It’s true that you never know when love is going to sneak up on you. There are those who don’t find their soulmates until they are old, and there are those who grow up together, knowing from the beginning that they are meant to be together forever. Linsey and William met in high school. Though they attended the same high school all four years, it wasn’t until their junior year that they officially started spending time together. When they met, Linsey actually mistook Will’s last name, Donovan, as his first name – and ever since has affectionately referred to him as Don.
Though the two were fast and close friends, life got in the way and after they graduated, they separated as they went to different colleges. However, distance did nothing to their friendship, and after spending time on her own, Linsey made the decision to transfer to the same college Will was attending – and in the process their friendship took a step into the next level. Neither of the couple know for sure when they officially started dating; it was a process that evolved so naturally it just started happening.
The couple enjoyed doing many different activities together, from travel to horseback riding to exploring the depths on underwater scooters. When Will suggested they take a trip to South Africa in September 2015, Linsey had her suspicions that he may propose, but in her excitement for the trip she completely forgot. When he got down on his knee to ask her to be his bride, it was just a fortunate coincidence that a bystander snapped a photo of the moment.We at Judah Avenue caught up with the beautiful couple in Mitchellville, Maryland, as they got ready to take the next step in their journey and become man and wife. They chose the Newton White Mansion as their venue, and what a glorious day it was! Linsey got ready surrounded by her closest friends and family, and each person eagerly stepped in to see how they could aid the bride.
These ladies were a lot of fun! They were sexy and goofy and all round fun! By the timeLinsey had gone through all the makeup, hair, and slipping into her gown, she looked as though she belonged in a fairytale. We snapped photos of the entire process, though the transformation looked like magic right before our eyes.
Two groomsmen delivered gifts for the bride, and she immediately welled up in joyful tears as she read the loving note from the man she was about to call her husband, Will. After some final touches were made to her makeup, friends and family gave her plenty of hugs in anticipation of what was about to come.Meanwhile, Will also got ready for the ceremony surrounded by his own posse. He, too, looked perfect enough to be in a fairytale by the time he stepped out in his luxurious blue suit and golden watch. Anticipation was in the air, and everyone couldn’t wait for the couple to come together.
This is a great picture because incidentally the hotel has the same last name as the groom. It was almost like all the forces of the universe conspired to make everything perfect on their wedding day!
After snapping a few photos of the groomsmen on the National City Christian Church’s steps, we were able to capture an emotional photo of Will as he prepared himself to see his bride in her gown for the first time. The love in his eyes are so clear, there is no denying how much he loves this woman.After some photos of the bride and groom together, then of the entire company, it was time to get to the ceremony! Guests had already filled the seats set on the grounds surrounding the mansion, and each one was eager to see the procession begin.
This is one of the most powerful weddings we have ever photographed. The number of goosebump moments we experienced were uncountable. Here the bride and groom, Linsey and Will are all set up for a first look – which is an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other before their ceremony and get their bridal party photos taken before the ceremony begins.
Here you can see Will waiting for Linsey, it all started with lots of ribbing and teasing from the groomsmen but even before Linsey had walked up the steps to Will these tears started flowing freely and got everyone all emotional. They had everyone in tears.Linsey walked proudly beside her father up to the front of the gathering, and there the couple lovingly exchanged their vows. Linsey was so passionate, she brought everyone in the group to tears! After the couple stepped away as man and wife, we stepped in to take photos of the newlyweds surrounded by their close friends and family members – including with a photo of Will’s beautiful mother.
Inside the mansion, the glorious royal blue and gold theme ran throughout the entire celebration hall. The regal cake stood in the corner, overlooking the entire room. Golden plates and chairs adorned the tables, making the entire room look like a king’s palace.
It was then that the real celebration began. With speeches and dancing, the couple was supported and blessed by all who were in the room. Toasts and well-wished brought the bride and groom to tears, and even the youngest in the party got in on the dancing. We photographers slipped through the event, snapping photos of everything that was happening. Finally, the evening was wrapped up as we took a few final shots of the bride and groom alone together, experiencing their wonderful day as just the two of them.
Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your special day, there is no doubt that you are going to have many, many beautiful years together, and all of us here at Judah Avenue want to extend our most enthusiastic congratulations to you both! If you are a guest who just wants to say hello to us you can do so on our Instagram page @judahavenue, or if you engaged and looking for a wedding or engagement photographer in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, you can connect with us at (240) 643-4708 or make an appointment to visit our studio at 718 Cloverly Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Our email is info@judahavenue.com
Wedding planning: Pure Elegance Events