Inspired @ ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com

Arlington Wedding Photographer Review: "Irene Abdou Photography provides exquisite service from the moment you first meet Irene, and she helps you decide what package will best fit your needs, to the actual wedding day, to selecting high-quality products to capture your memories when the big moment has come and gone...Irene never lets you forget how special you are. On my wedding day, when we started taking pictures, I giggled as I quietly noticed just how thrilled Irene was. She was smiling from ear to ear, and her happiness was so genuine that it became infectious. She helped create the magic I experienced!" - Natasha & Alonzo, Virginia

I’m so glad that Natasha & Alonzo came into my life.  It was such a pleasure to photograph their wedding, and Natasha was just ever so wonderful to work with in the months leading up to their wedding and beyond.   Alonzo is one enormously lucky guy!  I love how Natasha tells the story about how she and Alonzo met and got engaged – I know I can’t tell it better, so I’ll leave it to her!

“Alonzo and his trusty best man, Ivan, were spirited young lads (they’d all just completed their first year of college) venturing over to the local mall to freshen up their gear.  I had just started working a summer job at Structure (now known as Express Men).  Ivan spotted me in Structure and exclaimed, “Zo, I just spotted the perrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect girl for you!” Ivan proceeded to approach me, and whispered, “My friend is interested in introducing himself to you, but he’s kind of shy…”  I veered over her shoulder, saw the ever-so-cute Alonzo standing in the corner, and said, “Tell him to come over, I’ll sell him a shirt.” Alonzo received the inviting message, made his way over, and by the end of the sale….he had my number:)  That summer started the beginning of a two year sweetheart college romance. Unfortunately, the long distance for Natasha and Alonzo was too difficult, and in the middle of their college years, we decided to part ways.  10 years passed without any communication… Fast forward to 2008… Facebook emerges… Alonzo and I both join…with fond memories of me buried in Alonzo’s subconscious, he decided to do a search for his long lost love…. and there I was…  Our initial Facebook correspondence was exhilarating…and within four weeks, when I came back home to work for the summer, we rekindled our romance from so very long ago…and the rest is history.

As you scroll through the photographs below, you’ll be amazed to hear that Natasha & Alonzo and Natasha’s mom planned this wedding in all of…THREE MONTHS!!!  What joy and love went into it!  Natasha wanted to capture the idea of a whimsical forest filled with magic.  To implement the whimsical forest theme, she brought in elements of natural wood for the gift table, topiary tree escort card holders, cascading white and green flower arrangements (including hanging green amaranthus) on the reception dinner tables, table numbers with pictures of peacocks that Natasha took in New Mexico and placecards showcasing exotic trees from different countries.  An antique wishing well that guests threw wishes into replaced the traditional guestbook and added a feeling of enchantment.  During the ceremony, treasure chests complete with candles and balls of bark lined the entrance of the ceremony aisle, and Buddha head statues greeted guests halfway down the aisle.  Ceremony programs carried beautiful embossed dragonflies.  Two flower girls carried flower baskets made from real acacia wood.  Spiritual readings from both Christianity and Buddhism added worldly touches, and lanterns on pillars marked each side of the altar.

Natasha & Alonzo wrote their own vows for the ceremony.  I think my favorite line might be when Alonzo promised to always invest time in maintaining a presentable appearance, and Natasha promised to prioritize physical fitness, health, and nutrition.

Then, Natasha choreographed a surprise entry dance for her and Alonzo’s entry into the reception area, which led into another dance she choreographed for the entire bridal party!   (Natasha is a former television producer, New York City choreographer, and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) New York Liberty Dancer.  What talent!!!)

Other highlights of the evening included the Greek Party Walk, Alpha Kappa Alpha circle hymn, and…Natasha’s father’s surprise honeymoon powerpoint presentation!  What, you say, is a surprise honeymoon powerpoint?  Well, Natasha’s parents gave the happy couple their honeymoon as their wedding gift, and it was at this moment during their wedding reception that Natasha, Alonzo, and the guests found out when and where they would be going on their honeymoon!  There were so many fun and amazing elements in this wedding, which just goes to show you what fun and amazing people Natasha & Alonzo are.   Congratulations to this newlywed couple!

And, last but not least, scroll down to the bottom to view a full list of all the terrific vendors who came together to help make this wedding such a beautiful and special affair.

 Irene Abdou Photography

WEDDING VENDORS:
Wedding Photography: Irene Abdou Photography
Wedding Venue: Lorien Hotel & Spa
DJ: Ed Jackson Entertainment
Ceremony Music: Sage String Quartet
Invitations, Escort Cards, & Table Cards: Dandelion Patch
Flowers: Enchanted Florist
Rings: Jewelry by Design
Wedding Gown: Hannelore’s of Old Town
Makeup Artist: Frankie Buglisi, MAC Cosmetics
Hair Stylist: Joni Combs, Beau Totale Aveda Concept Salon, Burke, VA