Sneak Peek! Katy & Matt, Wed at the Bethesda Doubletree Hotel {from a Washington DC Wedding Photographer}

Last Saturday at the Bethesda Doubletree Hotel, wearing a Maggie Sottero wedding gown from Mary’s Bridal in Annapolis, Maryland, Katy turns the corner.  She and her father pause a moment beneath parted drapes, and the crowd stands and murmurs.  I turn to look at Matt and see tears come to his eyes.  As Katy walks down the aisle and approaches, a smile  comes to his lips.  Congratulations to this happily wedded couple, currently honeymoon-ing in Jamaica!  Katy, you are beautiful, your wedding was gorgeous, and I wish you and Matt the best life has to offer!  Enjoy this sneak peek into your wedding photography!

Wedding portrait of the bride & groom on the spiral staircase of the Bethesda Doubletree Hotel, Maryland.

Left: Floral centerpiece by Johnson's Florist & Garden Center in Washington DC; wedding at the Bethesda Doubletree Hotel in Maryland. Right: First dance at a wedding at the Doubletree Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland.

Bridal Makeup/Hair: Angie Norman
Wedding Gown: Mary’s Salon
Florist:
Groom’s Attire & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jo.A. Bank and Alfred Angelo
DJ: Hesson Entertainment
Catering: Bethesda Doubletree Hotel
Wedding Cake: Creative Cakes
Wedding Invitations: MyGatsby.com

May’s Facebook Photography Special {from an Arlington Baby Photographer}

Even when you were just a dream, we knew we couldn't wait to love you forever...  Celebrate new beginnings with 25% off newborn photography sessions and maternity-newborn portrait collections.

Darby and the Pottery Barn Basket at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens {from an Arlington Baby Photographer}

Little 5-month old baby Darby got this Pottery Barn Kids basket, all decorated with an embroidered liner, making a great prop for her Easter portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia!

During this baby portrait photography session, a 5-month old baby sits in a pottery barn Easter basket at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

At Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, a 5-month old baby girl sits in a pottery barn Easter basket during a baby portrait photography session.

A 5-month old baby screams in delight during this baby portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

“Look, ma…no hands!!!”

"Look ma, no hands!" - baby portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

A mother plays with her 5-month old baby during a portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

Mommy and baby portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

Mommy and baby portrait photography session at Vienna, Virginia's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

Portrait of a 5-month old baby sitting smugly in the grass at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

Tall trees tower over this 5-month old baby during a portrait photography session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

A first-time mom kisses her 5-month old baby during a baby portrait photography session in Vienna, Virginia's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

Baby portrait photography at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia - a first-time mom nuzzles her 5-month old baby.

The Boateng Sisters at Brookside Gardens {from an Annapolis Portrait Photographer}

A month or so ago, Frannie and Yaa and her husband came down from New Jersey to visit their twin sisters, Belinda and Linda and their boyfriends.  What a group these sisters are…so much fun!  We had a great time at Brookside Gardens with portraits of each of the girls by themselves, the guys by themselves, the sisters together, each couple, and everyone together.  And…congratulations are in order for Yaa!  She and Lakoa are expecting their first baby!  I can’t wait to meet this special someone next time they’re down from New Jersey!  And, a special thank you goes out to Linda for writing me the awesome review you see below on Yelp!

Annapolis Portrait Photographer Review: "My sisters and I did [a photography session] with Irene at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD.  Irene made the photo shoot soo much fun.  I normally hate taking pictures and I never look good in them.  However, the pictures that Irene took made me look amazing - I just look very happy in each one.  I was sooo impressed.  You can really tell that we were having a lot of fun.  The pictures just look amazing overall.  I am actually thinking of using the images when I get engaged as save the date magnets.  I bought the CD with all of the pictures because they looked soo good... [it was[ soooo worth it.  I can't wait to buy my first house so I an hang up my pictures." - Linda Boateng, Germantown, Maryland.

Portrait photography session with four sisters at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

At Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, four sisters are photographed during a portrait photography session.

Portrait of two sisters at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

At Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, two sisters pose for a portrait.

An expectant mom is picked up and kissed by her husband during a couple's portrait photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

Couple's portrait photography session at Wheaton, Maryland's beautiful Brookside Gardens.

At Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, a man picks up and swings his girlfriend around during a couple's portrait photography session.

Leaning in for the kiss... couple's portrait photography at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

Portraits of a woman at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

At Wheaton, Maryland's Brookside Gardens - portraits of two sisters.

Makayla K., Precious as They Come at 6 Days Young {from a Washington DC Baby Photographer}

Makayla had dillied and dallied, but finally made her way into the world at the end of last month.  And pink and cherubic, sweetly smiling, and one eye open for her first professional portraits at just 6 days young, this little newborn baby is just about as precious as they come.  And with her proud, first-time dad’s encouragement, little baby Makayla is already a Cowboys-fan-in-training!  After waiting and waiting, what a pleasure it’s been to finally meet and photograph this little newborn baby and her beautiful family.   Makayla, I have no doubt that one thing you will never want for in life is your family’s enormous expanse of love!  Congratulations to all!

Newborn portrait photography session of a baby with a football and Dallas Cowboys headband - at a private home in Damascus, Maryland.

Portrait photography session of a newborn baby, purple flowers scattered around her, at a private residence in Damascus, Maryland.

A newborn baby is photographed with mom and dad's wedding rings hanging on her big toes at a private residence in Damascus, Maryland.

A proud, first-time dad holds his newborn baby girl during this portrait photography session in Damascus, Maryland.

A grandmother holds her newborn baby granddaughter during this portrait photography session in Damascus, Maryland.

A new mom kisses her newborn baby girl during a portrait photography session in Damascus, Maryland.

Christine’s Maternity Photography Session {from an Annapolis Portrait Photographer}

Last month at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, I met up with Christine and her daughter – 4-year old Daniella – for Christine’s maternity photography session. I had been introduced to a Christine by an old friend who my husband and I had originally met when we all lived in South Sudan many years ago. Christine is Congolese and works for an American non-profit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so I got to practice my slightly-rusty French with her and Daniella. In the US for the last few months of her pregnancy, I’m so glad we had the time to meet and enjoy the gardens.  And like a typical 4-year old, Daniella had the run of the place running and jumping all over.  At the end of our portrait photography session, I asked her, “Do you like the gardens?” …and she answered with a resounding “YES!”

Congratulations, Christine! I am looking forward to meeting Baby in just 1 1/2 more weeks!!

Yellow dress complemented by yellow flowers, a pregnant mother lies in the grass with her 4-year old daughter during a maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

An expectant mother lies on the grass during a maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

A 4-year old child peeks out over yellow flowers during a portrait photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

At Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, a 4-year old girl poses with her pregnant mom during this maternity photography session.

Left: A 4-year old child gazes out over a fountain during a portrait photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. Right: Portrait of a woman during a maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

A pregnant woman and her 4-year old daughter stroll down stone steps during this maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

Left: Springtime maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. Right: At Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, a 4-year old girl models for the camera during a portrait photography session.

A 4-year old girl dances for the camera during a portrait photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

An expectant mother basks in the afternoon sun during a maternity photography session at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.

Melaney & Jonathon, Engaged! at Belmont Bay {from an Arlington Wedding Photographer}

It was at my wedding photography booth at the Stonewall Golf Club bridal show about a month ago that I first met Melaney & Jonathon.  Melaney has got to absolutely be one of the most amazing people I know…and Jonathon one of the most giving and humanitarian…  what a match!!!  Melaney has been horseback riding ever since she was a little girl, and today, she imports and competes international sport horses in hunter jumper competitions.  (WOW!!!  right?)  One day, she could see herself opening up her own barn and teaching young kids how to ride… her musings brought back my own memories of my elementary school years when I too was at a local barn every week riding my favorite horse, Pepper.  I’d love to see Melaney at one of these competitions jumping 4′ fences!  On Melaney & Jon’s wedding day, at least one of Melaney’s horses will be grazing the fields at the country inn where they’ll be wed later this year.   And Jonathon, just as amazing as Melaney, well…saves lives.   As a kid, his house caught on fire, and while they fortunately weren’t home at the time, have the local firestation to thank for saving it.  Years later and all grown up, Jonathon is a volunteer firefighter, giving back to the community what it gave to his family years ago…saving lives.  Like I said…what a match!!!

To celebrate their wedding-to-come, Jon, Melaney & I met up at the Belmont Bay Harbor Marina, where I photographed them enjoying quiet moments together in the grass and in the cool shade of a white gazebo, dancing amidst the trees, and piggyback riding along the marina.  As we were walking back, we ran into some friends who own a boat, and perfect timing, had a few moments to photograph Jon & Melaney on it! Congratulations to Jonathon & Melaney, to be wed later this year!

During their engagement photography session, an engaged couple enjoys quiet moments together amidst the tall grass next to the Osprey's Golf Club at Belmont Bay, Woodbridge, Virginia.

Next to the Osprey's Golf Club at Belmont Bay in Woodbridge, Virginia, an engaged couple sits on a gazebo nestled amidst tall trees.

Next to the Osprey's Golf Club at Belmont Bay in Woodbridge, Virginia, an engaged couple sits on a gazebo nestled amidst tall trees.

The bride-to-be pulls the groom closer during this engagement photography session at Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Bride-and-groom-to-be dance in the woods next to the Belmont Bay Marina during this engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The groom-to-be dips the bride during a dance in the woods next to the Belmont Bay Marina during this engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Two hands come together to a form a heart during this engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Portrait of the bride-to-be, groom in the background, during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Bride & groom-to-be before a kiss during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Left: Portrait of an engaged couple during an engagement photography session at the Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia. Right: Glamour portrait of the bride-to-be at the Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Left: The bride-to-be rests her head on her fiance's shoulder during this engagement photography session at the Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia. Right: Detail photograph of the engagement ring, engaged couple in the background.

The groom-to-be piggybacks the bride during this engagement photography session at Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia.

An engaged couple enjoy each other and the view of the water at the Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The groom-to-be lies in the grass during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Left: Portrait of a groom-to-be during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia. Right: Portrait of the bride-to-be lieing in the grass, yellow flowers as a backdrop.

Portrait of a bride-to-be during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Portrait of a bride-to-be resting in the grass during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

An engaged couple lie quietly in the grass during an engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia.

During this engagement photography session, an engaged couple enjoy the late afternoon sun on a boat in the Belmont Bay Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia.

During this engagement photography session in Woodbridge, Virginia, an engaged couple stand on a boat in the Belmont Bay Marina.

47 Executive Portraits {from a Washington DC Photographer}

I’ve always been a fan of creative executive portraits that bring out more of the personality of the company and executives.  At the same time, there is something to be said for the standard corporate headshot on a grey backdrop.  If a consistent “look” is what you’re going for, then this is it.  Below are 47 corporate headshots that I created for a firm in Washington DC.

47 corporate headshot photographs for a single company on a grey backdrop by Irene Abdou, Washington DC photographer.

Our March Facebook Fan Special is Here! {from an Annapolis Wedding Photographer}

Our March special for Facebook fans has arrived! Click on the image below to view this month’s extra-special promotion!

March Facebook special for engagement photography in Washington DC, Annapolis, Maryland, and Arlington, Virginia.

The Recicars at Great Falls {from an Arlington Portrait Photographer}

One of my 2011 brides has a sister in Delaware.  I first met her and her family last year at the wedding, where she was the proud Matron of Honor, her daughter the flower girl, and her son the ringbearer.  With husband and two beautiful children in tow, we were able to meet up one fine afternoon at Great Falls in Virginia, as they were on their way home after vacationing in the Shenandoah.  And these wonderful family portraits are the result…enjoy!

Family portraits with two children at Great Falls, Virginia.

Portrait of a child, hair rimmed in a beautiful golden sunlight, at Great Falls Park in Virginia.

A girl is surrounded by beautiful orange-tinged autumn leaves during a portrait photography session at Great Falls, Virginia.

Two children sit on the rocks at Great Falls, Virginia during a family portrait photography session.

Family portraits at Great Falls Park in Virginia.

Mother and daughter during a portrait photography session at Great Falls Park in Virginia.

Portrait of a father and daughter on the rocks above Great Falls, Virginia during a family photography session.

Portrait of a family standing on the rocks above Great Falls, Virginia.

Mother and children portraits at Great Falls, Virginia.

Mother and children walk among autumn-tinged trees at Great Falls, Virginia during a portrait photography session.