Claire & Jay's Arts Club of Washington DC and Kennedy Center Wedding was our first wedding to return to business back in 2020 during the pandemic. It is also holds the distinction of being the only one that I have photographed all by myself without Christy by my side. Something I hope to never have to do again, but it was necessary given the circumstances of raising a (at that time) two year old during a global crisis! Absolutely crazy to think back on...

Claire & Jay had originally planned a much larger reception and ceremony at The Arts Club of Washington DC, but like many couples had to do at that time, it was either restructure, postpone or (gulp) cancel. Luckily for them, they were able to make it a smaller gathering with just the closest family and friends.

This was our first taste of a "pandemic wedding" with a stripped down feel to it. And honestly, it was a beautiful thing. Sometimes with bigger weddings, the focus and scope can blur the focus of the immediate family and the time that the couple needs to truly be in the moment with their new found union. Don't get us wrong, we love a big wedding because of the rush and grandeur of seeing everyone you know and love in the same room, but the flip of that is equally special. Our weddings in 2020-21 really put a focus on the simple core values of a union of a couple and it was beautiful.

What I am not going to miss is running from the hair and makeup location back the reception venue to cover both the bride and groom getting ready sessions by myself in a full mask in Washington DC... in August. I have multiple photos of myself from the day looking like I just got out of a swimming pool, but I shall spare you from them for this beautiful wedding post. ;) I do remember the couple checking in with my multiple times though to ask if I was going to make it. Hahaha...

We have photographed at the Arts club three times now and it is such a lovely venue in the heart of the District of Columbia. The outdoor portion of the event space can easily be tented in case of rain while still feeling like you're outside in the city. Claire's hair and makeup was done at the Andre Chreky Salon Spa and for portraits we went to the terrace of the Kennedy Center for a classic DC look. It was also important for them to get some photos overlooking Georgetown and the Kennedy Center has a really great vantage point over the Potomac River.

Thank you for trusting us with your special day Claire & Jay and we wish you a lifetime of happiness and love! :)