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Nikki Schell Photography

Washington, DC Wedding Photographer

Alex & Josh (Arlington, VA)

April 12, 2020

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THE PROPOSAL:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Their bes

THE PROPOSAL:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Their best friend, Colleen, (seen here as maid of honor), was stationed in California and was set to deploy to the Middle East soon. She had always joked that she better be a part of the proposal!

(Y’all... we all know it wasn’t a joke 😉)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Six months into dating they knew they wanted to get married. Jack even proposed before their senior year of college! Any who, Colleen leaving presented the perfect time for a trip to California! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Jack told his Nana and Papa that he was going to propose and his Nana gave him her yellow diamond ring knowing how much family means to both Sam & Jack! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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From there, Jack and Colleen were in cahoots and planned a sunset proposal under the guise of a photoshoot. Jack asked Sam’s dad for his blessing before they left for the trip and her dad was over the moon excited (they told me the he already considered Jack his second son 🥰). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They ended up on a secluded cliff area overlooking the beach, with an amazing sunset... and they started the photoshoot with Colleen. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After the first few photos, Sam turned to Jack and realized he was on one knee...but had no clue why he was down there. She might have somewhat blacked out from excitement and asked him if they were having a picnic! 🤩😂⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But then, Jack asked if Sam would marry him and she said it was like the world stood still. She (obviously) said yes with the happiest tears streaming down her face. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They broke the news to their families and friends and celebrated over dinner with Colleen!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
THE WEDDING:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
See above. The 2nd most magical moment in their relationship and Colleen was there for it all!
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*just a lil shoutout to all the besties who make our worlds significantly better*

Dudes being dudes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Not so secret fact: most gents don’t love being in front of the camera.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So my promise to gents who don’t love being in front of the camera - I will make it as speedy as possible if you cooperate!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you’re asked to be in a wedding, here are a few do’s & dont’s!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do take your phone out of your pocket. Don’t be the guy who is constantly complaining. Do trust that the photographer doesn’t want to make you miserable. Don’t be the guy who refuses to take their sunglasses off. Do feel free to joke around with your friends when the time is right for some fun candid photos. Don’t be the guy who makes lewd comments towards the photographer, that’s just gross. Do give your best smile (or like in the photo above... your best blue steel)!

This is your dog speaking: bring me to your photo

This is your dog speaking: bring me to your photo session because I’m part of the relationship/family, too. And I’m really stinking cute and just the best thing ever. And your photographer, Nikki, really loves dogs. Ok byeeee love you!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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PRO TIP: if you’re bringing your pup to your session, bring a ball/toy for me to hold and them to stare at. ALSO bring a wrangler - someone for them to hang out with while you’re getting some images without them!

At the end of the day, you are married to this per

At the end of the day, you are married to this person you love and want to grow alongside and share life's up and downs with... and that's what really, REALLY matters.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Despite rescheduling and changing plans, I’ve very much admired all the couples who’ve gotten married just with their closest folks. It’s a beautiful reminder that the day is about love and growing families and yes, picking out desserts and decor is fun, but that’s not required for a happy marriage.

Couple: @anne112890 & @silverstein_scott29
Planning: @alexandranesterakevents
HMUA: @makeupbyanab
Flowers: @darlinganddaughters
Transport: @rmaworldwide
Music: @benshermanclassicalguitar
Officiant: @dcelopements
Invites: @basicinvite
Dress: @bhldn

Hi there - this is me just styling some wedding de

Hi there - this is me just styling some wedding details before the true non-stop wedding ~chaos~ begins.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For me, most wedding days begin by capturing what we in the industry call DETAILS! After the hugs (in pre & hopefully coming soon post-COVID times) and a bit of chitchat, I use the first hour (give or take) to capture images of items like your invite suite, your rings, other jewelry, your shoes, any perfume/cologne, hair pins or suit cuffs, vow books, family heirlooms, and your attire. If the flowers are there at the time, I always include flower pieces (full bouquets, boutonnieres, extra flower bits from your florist)! Couples often throw in other items special to them, too.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I take bits and pieces of these items and style them (lay them out / set them up) to tie them all together!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In order to save yourself some wedding day stress, have these items set aside in a special bag or box - this couple put everything in the cute wooden box that you can see in the lower left corner of this image!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Couple: @semills74 & @prononcdsao_wer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Venue: @harvesthouselc ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Video: @abidoodleproductions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Flowers: @jmorrisflowers⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
DJ: @dj_mova⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sweets: @signaturesweetsbyamanda⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Photo: @nikkischell
Second Shooter: @rachelwordphotos

All sorts of fall feelings with these two! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yesterday, I learned that Erica and Mike are so kind and so easy going. They've been together through quite a lot and met at UMD! Mike's from ATX and Erica grew up near to me (but we didn't know each other)! They've had two wedding dates shooketh by COVID, so here's to hoping 3rd times the charm!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Can't wait til next June :)

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