U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C.
Fox Chase Manor, Masassas, Va.
National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Fox Chase Manor, Masassas, Virginia
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.; Karaoke
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.
It was nearly two years ago when this Philadelphia wedding photographer first heard from Lim and Nga about their wedding day. As Philadelphia wedding photojournalists, we planned to shoot Lim and Nga’s Washington, DC wedding later that year, but Lim was deployed by the U.S. Military to the Middle East for the U.S. Air Force, delaying their intended date.
As is always the policy with JPG Photography, we were glad to work with Lim and Nga on a new date for their wedding, since we are incredibly grateful to those who serve our country. The new date was set, and this incredible couple endured distance and delay, which in hindsight only strengthened their relationship.
When their wedding day finally arrived on October 2, 2009, this Philadelphia wedding photographer felt like he’d known these guys for years, which, in a way, I had.
Their wedding was a special day for another reason too — it was JPG Photography’s senior photographer Dan Shuman’s last shoot with us, as he pursues plans to start a family and focus on his job as PR director at Eastern Virginia Medical Center in Norfolk, VA. It was, ironically, the only time that Dan, Rebecca, and I had shot a wedding together. The vibrant colors, variety of angles/composition, and unfurling story of the day were the results of this once-in-a-lifetime artistic collaboration.
(Now before you get too sad about Dan’s departure, we’re happy to report that after many months of searching, interviewing, and training, we’ve hired several new photographers who will also knock your socks off. More updates on that in the new year…)
We arrived at Nga’s house just after dawn as she put on the finishing touches from TruBeauty Make Up and Florist and prepared for the traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, similar in some ways to the Chinese tea ceremony we shot earlier that fall. Nga’s Vietnamese dress and her bridesmaids’ (called Ao Dai) were purchased in Vietnam, and her Western-style dress was purchased at an independent dealer and tailored by her very talented mother. The groom and groomsmen were handsomely clad in tuxes from Jeanette’s Bridal.
After a meaningful ceremony at the vibrant Buddhist Congregational Church of America, a short outdoor reception followed. Nga changed into her Western-style dress, and we had some fun with the orange wall in her changing area. Then, we headed to Washington D.C.’s best landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and other key National Park Service sites along the National Mall. Then the wedding party and guests headed in buses via Chariots for Hire to the elegant reception at Foxchase Manor.
Talk about a celebration! Between karaoke and an interactive photo booth, Nga and Lim’s guests had an incredible time, and we had a blast shooting. Catering by Nam Viet and DJ-ing by K2 Productions really rounded out the evening.
From 7 a.m. until well into the evening, Lim and Nga celebrated every moment of their love with laughter and grace. The patience in regard to their wedding day paid off, and they now have a lifetime of memories to create together.
We couldn’t imagine a more wonderful day for you two!
The full event is available on Pictage: www.pictage.com/786296
Best Wishes!
Joe & Bec and Dan
JPG Photography
Falls Church, Va.
Falls Church, Va.
Falls Church, Va.
Falls Church, Va. pre-ceremony
Falls Church, Va.; before Lim could enter
Falls Church, Va.; on the way to the second ceremony
Falls Church, Va.; the family landscaped Nga and Lim's initials
Annandale, Va. Family having a good time
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.; the legal ceremony
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington, D.C.
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.; changing into Western Dress
Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, Washington D.C.
Neither Bec or Dan will admit to shooting this fearing my rath. 
Yes, I get that into demonstrating the poses.
U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.
At the U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.
At the U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C.; I like mixing things up and not doing the same old jumping shot!
National Mall, Washington D.C.
National Mall and Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.; Karaoke
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Virginia
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.
Fox Chase Manor, Manassas, Va.
