Robert Holley Photography

Megan and Clayton were married at The Historic Falls Church.  The history of this church is stunning.  Completed in 1734 it was used as a recruiting station during the Revolutionary War and later counted George Washington and Francis Scott Key as members.  The Declaration of Independence was read to local citizens from the steps of the south doors.  During the Civil War it was used by Union troops as a hospital.  Amazing!!  The reception was an elegant affair held at the Tregaron Mansion at the Washington International School.  Guests were treated to the vocals and acoustic guitar of Jake Armerding, a friend of the bride and groom.  After cutting the cake an unusually warm January evening allowed the enjoyment of a Scotch and Cigar bar on the back deck.

Reception Venue: Tregaron Mansion at the Washington International School
Ceremony Venue: The Historic Falls Church
Florist: Maid of Honor
Gown: Mon Cheri
Purchased from: I Do I Do Bridal in Gaithersburg, MD
Bridesmaids dresses: all their own
Veil and Headpiece: Veil– Bella Bridal Veils (Etsy)
Groom Tux: Calvin Klein
Bakery: Georgetown Cupcake and Heidelberg Bakery
Caterer: Washington Parties
Coordinator: Susan Viana
Reception Music: Jake Armerding
Ceremony Music: Jake Armerding
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Photobooth: Red Eye Photobooths
Hair and Makeup: Ali Wear

Erin and Ted were married at Osprey’s Landing in a beautiful Christmas themed event.  Erin grew up next door and the wedding was sprinkled with old and new neighbors which made for a lot of familiar faces.  It is not often that I shoot a wedding where I socialize as much as I did this day.  My 2nd shooter Steve and I got some great images.  This was the perfect end of the year event and I was thrilled to dance the last song of the evening with my wife.

I am lucky to live close enough to the United States Naval Academy to shoot my share of military weddings.  The pageantry, honor, and sense of purpose in these young men is something to behold.  The Virginia Military Academy graduates gentlemen cut from the same cloth.  Laura and Chris held a wedding this Fall which was full of Chris’s classmates from VMI.  You would be hard pressed to find a group more intelligent and polite then these guys.  It was my honor to play a small part in this event.

Just when you think you have seen it all…….. Razieh and Manouchehr were married at the Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast in Middleburg, VA.  His parents were not able to attend and were stuck in Iran.  Guests took turns holding an Apple laptop connected to the internet through wifi and they “experienced” the wedding also.  Very touching.  It was a gorgeous fall day and we captured some wonderful images.

When I moved my business from Los Angeles to Virginia I encountered many differences.  Hip and cool LA vs conservative and traditional Virginia.  Beaches vs rolling hills.  Year round gorgeous weather outdoor venues vs save us from the heat indoor facilities.  The most important aspect of my business I brought with me was my philosophy on how to treat my customers.  I like to think of my clients as part of the RHP family.  When someone recommends their friends to me I feel a sense of responsibility to take care of them.  I consider a referral to be gold.  I shot Jessica and Joey’s wedding in July of ’09.  Alison was one of the bride’s maids and I was thrilled when Jessica suggested me.  She and Seamus were married at Blessed Sacrament church in DC with a reception at Columbia Country Club.  This is my second time at Columbia and I honestly believe it is the finest country club in the greater DC area.  Of course Alison and Seamus made everything easy for me.  They are a handsome couple with a warm and friendly manner.   Being crazy in love always helps too!!

To all brides who have not booked their venue yet; If you are considering Northern Virginia you must pay a visit to Rosemont Manor in Berryville.  Only open to the public for about a year it is a charming 1800′s classic Virginia Mansion.  The house is elegant and stylish and the grounds are remarkable.  Peggy and Rob were married there a few weeks ago on a perfect fall day.  Their ceremony was held on the lawn below the magnificent columns of the back porch.  After the ceremony we spent some time exploring the grounds and creating some timeless images.  The guests retreated to the Carriage House where Jake from Dream Day DJ’s kept the party going all night.

This has been one of the strangest weather years I can remember.  Andrea and Mark’s wedding was no different.  The first week in October should provide a beautiful day, not freezing cold rain.    The DACOR Bacon House in DC has a wonderful courtyard which could not be used.  We made due inside and an elegant wedding and reception followed.

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes.  I have done events with 300 guests but I think I enjoy the small intimate ones the best.  Dianne and Kent were married at Kent’s mothers house (with her freshly finished back patio and landscaping) surrounded by friends and family.  We ventured into the neighborhood and found some amazing plants and bushes which worked really well for the bridal portrait.  However we spent the next 20 minutes picking pieces of the plants out of the brides dress.  Opps!  Special mention to Elon from Double E Mobile Music who turned the basement into a mini dance club and kept everyone rocking all night.

I have always said that the only way for me to build my business is to do a good job for someone and they will tell their friends.   I shot Marsha Permut’s wedding last year and her daughter Lori’s this summer.  This is a first for me!  Lori and Andrew were married at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club which is one of the few venues in the general DC area on the water.  The Blaire Reinhard Band traveled from NYC and rocked the house all night long.

In the week leading up to your wedding everyone feels its their duty to give you advice on what to expect.  How to deal with an earthquake and a hurricane is normally not included!  Kristen and Andrew were at the mercy of the Weather Gods when they got married at Historic Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, Virginia.  A rare east coast earthquake shook things up early in the week and then hurricane Irene hit on the day of the wedding.  A positive attitude is almost a requirement under the circumstances and Kristen and Drew had this in abundance.  Nothing was going to slow them down from making the most of their day and having a great time with friends and family.  The bride and groom are graduates of Ithaca College and the wedding was packed with fellow IC alum.  I felt a special connection to this enthusiastic group as I am one myself.  Go Bombers!