Jared and Victoria were married Saturday, August 11 in a beautiful and intimate ceremony at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC.
Jared is from Michigan, and Tori is a native of New Jersey, but these two met right here in DC in 2012 when they were both students at American University. And from there, these two hit it off, and now they are both right at home in DC – and wife and husband!
Jared and Tori are so kind, and their family and friends were so the same way. What an incredible group of friends and family these two had. Jared and Tori’s guests were SO kind; I loved getting to know their friends and family, and especially loved meeting their wedding party. Tori’s maid of honor was her sweet sister, Paige, and her three bridesmaids included two good friends from school and her cousin. Jared’s best man, Josh, is actually Tori’s sister’s boyfriend, and one of his other groomsmen is dating another of Tori’s bridesmaids. It was SO cool to have so many couples – and Jared and Tori’s wedding party was so sweet and fun. We just loved getting to know them! Their bridesmaids and groomsmen had so many great picture ideas, and they kept everyone laughing. Jared and Tori also had so many great ideas. Plus, these two are so natural in front of the camera; they are a stunning couple!
Tori and Jared planned to wait until next year to get married, but the coveted Mayflower Hotel had a surprise Saturday opening – and these two were lucky enough to get it! So their wedding date moved up – what a beautiful surprise!
Tori began the day getting ready with her bridal party at the Mayflower Hotel, while Jared and his groomsmen got ready in a different part of the hotel; after some quick detail shots, it was time for Tori and Jared’s first look! These two shared a first look in the beautiful gallery outside of their ceremony and reception venue. It was such a sweet moment! Afterward, we were so fortunate to be able head outside. Saturday was originally forecasted to have rain all day, but it ended up being a beautiful day. (And we got extra lucky; my husband, Justin, was filming a wedding in Northern Maryland that same day and he had a very big thunderstorm!). I was so thankful that Tori and Jared were able to step outside for some portraits, because the space outside of The Mayflower is absolutely beautiful. It was like we were transported to Florida with the lovely tropical plants (the humidity may have contributed to that feeling too!) :) Afterward, we had some time for wedding party pictures and family pictures, and then it was time for Tori and Jared’s wedding ceremony! These two were married by the judge that Tori interned for, so it was so special that she was able to share in such a special day with these two. The ceremony was beautiful and included readings from two of the groomsmen. Afterwards, Tori and Jared headed outside for some quick pictures under the lovely Mayflower Hotel awning, and then they joined their guests for the cocktail hour. This is why I just love when couples share a first look – it is so wonderful for the bride and groom to be part of the cocktail hour with their family and friends :)
After the cocktail hour, everyone joined the couple in the stunning Mayflower Hotel ballroom for a beautiful, intimate reception. The décor was so beautiful – and each guest was given bouball chocolate truffles and custom etched wine glasses. I was so excited when the planner said there were some extras and I could take one home; they are beautiful, and I really love having a memento from weddings. My couples are so special to me, and I love remembering their beautiful wedding days with a special favor JTori’s maid of honor, Paige, and Jared’s best man, Josh, gave beautiful speeches, and then the dancing began! One of Tori and Jared’s guests was an awesome breakdancing picture; my wonderful second shooter, Anna of Arpasi Photography, and I joked that we could do an entire blog post on dancing photos of him! He was awesome! Tori and Jared took a short break toward the end of their reception for some beautiful night portraits, and Tori and Jared went onto the beautiful balcony overlooking the ballroom for the bouquet toss at the end of the night. It was such a fun, special, perfect wedding day, and it was such an honor to celebrate with Tori, Jared, and their family and friends.
Special thanks to my awesome second shooter, Anna, of Arpasi Photography. We’ve been friends for more than 20 years, and it was so nice to work together for Tori and Jared’s beautiful wedding!
Congratulations again, Tori and Jared! We loved being part of your wedding day!!
You’re such a gorgeous bride, Tori!! (Also, how incredible is Tori’s hair? It stayed perfect all night!).
The one on the right is an all-time favorite! I just love it!!
So cute!!
Look at this gorgeous wedding party! The bridesmaids’ dresses were stunning – the perfect evening gown!
Love this too!!
This is what I meant about it looking like Florida; this space outside of the Mayflower was beautiful! And look at how GORGEOUS Tori’s gown is when she twirls! So pretty!
Tori and Jared’s reception was STUNNING! How beautiful is the Mayflower Hotel?
Love this beautiful moment before the reception began!! Everything about this is perfect!!
The speeches were so sweet; it is clear that these two are so loved!
His moves were incredible!!
So cute!!
Congratulations, Tori and Jared!!
