August 30, 2016 Jeana + Matt | St. Mary’s Church Wedding | Rockville, Maryland
This wedding is very very special to me. Lots of words coming ahead, so buckle up. But feel free to skip ahead to the photos if that strikes your fancy.
About the Couple (a.k.a. my Ode to Jeana)
On January 29th, I was in Vermont with Steve, out to dinner when I got a FaceTime call from Jeana. I had told her many times that she had to FaceTime me when Matt proposed, and this is not a normal thing for us, so I immediately exclaim “Jeana got engaged!!!” grab my phone, and run from the table out the door of the crowded restaurant so I can actually hear her.
Matt had been pacing the whole evening, constantly checking the window, waiting for Jeana to arrive, like a puppy waiting for his beloved human to get home. After 5 years, it was finally time to ask Jeana the most important question – to which her answer was obviously yes.
So began the planning, and Jeana asked me officially to be her photographer. In reflecting on the last 3 years of my life with Jeana in it, I wrote this little nugget:
My life is better because Jeana is in it.
We met 3 years ago when due to a last minute emergency, I had to fill in for Elizabeth and Doug’s wedding as their photographer. About an hour into my day, I shared an elevator with Jeana. She told me that she loved my work and was a photographer herself. I was convinced that she thought I was the other photographer, but didn’t really want to get into the awkwardness of that conversation so I just smiled, thanked her, and continued on with my work.
A little later on in the evening she asked me some questions about my lighting, which I happily explained to her. Later that week she sent me a friend request on Facebook along with a message with a few questions. A few weeks went on with back and forth Q&A sessions before we decided to meet for lunch. Immediately I took to her. She was sweet, responsible, and I loved her personality. I knew I could trust her to represent me at weddings, and I offered to have her tag along as long as she’d like to learn.
That year Jeana assisted me on most of my remaining weddings to learn as much as she could. The following year, I couldn’t imagine not having her there, and hired her to assist for the rest. Here we are 3 years later, and my business wouldn’t be what it is without her – and neither would I.
Jeana is the most kind, caring and attentive person I know. It’s what makes her a great assistant, and more importantly, what makes her an amazing friend. In the last three years she’s gone from a stranger, to an intern, to my right hand lady (and pack mule according to the Elvis DJ), to one of my best friends.
We’ve traveled all over Maryland and DC, to Rehoboth Beach, Philadelphia and even Jamaica together. She pushes me to be a better person, and she lets me push her outside of her comfort zone with new experiences – like snorkeling in Jamaica despite a fear of open water.
She’s both my overbearing mother, and my sheltered little sister. She’s the kind of friend who will never miss a call, and will let you cry scream to her on the phone when everything seems to be going wrong, and the first person you’ll want to tell when something goes right. She’s the kind of friend that once you have, you’ll do everything in your power to never lose. In the blink of an eye, and she went from a stranger to my best friend, and I’m never letting her go.
And so, on Friday, my sister/mom/bestie fo’ life married one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine people I’ve ever met. I don’t know Matt as well as I know Jeana, but he’s quickly become a cherished friend as well. I’m so, so incredibly happy to have been a part of the beginning of their forever, and I can’t wait to see where life takes them.
The Wedding
Matt and Jeana’s wedding was everything I had dreamed of for them and more. So many beautiful moments, surrounded by friends and family, a day filled with so much joy and love and celebration. They were married in the most hilariously personal and beautiful Catholic ceremony I’ve ever witnessed, officiated by Father Rob, the chaplain at University of Maryland. Father Rob has known Jeana and Matt since they were students at the Catholic Student Center at UMD, and his deep knowledge of them as individuals and a couple came through in every word. The reception was an absolute blast with so many amazing moments. I couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off life as the new Mr. & Mrs. Curley! Today on the blog, just a few of my favorites from the day. Love you guys. Cats.
The Wedding Photos
Vendors
Photographer: Breanna Shaw, Photography by Brea
Second Photographer: Kyle Bergner
Photography Assistant: Sandy Bass
DJ: Jordan, District Remix
Catering: Renaissance Catering
Bakery: Clare’s Confections (Clare Finnell)
Bridal Gown:Alterations and Customizations by Couture by Posh Bridal
Hair Stylist: Blo
Makeup Artist: Hannah Martin
Emily
Posted at 11:02h, 30 AugustWow, these are stunning! Not only are they beautiful photos, but they really show personality and relationship, which is the ultimate goal as a photographer (in my opinion). Incredible set of images!
Sarah Wockenfuss
Posted at 15:18h, 30 AugustI am in love with the portraits in front of the stained glass! So timeless and classy! This wedding looks like it was a blast! Great work :)