Ashley and Kevin tied the knot in August at one of the most beautiful and elegant venues I’ve ever seen, Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase. When they first got in touch, I was a little intimidated- I mean, it’s a country club. I don’t really feel like country club material. But Ashley specifically shared they types of photographs she was drawn to and they were all candid, down-to-earth, lively, fun, and a little goofy. She wanted photojournalistic coverage at a venue that typically caters to formal, traditional, and heavily posed. I was up for the challenge!

There is SO much character at this venue- wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, bookcases, textiles, velvet chairs, vintage rugs, and more! It was hard to pick where to photograph the details, let alone the people!! I came ready for rain, but we lucked out with amazing (albeit Maryland summer hot) weather and got to explore the gardens and rolling golf courses outside.

The detail I loved most about this wedding was Ashley’s lockets on her bouquet. They were filled with photographs of her grandparents! Speaking of flowers, holy mother of wedding altars!! This florist was a family friend of the couple and did an outstanding job sourcing local, in-season flowers. She created stunning displays for the mantles and centerpieces too.

While Ashely and Kevin are not high school sweet hearts, they did meet in high school and have maintained closed friendships with a huge group of people from those early days! As a result, their wedding party was enormous!! Ashley specifically asked for more relaxed and lighthearted portraits of this group of friends and I was happy to oblige. We snuck in some Wes Anderson-style portraits too. Just for good measure!

After their ceremony, a live band played during cocktail hour and when dinner was ready, we all loaded into the same room they said their vows in, only now transformed into a magical, candlelit ballroom! They had what must have been 300+ wedding guests, and dinner was served with such ease! I was majorly impressed with this venue’s organization.

On one half of the room, a stage sat framed off by curtains and on it, The Bachelor Boys Band kicked off the dance party! I’ve never heard such awesome live music at a wedding before. This group knows how to get people moving. Their covers were better than the originals!! At some point, they transitioned into the familiar beat of the hora song and EVERYONE joined us on the dance floor. Ashley had a look of excitement (and panic) on her face and I’m sure she’ll never forget the adrenaline rush of being bounced in the air on her wedding night surrounded by a bunch of chanting, slightly inebriated family members! I absolutely love the energy at a Jewish Wedding reception! Nothing compares.