Hi, friends!

About Alisandra Photography

Hey friends! My name is Ali, and welcome to my blog!

I am a Wedding Photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. I try to keep this baby as up to date as I can with recent shoots, personal thoughts, and the random, fun little things life brings. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit. I really appreciate it. Please make yourself at home and enjoy your time here!

Questions or Comments? ali@alisandraphoto.com

Tag: ‘bride’



Charity + Chris | Central Virginia Marriott Ranch Wedding

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Sometimes I wonder if God tickles us.

Before you click away, just hear me out. Have you ever been so joy filled that you laugh? Out loud? You’re heart starts to pound, you smile, you’re wiggly, and you know that there is a higher power at work. Not because you can prove it, but because you know it and you feel it. I fell in love with Charity and her wedding. And was absolutely tickled. I don’t have much else to say about these two. They reek of mature spirituality, passion for Jesus, and love for each other and others. I don’t know them very well, but these are truths displayed and spoken about at their wedding. It’s serious storybook stuff, y’all. Anyway, LOVE to you, Charity and Chris. So excited for you!

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Posted in Wedding | 9 Comments »

Nic + Silvia | Northern Virginia Wedding

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

“The entire Campaña family!” I shouted above the excitement. The sanctuary of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church was buzzing because the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Campaña had married Nic only minutes earlier.

“Is this your first cuban wedding?” One of the guests, and member of the family asked me, slightly smiling. Yes. It was. I think he was making fun of the fact that I had no idea what I asked for when I asked for the ENTIRE Campaña family…

Although the church was loud and everyone was cheering, you can’t help but notice Silvia and Nic’s quiet love. Silvia is the oldest of three sisters, but she is not your typical “run the show” older sister… [No offense, older sisters. Feel free to poke fun at only children]. She is the definition of patient and kind, and was one of the most easy going brides I will probably ever work with. “The light is nice outsite… want to go take some pictures?” “Sure!” Nic is fun–up for anything type of guy, and the perfect addition to Silvia. They are so sweet and gentle together. Anyway. Back to what I was saying. I am not sure about other Cuban families, but there are like, a million Campañas. The photo turned out wonderful, but it was funny watching as 30…40…50 people slowly strolled up onto the altar to take the family photo. “Is that it?” “No!!!”

It was my first Cuban wedding. But definitely not my last!

Check out Dad’s suit. Tails and all–100% inspired by Prince Harry’s attire at the royal wedding. So chic!

Reception: Holiday Inn in Old Town Alexandria | Dress: Sottero & Midgley Couture
First Dance: Etta James At Last | Father Daughter: Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World | Mother Son: Forever Young

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Posted in Wedding | 1 Comment »

Andy + Christy | Second Shooter

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

A second shooter, for those who aren’t familiar with the term, is a main photographer’s back-up and assistant. Not all weddings demand a second shooter, but it does relieve some nerves on those days where time is limited and there is a large number of people. Second shooters carry gear, get reaction shots, are in another location if two things are happening at once, shoot a lot of details, and work FOR the main photographer as part of their business. I LOVE second shooting. It is a sneak peek into the way another person does business. Even if its not for you, it is really awesome to observe and learn from others.

I second shot a Richmond, VA wedding with Shay of Shay Cochrane Photography [Facebook and Twitter...you should Like her and Follow her]. She is an amazing woman of the Lord, and a great photographer.

Things I learned from working with Shay:

  • Smile. Even when you’re behind the camera.
  • Do business in relation to how you do life. Don’t mix up your priorities.
  • Laugh. Because weddings are FUN!
  • Balance confidence and humility.
  • Dress cute and do your hair. Shay, besides the bride, was the cutest thing in Richmond! So stylish! :)

This wedding was just awesome. You can read Shay’s account on her blog! Its worth the read; I cried. Christy and Andy had a dating relationship that had taken many turns, but all seemed to lead to this day.

People were praising God, worshiping, and celebrating all morning. This day was covered in prayer for the couple and their marriage.

Seriously. I have never seen a couple have so much fun during their ceremony.

When I say fun, I mean a surprise gospel choir busting through the doors in a glorious rendition of O Happy Day.

Such a wonderful day of learning, photography, and love. O Happy Day, indeed.

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Posted in Wedding | 1 Comment »

Amanda + Jacob | North Carolina Wedding

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

I found myself crying. Steven Curtis Chapman’s Cinderella was playing and I’m driving to the first wedding of the season. “Ok, get it together.” But when it was time for the father-daughter dance, the same song came on. And I teared up something fierce.

The wind was blowing and the clouds were dancing around the sun. Amanda and Jake picked a BEAUTIFUL day to tie the knot. Even though I had met Amanda at a previous bride’s wedding, I didn’t really know the couple. But the amazing thing about weddings is you see people’s personality come out in so many ways. Amanda was so calm. I mean, the girl memorized her vows. [I could hardly repeat mine.] Amanda and her bridesmaids made their own bouquets. Um. That is just awesome, as you can see below. And another thing: Jake and Amanda are so in love. They just make you smile. I was smiling all the way home and as I downloaded the images. Chad said, “I love seeing you’re face as you work.” It was them. Their love. I hope you have a peaceful time in the North Carolina mountains, you two!

Love the fist-pound…

Did I mention it was REALLY windy? And here are those cute girls with their bouquets they made themselves!

At this point, I’m thanking the wind.

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Posted in Wedding | 4 Comments »

The Sigh

Friday, January 14th, 2011

I love quiet moments.  Especially amid loud ones.  They are so beautifully unchoreographed.  They remind me of a deep breath you didn’t plan to take, after which you realize it’s necessity.  Happy Friday, and Breathe Deep!

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Posted in Personal, Tidbits, Wedding | No Comments »

The Bridal Portrait

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

“I love hiking!” I told Riva when she asked if I’d come with her to hike McAfee’s Knob and do her make-up for her bridal portraits.  I don’t know if I told her that I’d never actually BEEN hiking before.  But I definitely loved the idea!  So, up the mountain we went. And went. For hours.  Don’t forget, we have a wedding dress, a bride in curlers, dinner in a bag, a photographer, his assistant, the make-up artist [me], and mom and dad toting other essentials.  We were worthy of our own pictures!  When we arrived at the top, the view was breathtaking [picture pride rock].  Riva, behind a sheet, put on her mother’s gown, got her make-up touched up, took the curlers from her hair, and began to be photographed.  I wish I had an image to show you.  I guess I wanted to illustrate this simple little fact about today’s bridal portraits:

They are not what they used to be.

what are they?
You might be thinking… “uh.. a portrait of the bride.” And you’d be RIGHT! And wrong…let me explain, list-style. Bridal portraits are:

  1. FUN! What girl doesn’t want to get all dressed up with your hair, shoes, make-up, jewelry, and DRESS?
  2. A bride-designed photo shoot:  the perfect opportunity to let your personality show!
  3. Time!  Just having a few hours to focus on YOU makes this experience more creative and enjoyable.
  4. A GREAT way to make use of the hair and make-up run-through… you look FABULOUS… take advantage!
  5. An opportunity for the bride to photographer and the bride to bond and talk wedding and girl stuff.

why do them?

  1. For you:  again, it is so fun–you’re getting married!  Treat yourself to a photo shoot!
  2. For your wedding: display it at your wedding in a fancy frame.  People will love it.
  3. For mom:  she wants to show her friends just how beautiful her daughter is. And she wants to hang it on the mantel.
  4. For your children:  my favorite photographs as a little girl were my mom in a wedding dress.

Bridal Portraits are my absolute favorite part about being a wedding photographer.  Something about girls in white dresses…


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Posted in Business, Portrait, Tidbits, Wedding | 1 Comment »

2010 | Best Of part 2

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

This is just a little wrap up post.  I can’t wait to share with you what is ahead in posts to come.  I just got back from a completely relaxing–what my husband and I are calling–*Christmas-New-Moon.*  We didn’t take a honeymoon right after our wedding in October, so we took the Holiday to do so.  Anyway,  here are more of my 2010 brides…

Christine + Andrew

Claire + Jeromy

Rachel + Will

Jacqueline + Andrew

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Posted in Wedding | No Comments »

Featured | SMP

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Once and Future Brides know that wedding blogs are total inspiration.  Style Me Pretty has had me from Hello.  I discovered this blog from another, lesser known blog called “Under a Paper Moon.”  I started following the blogs that this writer followed, and SPM was a match made in heaven!  I used it to get some style inspiration for MY wedding and am continually inspired by the level of work that they feature.

Alisandra Photography has been in business, officially, since July 2010.  I’ve been shooting since I was in college, but officially a real business since July this year.  I am totally humbled, yet proud, and TOTALLY stoked to be featured on Style Me Pretty.  I was shocked when they informed me that I would, at some point, be featured when I submitted this wedding.  But seeing it threw me through a loop.  I was so excited.  I called my bride. Emailed my family. G-chatted my friends.  Still giddy, now I’m blogging to the world.

I know this isn’t [the end] and thousands of photographers are featured on blogs all the time, but I think the FIRST time calls for utter excitement.

Thank you, Jacqueline!  You planned a beautiful wedding; [such a great mix of preppy meets nautical meets chic].

Thank you, Rebekah!  You were a wonderful second shooter, and I am so thankful you were there that day!

Thank you, Style Me Pretty!  For inspiring photographers to desire beauty and detail in whatever they are shooting.

CLICK HERE to see Alisandra Photography on the blog, and here are some additional images for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks to Rebekah, we have WONDERFUL details!

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Posted in Wedding | 2 Comments »

2010 | Best Of part 1

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Can you believe that this year is almost over?  The year in review puts life in perspective.  How quickly we forget.  How quickly things change! I’ve had a wonderful year with ups and downs, but so many people have had a really tough one.  Job losses, natural disasters, death… but I’m convinced we can’t focus on those things… remember and respect? Yes.  But I would rather focus on that which is so wonderful.  The blessings we are given are what keeps us going.  Marriage is one of life’s biggest changes AND blessings.  This year, I was able to photograph some of the most beautiful weddings [as well as experience my own]!  Here is Part 1 of 2 of the wonderful celebrations…

Jessica + Sean

Emily + Greer

Rebecca + Michael

Abby + Josh

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Posted in Portrait, Wedding | 1 Comment »

 

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