Sierra is a beautiful person inside and out. Not only she is kindhearted and friendly, but she always seems to be happy all the time.

She is one of the three girls from Beyond the Veil, a contemporary Christian music band. Check out Beyond the Veil’s website where it has link to some samples of their music that you can listen to.

Sierra will be graduating soon from Kent Island High School and will be attending to Azusa Pacific University where she will be studying Communications. She is considering in acting as well. I think I can see her being a famous actress one day.

This awesome antique modified Ford car is owned by Ernie.

Sierra wears a lot rings including purity ring. Her two older sisters used to wear them as well until they are replaced by engagement and wedding rings.
The eldest sister, Brittany, explained to me what the purity ring symbolizes:
“It pretty much symbolizes a promise that we understand and acknowledge the fact that Christ and others care about and want to help keep us accountable for the things we say and do including speech, conduct and thoughts. ”

Sierra loves to read books including the Bible.

Inspired by Lion King movie, Sierra holds up her dog, Pepper, up in the air.

What a fun session it was!

I wish you the best in your life journey, Sierra!

Stayed tuned for part two where I will be featuring Sierra with her beautiful sister, Brittany.

Leo Dj

Although I’m not a big fan of a cold weather, I was actually glad that the Bride and Groom, Jenna and Michael, chose to have their wedding in winter.  Although, it probably won’t look like a winter wedding without the snow. Fortunately, we were in luck that day because they got what they wished for, a white wedding.

This image below is one of my favorite from the day.

Anyway, here are more images of the reception from Jenna and Michael’s wedding. Please check out their wedding ceremony at The Ballroom at The Chesapeake Inn if you haven’t.

Here is the Bride and Groom’s first dance as husband and wife.

Next was the Father of the Bride and daughter dance.

Then Mother of the Groom and son dance.

Speeches and toast from the Matron of Honor and Best Man, Ashley and Anthony.

Their winter colored wedding cake, which also matched the color of the flower bouquets and the bridesmaids dress. The metal cake topper was made by the Groom himself, Michael.

Of course we need detail shots of the Bride and the Matron of Honor with their winter color themed dress and bouquet,

and the Groom with his Best Man with their boutonniere.

Then the dance floor was open for everyone to burn some calories.

Check out the beautiful dome and chandelier of The Ballroom at the Chesapeake Inn.

Next was cake cutting time.

Then back to dancing again.
Everyone here was dancing to “Crank That” by Soulja Boy. One guest lead everyone to follow him doing the moves.

Here is the Superman move.

Even Grandma wants to do the move.

Crank Dat move, Grandma!

Here was one of the mad libs that the guests should fill out. I laughed when I saw what they wrote on this particular one.

Our DJ for the day, Rich Buchanan.

After the party was over, Jenna and Michael wanted to do some more pictures outside with the scenic Chesapeake City, Maryland.

Snowball fight!

Jenna and Michael, it has been a real pleasure and fun photographing both of you, your family, your wedding party, and all of your guests.

I wish the best to both of you.

May you live happily ever after!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Officiant: Matt Deputy, Tressler Mennonite Church

Venue: The Chesapeake Inn Ballroom

Hair: Courtney Trivits in Milford, Delaware

Groom and Groomsmen Ties and Vest: Brides 2 By By Hope

Florist: Act II Florist, Seaford, Delaware

Cake: Liz Marden Bakery

DJ: Rich Buchanan Entertainment

Bride and Bridal Party Jewelry: Elegant Chic Jewels , MyKonos, and Glam House

Just Married Banner: Crafty Earth

Decorations, Wedding Favors, Programs, Table Assignment: DIY

Table Numbers, Cake Topper: DIY by Groom through Miller Metal Fabrication

While Jenna and Michael’s engagement photo session at Annapolis was done during a mild November temperature, their wedding at The Ballroom at Chesapeake Inn at Chesapeake City was on a cold wintry January weather. It had also snowed few days before, which was actually perfect because they wished for a white wedding.
There were no snowflakes falling, but at least the ground and trees are still covered with snow.

Jenna and Michael are a very creative, handy, and artistic couple. They love to make a lot of things with their own hands. You all should check out their blog Jenna Laughs. What a cute name too!
You should also know that they’re great photographers as well. It is always a great honor for me if another photographer asked me to photograph their wedding. In this case, two photographers.

The mad libs, the decorations and floral arrangements were all done by Jenna and helped by her family. The custom made metal table numbering you see below was done by Michael.

Check out the table seating assignment “board” they made. Very creative!

Time for gifts exchange between the Groom and Bride.
The Groom got a cool watch.

While the Bride got a beautiful set of earrings.

Here comes the Bride, Jenna, escorted by her Father, Dave.

The Groom, Michael, was happy to see his beautiful Bride for the first time in her wedding dress.

The Father for the Bride prayed for the lovely couple.

Wine and bread for the Bride and Groom.
I asked them what do these symbolizes.
Jenna answered:
“We wanted our very first act as husband and wife to be communion. Right after our pastor announced us man and wife, we took the communion together. To us, it was a way to represent how thankful we are to God for bringing us together and that we want Him to be the center of our marriage. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ broken on the cross to free us from sin, and the wine symbolizes the blood of Christ that was shed to cover us so we can have victory in this life and the next! We are so thankful. It is the best gift we could ever be given!”

Blessings from the pastor for the Bride and Groom.

Jenna and Michael is now officially husband and wife!

The beautiful Bride and her beautiful Matron of Honor and Bridesmaids.

The whole wedding party!

Love the snow!
Yes it was cold. The wind didn’t help either, but what a perfect backdrop for their winter themed wedding!

To be continued to Part 2!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Officiant: Matt Deputy, Tressler Mennonite Church

Venue: The Chesapeake Inn Ballroom

Hair: Courtney Trivits in Milford, Delaware

Groom and Groomsmen Ties and Vest: Brides 2 By By Hope

Florist: Act II Florist, Seaford, Delaware

Cake: Liz Marden Bakery

DJ: Rich Buchanan Entertainment

Bride and Bridal Party Jewelry: Elegant Chic Jewels , MyKonos, and Glam House

Just Married Banner: Crafty Earth

Decorations, Wedding Favors, Programs, Table Assignment: DIY

Table Numbers, Cake Topper: DIY by Groom through Miller Metal Fabrication

Here is Part 2, the reception party of Jessica and Chad’s wedding at Hotel Melia Cozumel, Mexico.

Go see the getting ready and wedding ceremony part if you haven’t seen it.

The table numbers weren’t your conventional numbering. If you remember their engagement photo session at Ellicott City, they displayed how they’re a big fan of the Miami Dolphins football team. Well for the wedding reception, they numbered the tables with the jersey numbers of some of their favorite players from the team. For example, here is table 13, the jersey number for Dan Marino. There were also table 5, Carpenter; table 15, Bess, table 91, Wake, and so on. They’re not in order and not in sequence. If I remember correctly there were about 7 tables, plus the sweet heart table.

Group shot of the Bride and Groom with all the guests against a lovely background: white sand, bule sky, and blue water.

The table assignment “cards” were using sand dollars.

Time for the Matron of Honor and Best Man to deliver their speech.

Next, the Bride and Groom get to do their first dance as husband and wife.

Then the Bride got a chance to dance with her Dad.

It was an emotional moment for a lot of people there.

Next, it’s the Groom’s turn to dance with his Mom.

Cake cutting time!

I love seeing the palm trees. They make a unique background setting.

Then it’s dance all the way until the end of the reception!

Unfortunately, the party can’t last until late in the evening because everyone had to leave and get back to the cruise ship before it departs out to the sea. No one wanted to be left behind of course.

Before we left, we had to take few more shots, taking advantage of the beautiful and colorful view of the hotel.

After taking the taxi from the hotel, we arrived at the port where our ship Carnival Liberty docked.

This was the view from Jessica and Chad’s balcony, which was at stern (rear side of the ship). It was a huge balcony!

Jessica and especially Chad had been wanting to jump into the pool since the beginning. Remember the first part, before the ceremony?
Brides and Grooms usually won’t trash the dress on the day of the wedding. Usually it’s few days, weeks or even few months after.
Well not for Jessica and Chad!
Why not? The ship had a pool and they could just walk to their room to get shower right after.
Anyway, here we go, the sequence of them trashing the dress and tux, by jumping into the pool!
Ready… Set… Jump!

Haha…
Woohoo! How fun!

This picture below was taken before the jump sequence of course. This was inside the glass elevator of the ship. You can see the beautiful wall in the background from the ship’s “garden” section.

Phew! What a fun day that was!

After spending a week with them on the ship and at excursions, my family and I sure miss them. We sure had a lot of fun adventures and great memories!

Congratulations Jessica and Chad. May you live happily ever after!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Officiant:  Rob Skinner

Hotel and Venue: Hotel Melia Cozumel, Mexico

Cruise Ship: Carnival Liberty

Wedding Planners: Carnival Wedding Department, and A Wedding for You

Make up: Liz Hud

Dress: Maggie Sottero

While I had fun doing Jessica and Chad’s engagement photo session at Ellicott City, nothing beats the experience at their wedding. When they had decided to book me as their wedding photographer for their destination wedding at Cozumel, Mexico using a cruise ship, I jumped with joy! It was my first cruise ship trip ever and my first destination wedding outside the United States!

The Bride and Groom, the wedding party, the guests, and my crew (my wife, which is the second shooter, and my son, the assistant) departed from Miami, Florida with Carnival cruise ship in the afternoon. We all enjoyed the departure party, all the delicious food and drink we could get, and party music mix from the DJ. I loved the theme of the cruise ship on that day: “Bye bye Land. Hello Fun!” That was day 1.

After being completely at sea on Day 2, we arrived in Mexico at Day 3, early morning.

At around 7:30 am, we headed to Hotel Melia Cozumel, Mexico. We all sure enjoyed the perfect weather for the wedding. It was warm, not too hot, and after a while we forgot that it was still winter and cold in the United States.

Anyway, I don’t want to bore you with too much of the travel details. Enjoy the wedding pictures now.

Here is one of my favorite picture of the day.

But let’s see how the day started.

The hotel had really interesting colors. The bold colors made an interesting backdrop for a lot of things, including the Bride’s dress and other details.

Since the wedding was on the beach, the Bride and Groom wore sandals. Even the photographers wore sandals. It wasn’t the first for me, but that was a first for my crew.

Here is Jessica, the Bride, and Cathy, the Matron of Honor getting make up and their hair done.

Jessica helping her Mom putting on the necklace.

In the other room, Chad, the Groom, and Jason, the Best Man, were getting ready as well.

Chad being helped by his Mom putting on the boutonniere.

As always, Bride do need help putting on a wedding dress.

One of their wedding color theme is orange. The Bride’s flower bouquet, Matron of Honor’s bouquet, and the boutonnieres are orange.  It sure fits the warm weather there.

The jackets for the Groom and Best Man are suitable and comfy for beach wedding.

After Jessica was ready, she wanted to meet her Dad one last time before she walked down the isle.

A lovingly Father who helped putting on necklace for his beautiful daughter.

Jessica also had this handkerchief with custom embroidery as a gift for her Dad.

I love that Jessica and Chad had wanted to do a first glance before the ceremony. I really like it when a Bride and Groom decided to this because they would have time alone for themselves, isolated from the others, and I could capture the emotion going on between the two.
Here is the Bride, Jessica, anxiously waiting for the Groom.

Again, don’t you love the colors of the hotel? They make a lovely backdrop.

Here comes the Groom, Chad.

From the smile, you can tell that Jessica could sense that Chad was coming.

And their eyes finally met.

Here is the wedding party. As you can see, it was a small wedding party, only one Best Man and only one Matron of Honor. There were no Bridesmaids or Groomsmen.

When I asked the Best Man, Jason, to do this, Chad’s reaction was “Oh no, not again!”
Chad told me that Jason did this to him all the time when they were younger.
Here it looked like Jason enjoyed reliving that memory. As for Chad? Not so much.

Chad couldn’t wait to trash his jacket and jumped into the pool.
Whoa, Chad! Not yet, not until all of these are over!

Check out the gorgeous view of the wedding ceremony site. Blue sky, clear blue water, white sand, and some palm trees in the back. Oh, how I wish I could go back there this instant!

Check out the bold orange color decoration of the chairs and the canopy as well. It gives a nice contrast to the blue water and the white sand.

The ceremony begins with the Matron of Honor leading the way.

Finally, here comes the Bride, escorted by her Father.

It was an emotional moment for everyone.

Jessica and Chad poured the unity sand. It’s always a good idea to use sand for outdoor weddings especially in windy places, or if the weather will be windy. Of course you may never know way ahead in your planning if the weather will be windy or not during the wedding, but it’s safer to assume so. Not to mention that in my opinion you’ll have a more decorative keepsake compared to candles.

And the Bride and Groom officially became husband and wife!

Cheers for the Bride and Groom!

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Officiant:  Rob Skinner

Hotel and Venue: Hotel Melia Cozumel, Mexico

Wedding Planners: Carnival Wedding Department, and A Wedding for You

Make up: Liz Hud

Dress: Maggie Sottero

I just love it when I get repeat customers, because it means that they love my work and service.

Helena and Vivian’s mother have been using my service for candid children and family lifestyle portraiture three times since 2009. Check out the previous children portrait session at Maryland Eastern Shore from a few years back and also the family reunion and birthday party lifestyle photography also at Maryland Eastern Shore. You can see how much these girls have grown since then.

This time we did the children photo session in Washington DC.

During the session, somehow I got into discussion with them about famous young singers. They then mentioned that they liked Taylor Swift.  I said that I liked her as well. Helena then asked me, “What song do you like from her?”
I forgot the name of the two songs that I usually hear from the radio. I was trying hard to remember the titles, “Umm…”
Then Helena finally said, “You don’t know Taylor Swift”.
In my defense I said, “Yes I do.”
To prove it to her I describe how Taylor Swift looked like until she finally believed me.

I just love photographing these lovely girls. They’re so much fun to work with.

I feel so honored to be their usual family and children photographer.

Leo Dj

After spending time with Danielle and Trevor for the engagement photo session in Baltimore, I finally had the honor to photograph their wedding day at Tremont Grand, the historic venue in Baltimore.

Here is one of my favorite shot of the day. I love the action, the moment going on here.

You will see the actual sequence of the dance below. First, let’s rewind a bit to see what happened at the beginning of the day.

The Bride would be holding this beautiful white rose bouquet, arranged by Fleur de Lis.

Danielle love blue color. This was her wedding shoes and the engagement ring that used a blue sapphire for the main stone. Gorgeous!

I love the wedding dress, especially the back of the dress.

The Bride is finally getting ready. Of course help is needed to button up the dress. Mother of the Bride and both of the Maids of Honor were ready to help.

As for the guys it’s different. Grooms usually won’t need help putting on their outfit, but they do need help putting on the boutonniere.

They were getting ready at Tremont Plaza Hotel, then moved to Tremont Grand for the last touch up.

Finally the girls are ready to pose.

A simple white but elegant white rose flower bouquets for the Bride and both Matrons of Honor.

This is the ladies restroom at Tremont Grand. What a beautiful restroom don’t you think?

Now it’s time for the Groom, Best Men, Groomsmen, Father of the Bride and Father of to Groom to pose.

Finally, it’s time for the ceremony.
Music was performed by String Poets.

Here comes the Bride!

It was an emotional time when Trevor and Danielle recited their vows to each other.

Then the time finally comes to officially tie the knot, putting wedding bands on each others’ ring finger.

And the Bride and Groom are now officially husband and wife!

Check out the beautiful floral center piece that matched the white rose bouquets.

The beautiful Mirror Room at Tremont Grand.

In the mean time, the cocktail hour was at the Oriental Room.

The family, wedding party, and the Bride and Groom had just been introduced by the DJ.

Then it’s time for the first dance for the Bride and Groom.

Followed by Father of the Bride and daughter dance,

and Mother of the Groom and son dance.

Introduction and speeches by the Best Men.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bunch of guys came up to the sweet heart table and…

sprayed silly strings to Trevor!

It goes on…

and on…

and on…. :p

Phew!

What a mess!

Of course you wouldn’t want to eat or drink those strings, so they had to change the glasses, the bread rolls, and the salad plates.

Yeah… Big Fun…
Not really fun for Trevor though.

Next was the speech from the Maid of Honor. She also gave them a memorabilia.

Cheers to the newlywed!

Next was speech from the Father of the Bride.

“I know you did it!”
Trevor pointed at the guys who sprayed him.

The delicious main course were a choice of beef or salmon steak.
Danielle and Trevor love Snickers.

Checkout the detail of the wedding cake flower decoration by Sweets Bakery.

Cake cutting time!

“Hey!”

Then the dance floor is open for everyone.

Remember the first image on the top? Well here’s the sequence.
Danielle and Trevor were dancing to their favorite song.

DJ of the night, CJ Curtis, accompanied by the lighting specialist, Donald.

Congratulation Danielle and Trevor!
May you live happily ever after!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Hotel and Venue: Tremont Plaza Hotel and Grand Historic Venue

Wedding Planner: Delia Wilson

Officiant: Mark Goodrich

Make up: Karen Weiner

Hair: Brie Moore

Florist: Fleur de Lis

Cake: Sweets Bakery

Video: Suburban Video

DJ: CJ Curtis – Crow Entertainment

String Trio: String Poets

Wedding favors: Welcome Bags from Blossom & Basket boutique

After their engagement session in Baltimore, finally I had the honor to do their wedding photography at Aspen Wye River Conference Center.:)

Let’s see what’s going on at the beginning of the day.

The Bride was getting ready at the Houghton House while the Groom was at the River House. I just love photographing weddings here because the rooms are beautiful.

Here are the colorful flower bouquet for the Bride and Maid of Honor arranged by Seasonal Flowers.

Morgan’s beautiful wedding dress and shoes.

Morgan got help from her best friend to put on the veil.

Spending time with her Father one last time before she walks down the isle.

Boutonniere for the Groom, Grandmother, and Mother of the Groom.

The ceremony was held at the garden by the Houghton House.

The Groom and Best Man had a big smile seeing the Bride escorted by her Father walking down the isle during the procession.

The Bride and Groom reciting their vows.

The beautiful floral decor at the ceremony site.

After the Bride and Groom finished the romantic photo session, they head out to join their guests and families. The cocktail hour and reception was at the River House.

Check out the gorgeous cake with floral decorations from Bay Country Bakery.

They also had delicious mini crab cakes for hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.

The Father of the Bride gave an introduction speech and a toast to the newly wed couple.

A speech from the Maid of Honor, which was also the Bride’s sister, Chelsea.

Chelsea then dedicated a photo slideshow of the Bride and Groom from the past to present.

Then it was the Best Man’s turn to give speech.

Looks like Jay was admiring Morgan’s wedding ring.

The guests demanding the Bride and Groom to kiss.

Morgan’s best friend gave speech and read poem.

Then finally it’s time for the Bride and Groom to do their first dance.

Followed by Father of the Bride and daughter dance,

and Mother of Groom and son dance.

Outside on the patio, crackers, marshmallow, and chocolate were provided for everyone to make s’mores. Yum!

This was where they could roast the marshmallows.

The floor was open for everyone to dance!

Cake cutting time!

Drink and toast to the newly wed couple!

Time for the bouquet toss!

Apparently, Morgan’s best friend caught the flower!

DJ Justin Darling in action.

Morgan and her best friend were a big fan of Britney Spears. Here they were dancing to one of their favorite song “Baby One More Time”.

Time for the Bride and Maid of Honor to make their s’mores.

Congratulations Morgan and Jay! May you all live happily ever after.

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Venue: Aspen Wye River Conference Center

Officiant: Reverend Lee Ferrell- Severna Park United Methodist Church

Hair: Kortney Haynes

Dress: Davids Bridal

Flower and Decoration: Seasonal Flowers- Cambridge MD

Wedding Cake and Cookie Wedding Favors: Bay Country Bakery- Cambridge MD

DJ: Justin Darling

Special Music, Soloist: Ashley Burke

This is part two of Kelsey and Jonnie’s wedding, the reception. If you haven’t seen part 1, please check it out! You can see the getting ready and wedding ceremony photos at The Tidewater Inn.

Before we see the fun party pictures, check out the decorations and the table settings in this beautiful ballroom, The Gold Room, at The Tidewater Inn.

These wedding cake toppers are so cute!

Here comes the Bride and Groom!

Bride and Groom’s first dance!

After dinner, it was time for speeches from the Best Men and the Maid of Honor.

Jonnie and his Mom were having fun during Mother of the Groom and son dance.

Finally it’s cake cutting time!

One of the Matron of Honor, Sarah, which was Jonnie’s sister, were given a surprise for her Birthday.

These two group shots are actually outtakes, but their expressions and goofy gestures made me laugh.

They’re all Washington College Alumni.

Time for party!

The DJ of the night, DJ Jeff Furnas.

I think they were all dancing to cupid shuffle. I don’t remember, but it was one of those songs where people could dance together supposedly in sync.

Kelsey and her mother dancing to their favorite song.

What song these guys were singing along with?

Yup, Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey. This classic song always draws the crowd to sing.

Congratulations, Kelsey and Jonnie!

May you live happily ever after!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Venue: The Tidewater Inn

Officiant:  Rev. Amanda Tate

Hair & Make up:  Behind the Veil

Dress:  Marisa

Suit:  Jos. A. Bank in Annapolis, MD

Florist:  Flower Child in Chestertown, MD

Decor:  DIY by the Bride and styled by Angela Ingram (Flower Child) and Melanie Bennett (The Tidewater Inn)

Cake:  Peace of Cake

DJ:  DJ Jeff Furnas with MyDeejay

String Trio:  Chesapeake Strings

Invitations:  Tie That Binds

Calligraphy:  Rachel Carl & Co.

After Kelsey and Jonnie’s engagement photo session at Chestertown and Washington College, I finally had the honor to document their big day.

Kelsey and Jonnie’s wedding ceremony and reception was at The Tidewater Inn, Easton, Maryland.

They got this certificate from The White House, signed by President Obama and the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Not sure how they got it, I forgot to ask.

They got this certificate as well, which seemed to be from Disney? It was signed by Cinderella and Prince Charming. Haha…
I wonder who’s Prince Charming’s real name is. :p

The bride’s beautiful dress, shoes, …

… and the flower bouquet.

The Bride and Groom were getting ready in separate suites at the hotel.

Jonnie opened the card and gift from Kelsey.

Kelsey’s Mom was holding this handkerchief, a gift from Kelsey. It was custom made with custom embroidery.
The inscription was:
To dry your tears
as you have always dried mine.
Love always, Kelsey.

Jonnie’s Mother was very proud and happy for her son.

The ladies from Behind the Veil did an awesome job of make up and hair-do for the Bride, Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor and the Mothers.

The Groom and Best Men were ready.

Opening the card, letter, and gift from Jonnie.

Jonnie helping his Father putting on the boutonniere.

And this was how you help putting on the Bride’s shoes.

I just love long veils! I think they’re very classy!

A locket which has Kelsey’s photo when she was a baby with her late Dad, was attached to the flower bouquet.

And the girls are ready to go!

Here comes the Bride, escorted by her Mother.

Jonnie seeing Kelsey in her wedding dress the first time.

Finally it’s time for the Bride and Groom to recite their vows.

I love how Jonnie looked at Kelsey here, as if it was his first time setting his eyes on her.

You can see the love in their eyes when they looked at each other.

Then it’s time to put on the wedding bands.

“You may now kiss the Bride!”

Introducing for the first time the married couple.

Congratulations Kelsey and Jonnie! May you live happily ever after!

To be continued to Part 2, the wedding reception!

Leo Dj

—

Vendors

Venue: The Tidewater Inn

Officiant:  Rev. Amanda Tate

Hair & Make up:  Behind the Veil

Dress:  Marisa

Suit:  Jos. A. Bank in Annapolis, MD

Florist:  Flower Child in Chestertown, MD

Decor:  DIY by the Bride and styled by Angela Ingram (Flower Child) and Melanie Bennett (The Tidewater Inn)

Cake:  Peace of Cake

DJ:  DJ Jeff Furnas with MyDeejay

String Trio:  Chesapeake Strings

Invitations:  Tie That Binds

Calligraphy:  Rachel Carl & Co.