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Samantha and her mother came to my booth in my very first bridal show back in September of 2019…yes, almost two years ago! Immediately both Samantha and I knew we were a good fit, and she ended up booking me on the spot for her June 2020 wedding. Little did we know what was about to hit us!

During their spring engagement session, we wandered the streets of Old Town Alexandria, still with hopes of celebrating on their original wedding date in 2020. The police officer that was following us due to our lack of masks should have probably been a good indicator that their June wedding was, in fact, not going to happen! About a month after that, Samanthony as they are so affectionately nicknamed made the tough decision to postpone a full year to June 2021.

Let me tell you…you would have no idea they were throwing a “COVID wedding” on their big day this past Saturday. The joy that filled everyone just floated in the air. It was a celebration of two souls that were truly meant to be together.

When I arrived to Samantha’s mother’s house where the ladies were getting ready, I was stunned. It was an absolutely beautiful home and better suited to be a venue than some of the venues where I have shot in the past! There were beautiful ceiling-to-floor windows in the living room with neutral walls and pops of color from the hydrangeas in the backyard. Of course they matched the vibrant colors sprinkled throughout the florals from Helen Olivia. The hair and makeup team, Gabby and Martha, did a breathtaking job, making each of the bridesmaids and especially the bride look like queens. Honestly, once Samantha had her dress on, she gave me strong modern day Princess Diana vibes with the perfect balance of class and femininity in her dress, hair, and makeup.

Seeing Anthony watch Samantha walk down the aisle was such a special moment. It seemed like a moment of calm came over both of them as they came together. Their ceremony was so sentimental with musical performances by Samantha’s daughter who played “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri on the cello and Anthony’s mother who played “You are So Beautiful” on the piano. My goodness, it was so, so special for two deserving people.

After they officially were married, we headed to their beautiful reception at Mount Vernon Country Club. Their first dance was to “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. It was an acknowledgement that the path they took to find one another wasn’t the traditional or conventional one, but there was a divine force that intersected their paths at the exact right time. The toasts were heartfelt from her Maid and Matron of Honor and his Best Man. Some of the most notable mentions were Samantha’s free spirit and Anthony’s resemblance to T.I. As Caleb put it, “Once they said it, I couldn’t unsee it!” After we cut the cake, the dance floor fired up thanks to John with Black Tie Entertainment. This crowd was ready to celebrate after a year of being apart, and I don’t blame them.

Saturday was a beautiful celebration of two souls that were meant to be together, despite the barriers that tried to keep them apart. Here’s to many beautiful years together and the ability to always trust God’s plan. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your love story on the best day, Samanthony!

Vendor Team
Photographer | Ali Rae Haney Photography
Venue | Mount Vernon Country Club
Hair & Makeup | Gabby & Martha
Florist | Helen Olivia Flowers
Bridal Gown | Justin Alexander
Bridal Boutique | Ellie’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Suits | Men’s Wearhouse
Caterer | Mount Vernon Country Club
Baker | Sandra Spencer, CakeFest
DJ | John Lukehart with Black Tie Entertainment
Paper Goods | Shutterfly
Transportation | Old Town Trolley
Ceremony Musicians | Josh & Aga Kowalsky

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