Lauren and Don

Alright, guys. Clear your mind. Done? Okay. Now, when I say the words "backyard wedding", what are you picturing? I absolutely guarantee it won't look like what you are about to see! When I stepped on the property belonging to my bride Lauren's family, I was in awe of its waterfront views, weeping willow trees, and the eventual evening sunset. Sharing some of my favorites from their summer wedding below!

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!

Katelyn & Cody

Every wedding photographer dreams of an ideal wedding day, similar to how a bride imagines hers. I dream of a well constructed timeline (and staying on schedule!), a welcoming wedding party, a beautiful venue, the ability to take my time with details and slow things down mid-day, and time alone with my bride and groom to really capture those memorable shots that will hopefully remain on the wall in the years to come. 

I remember leaving Katelyn and Cody's wedding reception at the end of the night amazed at how perfect the day was for them both - and for me! I was absolutely ecstatic with how the day went and the way I was able to capture their memories and document their day. Here are just a few favorite snaps from their April wedding!

Ceremony Venue - St. John's Catholic Church

Reception Venue - Regency at Dominion Valley

Dress - Ava Laurenne Bride

Groom's Tux - David's Bridal

Flowers - Rick's Flowers

Photography Assistant - Doorly Winegar

Cake - Gatrau Cake

DJ - Sound Decision

Jaclyn & Brad

Every wedding that I photograph, it's always an honor. I won't pretend that it's not pretty boss to be attached to the bride and groom all day - a position not even their closest friends and wedding guests have. While my time with couples usually ends on the wedding day, we almost always keep in touch on social media and I love following their journey as it goes from the two of them, to fur babies, to multiple babies, new homes, and more. However, it's not every client that I have photographed for years, the proposal, the engagements and ultimately the happy ever after.

I am always so impressed by the clever ways my clients find ways to incorporate family and friends that have passed. Jaclyn kept her Mom close on her wedding day with a pendant on her bouquet of flowers. 

Bride's Dress - David's Bridal | Groom's Tux - Men's Wearhouse | Flowers and Arrangements by The Enchanted Florist | Cake by Nicole Dixon | Food by The Green's Catering Company

Jaclyn and Brad's Great Falls Engagements

Does anyone else take for granted their local landmarks? Whether you live in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, New York City or here at home in the Washington DC area, do you take advantage of nearby landmarks or do you avoid them (and tourists) like the plague? 

Raises hand. 

Guilty. Absolutely guilty. I've lived in this area over 20 years, and not once have I ever visited Great Falls National Park. Then, one of my best clients Jaclyn got engaged to Brad and suggested the spot for her engagement session. I went into it with all of these preconceived notions of what the popular attraction would be like; I'd have to navigate huge crowds and leave extra early because parking would most surely be tough and 495 traffic is a beast. Well, basically none of those things happened. When I wasn't making constant references to how "this looks just like The Last of the Mohicans", I managed to capture these insanely cool images for Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.