My last wedding of 2009 was one of my favorites of the entire year. Katie and Masato are a gorgeous and incredible kind couple and their wedding, which happened to fall on the first snow storm DC had seen the entire year, was absolutely amazing.

The couple got ready at Hotel Rouge in DC and then took some photos on the National Mall. A beautiful ceremony took place at All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church in DC with a reception following at the Carnegie Institution.

One of my favorite elements of the wedding was the arrangement of 1,000 origami cranes that the couple carefully and meticulously folded over the months leading up to the wedding. The result was a stunning backdrop for the cake, a focal point for the reception, and, as Japanese tradition holds, blessings for a lifetime.

Helping the bride with her stunning dress

The bride wore a beautiful wrap on the way outside to see her groom for the first time

Walking through the snowy streets of DC

The wedding party, with the girls donning gorgeous purple dresses

The bride in red snow boots. I love it!

gorgeous wreaths, created by Yellow Door florists, adorned the church doors

The married couple recesses down the aisle

Beautiful tablescapes

The Carnegie Institution came alive with beautiful lighting from Atmosphere

A beautiful moment in a beautiful space

1,000 origami cranes handmade by the couple hang from an archway

the intricate cranes

A well-rehearsed and well-executed first dance on the grand floor

The wedding cake boasted fresh coconut shavings

Congratulations, Katie & Masato!

Venue: Carnegie Institution for Science
Catering: Windows
Makeup: Kim Giammaria
Flowers: Yellow Door
Photography: Greg Gibson
Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting
DJ: DJ Lil’ E