New Year... New Blog.

Like all things on the web, things change all the time. I thought with the new year it was time to try out a new blog. See you there!

Check it out... http://dbryantphoto.wordpress.com

Devin and Scott's pre blizzard engagement photo session

A tad bit cold during this engagement session in downtown Annapolis, but we managed to stay somewhat warm. It was fun navigating among the last minute Christmas shoppers downtown in Annapolis yesterday. Devin and Scott's timing was just right scheduling this shoot. The landscape is currently changing thanks to mother nature's holiday blast of snow here in Maryland. Time to toss a log on the fire and wrap a few presents for our white Christmas!

Stephanie and Andrew - A cold Columbia wedding

I love Thursday weddings! I figure it's the bride and groom's gift to all their guests. I mean, who's gonna go to work on Friday after having Thursday off. Everyone just got a four day weekend! Cool! What can I say, Caitlin was just as cute as ever when I first saw her in the dress but instantly I knew this gal was going to look molten warm (don't want to say hot in my blog...dad might see it.) Caitlin's parents, I just fell in love with as soon as I met them at my studio several months ago. I feel so honored to have met these people. Ron and Anne are simply the sweetest parents EVER (aside from mine that is) to work with. Gracious, even tempered [during the small trials of the day], generous...the list goes on. This is the way I wanted to wrap up the year at D. Bryant. YES! I wish Andrew and Caitlin the very best for your futures. See you all in January and Merry Christmas! And Happy Hanukkah Shlomo.

Steph and Adam - Annapolis Naval Academy Wedding

What a great way to end up the year... a great couple, loving family, and phenomenal venue - The United States Naval Academy. One of the later PM weddings for me there too.. light dropped off quickly after the sun set and I'm so thankful Adam and Stephanie decided to see each other ahead of time. We captured their romantic "first encounter" in Mahan Hall amidst a backdrop of cascading historical flags and never ending arch ways. The light in this hall is just amazing; I could shoot here forever! The ceremony started just as the sun set and by the time we exited the chapel for the traditional arch of swords, it was dark! The newly renovated chapel looks great too. They opened up the chapel dome somehow which appears as skylights at the very top. The lighting inside during the evening hours is a nice not too warm tungsten that is adequate enough for available light photography without pushing the limits of f/stop and shutter speed too much. I am very pleased with the completed renovations. Claire promised it would be something and sure enough, she was right on! After the ceremony we managed to get in a few more shots around the yard I've always wanted to do but just never had enough time for. Great opportunity to capture that Hollywood feel under the streetlights. Loved it! Then off to Catonsville for an awesome party at the Overhills Mansion. DJ Brandon Renninger from Electra Entertainment and his lovely wife Christina kept the party rolling throughout the evening... true pro DJ's all the way.

Click here for Quick time slide show.

Angela and Chris - Engagement sitting Ft. McHenry

It was nice getting away from Annapolis today and venturing into a little unfamiliar territory. Angela and Chris share a sweet little home near Federal Hill and asked if I would photograph their engagement photos at their local hangouts, Riverside Park and Fort McHenry. I jumped at the opportunity! Ft. McHenry has been a special place for me ever since I was a little kid. My Grandfather Andrew Sendeck loved going to the fort to take photographs even before I was born. In fact, my mother tells me that my artistic abilities come from Grandpa. So it was nice to honor him today by taking pictures there. Angela and Chris brought along their sweet pup named Riley. Full of energy and spontaneity, this little guy was a treat to have along. Weather was considerably nice today and we had a great time getting to know each other before the big day next year. Check out the pics!

Mary and Tony's Wedding at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Phenomenal bride, groom and bridal party today... impossible lighting it seemed at times. We predicted a last minute sunset today at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club... but God had other plans; those plans did not include a dramatic sunset unfortunately. But never fear, Elinchrom's are here! We broke out the big toys and made our own magical sunset (sort of). We were forced outside the comfort zone and "box" per say and managed to capture some really magnificent images. Thanks to a bride and groom willing to step into a little soggy grass and sand. Our beach was pretty much non existent thanks to Ida. But, the Beach Club always has some little nook or cranny to snag a pretty cool photograph. Thank you Erin for giving us a little extra time. I know Tony and Mary were so happy to be able to spend a good amount of time at the cocktail hour. Washington Talent provided a fabulous band. For a minute, I closed my eyes and I swear I was in the presence of Stevie Wonder! Two more weddings to go to wrap up a record successful year and time for a little holiday relaxation!

Click here to view the Quicktime slide show.

Milo and Amanda's Annapolis Engagement - Sneak Peek

In the Fall it's so hard to judge just how the light is going to look in the late evening; so you better be prepared with a fast lens just in case. Glad I brought my 2.8 that's for certain! Milo, Amanda and I traversed familiar territory this evening downtown in Annapolis during their engagement session. It was nice getting the know the two of them as we chased every last bit of remaining available light. Main Street lends itself well to highlights and shadows. Every so often I discover another really cool alley way. A few of these mysterious alleys helped us in creating some interesting drama. Tons of fun this evening. Finished up just in time too.. it began sprinkling! The rain must love me. Umbrellas are part of my camera bag from now on.

Christina and Kenny - Linganore Winery

Christina and Kenny's wedding today turned out fantastic. Morning showers moved on and grey skies parted as vows were recited overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Mt. Airy, MD at Linganore Winery. I saw a daddy give his daughter away today and let me tell you... even though my Anna is only 8 years old, it still moves me to no end to think that one day I'll have to do the same. Christina's daddy Charlie was strong. I hope I'm as strong when my time comes.

I had the honor of working with Thomas Bowen and his assistant Rob (hey I got it right!) - well renowned videographers from Potomac, Maryland.

Linganore was gorgeous! There's nothing like a vineyard in my opinion; The perfect backdrop for one of our last weddings of the year. It's almost time to settle in for holidays!

Check out Jill's video slide show here.

Amy and Jess - Wedding bells ringing in the rain..AGAIN!

Supposedly the saying goes that if it rains on the wedding day, the bride and groom are lucky. Well, if that is true... then the last 4 weddings we photographed... our brides and grooms are going to be showered in luck; literally! For Amy and Jess, the rain added a romantic element to the day that I would not have wanted any other way. Give me the rain, and a bride and groom not afraid to get little wet and I guarantee that I will give them photos that are second to none! Amy and Jess' attitudes were absolutely perfect for a day like this. Beautiful catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Sorrows outside Owensville and a really hopping reception at Club Meade at Ft. Meade, MD. The after ceremony pics of our couple was a location that was totally appropriate for what they do. Both Amy and Jess serve our country as Coast Guard pilots; living the dream!!! Flying; and getting paid for it! Thanks for your service and thank you for allowing me to create some very unique and beautiful images of your wedding day.

Click here for the slide show made by my loving wife Jill!

International Gold Cup Races | The Plains, Virginia

Saturday was a blast! And I'm glad it rained too. Normally there are 30,000 plus attending the International Gold Cup Races in The Plains, Virginia. Saturday only a fraction of the anticipated attendees were willing to brave the rain. Result for us was the ability to get up close and personal with some of the best equestrians in the world and capture some really cool images. My daughter Anna was in heaven too. An entire day of horses! To heck with the weather.

Link to all the pics in online gallery.

"See-you-at-the-event" went on on to win the Gold Cup. Purse: $50,000 and the Ambassador to Spain presented the winnings to the fortunate owner.

George Peabody Library Wedding, Baltimore

Sneak peak of some of today's wedding pics from Meredith and Craig's wedding at the George Peabody Library. One word to describe this venue... unreal! Traffic today was a bear in downtown Baltimore. It literally took 2 hours to get from Pratt to Charles Street due to the diverted traffic and gridlock thanks to the Baltimore marathon. But, we made it to the Peabody Hotel in time for Meredith getting ready with non other than Up Do's for I Do's. Danielle and Erica made our girls look absolutely amazing!!! Brandon from Absolute Entertainment really got the house rocking. It was hard work today but I can't wait till the next bride comes into our studio and says her venue is the Peabody. Awesome day and I'm so glad we're off Sunday. Time to relax!!

Click here for the slide show. Made with love by Jill Thompson!

My good buddy Stephen Craig Gormus and I on the floor doing our thing! Thanks Craig for all your help today man.

Heather and Chris's Wedding Day

Double header this weekend! Easy... especially after shooting triple headers the last two weekends! Today we were located at two really nice locations. First, at the Gramercy in the Lutherville area getting ready with our bride Heather and her girls. Then we ventured out all the way to Clarksville, MD for a really unique wedding mass and ceremony at the Shrine of St. Anthony. This church is simply amazing! I could have shot there for days. Simply breathtaking; and they do not normally allow weddings here from what I've been told. So, it was a real privilege to be here today. Then we were back off to the Gramercy for a great celebration with all of our family and friends. Heather and Chris travelled in real classic style; Rolls Royce limousine service for our bride and groom. Special thanks to AJ Productions for keeping us right on track throughout the evening with music and entertainment. Great day and some really great photography too!

Click here for the slide show.

Laura and Ferris - A fairy tale dream wedding day realized

Every now and then dreams do come true... fantasies are realized... good things happen to good people. Today, Jill, Craig and I were able to experience first hand true destiny. Ferris and Laura. Theirs is a story that you only really read or see in books or television. A war hero and his "angel of mercy" fall in love, decide to spend the rest of their lives together, and are gifted a wedding of a lifetime. And I was honored to capture every moment of their fantasy day. What a blessing is has been to be a part of such a wonderful day at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. Thank you to everyone that made this day happen and all the support I had from my great friend and assistant Craig Gormus and my wife Jill. John Paul Berry from Absolute Entertainment - a true professional donated his time and talent today and kept the reception well entertained with quality music and great sound that only Absolute can provide. Thank you so much to Erin, Sharon and all the other fine employees at the Beach Club for simply doing what you do every week; provide the best service possible and make our bride and groom feel like a King and Queen on their wedding day. We simply could not have asked for a better day weather-wise. Paradise temperatures and a sunset found only in the most remote locations of the planet. God must have spun the earth to just the right angle today because for a several hours we all experienced heaven. And to boot, I got to meet golf pro Tom Watson! How cool is that!!!??

Click here for the slide show produced by my lovely wife Jill.

>>>>Link to the Hometown Annapolis online newspaper article. <<<<

Link to Washington Post Article

Link to Washington Post Details of Wedding Article

Golf pro Tom Watson seated next to Mr. John Wilson and his lovely wife.

Zack and Megan - Making headlines in Stevensville, MD

Finally, the rain stopped for me this Saturday after the last three weddings under umbrella. I am actually learning to love the rain; throws a little something unexpected at ya on the wedding day. But it's nice to once again see the sun; And I'm certain Megan and Zack were appreciative of the nice weather today too. Under crisp blue skies and a warm breeze they said their vows at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, MD today. Lots of energy with this gang as they are used to being in the spotlight.

Click here for slide show.

Bluemont Vineyard, Virginia - Reagan and Todd

Today we fought the traffic on the capital beltway and made our way to one fabulous setting in Bluemont, Virginia; Bluemont Vineyard. No decorations required...that's for sure! This place is magical. The scenic views are endless and it is perfectly quiet tucked on the side of small mountain hill. And what a cute bride we had today too!!! Cowboy boots and all!!! What a sweet girl and her personality just spilled out everywhere. Another dream wedding and...what's going on with my track record? So much for no rain. But you know what? I love it! When the unexpected happens, we get the most unique photos. I'm starting to hope for rain on my wedding days. ..... (just kidding). I kinda miss the blue skies and puffy white clouds. The sunlight we did get today was in the form of reflected light from a nearly full moon. Gorgeous! I couldn't resist and grabbed our willing couple from the dance floor to head out on the porch for a timeless image. Great time today. Mike from MyDeeJay was on hand to keep the gang dancing and letting loose. Time to recharge and back at em' tomorrow morning for the Beach Club. Good-night!

Click here for the slide show - made by my wonderful wife Jill!