Jan is one of Washington DC’s most sought-after photographers, with a style best described as elegant whimsy. Her vast knowledge of lighting, composure, and posing is rivaled by few professional and fine photographers today. Pair her alluring style with a romantic sensibility and the result is nothing short of astonishingly beautiful photographs, reflecting the true essence of her client’s personality.
Jan earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. She later added a degree in Professional Photography. Today, she is a member of The National Association of Photoshop Professionals, The Professional Photographers of America, as well as Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. She is also an enthusiastic world traveler and has a slight addiction to dark chocolate.
Elizabeth and Preston’s day was a celebration of the perfect match. Such a beautiful thing when two people find each other and are better for it. This Old Town Alexandria couple had a lovely ceremony at their historical home church, the Basilica of St. Mary. And their reception at my favorite garden wedding venue, River Farm. This couple enjoyed every moment of visiting with dear friends, and they danced and danced, enjoying every last moment of their wedding day. Cloudy skies gave way to an amazing sunset, to cap off the picture perfect day.
The bride carried a picture of her father in her pocket – yes her dress had pockets!
Even the gorgeous lace bolero had real buttons. I love this trend to add the lace toppers!
Beautiful light on a cloudy day for portraits outside the Fr Rankin House on Duke Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Don’t you love these fresh floral bridesmaids dresses? The blue also feels so colonial for the historic venues.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a stunning backdrop for this regal bride.
Just married! How many churches look like this? Only the ones with real history.
And more history with old White House gates at River Farm.
The gardens are always beautiful at River Farm. Perfect for a lovely couple in love.
The osage orange tree is likely the oldest – a gift from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington.
River Farm has the best sunsets!
The new tent is perfection! Draping and chandeliers and fans and sides ready if you need them. The best place for an outdoor reception anywhere in the Washington DC area.
So much can happen outdoors, but the first dance in the little ballroom is always picture perfect!
Our tradition of beach pictures resumed this summer. And I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad that all the kids were big enough to cooperate! My family has long rented a condo in Crescent Beach, Florida, not too far from Jacksonville and just south of St. Augustine. It’s a beautiful beach and we’ve made so many memories there. Just love all these sweet faces and their wind-blown hair!
What a sweet summer wedding! Such positive energy from both families, the wedding party, and the couple made for a joyous celebration that was an honor to photograph. Thankfully we had a summer day without rain, which was rare this summer, so Katherine and Steven were able to have the outdoor ceremony and pictures they wanted. Belmont Country Club is a wonderful venue in Ashburn, VA with a lovely outdoor ceremony spot, a historic mansion and the more traditional country club, all in one. Lots of picture spots and options, inside and out, no matter the weather. Katherine was a gorgeous bride with her loose up-do, cathedral veil and fit and flare gown with sparkly belt. She was glowing! And clearly adored by her dapper groom. Capturing happy memories for lovely people, on such an important day, is why I love my job!
I mean, can a bride be any more beautiful or happy?
What a great group of tall ladies! And their sky blue gowns were so summery and cheerful.
Love the grey suits for a summer outdoor wedding.
The first look reactions are always fun!
These two are such a great match!
What a gorgeous gown! And Katherine wore it perfectly!
Such a fun group of friends to celebrate their marriage.
Nothing sweeter than a daddy and daughter walking down the isle.
The bridesmaid’s surprised Katherine with a choreographed dance and had her join in at the end. Such a fun time of making memories.
What a precious baby brother! And an honor to photograph the second son in this beautiful family. Bradley is so calm, even with open eyes, as he didn’t want to miss any of his first photo session, on his 5th day of life. He did finally get sleepy and it was such a warm day I was able to take him outside which was a nice change of scenery for a newborn baby session. So many darling pictures and poses in the knit romper and lots of kisses from big brother. And a head of hair to be envied!
I love an old classic church with beautiful stained glass! Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC is a place that held many memories for the bride and her family. The ceremony was personal yet so refreshingly formal. Reverends Amy and Rose were delightful to work with as was Marti the church coordinator. Having wonderful people to work with always makes my job so much more enjoyable!
The bride had her ring with it’s unique shape, made just for her.
Thank goodness for YouTube and a groomsman who learns quickly and did an expert job with all the green bow ties! Letting each of the groomsfriends wear their own suits or dress, was tied together (no pun intended) with the matching ties and socks.
The bride’s sister, who was instrumental in all the wedding planning, was a pro at tying the wedding gown bow.
And the bridesfriends. I loved how they had a very traditional and beautiful ceremony, yet didn’t let formality control their day. They had their friends on their side, regardless of gender, and let the wedding party select their own clothes within the color palette. Adding wildflower style florals completed the casually coordinated look.
She wore her mom’s veil and the lace was just perfect against her simple open backed tulle gown.
Blues and yellows and greens were the wedding colors, all combined in this wildflower bridal bouquet.
These three ladies had such a bonding time with the wedding planning and made so many memories throughout the process. The bride was completing her PhD and lived several hours away, so really relied on her mom and sister to help with so many details.
This church has such a pretty little garden for pictures. Hard to tell it was 100% humidity and everyone was melting!
The stained glass windows in this church were so beautiful!
The Mary Todd room at Lincoln’s Cottage is set aside for the bride. And seemed to require a formal throw back portrait.
The rain kept the cocktail hour inside the cottage rather than on the lawn. But the grounds were that vibrant spring great that is so lovely. And limitless photo locations!
It’s amazing how much air these fans provide on a super sticky day!
No one ever said cutting through fondant was easy. haha!
The toasts by the bride’s siblings were heartfelt, and funny.
The tent was beautiful, the setting so historic and meaningful. I’d so love to photograph another wedding at Lincoln’s Cottage! Anyone else getting married here??
Who is going to catch the bouquet??
So much fun was had by all ages dancing to the swing band – what a great idea!
Church: St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC
Reception Venue: Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington DC Caterer: Catering by Seasons (the food was SO good and Stefanie Lowery and all her staff were awesome to work with!) Cake: M&T Events Florist: Potomac Petals & Plants Swing Band: Craig Gildner and the Blue Sky 5 Tent: Sugarplum Tent Company
