I often think about what advice I’d give a bride or groom before their wedding day. When you experience weddings from start to finish each weekend like I do, I feel there should be one piece of exceptional of guidance that I could give. If pressed to share one thing I’d share, it would be that as a couple you will experience an incredible range of emotions on your special day – create a moment to take it all in.

As I post this blog I really love how you can witness all the emotion in Tara & AJ’s day through their photos. Wonderful emotions that include the butterflies of the morning’s getting ready, the exuberance of walking down the aisle together as Mr. & Mrs. , the sentiment from speeches and the pure joy of being on the dance floor as the sun goes down with family and friends.

Tara even shared with me that it wasn’t until she finally sat down for dinner on the terrace with all the guests that she was hit with the overwhelming love in the room. She turned to AJ with tears and said “Oh. My. God.” This was her moment to take it all in.

Here’s a few fun facts about their day.

• I traveled to Boston in 2018 to take pictures of Tara and AJ in their neighborhood. I met them at their apartment in the South End and It was extra special considering they would move to DC from Boston shortly after our session. I love the photos and memories we captured: https://triciamccormack.com/2018/06/20/tara-and-ajs-boston-engagement/
• The officiant on their wedding day is AJ’s Uncle and Godfather. Fr. Michael McFarland baptized AJ and helped officiate AJ’s parents’ wedding 35+ years ago. He was also the President of Holy Cross when AJ and Tara attended college. It meant the world to Tara and AJ that he married them.
• Tara and AJ didn’t realize until they chose St. Joseph’s in Stockbridge to get married that it is the church where several of Tara’s aunts, uncles and cousins were married as well. When Tara’s mom and her family immigrated to the US in the 1960s, they lived in a house on Park St. behind the Red Lion Inn and her mom and aunts were alter servers at St. Joseph’s growing up. So special!
• Tara comes from a huge Lebanese family. Tara’s aunts and great aunts made several of the passed appetizers (side note: the grape leaves and kibbeh of course were the first apps to go!) and the Lebanese cookies for dessert. You could feel the time, love and care that went into preparing the food for Tara and AJ.
• There was one speech during the reception that was unplanned. Tara’s brother, Zachary had asked her when they sat down for dinner if he could say a few words. Tara and AJ said yes, and it proved to be one of the most touching moments of the day. I know I cried and I saw many others. The black and white picture I included of Tara look at AJ during Zachary’s speech is one of my absolute favorites.

Congratulations Tara and AJ. You are exquisite. It meant so much to capture your friends and family sharing in the love you have for one another.

CEREMONY – St. Joseph’s Church
RECEPTION VENUE – The Mount
EVENT COORDINATOR – Mezze Catering & Events
HAIR STYLIST – Oasis Hair Salon
MAKEUP ARTIST – Sabrina Marie Makeup Artistry
GOWN DESIGNER – Ines Di Santo
GOWN BOUTIQUE – L’Elite Bridal Boutique
BRIDESMAID DESIGNER – Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner
TUX/FORMAL WEAR – The Black Tux
FLORIST – Carolyn Valenti Flowers
JEWELER (Engagement Ring) – Homsy Jewelers
JEWELER (Wedding Bands) – Barmakian Jewelers
CATERER – Mezze Catering & Events
BAND – East Coast Soul
LIGHTING – Encore Audio Event Planning
TRANSPORTATION – Transport the People
INVITATIONS – Minted
RENTALS – Peak Event Services
PHOTOGRAPHER – Tricia McCormack Photography