There’s something about closing out a year that makes me want to slow down and really notice the story we just lived. 2025 was full of meaningful moments – romantic, sacred, and joyfully chaotic in the best way – and I’m so grateful I got to document them as a Northern VA wedding photographer serving the greater DC and Maryland area (with a special love for Catholic weddings and the beauty of the sacrament).

This year also held two milestones I’ll never forget: I photographed my 100th wedding, and 2025 marked 10 years of photographing weddings. Ten years of teary vows, proud parents, candlelit churches, packed dance floors, and joyful celebrations. I don’t take it lightly that couples invite me into days like these – days that become family heirlooms.

Inside this 2025 recap, you’ll find a curated look at everything I photographed this year – engagement sessions, weddings, second and associate shooting opportunities, styled shoots, and a handful of miscellaneous celebrations (including a preschool graduation, a baptism, and a bridal shower). I’m also linking each wedding and session back to its full blog post, so you can easily hop from highlight to the complete story if you’re planning your own celebration and gathering inspiration. We’ve also had the honor of being featured in numerous magazines, wedding blogs, and other special publications this year and share a roundup of those features below. And stay til the end for a cozy recap of my own family’s review of 2025!

If you’re newly engaged and searching for a Northern VA wedding photographer (or a Catholic wedding photographer who understands how to photograph your ceremony with reverence), I hope this post feels like a warm introduction to what it’s like to work together – images that are vibrant and genuine, direction that helps you feel comfortable, and the freedom to stay present inside your day while I quietly capture the story unfolding.

Engagement Sessions | Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland & Richmond Engagement Photos

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of the wedding journey – because they’re where you get to slow down, breathe, and simply be together. As a Northern VA engagement photographer (serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and beyond), I love helping couples choose a location that feels like them – whether that means iconic architecture, garden paths in bloom, or golden hour along the water. Below are the engagement sessions I photographed in 2025, each one linked to the full story for more inspiration and location details.

Richmond Engagement Photos at The VMFA – Lizzie and Kyle

A spring evening at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) gave us the prettiest mix of open grounds, romantic architecture, and that last bit of golden light. We even ended near St. Benedict Catholic Church – a sweet, faith-rooted touch that made their session feel even more personal. See more on the blog.

DC Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos at Catholic University of America – Gretchen and Dakota

Cherry blossoms in DC, without the Tidal Basin crowds – yes, please. We photographed their session on the Catholic University of America campus, and finished with a breathtaking backdrop at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. See more on the blog.

Georgetown DC Engagement Photos – Gabby and Ben

This session felt like a classic DC date night – cobblestone charm, quiet side streets, and golden hour glow tucked between historic row houses. Georgetown is always a favorite for couples who want engagement photos that feel romantic, timeless, and effortlessly “city.” See more on the blog.

Green Spring Gardens Photos – Hannah and Peter’s Engagement Session

Green Spring Gardens in Northern Virginia showed off in full bloom – peony season, soft light, and garden paths that made the whole evening feel peaceful and elevated. This was the kind of session where laughter and movement create the most natural, genuine portraits. See more on the blog.

Kennedy Center Engagement Photos in Washington, DC – Daniela and Josh

The Kennedy Center is one of those DC locations that gives you iconic views and quiet corners – especially at golden hour along the Potomac. Between the glowing white stone and the wind catching her dress just right, their session felt both cinematic and intimate. See more on the blog.

Library of Congress Engagement Photos in Washington, DC – Kirn and Joey

This was my first time photographing an engagement session at the Library of Congress, and I left hoping it won’t be my last. The interiors were stunning, and Kirn’s floral white dress gave the whole session a romantic, bridal feel – classic, elegant, and beautifully timeless.

Waredaca Brewing Company Engagement Photos in Maryland – Hillary and Scott

A peak fall day at Waredaca Brewing Company in Maryland gave us glowing foliage, relaxed energy, and the perfect balance of playful and classy. Hillary’s denim dress fit the farm-brewery backdrop so well – easygoing, stylish, and full of personality.

National Mall Golden Hour Engagement Photos – Emily and Mason

A perfect summer engagement session at the National Mall is classic for a reason. Emily and Mason had the most romantic time draped against the stairs of the Jefferson Memorial with the warm golden hour sun reflecting off the marble. We ended the session with a cotton candy sky against the iconic Washington Monument, barefoot on the lawn of the Mall, soaking in the last of the summer sunset.

Weddings | Northern VA Wedding Photographer (DC, Maryland & Virginia Venues)

Weddings are the heart of what I do—and 2025 was filled with celebrations that felt both deeply meaningful and beautifully personal. As a Northern VA wedding photographer serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and destination pockets across Virginia, I’m always looking to tell the full story: the sacred ceremony moments, the quiet in-betweens, and the joyful reception energy that brings it all together. Below are the weddings I photographed this year, each linked to the full blog post so you can explore the complete day and venue details.

Christmas-Themed Wedding in Herndon, Virginia – Elizabeth and Jonathan

A festive, cozy celebration with Christmas details woven throughout the day – warm tones, seasonal touches, and portraits that felt classic and romantic while still full of personality. See more on the blog.

Union Street Public House Wedding in Alexandria, VA – Sydney and Nick

My 100th wedding felt like it was meant to be, with a ceremony at my alma mater Marymount University. Sydney and Nick’s reception at Union Street Public House felt intimate in the restaurant space, but still full of life with a busy dance floor til the end of the night. See more on the blog.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Wedding – Megan and Rob

A garden wedding at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Northern Virginia – lush paths, soft light, and a day that felt peaceful and elevated from start to finish. See more on the blog.

Immaculate Conception Church Wedding in Washington, DC – Gretchen and Dakota

A Catholic wedding in DC with a ceremony that carried so much reverence and joy, followed by portraits that felt classic and editorial at the Smithsonian Castle. See more on the blog.

Greek Orthodox Wedding in Potomac, Maryland – Hannah and Peter

A beautiful Orthodox celebration in Potomac, MD – full of tradition, family connection, and a reception that truly felt like a gathered community celebrating something sacred. See more on the blog.

Stone Manor Boutique Inn Wedding – Kait and Tim

A romantic wedding at Stone Manor Boutique Inn with sweeping views and a woodland fairytale feel. See more on the blog.

Atrium at Meadowlark Wedding in Northern Virginia – Gabby and Ben

The botanical garden’s Great Lawn makes an epic background for portraits, while the patio makes an intimate space for vows and a special crowning ceremony to honor Gabby’s Orthodox roots. See more on the blog.

The Estate at Independence Wedding – Lizzie and Kyle

Lizzie and Kyle’s wedding at The Estate at Independence was full of thoughtful, joy-filled details – starting with her bridesmaids in mismatched floral dresses that set such a whimsical-yet-refined tone for the day. Later, we hopped in a golf cart to a tucked-away bridge behind the course for golden hour portraits (the kind of “hidden gem” spot that makes this venue so special), and they ended the night with a private last dance and a flower petal sendoff that felt like pure celebration. See more on the blog.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Fall Wedding – Daniela and Josh

Daniela and Josh’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens fall wedding was pure November magic – starting with an emotional first look on the Great Lawn with Lake Caroline behind them (and their dogs dressed up for a few portraits). They said their vows inside the Atrium at Meadowlark beneath a floral arch, then ended the night with a private last dance to “So Close” from Enchanted before a glowing phone-flashlight sendoff outside. See more on the blog.

Winchester, VA Wedding – Elizabeth and Seamus

Elizabeth and Seamus’ wedding began with a Nuptial Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, VA, with the striking crucifix over the altar anchoring some of the most reverent ceremony moments. Afterward, we photographed bright orange-and-peach wedding party portraits behind the church before heading to Gable Five for a barn reception. See more on the blog.

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Wedding in Purcellville, VA – Marina and Andrew

A Christmas wedding that felt straight out of a storybook: a ceremony at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville, then romantic wintry portraits at Historic Rosemont Manor before a truly fun barn reception under stunning chandeliers.

Shenandoah Lodge Wedding in Front Royal, VA – Emily and Mason

A Christmas celebration at Shenandoah Lodge in Front Royal, Virginia, with bride and groom portraits at Shenandoah National Park, Christmas trees framing the ceremony space, and a sweet Chinese tea ceremony that created a quiet, intimate moment with family before the larger celebration.

Second Shooting & Associate Shooting | Washington, DC + Northern Virginia Wedding Photography Collaborations

One of the unexpected gifts of this year was getting to serve couples and families while also collaborating with other talented photographers through second shooting and associate shooting opportunities across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC (and even beyond). I’m always grateful to step into these wedding days with a steady, supportive presence—focused purely on storytelling, beautiful light, and meaningful moments—without the weight of planning timelines, managing full-day logistics, or carrying the entire post-production process. It’s such a joy to contribute my eye and experience while helping another photographer’s team deliver an exceptional client experience.

St. Dominic Catholic Church Wedding in Washington, DC (Second shooting for Kara Loryn Photography)

A classic Catholic wedding in DC with timeless church architecture and a celebration that felt joyful, grounded, and full of heartfelt moments – from the ceremony details to the reception energy. See more of this one on the blog.

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Ceremony + St. Francis Hall Reception | Washington, DC (Second shooting for Jennifer Fern Photography)

A true winter-weather wedding story: this day unfolded during a major snowstorm, and the reception brought the warmth – especially during the lively money dance. The floral arrangements were absolutely stunning and gave the whole space a refined, celebratory feel.

Catholic Wedding | State College, Pennsylvania (Associate shooting for Nikayla & Co Associates)

A sweet Catholic ceremony at a historic church, followed by the prettiest cherry blossom portraits at a nearby park – soft, romantic, and perfectly seasonal.

St. Philip Catholic Church | Falls Church, VA (Second shooting for Kara Loryn Photography)

A meaningful ceremony at St. Philip Catholic Church, followed by portraits at a nearby lake framed by quaint residential architecture that felt like a little European vacation tucked into Northern Virginia.

Micro Wedding at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church | Arlington, VA (Associate shooting for Rise and Roam)

An intimate Catholic micro wedding with close family and friends – simple, reverent, and deeply personal as they celebrated their nuptials ahead of larger future festivities.

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church + Shadow Creek | Purcellville, VA (Associate shooting for Right Up Your Allie Photography)

A colorful, classy celebration in Purcellville with a vendor team I genuinely admire – plus the most perfect cotton-candy sky for sunset portraits that made the evening feel extra dreamy.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church + Poplar Springs Manor | Warrenton, VA (Second shooting for The Herreras)

A joyful Virginia wedding day with standout floral installations by Annie of Floriography – the kind that transforms a space. And a fun personal twist: the couple’s wedding party overlapped with my husband’s university Catholic community, which made the day feel unexpectedly connected.

Raspberry Plain Manor | Leesburg, VA (Second shooting for Love Lomax Studios)

A striking black-and-white wedding aesthetic paired with one of the sweetest moments of the day: a heartfelt first look in the venue’s secret garden – quiet, romantic, and so genuine.

Private Estate Wedding | Loudoun County, VA (Second shooting for Love Lomax Studios)

A beautifully intentional private estate celebration, full of personal touches that felt uniquely “them” – including an antique car with family-wedding history that added such meaningful, heirloom charm.

Styled Shoots | Northern VA Wedding Photographer Editorial Work (DC + Virginia)

Styled shoots are such a valuable creative space – part inspiration, part education, and part play. As a Northern Virginia wedding photographer serving Washington, DC and the greater Virginia area, I love using editorial collaborations to sharpen my craft, explore new lighting scenarios, and bring fresh ideas back to my real wedding days (especially when it comes to details, flat lays, and intentional design). Here are the styled shoots I participated in during 2025.

Wed West Collab – Wedding Flat Lays

A details-focused collaboration centered on wedding flat lay styling. Wed West is one of my very favorite stationary designers so working together to highlight some of her favorite recent pieces was so much fun! I had a blast exploring color, texture, and theme to make each piece the star of its own show. See more on the blog.

Wildflowers Retreat – Moody Restaurant Styled Shoot (Catholic Wedding Professionals)

The first styled shoot of the Wildflowers Retreat leaned moody and editorial – a vibe I approached with a little hesitation, knowing my work is typically bright and colorful. I walked away genuinely excited: it stretched my skills in a way that still felt true to my style, and helped me learn how to handle darker environments while creating imagery that’s romantic, polished, and beautifully intentional.

Wildflowers Retreat – Colorful Floral Styled Shoot + Old Church Portraits

This was the one I’d been looking forward to all weekend: playful color, standout florals, and joyful design that felt right at home for my work. The shoot wrapped with one couple photographed outside near an old church, which added the perfect finishing layer – variety, texture, and a timeless backdrop that made the whole set feel complete. Getting out of my normal spaces and participating in a shoot like this in a different state with vendors from all over the country was a special treat.

Family & Milestone Sessions in Northern Virginia | Maternity, Baptisms & Bridal Showers

While weddings are my main focus, 2025 also held a handful of smaller sessions that felt just as meaningful – family milestones, faith-filled celebrations, and wedding-weekend joy. As a Northern Virginia photographer, I love documenting these moments with the same care: natural expressions, thoughtful details, and the kind of candid images that bring you right back.

Toy Story-Themed Pregnancy Announcement

A sweet, playful announcement for a friend expecting their second baby – full of Toy Story-inspired details and the kind of joyful energy that makes “we’re growing our family” feel like a celebration in itself.

Francis’ Baptism – a Sacred Celebration

Photographing the baptism of Kara Lilly’s son, Francis, was deeply moving. After the extraordinary health crisis he faced at birth, being surrounded by the Lilly family’s loved ones – and members of the hospital staff who walked with them through those first weeks – made the day feel profoundly reverent and full of gratitude.

Last-Minute Mini Maternity Session

A quick, last-minute maternity session for a friend before she welcomed her first baby in August. Simple, heartfelt, and calm – one of those sessions that reminds you how powerful it is to pause and honor a season before it changes.

Marina’s Bridal Shower

A bridal shower for my December bride, Marina, filled with hugs, laughter, and so many sweet details planned by her Matron of Honor. It was such a gift to meet the women who love her most – and to give her candid memories to hold onto long after the wedding day.

Jade’s Preschool Graduation Shoot

A pink-and-glitter celebration for little Jade’s preschool graduation before she headed off to kindergarten. Fun, bright, and full of personality – exactly the kind of milestone her mom wanted to remember.

Publications & Features | Northern Virginia Catholic Wedding Photographer Featured Work

I’m always humbled when our work is shared beyond this blog—especially when it highlights the heart of what I love most: faith-filled celebrations, thoughtful design, and couples whose love is rooted in something deeper. Being featured by third-party blogs and publications also helps future couples find us when they’re searching for a Northern VA wedding photographer (and especially a Catholic wedding photographer serving the DMV). Here are the places our photography was featured this year, with links to each feature story.

Arlington Catholic Herald (Print + Online Feature)

A feature close to my heart – highlighting one of our 2025 couples and the joyful, faith-forward story of how they met through a Catholic matchmaking post on Instagram.

Magpie Wedding (Vintage-Inspired Wedding Blog)

Magpie Wedding featured a 2024 styled shoot with rich florals and editorial flair – perfect for couples who love vintage touches paired with timeless romance.

The Catholic Bridal Collective

One of our favorite 2024 weddings was featured here – summer elegance, generous hospitality, and a day that felt deeply rooted in faith and family.

Brides & Weddings (Wildflowers Retreat Styled Shoot Feature)

This feature spotlighted our images from a Catholic styled shoot at the Wildflowers Retreat – editorial, romantic, and full of inspiration for couples planning a sacred celebration.

Virginia Weddings Magazine (Print Feature)

A print-exclusive feature found throughout Virginia – highlighting a 2024 wedding that was reverent, vibrant, and unforgettable, including a stunning floral chandelier installation. This was a bucket list feature opportunity for me as a Northern VA wedding photographer!

Trivium Magazine (Quarterly Catholic Magazine)

A personal favorite: Trivium featured a film photo from my travels to the Dolomites alongside a Spirit-led reflection on that mountaintop moment – an unexpected intersection of faith, beauty, and storytelling.

Film Wedding Photography | Northern Virginia 35mm Film Photographer (DC + Maryland)

In 2025, I leaned into film in a bigger way – experimenting with different film stocks, learning what happens when you push film, and slowly building confidence roll by roll. By the end of the year, I was genuinely proud of the consistency and quality I was creating, and I loved how film added a timeless, textured layer to the stories I already tell as a Northern VA wedding photographer serving Washington, DC and Maryland.

I’ve been shooting on an antique Canon AE-1, and learning film with a manual-focus lens has changed how I see everything. Film asks you to slow down – observe the scene, read the light, and choose settings based on what you see (not what the camera decides). That discipline has sharpened my instincts across the board, and it’s made me a stronger photographer in both film and digital.

What film coverage looks like at Beauty of the Soul Studio

Film is an add-on for weddings (a companion to your digital coverage, not a replacement). Most couples choose 1-2 rolls of 35mm film, depending on budget and how much film you’d like woven into the day. I currently photograph film using natural and ambient light, so film typically includes:

• well-lit getting ready moments
• outdoor portraits (including golden hour)
• ceremony images
• reception details
• and, when lighting allows, a few reception moments

FAQ | Film Wedding Photography in Northern Virginia

Do you offer film for weddings in Northern Virginia?
Yes. I offer 35mm film wedding photography as an add-on for couples in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.

Is film included, or is it an add-on?
Film is an add-on. Most couples choose one or two rolls of film, depending on the amount of film coverage they want and their budget for film.

What parts of the day do you photograph on film?
Because my film work is currently natural/ambient light only, film typically includes: well-lit getting ready spaces, outdoor portraits, the ceremony, reception details, and sometimes a few reception moments depending on lighting.

Do you shoot color or black-and-white film?
To maintain my celebratory vibe, I typically shoot color film stock, but black-and-white film is available upon request. (Especially if you want a whole roll of classic black and white church ceremony photos – what a dream!)

How does film fit with my digital gallery?
Film is designed to be a companion to your digital photography – not a replacement, and not a seamless extension of the digital gallery. Film has its own texture, grain, and tonal character.

Will film scans match your editing style?
Yes. Your film scans will be edited to reflect the hallmarks of the Beauty of the Soul Studio look – while preserving the grain and tones that make film uniquely beautiful.

Personal Update | Life Behind the Lens in 2025

Living and working in Northern Virginia this year has felt like a beautiful balancing act – equal parts ordinary and holy. The greatest gift has been home: my youngest turned one in February, my oldest turned four in September, and watching their little personalities bloom has been the kind of joy that makes time feel both fast and sacred. Being a stay-at-home mom while also running Beauty of the Soul Studio is not always simple, but it is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

This year also included a few trips that filled my cup in the best way. I flew to Los Angeles to celebrate my best friend’s PhD thesis defense at CalTech, and spending a full weekend with my two best friends from college felt genuinely rejuvenating. I came home reminded that meaningful work and meaningful friendships can coexist – and I’m grateful my job gives me the flexibility to show up for the people I love when it matters.

Over the summer, my husband and I slipped away to New York for a little adventure. I played with film, ate incredible food, did a bit of shopping, and we saw The Last Five Years on Broadway. Then, at the end of the summer, we took a 12-day adults-only trip to the Dolomites, and it was an absolute dream come true. The hikes, the beauty, the hospitality, the meals that somehow tasted like comfort and celebration at the same time – we’re already daydreaming about returning someday.

This fall brought a big milestone at home: my oldest started part-time preschool and has been doing really well. And in a decision that still feels a little surprising to say out loud, we also decided to homeschool next year. I’ve been particularly inspired by clients with close-knit families who spoke so warmly about how homeschooling shaped their family culture, and in prayer, I felt truly led by the Spirit into a path I wouldn’t have imagined even a couple of years ago. So in 2026, we’re venturing into something new – equal parts exciting and stretching – and I’m holding it with open hands.

If you’ve made it this far – thank you for being here, and for letting me share both the work and the heart behind it. If you’re planning a wedding for 2026, I’d love to connect. You can get to know me further and reach out using my contact form!