So last week you saw Mercedes and Matt’s Day After Session. So today you get to see Mercedes getting ready. I love getting ready time. Because all my packages include unlimited wedding day coverage, it means I’m there for it all. Getting ready, either together or separate, is the time when all the emotions are building. Everyone’s a little jittery and super excited. It’s dawning on the couple “This is really happening!”.

With a very long train, we needed all the bridesmaids to chip in to help get Mercedes into her dress. Lots of fabric to hold!

I kept posting mini posts of Desaray and Lauren’s Wedding so it’s time to finish! After a Quaker wedding ceremony(which I got to sit down and enjoy because they don’t allow photographs which quickly went downhill to me crying on a bench in the back after an hour of people standing up and pouring their heart out) and stop at the Dupont fountain, we headed back to Alexandria, Virginia for the reception. Hot dogs, burgers, and beer made everyone feel relaxed and ready to have a good time. Ace of Cakes whipped up their amazing cake with political buttons all over it. I couldn’t believe Desaray and Lauren had designed it!

I found Desaray’s birdcage veil laying around and had to capture it because I was so impressed she made it herself!

After doing an engagement session(two blog posts) and a suit fitting session(which I’ll have to blog later) I finally got to shoot Lauren and Desaray’s wedding.
They got ready at their townhouse in Old Town Alexandria Virginia. Lauren had a custom suit made for her which looked so amazing. The deep chocolate color and stripes made me love it even more. Desaray, as you will see, picked up a vintage dress with a peacock on it!



I love when couples get ready together. Getting to spend the whole day together allows you to share the building excitement and really help each other.



Next up: Group shots and pre-ceremony build up!