I’m a huge believer that your wedding shouldn’t be limited to just one day, because there are too many special memories that go by in an instant. Cassie and Tyler’s wedding was a full experience, stretched across two weekends, filled with heartfelt moments, epic celebrations, and a whole lot of personality. From an intimate, snow-kissed ceremony in Alexandria to a retro-inspired party at Jammin Java, every detail of their wedding reflected who they are: unconventional, intentional, and endlessly fun.
Capturing It All: Film, Digital & Editorial Magic
From their snowy ceremony in Alexandria to the electric energy of their dance party at Jammin Java, I had the honor of documenting Cassie and Tyler’s entire wedding experience on both digital and film. Cassie, who loves creative and editorial-style photography, wanted images that felt alive—less posed, more in-the-moment.
Weekend One: A Cozy Winter Ceremony & Moody Dinner
When Cassie and Tyler started planning their wedding day, they wanted to have more intentional time with their loved ones and quickly realized that one day wouldn’t be enough. So, they split the typical wedding day in two—starting with an intimate gathering of 30 of their closest friends and family for a heartfelt ceremony in Alexandria.
The day began at the Salamander Hotel in downtown DC, where Cassie got ready in a gorgeous room filled with soft morning light. The amazing Sarah Khan Artistry worked her magic, creating an effortlessly beautiful look with glowing makeup and hair for Cassie.
I took my time capturing all of Cassie’s thoughtfully chosen details—her delicate pearl choker necklace, her signature perfume, the invitations that featured a watercolor painting of the gazebo where they would soon exchange vows, and of course, their rings. But perhaps the most meaningful piece was her veil—crafted from both her mother’s wedding dress and her father’s wedding suit, a stunning and sentimental tribute that wrapped her in their love as she walked down the aisle.
The Story Behind the Ring
Beyond the design and the parties, there were many deeply sentimental things woven into Cassie and Tyler’s wedding. Cassie’s great-grandmother had been married four times, but her third engagement ring had always been her favorite. Tyler, knowing how much it meant to her, took that detail to heart. A few weeks before the wedding, on a trip to Ireland, he found a jeweler who had the exact same ring. And when he asked for her hand in marriage, it was with a ring that carried a history—one that Cassie had unknowingly loved long before it was hers.
Before heading to the ceremony, Cassie shared a deeply emotional first look with her dad in the hotel lobby. The moment he saw her, he broke into tears—a reaction that spoke volumes about their bond. As a final, deeply personal touch, she gifted him a tie with an embedded a childhood photo of the two of them inside, ensuring he carried that memory with him throughout the day.
The ceremony took place at ALX on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, where a charming gazebo stood against a snowy backdrop, making for an absolutely dreamy winter scene.
Their wedding florals, designed by Cedar & Lime Co., added a whimsical touch with stunning purple hues, effortlessly complementing the wintery color palette and the overall dreamy aesthetic of the day.
Celebrating with Their Closest Friends
After the ceremony, we took time to capture wedding party photos—because for Cassie and Tyler, their friends aren’t just friends, they’re family. Tyler, as an only child, has always cherished the bonds he’s built with his closest friends, and having them by his side on this day meant everything to him. Cassie’s girls were just as important, a group of friends who had been there through every season of life, ready to celebrate this next chapter with her.
As the sun set over Alexandria, we captured the joy, laughter, and easy camaraderie between them all. The winter chill didn’t matter—there was too much warmth between this group. These weren’t just formal portraits; they were a testament to the deep and lively friendships that have helped support Cassie and Tyler’s journey.
A Moment Under the Moon
After the wedding party photos, I captured some portraits of just the two of them—giving them both a chance to step away from the celebrations and just be together. The dock, lightly dusted with snow, stretched out into the river, the winter air crisp but still. They held onto each other, warming up in between shots, laughing at how surreal it all felt.
District Winery was the perfect setting for their dinner—a renowned DC restaurant and event space known for its moody lighting, exceptional food, and sophisticated atmosphere. The warm glow of library lamps illuminated the carefully curated place settings, where velvet bow ribbons delicately marked each guest’s name. The intimate space created an ambiance that felt both refined and inviting, making it the ideal backdrop for heartfelt toasts, delicious food, and meaningful conversations.
One of the couple’s favorite songs, Harvest Moon by Neil Young, holds a special place in their love story, so I made sure to photograph their beloved Neil Young record, which turned into their guestbook for their friends and family to sign. It was a small but heartfelt touch, a reflection of the little things that make their relationship so special. Once everyone was seated for dinner, Cassie and Tyler shared their first dance to their song, a moment that felt timeless and deeply special.
Closing out the First Unforgettable Weekend
As the night at the Winery wound down, Cassie and Tyler were surrounded by the people who mattered most to them—sharing stories over glowy tables, clinking glasses, and soaking in the love that filled the room. It was exactly what they had envisioned: a wedding day that felt deeply personal, intentional, and full of meaning.
Weekend one was about the quiet moments—the tearful hugs, the warmth of an intimate dinner, and the significance of every carefully chosen detail. It was about honoring their closest relationships, their history, and the journey that brought them here. And as they stepped away from the night, hand in hand, they knew the celebration wasn’t over. There was still another weekend to go—one that would be all about cutting loose, turning up the music, and making even more unforgettable memories with all their people!
Weekend Two: The Ultimate Retro Party at Jammin Java
Fast forward a week to MLK weekend—already a meaningful time for Cassie’s family, who have an annual tradition of getting together on this day. But this year, it was extra special. What started as a long-standing family reunion turned into a full-blown wedding celebration, infused with Cassie’s love for design and guest experience.
They took over Jammin Java, a retro 90s concert venue, and transformed it into the ultimate party. Rentals and decor from Something Vintage set the tone—disco balls glittered above, neon signs glowed, and a phone guestbook stood ready to record messages from friends and family. Electric cowboy hats made their way into the crowd, while endless pizza kept everyone fueled for a night of dancing. DJ Craig knew exactly how to keep the energy high, spinning all the best throwbacks while guests packed the dance floor. This wasn’t a typical wedding reception—it was a celebration of love, friendship, and a life well-lived.
Late-Night Pizza & Pure Joy
When guests first arrived, the ultimate crowd-pleaser was waiting for them—endless pizza, served up hot by Jammin Java’s catering team. Guests grabbed slices straight from the trays, laughing between bites, enjoying catching up with each other.
In a perfect full-circle moment, Cassie and Tyler danced to Harvest Moon once again—this time, surrounded by all of their friends and family in the electric atmosphere of the space. Everyone was grinning from ear to ear as they shared dances with their parents and gave a warm thank you to everyone who attended.
A Dance Floor Like No Other
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings, but this dance floor? Easily one of the most electrifying I’ve seen. From the moment DJ Craig dropped the first beat, the energy was off the charts. Neon lights flashed, disco balls spun, and guests wasted no time taking over the floor—dancing like nobody was watching, singing at the top of their lungs, and fully leaning into the party Cassie and Tyler had dreamed up.
There wasn’t a single lull. Every song was a hit, every person was on their feet, and the energy only built as the night went on. Cowboy hats, glow sticks, and late-night pizza fueled the fun, turning Jammin Java into a full-blown concert-style celebration.
The Cannoli Guy: The Unexpected Star of the Night
Just when it seemed like the party couldn’t get any better, The Cannoli Guy made his entrance—and completely stole the show. Straight from New York, he rolled up with a tray of fresh, made-to-order cannolis and started hand-delivering them right on the dance floor. Guests gathered around as he piped the filling fresh into each shell, serving up the perfect late-night treat in between dance breaks.
It was an instant hit. There’s something about eating a hand-crafted cannoli mid-dance party that just feels iconic. It was one of those unexpected moments that made the night feel even more unforgettable, proving once again that Cassie and Tyler’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was an experience.
Cassie and Tyler created something entirely their own—two weekends, two vibes, but one incredible love story. And honestly? It couldn’t have been more them.
Weddings like Cassie and Tyler’s are exactly why I love what I do. The kind of days where the energy is electric, the moments are raw and real, and the people are fully present—laughing, dancing, celebrating without holding back. Capturing that kind of magic, both in the quiet in-between moments and the all-out party scenes, is what makes wedding photography so special to me. It’s more than just documenting a day—it’s about preserving the feeling of it forever.
Vendors:
Weekend 1:
Venues & Catering: District Winery and ALX Community @districtwinery, @alx_community
Florals: Cedar & Lime Co. @cedarandlimeco
Makeup: Sarah Khan Artistry @sarahkhanartistry
Weekend 2:
Venue & Catering: Jammin Java @jamminjava
Dessert: Carrello di Cannoli @carrellodicannoli
DJ: DJ Craig Wood @djcraigwood
Rentals: Something Vintage @smthingvintage
Florals: Cedar & Lime Co. @cedarandlimeco
