Bride and groom embracing in the gardens of St. Francis monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.

watercolor 2

Spring Wedding at St. Francis Hall – Leila and Milver:

Former coworkers, Leila and Milver kept in touch after Leila changed employers three years ago and soon after, the #superfriends started dating. The two love to travel (‪gotta love their hashtag #‎leilverstravels‬ !) and explore new places, so what better place for Milver to propose than on the beach in Costa Rica? Almost one year after Milver dropped to one knee to ask his best friend Leila to spend the rest of their lives together, the two said “I Do” among their family and friends in their hometown of Washington D.C. The day could not have been more perfect for a celebration of marriage, a beautiful spring day with the azaleas blooming in beautiful colors of pink and white. Yes, the day was just perfect for a spring wedding at St. Francis Hall.

Bride and groom walking in the gardens of St. Francis monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portraits in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portrait in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portraits in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and groom kissing in the archways at St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portraits in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Black and white photo of groom dipping his bride in the gardens of St. Francis monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.
Leila and her bridesmaids started the day getting ready with a beautiful view overlooking Georgetown at Le Meridien. Melissa at Melissa Goss Makeup had the women looking flawless. As time approached to leave for the church, Leila slipped into her gorgeous, backless wedding dress that hugged her beautiful curves, and Leila’s mom and sister helped with an intricate veil made by one of Leila’s close girlfriends. Meanwhile, Miller and his groomsmen toasted to his wedding day back at Leila and Milver’s new home.
Wedding dress with a view of Georgetown at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and her bridesmaids getting ready at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Details for spring wedding at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride getting ready with her mom at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.
Groomsmen getting ready for Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.Groom getting ready before his Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Groom and best man getting ready. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Father of groom watching his son getting ready. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Groom and his groomsman toasting. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and her bridesmaids getting ready at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.
Bride and her bridesmaids getting ready at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Invitation and wedding jewelry details for spring wedding at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride putting on her earrings. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride getting ready with her mom and sister at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and her bridesmaids getting ready at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Invitation and wedding jewelry details for spring wedding at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portrait at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portrait at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Black and white bridal portrait at Le Meridien in Arlington, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.

 

The love that surrounded Leila and Milver was palpable. Amongst their family and friends, the couple said “forever” at St. Anthony of Padua and celebrated the night away at St. Francis Hall.
Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and Groom first kiss at St. Anthony Padua. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding at St Anthony of Padua in Falls Church, VA. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding cakes at spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Wedding cakes by Eat and Smile Catering at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.

 

The couple simply radiated with happiness. Their friend and groomsman Steve kept everyone dancing all night – – and let’s just say things got a ‘lil crazy during “hora loca.” To say the least, #happilyeverleilver was one heck of a celebration of two beautiful souls uniting as one.

Groom spinning his wife at St. Francis monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portraits in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and groom embracing at the chapel at St Francis monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal portraits in the gardens of St. Francis Monastery in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and groom walking in the gardens of St. Francis monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.Bridal party photos in the gardens at St. Francis Monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bridal party photos in the gardens at St. Francis Monastery. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Bride and groom dancing their first dance at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Black and white photo of first dance at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Best man speech at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography. Hora Loca dance photos at St. Francis Hall. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.

Leila and Milver, I’m so honored to have captured and be a part of your love story. Felicidades!!!

XOXO,
Kristen

P.S. Love these photos? Check out my Wedding Photography portfolio!

Vendors:
Getting Ready: Le Meridien in Arlington, VA
Church: St. Anthony of Padua
Venue: St. Francis Hall
Invitations: Minted
Dress: Fabulous Frocks, Alexandria VA
Veil: Something Old, Something New Bridal 
Shoes: Kate Spade
Hair: Tammy Chestnutt
Makeup: Melissa Goss
Catering: Eat & Smile Catering
Coordinator: Alesha at Capitol Romance
DJ: Groomsman DJ Steve Hershberger
Flowers:  I do Flowers by Jan (Jan Yantz)
Decor: Deedee & Sue
Videography: Shutter and Sound
Photography: Samba to the Sea Photography with (amazing!) 2nd Shooter Jacinta at Jacinta Bernard Photography

watercolor 2

Spring wedding at St. Francis Hall in Washington DC. Photographed by Kristen M. Brown, Samba to the Sea Photography.