mother-daughter dance. After the evening was capped off with an exhilarating bouquet toss, we took a few more moments to snap some quiet shots of the new man and wife as they enjoyed each other’s company in the midst of the crowd.Even the wedding planner joined in on the fun, here is Dora of @TINAROSEEVENTS living it up:)Is that a kiss on his cheek? This little man sure made his moves around the ladies…
The celebration continued long into the night, and we enjoyed every second of it. All of us at Judah Avenue want to give Abigail and Michael our congratulations, and thank you for letting us be part of your special day!
Judah Avenue is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Silver Spring, Maryland, please visit our Instagram page @judahavenue to see current updates and to connect with us if you are looking for a creative wedding and engagement photographer in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia area to capture your wedding at the Bellevue Event and Conference Center. Our studio address is 718 Cloverly Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Telephone (240) 643-4708, or you can email info@judahavenue.com.
PLANNING, FLORAL DÉSIGN & DÉCOR: TinaRose Weddings and Events
VENUE: The Bellevue Conference and Event Center
VIDEOGRAPHY: Maxwell Jennings Photography
STATIONERY: Simply Sleek Designs
CAKE: Edibles Incredible
HAIR and MAKEUP: Hadassah Artistry
BRIDAL ATTIRE: Kleinfeld Bridal
LIGHTING: AV Creation Group
CATERING: Fransar Catering Services
DJ: DJ Donscurpu (Joe)
MC: Kofi Kpabitey