Kate Headley {fine art wedding photography} Washington, DC

end of summer.

With the end of summer, I wanted to post a few final images from my trip to Michigan...can't wait til next year....  

{People who live in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan are called "Yoopers," coming from UP-ers.}

 

 

{The Upper Peninsula contains almost one-third of the land area of Michigan but just three percent of its total population}

 

that orange construction cone is sooo Michigan...

{Images: Marquette, Lake Superior, Mackinac Is. and around my grandparents' farms, all in the UP of Michigan.}

Mari and Reggie's Pittsburgh Wedding!

I loved this wedding!!  Congrats to Mari and Reggie!  Enjoy...

{the Pittsburgh locales: ceremony @ St. Paul's Cathedral/ reception @ The Mattress Factory}

{ps. tux=jcrew}

Casey and Louis: A Martha Stewart Real Wedding!

We (Casey and I...and Louis probably is too) are thrilled to have their very winter wedding featured as a Real Wedding on Martha Stewart Weddings website!  

You can read about all the details behind this unique, vintage inspired event by clicking through the gallery.   Casey also shares the details behind making it budget friendly on her blog. This shoe shot is one of my favorites of all time!

Anna and Jon's Engagement Shoot on the Island!

In between rain showers, we hopped around Mackinac Island for an engagement shoot months in making. If you're not familiar with the island, there are no automobiles there--just bikes and buggies that get you around.  The old time charm and natural feel were an amazing backdrop for my sister and her fiance's engagement photos.  After the shoot, we met up with our brother and our other sister for sandwiches and beers before jumping on the ferry home.  It was such a fun and memorable day!  I can't wait for your Lake Michigan wedding next summer!

preview!

I just photographed Reggie and Mari's amazing wedding in Pittsburgh.  Photographers: if you ever get the chance to shoot there, don't walk--run.  I LOVED the grungy textures, historic buildings and sweeping views.  Can't wait to share the rest, including their hip reception at a modern art gallery called the Mattress Factory.

fall engagement sessions

As the hot weather comes to an end, I'll be booking my fall engagement portraits and other portrait sessions by request starting on Sept 1.  Contact me for more information.   Have a great weekend!

a summer party

While in Michigan on vacation, I threw my grandmother a little birthday party.  We had about an hour to put it together and cook, while she went to pick up her mother (yep, my great-grandmother is in her 90s) to join us.   I picked up the tablecloth at an antique store earlier that day and my grandpa and husband helped me set it up.  The bouquets were from her massive flower garden and the salmon from a fish market in Marquette.  I also whipped up some green beans from the garden, grilled potatoes and a manchego and apple salad.  (I was the chef and the photographer.) 

Overall, we had a wonderful time, finishing the evening with chocolate cake (store bought--I was on vacation after all.)

{images are a mix of digital and medium format film}

Erika and Jamie...the engagement shoot!

 

 

The location:  Prince William County Fair (Virginia)
The dress:  Etsy
The weather: 100 degrees (not kidding) and balmy (but we did it!)
The wedding: coming up at the Woodend Sanctuary, stay tuned...

Ayana and Duriel...the post session!

**Special thanks to Laura Dowling for creating Ayana a gorgeous summer bouquet.**

{contact section down}

My instant email inquiry (the "Contact" section) on my website has been down and not sending me messages. If you've tried to send an inquiry about wedding photography, please contact me directly at kateheadleyphoto {at} gmail.com. I apologize for the technical error. 

 

Happy end of the summer!

classic tourist kitsch

Castle Rock is a rock formation that you can climb for panoramic views, located right where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, right near the Mackinac Bridge.  I love tourist spots that haven't been touched by time.  Its gift shop is full of any souvenir you could wish for.  I remember when I was little, Castle Rock's slogan was, "Only a dime to climb."  It's 50 cents now.

the bridge...

{shot on a holga camera. last summer I had the polaroid}

summer in the garden

My grandparents' have a huge garden, everything comes late because they live so far north in the UP of Michigan.  My sisters picked some goodies and I took pics on a rainy morning.

preview...

I just got back from an amazing vacation in Upper Michigan.  While there, I shot my sister Anna and her fiance Jon's engagement pics on Mackinac Island.  Here's a little preview.   Lots more of this photoshoot, Michigan and weddings coming up...

Paul {headshots}

This is Paul, he works in broadcast journalism and needed a few casual headshots.  I thought it would be fun to share a few...

Izzy, his adorable girlfriend came along for the shoot...she coordinates weddings and parties at RSVP Catering.

Ayana and Duriel...married!

Ayana and Duriel tied the knot at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville, Maryland...

 

 

Ayana's aunt made the thirteen piece cake...

 

send off!

CONGRATS you two! I loved photographing your wedding!!

Happy 4th!

{a little cupcake booth in the country}

Wishing you all a lovely holiday.  I have some beautiful weddings this month, summer is such a fun time.  In the meantime, here's a little web round up:

 

Check out the Flights of Fancy beautiful blog for an interview with me here.

 

And be sure to follow Maria and my little adventures in vintage decor, we have a lot of fun content in the works.

{My in-laws' puppy Louie swiped a croquet ball}

Betsy and Jason's Down Home, DC-Chic, DIY Wedding

Betsy and Jason's wedding took place at the Sewall-Belmont House in Washington, DC, just steps from the Capitol.  I loved all the color they infused into this historic house.

 
The house is a museum for womens' rights and was absolutely fitting, since Betsy is an activist for womens' issues here in DC. 

 

{They used flowers grown in their friends' gardens and vases from thrift shops.}

 

 

The couple got engaged at a strawberry patch, so their adorable invites and programs had little strawberries...and for favors, they made strawberry jam for their guests.

 

 

Congrats you two! Thanks for letting me share your special day!

Katie and John...the engagement shoot!

I love this couple!  We had so much fun at my in-laws' farm for this summer engagement photoshoot.  I can't wait for their gorgeous wedding. Enjoy!

 

(she didn't know he could juggle)
 

 

Liana & Tyler...Engaged!

Isn't this a perfect engagement shoot to kick off summer?  Liana and Tyler were absolutely effortless to photograph, so smart and chic too...I can't wait for their 'easy-going meets elegance' wedding later in the summer.

thanks for braving the bugs and mud for this gorgeous location!

Sarah & Chris...the engagements!

This was such a cool engagement session! I don't think I need to point that out.  There was so much glow in the morning light.  And I'm so excited to shoot Chris and Sarah's wedding next year.  (I love her red hair and freckles, I'm bias of course...)  Enjoy!

PART 2:

Alison was interviewed on the local news!

Remember Alison's engagement shoot in Georgetown?  She was just interviewed as a bride on the local DC news about throwing a dessert reception (ps. her caterer is the fabulous Design Cuisine.) 

CLICK HERE for the video (it's on the right side of the page.)

custom converse.

Did you know you can color customize your Converse tennis shoes on their website? 

You can also get embroidery, such as "Mrs. W...." as my bride Kristin did.  Love it!

Martine and Jeremy: ENGAGED!

Happy Memorial Day!

How cute are these photos? I'm so excited to shoot Martine and Jeremy's wedding in July on the National Harbor.   This e-session is a nod to their Americana themed wedding....stay tuned and enjoy!

 

as a guest...

My wonderful friends Ann and Justin tied the knot!  It was amazingly gorgeous.  Their wedding planner, Pam Barefoot, did a spectacular job and I was so happy to be a guest at this gorgeous event.  I snapped a couple photos from the guest point of view, but mainly I was busy enjoying the chip 'wich ice cream sandwiches and the dance floor!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia Farm Country

These were taken at and nearby my father and mother in-laws' farm, about two hours west of DC.  I love going there.  I'm photographing a wedding near there later in the summer. I would love to do more weddings out in the farm country!

 

NYC

My grandpa gave me his film camera...a Canon AE1.  It fits in my purse so much easier than my Nikon. I just got a batch of film back from all my recent adventures.  Here's a taste of NYC....

reporting live....

 

Check out the amazing Maria Cooke of Ritzy Bee Events (and Meagan from RSVP Catering) on the DC local news chatting about money saving ideas this morning!!  I love Maria's vintage centerpiece ideas!  I can't wait to share what we are cooking up this spring for a very special wedding.

Click here for the clip!

a few personal photos...

...from my grandparents' farm (and surrounding area) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Can't wait to go back in August when there are leaves on the trees!

 

Does anyone in your family keep photos in boxes? (that's why I love my proofing 4x6s box)

100 year old lilac trees, need a little prop...

I love old fashioned hamburger stands like this one...

 

an abandoned house...

Lake Superior...

 

 

my Grandpa grafts trees (he puts a branch of one on another to fill out the tree or make a multi-fruit tree)...

 

rustic Kate...

 
thanks for letting me share a little of me!!

Tory and Ryan's Color Popping, Washington, DC Wedding

QUICK RUNDOWN:

Tory + Ryan = adorable and fun couple who told me, "Do anything you want!"  (Love them!)

Ceremony Location= St. Patricks, Downtown Washington, DC  (getting ready shots at Hotel Monaco)

Reception= Recording Industry of America Association, Washington, DC

The Dress= White couture demin from Brides Against Breast Cancer

 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this one....

 

Great Capitol and Washington Monument views at this reception!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Congrats you two!!! 

Tory and Ryan...The Sneak Peek!!

We had a blast!  (We randomly borrowed the balloons the hotel behind them, more later...)

Love Jackie

I am traveling and I bought 5 million magazines. I splurged on a hybrid magazine (you know the kind that are $11.99 instead of $4.99?) called "Remembering Jackie, 15 Years Later." I can't stop looking at it.  I love all the old black and white photos...especially of her wedding.  I love the light and moment in the one above. You can see more here.  

brittanie and chris...engaged!

Tis the season for engagement photos!  The temperatures are warming up, the blossoms are budding. 

Brittanie and Chris are a super cute couple who will be making another appearance on the blog in August. We did this engagement session in Georgetown.

adorable!  see you soon!

erin + kirk = engaged

We had a very fun e-session on the Mall...

We were walking around the Chinatown/Gallery Place area and saw some kids with lots of cool museum gear and had to get some for ourselves (via the Spy Museum)...try it,  it's fun.

We also checked out a certain gallery of art and took in some modern and traditional works...

you two were great, love it!!

Availability...

I am currently booking for 2010 dates, but I'm opening up a few more dates in 2009 for wedding photography. Contact me for 2009 openings:

June 13
July 18
August 1-15 >any weddings in Northern Michigan?...so random, but you never know! 
December 5 or 12

{photo: Polaroid I took from my trip across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan last summer}

alison + chris in georgetown

Alison and Chris were my first booked bride and groom for 2010!  You'll be seeing more of them this time next year.

This photoshoot is all Alison, she did an amazing job on the attire and knew all the nooks in Georgetown that would be great to shoot.  They met while attending Georgetown and the last photo is in a building they had a class together in. 

Here's a few favorites from their engagement session and let me tell you, it was hard narrowing it down....

love this one...

thanks you two!!

me on 'classic bride'

Check out the great interview questions Sarah had for me on her lovely blog Classic Bride, including a little bit about my own wedding and who my favorite wedding photographers are. 

{photos here:  I assisted the fabulous Amy Martin at a wedding last weekend.}

And just for fun, I shot a roll of film...

 

I'm in Martha Stewart Weddings!

Pinch me....

Thrilled is an understatement!  For those that know me, know that I love anything Martha (and so do my sisters and my grandmother, we're all excited).   I'm a huge fan of the magazine and I'm so excited to be interviewed in their Spring 2009 Weddings issue in an article on wedding photography.  I also got to tell the story behind this photo of Sonya and Janssen and their wedding party, which they published as well. I love one of the messages of the article--that you should just love your wedding photographer's portfolio and not to worry about your photographer's camera type or labeling your photographer's style.

What I'm most excited about....my sister just announced she is getting married and she'll be picking up this issue for her planning!!   

Blending at Santa Fe

Just got back from Santa Fe! The Blend Workshop (a three-day wedding photography workshop) was an amazing experience! I loved meeting photographers from around the country (and Canada) and learning from our awesome instructors Jesh de Rox, the Image is Found and Jose Villa.   

The workshop was held at the GORGEOUS Encantado resort.  I want to go back there when I'm a little old lady and just spend a month at the spa. 

paul + ursula

 

Paul and Ursula had a lovely morning wedding at the St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington, DC (getting ready shots at the famous Mayflower Hotel).  And then we took a few photos in Dupont Circle.   And for the record...they went into Krispy Kreme without my prompt...of course I loved it!!

I love this last one...what a cool couple!  I loved being part of your day!

spring wedding preview

Just a quick peek...first wedding of the year!

stretch hummers are soooo out....

A

A highlight from Jenn and Martyn's metro ride is on  The Bride's Guide: Ideas from the Editors at Martha Stewart Weddings! I remember the first time they told me they were taking the subway to their reception and I knew I had to shoot this wedding! (I'm a reglar Metro rider.) What a great idea and what a fun photo we took.

Great First Dance Song!

I saw Ray LaMontagne on SNL last Saturday.  This song is on my iphone!  Also, so perfect for weddings, isn't it?

New Product at KHP: The 5x7 Linen Box

An absolutely gorgeous product that I'm going to start offering...

100 5x7 prints in a handmade linen box from the Cypress Album Company

{This is a sister to my 500 4x6 proof box. The boxes come in lots of color linens and ribbons...it seriously made me gasp when I opened the box, it's sooo pretty.  I thought this would be an instant heirloom.  I still love looking through boxes of photos when I visit my dad. And I'm a big believer in having prints...to pass on to your grandchildren, of course.}

come on spring...

So, with the booking of the most fabulous and chic wedding at a historic plantation outside Richmond, I am officially booked for 2009!!   If you are a 2010 bride, let's chat!  I am so ready for spring....it is March, we should not be wearing long underwear in Washington, DC. 

And ps. I updated my website...can't wait to add more weddings here shortly!!

Hitched Event in Georgetown!!

I'm so excited (and flattered) to be part of a very lovely bridal event at Hitched of Georgetown.  It's called "I'm Getting Hitched" and it's part fun, and part educational.  I'll be answering any questions you might have about photography and maybe share a few secrets.   This is perfect for all you 2010 brides and late 2009 brides still in the deep end of the planning pool.  (I'm also going to be offering a special door prize and a little something for my future 2010 brides!!)

Let me official and give you the 'press release' info:

Now that you’ve said “I will”…come meet, mingle and hear wedding expert Anne Chertoff and the best of DC’s wedding vendors give you inside tips and advice on getting organized and planning to say “I do”! Get inspired with event décor, sample cocktails & decadent sweets, win fabulous raffle prizes and take home a wonderful assortment of goodies too.

Featuring:
Hitched Salon
Design Cuisine
Ritzy Bee Events
Kate Headley Photography (me!)
Humanstory Films
K. Rose Cakes
Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Laura Bateman, Make Up Artist
and more…

When: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Hitched Salon {located in Georgetown} 1523 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC 2007

The event is complimentary and you must register to attend. Space is very limited and open to brides + 1 guest only. Please RSVP early to: fromiwilltoido@gmail.com with your first & last name, wedding date, email, phone, mailing address and guest’s name. Questions: Please email info@ritzybee.com.

Hope to see you there, I'm super excited! 

French Floral Design by Laura Dowling

I have to introduce you to the amazing floral designer Laura Dowling! (And she's based in Alexandria where I am!) Her flower design is inspired by the French, hence her business name Interieurs et Fleurs. These images are a sneak peek from our photoshoot. Laura is so talented and professional. I loved working with her. Her bouquets are amazing. They are so special and romantic, they have really unique ribbon handles that photos do not do justice.  She designs each one meticulously for a unique look and feel, each with a story behind them. 

So, Laura found me on a wedding blog and recongized places from around our neighborhood...but the funny thing is, I had taken a photo of her front door last December when I was walking around and posted the photo my flickr page...I think we were supposed to meet each other.   I'm sure I'll share gorgeous images from our shoot soon!

on-goings....

 

Hope you're staying warm and cozy!  As much as I LOVE weddings, I'm enjoying a few Saturdays to hang out at home during the winter months. I'm posting this cupcake photo for my Grandma so she can see that I did do a little baking (for once) and I might even start a knitting project!  Those little umbrellas will make a re-appearance in some drinks this summer.

Hope you all checked out the pretty flowers I took photos of over at The Bride's Cafe.

I also did a little guest blogging for Suann on her blog here and here while she was on a beach somewhere.

March is going to be a very big month for me!  Can't wait to share all the news...

one of my favorite photos

Maria posted some of my personal favorite photos on her blog today and I wrote why a few sentences about each photo.  Here's one I haven't posted on my blog yet:

These are my sisters (hi Anna and Mary!!) posing for me. They are always really great models. I found those vintage dresses and I thought our great-grandparents' farm would make a great backdrop for just some fun, random photos. And of course I edited it to look old. We took them last summer and I gave it to everyone for Christmas.  Anna kept the dress after the shoot...Mary decided not to.

maria!

I had SO much fun putting together Maria's headshots for her new website.  I hate to even call them that because they are so fun and colorful!  Maria is a wedding planner in the Washington, DC area and the owner of Ritzy Bee Events.  Her blog is gorgeous and I think she's one of the most creative wedding planners in this area.  

She wore some dreamy J.Crew outfits and we used lanterns for a 'wedding planner-ish' feel.   And make-up artist Laura Bateman did a fantastic job.  If you are a bride call Laura--she was so fun to work with and such had a great eye.  Look for her website soon in my vendor area.

And this last one is just totally hot!

2009!

I'm so thrilled to say that I have very limited dates left for 2009 weddings (but please feel free to email me to check your availability).  I will have a "catalog" that I'm working on with a friend that will be available soon for 2010 weddings.  I have more exciting things to post here in the next few months!

 

And I'm so excited about the coming year!    Here's a just a small snapshot of 2009...

 

A fantastic coastal event on the Chesapeake Bay

A fabulous urban Washington, DC rooftop wedding

A charming wedding at a B&B in the Virginia countryside

A simple and modern affair at the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh

A classy wedding at the Woodend Mansion in Chevy Chase, Maryland

A chic event at the historic mansion Inn at 202 Dover

A pretty garden wedding at the Dumbarton House in Washington, DC

An amazing clam bake on the West Pier of the National Harbor

A gorgeous affair at the Meridian House in Washington, DC

AND lots more to appear on this blog next year...

 

thank you everyone...especially to all my clients for having me capture your event...I truly love photographing such beautiful people and weddings!  I am looking forward to seeing everyone's creativity and details and all those moments in between.