There are always bucket list locations for photographers. Working out of Washington D.C., I assure you the list is never ending. I’d had the opportunity to work at the National Cathedral gardens for a maternity session and I was so excited to return for Breann and Newel’s bridal images before their wedding day. While my wedding packages include a portrait session, not everyone falls back on an engagement session. Knocking out portraits before the wedding day opens up the timeline so much and there’s no pressure, no rush to move the most important images along to meet a schedule. For us, the only time constraint was the sun and guys… this light!
Alison's National Cathedral Maternity Session
There’s one thing I know about working with Alison - it’s going to be amazing. I first met Alison, and her husband Tony, when I photographed their wedding in 2016. Since then, she’s become my muse and when a photographer lists out the qualifications for a dream client, Alison hits every single one. She’s so passionate and excited about her sessions, down to every last detail. When she became pregnant in 2022 and contacted me about working together to capture the last few months of her pregnancy, I knew these images were going to be something special.
Once of the first ideas Alison sent me was her gown. Yes, gown. It was dramatic - layers of tulle, long sheer sleeves, and ruffles to frame her face. She was already scheduling hair and makeup, and we spent weeks researching the best location for her vision. We finally settled on the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The architecture was the perfect backdrop - dramatic and grand while still complementing and letting Alison and her expecting arrival shine.
I couldn’t be more proud of these images of this beautiful couple, and cannot wait to see just how glamorous and loved their little one will be!
The Chambers Family
As I was well into my fall shooting season, I was also planning my own family portraits. I'd put it off last year - and then never got around to it. The fact is, I know how stressful it is to put together a session. I dreaded it. But after working with the Chambers family for another year, and seeing how effortless Kari always makes it seem, I decided to schedule our session and make the best of it. I tried to simplify outfits to many pieces we already owned, and you'd never know by looking at these photos that Kari often works her magic in just days leading up to the session. Her laid back attitude sets the tone for the session and judging by these results - she nailed it.
Raisa and Eric
I've always said my best form of advertising isn't Facebook, a million followers on Instagram, an ad in a local publication - it's a happy client. My trick to a happy photographer? Booking friends of clients, and guests at previous Kelli Brewer Photography weddings! I met Raisa and Eric at the intimate ceremony of another KBP couple, Amit and Que. I remember leaving that wedding, feeling like one of the family, even though I was hired help. That group of friends was so incredibly lovely, so kind, and so welcoming. Raisa and Eric's day was just the same - one the kindest pairings you'll ever meet, surrounded by such warm and inviting friends and family for their Washington, D.C. Courthouse wedding. I would say I honestly couldn't get any luckier, but, I've never won the lottery, so there's that. Sharing my favorite downtown images below!
Jaclyn's Maternity Session
Ah, summer pregnancies... aka "How many clothes and layers can I take off in order to walk into a store and not be thrown out for public indecency" pregnancies... I've been there! My son was born August 1, so I spent the summer months ripe and ready for the affectionately dubbed "evacuation day". Jaclyn looked absolutely radiant during our session - a far cry from my puffy empire waist, tie back taffeta shirt and khaki cargo pants I wore in my maternity pictures 10+ years ago. She and Brad blended their family of girls a few years ago, so I was absolutely ecstatic for Brad when they shared they were expecting a baby boy. I can't wait to meet this little guy!
