jan michele photography

I think the best way to sum up how spectacular the ballroom looked is Jenn’s reaction when she saw it – she cried.  I’m so glad her wedding dreams came true.   The black and white damask table cloths, silver chargers and pale pink flowers, really were a stunning sight.  While I aim to document every detail, the most important thing I want to capture is the joy of the bride and groom relishing every minute of their wedding day.  And I’m happy to say that Jenn and Bill enjoyed their day immensely.

The ballroom was built around 1931 and the wood floor, two fireplaces and unique beaded chandeliers made it perfect for the old hollywood glamour look.  The Army Navy Country Club is building a new facility and I’ll be sorry to see this grand ballroom and all it’s charm go.

Fluffy Thoughts bakery made the cake and it was perfection.  Jenn looked long and hard for a bakery that could make black icing.  The design was piped perfectly (as a cake decorating hobbyest, I can appreciate the great skill required for this intricate pattern) and the cake tasted yummy too. 

First dance (top image by Cydil).

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Event Coordination – Megan of Events in the City

Flowers – Holly Chapple Flowers

DJ – Premiere DJ Services

Venue – Army Navy Country Club

Cake – Fluffy Thoughts

Arlington Virginia Wedding Photography – jan michele photography

Videographer – Thomas Bowen Films

Rental – Capital Party Rentals and DC Rental

 

Flowers for Jenn and Bill’s wedding were created by Holly Chapple and each piece was not only beautiful, but smelled heavenly!  This was Jenn’s bouquet – over 30 cabbage roses (and it very well may have weighed 10 pounds!).

The ceremony was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Married! 

The 1941 Cadillac Limo, only a few of them left in the world, was another tie to Jenn’s grandparents and provided a memorable ride to and from the church.  We also featured it during the portrait time.   

Showing off the rings. 

Love the perspective on this image taken by my friend Cydil who came from out of state to shoot the wedding with me.

To continue with the military theme, Fort Washington was included.

Cydil risked her life and camera to hang out the window for this shot on the GW Parkway. What a peaceful drive on a busy wedding day.

And a stop at the World War II Memorial right before the downpour.

This bench was the site of a several hour chat on Jenn and Bill’s first date. 

Love the blue doors!  What you don’t see is the huge crowd of tourists that are trapped all around us in this small space during the rainstorm.  But Jenn and Bill are pros and ignored the audience and enjoyed each other. 

Florist – Holly Chapple Flowers

Vintage Car  – Prime Transportation

Washington DC Wedding Photography – jan michele photography

Today’s post (2 out of 4) will feature Bill, the groom.  It will also show the details of the cocktail hour room at the Army Navy Country Club, the site of the wedding reception.  This room was otherwise known as “Bill’s room” with its vintage military theme.  Bill is an Army Medic and is in the middle of a tour to Korea.  Not only was Jenn happy to have him home, but so were his boys.  You met them during the family pictures a few weeks ago, and they were so adorable as ring bearers on the wedding day!

This room was a collaboration of ideas to honor the history of military service in their families. Jenn and Megan, the wedding coordinator, pulled off Jenn’s vision beautifully.  The room had layers of things to discover.  The scene by the fireplace was representative of Bill and Jenn and their personalities and interests – the military man and his glamorous wife.  The letters on the tables were written by family members during their time in the service.  Vintage military posters decorated the walls.  Maps were on the votives and vases.  And the escort cards were Western Union telegrams.  Very patriotic and personal.

Hotel – Gaylord National Harbor

Reception Venue – Army Navy Country Club

Event Coordinator – Megan with Events in the City

Florist – Holly Chapple Flowers

Wedding Photography – jan michele photography

I’m almost not sure where to start sharing Jenn and Bill’s wedding, and you will soon see why!   I’m trying hard not to show 1,000 images, but it will certainly be unfolding in several posts.  Jenn really thought of everything, the day was beautiful, personal, sentimental, unique, and the celebration that every marriage should be!

Jenn has these lovely beaded blue jewelry boxes that worked perfectly to showcase her accessories.  Even though the grandmother in the picture wasn’t with us, Jenn had her wedding portrait and engagement ring, as well as her garter and lipstick from her wedding.  This made it feel like she was part of Jenn’s long-awaited wedding day.

I love the juxtaposition of the new hankie with her grandmothers garter. 
This grandmother was very special to Jenn.  Jenn holds her wedding portrait taken as she is exiting the car.  We recreated that image for Jenn as she arrived at the church in the 1941 Cadillac Limousine.

Going to the chapel!

Hotel – Gaylord National at National Harbor

Dress – Kleinfeld

Vintage Car and Buses – Prime Transportation