raiquel has a passion for fashion. a few years ago, while a student at howard university in dc, raiquel used that passion to produce an elaborate fashion show, with dozens of models. one of those models was dwayne. the two of them formed a bond, and years later, we were fortunate enough to be with raiquel and dwayne as they began their journey as husband and wife. the day began at the gaylord resort at the national harbor, continued with a meaningful ceremony at unity church of washington, and ended with a lovely reception at the sunset room back at the national harbor.

the gaylord resort hotel is enormous and beautiful. how about that view from raiquel’s room?!

it’s all about the details…

dawn newsome of pro’s @ artistry (third from left, above) helped the lovely ladies look even lovelier!

the ceremony featured the professional trumpeter randy dunn, who came in all the way from houston, and the vocal talents of soloist janet dokes(below left), who brought the congregation to their feet.

raiquel found her amazing gown by pnina tornai at kleinfeld in new york, the bridal boutique made famous on the television series “say yes to the dress”.

the wedding party surrounded raiquel and dwayne with love all day.

the sunset room was stunning, with its views of the national harbor. flowers and lighting by da vinci’s florist made the space look amazing.

fancy cakes by leslie created the show-stopper cake!

one thing’s for sure – this crowd knew how to party! and they did it all night long.

folks lined up immediately to get a spot at the specialty candy bar and chocolate fountain set up by capitol chocolate fountains. yum!

a stunning end to a stunning day. congratulations, raiquel and dwayne, and best wishes for many years of happiness!

last weekend i met up with megan and michael on a hot and steamy evening in our nation’s capital. we walked and talked and had a great time! we flagged down a cab and took a ride. we waved to the president as he flew over us in marine one. we braved the first of the summer crowds at the lincoln memorial. as the sun set over the washington monument, we walked back to the metro and i bid them goodbye. simple and fun … perfect ingredients for an e-session!

the first thing they wanted to do was jump, so we jumped!

michael played tourist while riding through the streets.

the back of the lincoln memorial is a perfect location to stay away from the crowds and enjoy some architecture…er, loving.

a little reflecting pool smooch!

lounging in the grass, chillin’ in the field

megan and michael, thank you for a fun time! i can’t wait for your big day!

rain, rain, go away! those were my initial thoughts the morning of lisa and diron’s big day. just please stop raining, i thought as i drove down to ridge, maryland. we have a nice little outdoor ceremony and cake and champagne toast afterwards, just quit! we have beautiful open spaces for gorgeous image making, stop!

but, no, mother nature was not hearing me that day. so we went with plan b. move ceremony and cake inside. what a great idea! it was gorgeous! woodlawn bed & breakfast was the perfect little spot for the love of these two to shine through the cloudy, rainy day.

this place was the bomb! even on a rainy day is was amazing!

lovely flowers!

lisa’s vintage dress, absolutely incredible!

watching the texas/oklahoma game! go sooners!

ring bling.

diron directing the boys on drying chairs.

lisa and her sister, awww!

the beautiful lisa. lovely.

diron and the boys.

the first look.

peeking in.

what a couple! you guys rock!

champagne time!

cake!

the evening was topped off with a super party at maggiano’s in dc. first off, the first dance!

…and all night long there was crazy, fun dancing!