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
Nia and Keith are brother and sister. February 1st this year, they set out on a journey – the weight loss one – to which so many people can relate. They began with a simple goal:
Fit into a well tailored peacoat by December 1, 2012.
And so, this began. You can click on the image to see where they started and to read about their journey.
And so, here we are, mid December. They made it. And they look GREAT. More images will be posted on their blog, but here is a little snip-it!
This past weekend was so fun. It was MEMORIAL DAY! I love Memorial Day around the district because of one thing. ROLLING THUNDER. Hundreds of thousands of motorcycles rally together at the Pentagon, and then, one by one, roll around the district making as much noise as they can to remind everyone of the sacrifices made to protect America’s freedom. Gives me chills.
BUT before that, I photographed Brouck’s wedding! Whew. I’m loving this wedding season so far. Their’s was traditional, yet personal. Brouck and Matthew are so laid back, but so organized. It was a fun event to be a part of. This couple hired me over email, so we hadn’t even met! I arrived at Brouck’s house 30 minutes early and photographed her sweet details. I met her family–so hospitable! I think I was offered a drink about 5 times. Once Brouck arrived, the day was put into action and never slowed down!
One of the most telling photos of the day. All of her bridesmaids chipped in and literally lent a hand. This was such a supportive cast.
Brouck, you are so adorable in this photo.
After the wedding, we went to Upper Senate Park for a few portraits. We had to dodge about 18 wedding parties, but managed to find a secluded section of the park where there wasn’t another bride 
Brouck and Matthew ROCKED their portraits.
I’ll end with my FAVORITE shot of the day. Gorgeous, Brouck! Seriously!
Church: Memorial United Methodist Church | Reception: St. Francis Reception Hall | Catering: Corcoran Caterers | Bakery: Woodmoor Pastry
DJ: DJ Greyhound | Dress: Benjamin Roberts/Anjolique from Alessandra Bridal | Bridesmaides: Eden | Tuxes: Jos A Bank
Where is Marriage Monday, you say? We’re just going to have to have another Marriage Tuesday. Because… Alisandra Photography was featured on United With Love on Friday!!!
It was such a sweet surprise and huge honor. This blog posts some of The District’s finest celebrations, and I’m very excited to be featured. Adrienne and David were engaged last year, and married two weekends ago in New Orleans. You may remember their engagement…
Thanks again, UWL!
The slide popped up, “Go forth…” And that’s when it sort of clicked.
If you’re not familiar with the name, Jasmine Star is a wedding photographer based in Southern California. As she will tell you, she is not the best photographer out there, but hers is a household name among most of us. Last night, I attended a gathering of photographers that was cleverly called, “THE FIX.” I had no idea what I was getting in to.
I drove three miles into the District, arrived with the rest of the 270 some giddy photographers, stood in a 80 degree room meeting new friends and connecting with old ones, and finally filed into the vintage theatre while “Senorita” blasted over the speakers. Jasmine Star walked out on stage and began to offer her heartfelt advice to all of us fellow photographers. She spent 3 hours answering our questions and responding in love to our fears.
She has become internationally known as a photographer, speaker, and just a fabulous person in general. As I listened to her talk, she addressed real life, practical concerns I have with my business. And you know what? She just simplified all of it. To me, the biggest thing I got out of last night was, “DO SOMETHING.” Running a business isn’t rocket science, but it takes support. And without that, it is so easy to get lost, stuck, and turned around when trying to figure out how to move forward. But that is exactly the answer. MOVE–forward. It was like she was giving us a commission. Go. Do. Move. Practice. Take action. Trust yourself. Words that are simple, but easily lost in the webs of jealousy, failure, fear…
Anyway… it was a great night and I’m super thankful she is traveling all over the country on a bus teaching little buds like me! And if YOU want to be inspired, follow this woman!
Twitter: @jasminestar
Facebook: facebook.com/jasminestarpage
Blog: www.jasminestarblog.com/
Yesterday I posted all of the getting readies. Phil and Elizabeth were so fun to photograph. The only thing that mattered to them was that by the end of the day, they had better be married. All else was fluff. They said their vows at Dahlgren Chapel on the Georgetown campus [during parent's weekend!] and celebrated at The Dupont Circle Hotel. Check out their engagement session here, and enjoy their wedding day!
Great shot from Sarah!
I met Cheka and Michael outside the Ronald Reagan Building on the corner of 13th and Penn. I had to follow my google maps and ask a few security guards to point me in the right direction. [I'm so not a city girl.] I knew I’d be looking for a girl in a party dress, and as Cheka and Michael casually walked up, looking so chic, I knew we’d be having a wonderful night! We snapped some portraits, and then the party started! I cannot thank A Gioia Event enough for their amazing work in planning and coordinating the party. The details were phenomenal, and the service was top notch. Enjoy some views from this Capitol event.
Event Planner: A Gioia Event | Venue + Catering: The Pavillion Room @ The Ronald Reagan Building | Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting | DJ: MyDeeJay | Florist: Silver Stems
They walked up to the Washington Monument early in the evening. David happened to know the guard at the gate through work, and the guard said, “Hey! Do you want to go up?” Who could refuse a private tour of THAT big guy? So up they went. As they got to the top, Adrienne noticed some flowers and watched as David pulled out a ring. After 6 years of dating, YES was the first and final answer.
Adrienne, David, and Avery are my new best friends. I loved Adrienne the moment I heard her voice on my voicemail. She has the sweetest southern accent you’ve ever heard, and the way she says “Miss-ippi,” is so authentic. I loved how care free and mellow this couple is. [The same canNOT be said about Miss Avery, Adrienne's two year old Weimaraner.] They are planning their destination wedding [New Orleans, y'all!] but wanted to have engagement photos taken in the city where they work, live, and love. So off the the Capitol we go…
Adrienne. Your eyes are SO beautiful. Seriously.
Fisheye lens saves the day! How beautiful is the Capitol building?! I felt so American being there!!
EEE! I can’t wait to see photos of this girl as a bride!! 3.3.12!!
A little team spirit at the “smells so good” TruOrleans.
They wanted to know how involved of a shooter I was–if I was a fly on the wall with a camera, or the opposite. I told them I got involved when I needed to. If I saw good light, someone was chewing gum, or had a hair tie on their wrist. I’d speak up then. But Phil said, “She’s not asking because she doesn’t want you involved. She’s asking because she hates it when people are left out. She is going to talk to you.”
And that sums up this couple. They are like the college friends you always wanted. Elizabeth is so engaging and silly; mature, but giggly. And Phil knows her so well. He comes to life around her. It is so fun to watch them interact. Elizabeth and Phil grew their relationship at The Tombs, in Washington, DC. So that is where our session started. We slowly made our way around Georgetown’s campus, and finished with a little Hoya tradition…
SO excited for their October wedding!
About just under two years ago, I met Adriann on my first day of CDIA. She and I had arrived SUPER early to class and we struck up conversation about where we were from, business, family… I learned she was from Stafford and was pregnant! [Can you imagine going to photography school everyday for nine months while making a baby?]
Anyway, we decided to ride together to class each day. I love talking with her because the girl can’t say anything negative about anyone or anything. She hardly ever complains, and always looks for the good in people. But she is also honest. When you ask her how she is, she isn’t one to say, “Fine how are you?” She really makes you feel like you’re part of her life and important. I loved seeing Adriann grow in her work, and baby grow inside of mommy. I especially loved showing up at the hospital when baby Aubrie was born just under a year ago! How cute she was! So small and feisty…
I met Don soon after Adriann because he became “the driver” for us girls in to Washington DC. They are so perfect for each other, and I was so honored and excited to shoot their family portraits for Aubrie’s first birthday, which is in a few days! We went into the city and found some awesome light among a few rain clouds. Aubrie was a dream to photograph. She smiled BACK at you. So, as long as I smiled, she smiled. Amazing.
This cute thing is turning one soon! More to come on Monday!
