Ilona and Jimmie – One Year Anniversary
Washington D.C.

What a great pleasure it is to be able to document the happiness shared between two people! Now imagine the fulfillment and joy when you get to capture your friends’ one year wedding anniversary?!?! I was ecstatic to photograph Ilona and Jimmie in Washington D.C. The last time I had seen these two love birds, they were walking down the isle. Well, I saw them at their reception but you catch my drift. Ilona and I had met our freshman year of college. In fact, she was the first person that befriended my deer-in-headlights-self. We ate many meals together, danced away numerous crazy nights,  and eventually pledged into a sorority at the same time. I, one day, moved myself into her room but ultimately got kicked out. Who wants a third roommate living on their floor in a dorm room? On the floor below said room, lived this good-looking football player, Jimmie. However, sparks didn’t fly just yet. The dreamy stares and flirtatious chats were there but it wasn’t their time just yet.

It wasn’t until three years later, Ilona told some of Jimmie’s teammates that she had a crush on him. They relayed the message and Jimmie immediately asked her out on a date. Due to limited options during college, their first date was to TGIFridays. They dated for a few months and after making sure that Ilona was not crazy, Jimmie officially made her his girlfriend! Smart move, Jimmie! Haha! Ilona knew that he was the one when he drove several hours to New Jersey from Pennsylvania to surprise her during Thanksgiving break. She said they meshed so well and he was the yin to her yang. A few years later, Jimmie finally popped the question before they made the big move to the D.C area. He put a new dog tag on their dog, Arlo, that read, “will you marry my Daddy?” Jimmie asked Ilona if she saw Arlo’s new dog tag and she brushed it off thinking that he had bought a new tag with their new address. It wasn’t until a bit later that she finally saw the little dog tags that would change her life!

Fast forward to one year after marriage… It was early July and the sun was relentless. The heat and humidity was unforgiving. Finding shade was a touch of bliss. We began the session with hugs and excitement at the “AMOR” sign at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. We slowly made our way to several locations along the National Mall.  I surprised Ilona with a beautiful bouquet made by Pretty Petals and she surprised me with a special announcement! Scroll down to find out what secret she had up her sleeve!

Their advice for brides and grooms: “Enjoy every minute of your wedding day and do not stress about the little details. No one will remember them. Make sure you take your time picking your DJ because people always remember the good songs and the good times that they had.”

  

  

Their marriage advice: “Communicate! Don’t expect the other to read your mind. It won’t get you anywhere. Just voice your opinion and feelings and you’ll get along great.”

  

When my son tags along for the photo shoot! Haha!

  

  

She revealed to me that they were pregnant!!!!! <3 I couldn’t have been more happier for the two of them!

Thank you Ilona and Jimmie for allowing me to document your love! I can’t wait to see you this summer and meet Chase!