Sometimes, life hands you something you didn’t expect. Something awesome that you can only really thank the Lord for. First, I have a friend named Lucy who is also a photographer. She rocks. And, she referred Natalie and Trace to me because her little babe was due a week before their wedding! I was so excited to chat with Natalie and Trace over Skype, and learn all about their relationship. How they first met in middle school and how they have this huge group of friends who all support and love each other so well. I also got to hear one of the most creative engagement stories ever! Trace had a print made for Natalie of Boston, and in the print Trace is proposing to Natalie. Thats how he asked her!! They were looking at the gift together, Natalie saw Trace in the window of a building on one knee proposing to her! How cool is that? And, now they get to keep that for the rest of their lives… so awesome.
To be honest, I was a little nervous about this wedding and for one reason only. It was in D.C. Im from a city, and I know how to drive in the city, but not D.C. I was nervous I was going to be late, nervous that their would be too many people, nervous about getting to and from locations… But, you know what? This wedding went smoother than some of my Richmond weddings! Natalie and Trace did such an amazing job planning the day out that it went perfectly! I am so excited to share these with you. Enjoy some of my favorites!
Also, HUGE thanks to Stephanie Yonce for shooting with me! Her images are mixed in throughout the post!
Natalie’s dress was stunning!
Dad moment…
It was a REALLY sunny day… Trace’s eyes needed a break!
Joy!!!
This next one is Stephanie’s!! I loveee it!
Friends, ALL of that was during their First Look. You get SO many more genuine and relaxed images when you choose to do a First Look. There is no rush, and its just the 3 of us, hanging out, laughing, and talking! There are so many MORE positives to doing a First Look… I hope if youre a bride you will consider one! You wont regret a single moment of it!
I loved this wedding party!! They were so sweet and fun!!
Such unique bouquets!
Rooftop ceremony!!
I loved the ceremony and all the traditions they honored. They combined Jewish wedding details along with Christian ones!
Trace’s sister read Blessing of the Hands, it was really moving…
Husband and Wife!!
First dance!
Which turned into a Flash Mob with the entire wedding party!!
Parent dances…
Cake cutting!
And they partied into the night!
Congratulations Rakestraw’s!! So excited for you guys!
Vendor Info:
Dress: White, Jodi Moylan
Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Flowers: DBI Events, Liza Bourkard
Cake: Cakes by Carolyn, Carolyn Buschmeie
Hair: Derek Farmer
Planner: Bella Cosa Events, Meredith Sorkin
Makeup: Erica Basha
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fun wedding!! You did such a beautiful job!! Loooved the first look! So many amazing moments!
gorgeous wedding & gorgeous work! i love that she took her hair down for the reception.
How absolutely fabulous, looked like it was the place to be. I loved Trace’s matching socks, the sun glasses and the Father of the Bride hat. The flash dance was so perfect, you guys didn’t forget anything. Congrats Trace and Natalie, see you when you head south. Much love
What incredibly beautiful images!