Dan & Carole’s relationship began with a chance meeting at a bar- neither he nor she had any idea what the polite exchange would lead to. Their love matured as they grew together in a Bible study, and it stood the test of not one but two deployments at sea with little to no communication. He fell even harder for her as they drove across the country together, migrating from West coast to East. His Alabama drawl and charm absolutely stole her heart, and he could never get over how beautiful she is. Three years, two botched attempts and one successful proposal later, they were engaged, ready to seal their relationship in front of God, family and friends.

Their Memorial Day wedding was absolutely perfect! The humidity that was forecasted never showed its face, and we were left with a gloriously warm, delightfully sunny day. Dan & Carole, thank you thank you thank you for allowing me the pleasure of documenting your love, and the start of the rest of your lives together. See you both amidst the joy of your family and friends left me so much more in love with my job, and I count myself as blessed to know you both. I hope St. Lucia was good to you!

We began in Alexandria…

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

I refrained from squealing when I saw these, but COME ON! Get a load of these amazing Steve Madden heels!!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Oh Carole!! You are such a beauty!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

I LOVE bridal portraits and always make sure to schedule in a few extra minutes before we leave for the first look or ceremony to spend with my brides. Carole totally came through in the clutch!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

As soon as Carole walked in, Dan was stunned. I LOVE capturing that!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownOutdoor family formals for the win!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

We headed into Old Town Alexandria for couples portraits…. win.

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Me: “Carole, pick up the skirt of your dress and show me your shoes!” Dan: “Want to see mine too?”

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Their reception was at Top of the Town in Arlington and it had a KILLER view of DC! Carole handmade all of the little details- favors, centerpieces, entertaining puzzles… the list goes on!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

See? Kill view 🙂

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The TownAlexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

My second shooter Marcella did a few long exposures and we painted with light! Totally different than my usual style, but these are so fun!

Alexandria wedding photographer Top of The Town

Happy Thursday!

Love Everlasting- Dan & Carole’s Alexandria Wedding

June 7, 2012

  1. Looks like such a perfect day! I love her CAKE!!! Ohmygosh!

  2. Melissa says:

    Yay! Love Top of the Town! Just did a wedding there last month! What an amazing view and a great couple. Congrats Abby!

  3. Elizabeth says:

    Abby I think the bridal portraits are STUNNING… I especially love the one that is the shot from her chin to her thighs (I am sure there is a more graceful term for that, but I don’t know what it is!!)… that one is SO elegant and lovely. Just dreamy!
    Gosh, all of these pictures make me swoon :-p The one where he is kissing her, with her back to you and her dress and veil and fanned out is GORGEOUS. Might be my fav, if I could pick a fav at all!

  4. Rebekah Hoyt says:

    So gorgeous Abby! Her shoes are amazing! I especially love the soft, beautiful colors of the bride & groom portraits – so romantic!! You did a wonderful job!!

  5. oh wow that shot on the rooftop!! her bridals are beautiful too!!!

  6. molly says:

    oh my gosh! GORGEOUS!!!!! and i LOVE those long exposure pictures!! SO COOL!

  7. beautiful!!! you’re good! you should go full time or something:):) loved seeing you last night!!!

  8. Karen Field says:

    Beautiful shoot! I also loved the back of the bride leaning in to kiss her groom. Lovely. I had many favorites but the one of them kissing on the balcony of the restaurant with the wide view of DC beyond them was probably my favorite. The painting with light, I think you called it that, was also fun and unique. A beautiful day caught beautifully!

  9. Jean Hensley says:

    Beautiful photos, Abby. Beautiful couple and fun looking reception . Great job!

  10. Carole Schopp says:

    Oh Abby!!! These are so amazing and they bring a huge smile to my face just remembering how much fun we had! Thank you thank you for your hard work that day! There are no words to describe our gratitude for the love and care you put in to our wedding day. We will cherish these forever, and I can already imagine sitting down with our kids one day looking through these photos. You are just amazing!!!

  11. Those shoes, the long veil and I love that cameo piece the bride has on her bouquet! Such a fabulous job Abby! Love the last night pictures 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave A Note

Browse the Conversation ...

Snag the Gear Guide

Heck yes! Gimme!

Curious about my gear list?

Follow along

@abbygracephoto

info@abbygracephotography.com

WASHINGTON, DC & WORLDWIDE

DESIGN BY TONIC SITE SHOP 

© ABBY GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY 2024 

Back to top

JOin the abby grace newsletter community

Get on the list

for exclusive, once-weekly business & photo tips, early access to new courses and resources, and occasional Mean Girls quotes. 

%d bloggers like this: