Katie and Walter {Dulles Hilton Wedding Photographer}

Weddings in Northern Virginia in January can be particularly cold.  But when they got engaged in the fall, Katie and Walter could not wait to get married.  They decided to plan a winter wedding that was only a couple months away in order to start their new lives together right away.  Even though the wedding and reception were indoors, we still had to keep our fingers crossed for decent weather because last year we had the Snowpocalypse and no one wanted this wedding to be prevented by snow!  Luckily, there was a reprieve from the frigid temperatures for Katie and Walter's big day.  It was cold, but the air was still and the sun was shining.  As we drove up to the Dulles Hilton hotel that afternoon, the frozen pond out front glistened in the sunshine.  We were blown away by the serenity of the scene.

Inside, we found Katie and her bridesmaids full of energy.  Katie is the most dynamic woman I have ever met.  She is always laughing and she has this gregarious aire about her that makes you want to sing and dance right along with her.  She was so incredibly welcoming, and I had a blast with her all day.     

The hotel room had such great features for detail shots.  I love the granite table and the patterned carpet.  They perfectly matched the classiness of Katie's dress and shoes.

Everyone should have a little bling on their shoes.

Getting on the dress was a bit of a process...

but it was totally worth the effort.  Katie made for a stunning bride.

While we were getting Katie ready, Walter had the opportunity to hang out at the hotel bar with his groomsmen.  Walter is the perfect complement to Katie.  He makes her laugh constantly, and can get her to calm down when she is feeling stressed or overwhelmed.  There is no doubt that he is the rock.  

Walter and Katie decided to do a first look before the ceremony.  I always recommend this to my couples because it gives you the chance to revel in the excitement of the day together, away from everyone else.  I her all the time how much the first look reduces the stress of weddings.  It allows you to walk into the ceremony with calmed nerves and the chance to take all the formal pictures beforehand.  I am so happy Katie and Walter decided to have a first look because I was able to get these pictures...

Katie... you are FABULOUS.  Look at how gorgeous she is!

Thank you for choosing me to capture your day.  You two are such a wonderful couple, and we were thrilled to witness all the fun.