Anna and Michael’s wedding day was filled with the classic tradition of a bygone era. From the gorgeous
architectural wonder of Notre Dame Chapel at Trinity Washington University, complete with ceiling mosaic and exquisite stained glass (which lights my Art-History heart aflame), to the lovely gown from Posh Bridal with its traditional sleeves, lace, train, veil, the elegant and tasteful white florals from Dragonfly Events & Design, and finally Michael’s serenade to his beautiful bride, Anna.

These high school sweethearts turned husband and wife exude love in its purest and simplest form putting their marriage with God at the forefront. “We want to be examples that love always wins, and that God can bless you with your soulmate when you may least expect it. Both devout Catholics, we want to start our marriage with God as our top priority and strength. We believe that this can get us through whatever life brings us, and we thank Him for bringing us together. Our love is what it always was from the start- pure and simple. All we ever needed was each other. We are each other’s best friends, and we complement each other in every way.” Anna told me prior to their engagement session at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. (also the site of Michael’s proposal).

Michael describes it as “love at first sight.” He says “Anna is the light of my world, the valley for my tears, and the soul to my song. She is my everything.”

I’ve been anticipating their wedding day since my first consultation with them. It’s always wonderful getting to see them, from their engagement session to the open house at Morais Vineyards and more…I’ve looked forward to this day for quite a while! And the day did not disappoint…Anna and Michael had the perfect wedding day.

This was the first wedding at Notre Dame Chapel in a decade! A quiet and classic ceremony led the day
exactly as the bride and groom anticipated. First preparing for the day inside the Trinity Washington University main campus building, Anna donned her timeless, lace wedding gown. Anna also left time for beautiful bridal portraits at this enchanting chapel and gardens and Michael, his groom portraits. After the ceremony, we photographed their “Just Married” portraits both inside and outside of the chapel while their guests made their way to the reception site of Morais Vineyards.

Back at the Palacio of magnificent Morais Vineyards, Gretchen with Dragonfly Events & Design set up the
elegant reception that followed. We covered the sprawling grounds of Morais to capture newlywed and family portraits while the guests arrived for cocktail hour.

The newlyweds were introduced and toasts to the handsome couple from both Anna’s parents and Michael’s mother were moving to the say the least. Each parent speaking of their admiration for the love of the couple since they were teenagers. After the toasts we were back outside for golden hour photos. The sun did not disappoint nor did the always exquisite grounds of Morais. Michael’s Peruvian heritage made for a delicious meal as a buffet style dinner was served by  Pampas Fox Catering (the women of Michael’s family apparently sharing some secrets of their cuisine with the caterers). A classic cake from Paris Baguette and a respectful cutting with the newlyweds led to another touching moment…the serenading of the bride.

With everyone fed and portraits complete it was time for Michael to serenade his blushing bride. A
beautiful sight to behold! Michael sat with his guitar in tow, across from Anna, and performed for her, a lovely rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me”. Aside from an empty hall, I’ve never seen or heard the Palacio more quiet or still.

The dancing led the rest of the evening and prior to leaving, I photographed some dramatic night portraits outside of the Morais Vineyards’s reception space with Anna in an evening dress for the rest of the party.

It was my pleasure to serve this classy couple who so clearly love all their “perfect imperfections” and “give their all to one another”. Congratulations Anna and Michael!

Keep scrolling for highlights from their Big Day and thank you to these wonderful wedding professionals for making their day so very special!

Ceremony Chapel: Notre Dame Chapel at Trinity Washington University | Photographer: Lieb Photographic |Venue: Morais Vineyards | Planning & Floral Design: Dragonfly Events & Design | Bridal Boutique: Posh Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Wm. Fox & Co. | DJ: Matt Johnson with Black Tie DMV |Reception Decor/Florals: Northern Virginia Floral Company | Rings: Mervis Diamond | Hair and Make Up Artist: New You Salon | Catering: Pampas Fox Catering |  Baker: Paris Baguette | Favors: Etsy

Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer, a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer and photographs destinations worldwide. To see more weddings and engagement sessions in the Washington DC area, view the Washington DC Wedding Venues page. If you’d like to explore some more of my favorite wedding venues in the Virginia and Washington D.C. areas, view the Wedding Venues page.