Happy Mothers Day to all from our Vita Images’ moms!

~ Rachel, mom of two awesome little boys

~ Jennifer, mom of two spunky red-headed boys and two very beautiful girls

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Our special fashionistsas have put together some tips and suggestions as well as some favorite outfits for Spring 2013 to help get your ideas flowing before your photo shoot.

Our Top Tips:

• Solid colors tend to photograph best.
• Most people look good in midtones (i.e., green, blue, brown, wine, etc.).
• Try to avoid whites and colors that resemble your skin tones (i.e., beige, tan, cream, or very pale peach, pink, and even gray).
• Jewelry can be a great accessory to your outfit, but remember it should not distract from your face.
• Please be aware of clothing that wrinkles easily, as it does not photograph well.
• Make sure your shoes are as fabulous as the rest of your outfit! They will be seen!

The post What To Wear To Your Photo Session – Spring 2013 appeared first on Vita Images.

The USS Arlington is an amphibious transport dock, designed to carry hundreds of Marines to war zones and get them on land via helicopter or hovercraft. The Arlington and her sister ships, the New York and Somerset, are all named in commemoration of September 11th and incorporated steel salvaged from attack sites into their construction. The Arlington was built in Jenn’s native state at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Jenn and I also have some tangential connections to the events and aftermath of 9/11 – Jenn was actually covering President Bush in Sarasota for the St. Petersburg Times when the attacks were carried out, then later spent two years working for the White House Photo Office during Bush’s first term. Jennifer’s dad is an Air Force veteran and my dad is a U.S. Navy and Army veteran. I was surrounded by the military while growing up in Hampton Roads, and spent hours shooting numerous military stories, deployments, and homecomings when I lived in Norfolk post-911.

So, we headed out to blustery, chilly Pier 14 at Norfolk Naval Base Saturday afternoon for the ceremony – I remembered how cold the piers always felt, dressed extra warm, and felt like I was stepping back in time to my full-time photojournalist days. Many first responders from Arlington County made the trip down for the commissioning, and Jenn brought along her gear for some pictures…

Later, my dad and I took a tour inside the ship – I’ve been inside aircraft carriers and other warships before, but it’s been decades for Pop, so that was a nice shared experience…

For more, read the story from the Virginian-Pilot…

~ Mike

The post USS Arlington Commissioning at Norfolk Naval Base appeared first on Vita Images.

For 20 years the National Guard Youth Foundation has changed the lives of 115,000 youths in need of a second chance at a successful future. Dropouts with nowhere else to turn are given the opportunity to earn their high school diploma or GED, boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, and are equipped with skills that prepare them for the workforce or continuing their education. I was blown away by the speeches given by past graduates explaining how the National Guard Youth Challenge Program influenced, and ultimately changed, their lives for the better.

There were many special guests at this event, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Ricky Schroder. One of the most memorable moments, for me, was meeting LeAnn Rimes, who entertained the crowd with three amazing songs, including a new song from her album Spitfire, coming out later this spring. She was so easy to speak with and we connected over our Mississippi roots! I was also given the opportunity to meet Congressman Gregg Harper (who represents my hometown of Brookhaven, Mississippi) and his son, Livingston.

The gala raised thousands of dollars to help support this amazing group. It was great to see people all over the United States come out and celebrate this wonderful organization. For more information on the event, organization, and/or how to donate, please visit the National Guard Youth Foundation.

~ Jennifer

The post National Guard Youth Foundation ChalleNGe Champions Gala appeared first on Vita Images.

I was blown away by the vibrant, pink, 60′s vibe of the place. It was glamorously decorated with a true girl’s touch. What’s more fun than getting dressed up and getting your hair done, all while hanging with the girls? Everyone was welcoming and friendly, from the outgoing stylists, to the lovely manager, Anna, and, of course, the stunning owner, Samira. I found myself surrounded by beauty, elegance and style. While I was there, one of the professionals, Katrina, took my plain, blown-dried, flat-ironed hair (the only thing I know how to do) and bedazzled it with her magic wand. Seriously, the instrument she used is called a wand. And, to me, it was pretty magical. Instantly, my demeanor changed and I felt just as beautiful, elegant and styled.

Every woman knows that a good hair day can make them feel as if they can, and will, conquer the world. FLOW Blow Dry & Beauty Bar is all about “energy, happiness, and enjoyment”.

FLOW will shampoo, massage your scalp (my favorite!) blow-dry, and style your hair for any special event, meeting, night out, birthday, wedding or if you just need to feel amazing! No hair cuts or hair coloring! They also offer make-up application and threading – something I’m excited to try. As a client, you will get thoroughly pampered by professional stylists while drinking some organic juice/tea or water, enjoying girl talk, picking up some hair-care & beauty tips and products, and leave feeling like a new woman. If you’re in a hurry, they also have a dressing room available so you can finish getting glammed up and dressed all in one spot.

As mentioned on their website, FLOW was founded by Samira Atash, a former NYC fashion designer & entrepreneur who recently moved back to Northern VA. With over 12 years of experience in styling fashion shoots, events, and shows, Samira brings a bit of Manhattan upscale style to the DC area. Her favorite part of opening FLOW was coming up with a concept and interior design that would draw in women. She loves “retro & vintage inspirations as a fashion designer, so it was natural to use the same for FLOW.” It was easy for her to decide to use “the years 1967-68 as visual inspirations – pops of vibrant color, graphic/floral shapes, curved lines in the furniture, and illustrated models.” She says, “It worked out perfectly because the concept of a blow dry bar is similar to those days when our moms would get their hair washed & set.” Samira also plans on opening more locations and is currently workingwith investors. She says the best “part about owning FLOW is making women happy about how they look and feel. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing them leave FLOW with smiles on their faces!”

FLOW Blow Dry & Beauty Bar is an exceptional establishment, which gives women a place to go to bring out their most fabulous selves. Please enjoy this video to learn more about FLOW and go visit their Reston, VA location!

P.S. – Our Vita Images clients gets exclusive discounts with FLOW. Contact us today at 703.915.2745 or info@vitaimages.com for all the details!

~ Rachel, Vita Images Publications Editor

The post FLOW Blow Dry & Beauty Bar Red Carpet Event appeared first on Vita Images.

 Capitol Romance posted a wonderful piece about Lauren and Tom’s wedding, which we photographed at Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria this past summer.

Capitol Romance is a local blog written by Bree Ryback, who started it in 2011 to help other couples in the Washington, D.C. area plan a unique wedding experience without the huge expense.

Bree also posted about Rosie and Rachel’s wedding at Glen Echo Park, a ceremony we photographed alongside Erin Loesly of eKatePhotography as a second shooter.

If you are looking for off-beat ideas and cool weddings in rad locations, then this is the blog you need to be reading!

 Wedding Wire, posted by editor Kim Forrest, took a closer look at the “groomsladies” tie-sash idea from Lauren & Tom’s wedding. Wedding Wire is one of the fastest growing wedding and event companies online, connecting engaged couples with local wedding vendors.

 United With Love highlighted another wonderful Lauren and Tom DIY idea, their handmade seating/escort card, in a Daily Pretty. United With Love, written by Julianne Smith, focuses on local wedding inspiration, bringing engaged couples to a blog full of fresh and special ideas, inspiring photographs, and planning guidance to represent the beauty and diversity of weddings in the Washington, D.C. area.

 Coming full circle, the Perfect Wedding Guide’s Fall 2012 edition published one of the earliest features about Lauren and Tom’s wedding. PerfectWeddingGuide.com is a comprehensive online guide for brides and planners with a great selection of free wedding planning tools, all designed to keep you organized and on top of every important detail surrounding your wedding.

You can always use your Google machine to search for websites that can help you plan your wedding and find the right vendors, but these sites have the inside job of covering the D.C. region and are a must visit for anyone looking for advice and the latest wedding information and trends!

The post Touring Washington D.C. Wedding Websites with Vita Images appeared first on Vita Images.

This unique couple went against tradition and created a stunning bridal party. Not only did they have four bridesmaids, in a romantic bright pink, standing up for Lauren, but Tom included three “groomsladies” in addition to his groomsman. These “groomsladies“ coordinated perfectly with their effeminate grey dresses and matching ties around their waist, just like Tom’s around his neck.

Lauren also included colorful touches with yellow sunflowers in their reception, all from the wedding party bouquets. She used her ”something blue” with gorgeous satin heels with diamond embellishments.

The bride designed everything from the Save the Date reminder, to the guest invitation to the wedding program. Everything Lauren created reflected both her modern style and her love for the color green. It was inspiring to see the personal touches that went into their ceremony and reception details.

We also had the pleasure of photographing and designing the reception book of this happy young couple. It was a huge hit during the wedding and many guests left well-wishes inside.

We know the sky’s the limit for these two and we wish them nothing but happiness.

Take a look at more portraits from this great day here. We’ve also included a video for your viewing pleasure. There is music!

Vendors

Venue: Lee-Fendall House, Emily Rusch – Alexandria, Va
Caterer: Main Event Caterers, Katie McElroy – Arlington, Va
Bridal Gown: Jeanette’s Bride N’ Tux Boutique - Manassas, Va
Groom’s Clothing: J. Crew
Cake: Lilly MaGilly’s Cupcakery - Gaithersburg, MD
Custom Printing: Catprint Short Run Color Printing
Hair: Hair by Diane – Alexandria, Va
Makeup: Hair by Diane, Norma - Alexandria, Va

The post Lauren & Tom’s Alexandria Wedding at Lee-Fendall House appeared first on Vita Images.

Joe and Karly were married at the lovely Sunset Crest Manor, in Chantilly, VA, in August, 2011. The manor is an ideal property for special occasions. It was previously used as a home to a family made wealthy by the technology boom. This family has since converted it into a space for weddings and corporate events. The site attracts an impressive view of the mountains and wide open fields of green.

It was truly a “picture-perfect” wedding day. The weather was clear and gave the most beautiful light during the ceremony. It made for beautiful photos with the sun setting magically behind them. Karly’s dad, Jeff, crafted the wooden cross the couple stood in front of to say their vows. There was one point during the ceremony, while they were doing the mixing of the sand, that I found myself tearing up. I even found myself getting choked up again while going through the edit at that same point. It was a heart-felt and emotional ceremony indeed.

Joe and Karly added personal touches to all of their decorations, from the table settings to the place assignments. We were surprised when they informed us that some of those decorations had come from none other than the Dollar Store! It is amazing what you can do with any and all budgets.

This couple also included a unique guestbook. Since Joe is an avid motorcyclist, they had an image drawn of a motorcycle on white poster board. They supplied ink pads for the guests to leave their thumbprint and signature. The way it was designed created an impression that the motorcycle was being carried by balloons. Karly and Joe planned to later frame the poster as a keepsake to remember everyone who attended their wedding.

Joe and Karly’s reception was, for lack of a better term, wild! During their toast, Joe’s groomsmen brought out a surprise. We learned the men hadn’t had a chance to “do a proper bachelor party” for Joe, so instead they wheeled out a gift box. In it was a male “stripper” in a padded muscle shirt (it was obviously one of Joe’s friends). The “stripper” danced around and even brought out some whipped cream!

It was great to see that the photo booth was quite a hit at their reception. Guests of all ages, including Karly’s grandparents, got in for a few silly photos.

At the end of the night, the guests lined up outside holding ribbons, and Joe and Karly exited their reception through this sea of ribbons.

Check out our video from their wedding that gives some great highlights of the day – there is an audio soundtrack, so beware!

We were excited to photograph their engagement session earlier in the year at Fairfax Corner in Fairfax, VA.

Vita Images has also had the pleasure of working with Joe’s sister, Julie Flury, and her hair design business, Jewel Hair Design.

Vendors:

Wedding and Reception Venue: Sunset Crest Manor – Chantilly, VA
Professional Event Coordinator: Grand Hyatt Washington, Leigh Curtis
Music: DJ Hamza
Videographer: Scott Jeschle
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Clothing: Men’s Wearhouse
Caterer: R&R Catering, Rachael Lincol
Invitations/Placecards: Shirlene Liu of Woodchicks Studios, found on etsy.com
Florist: Wegman’s Floral, Ashly Sawyer, Floral Manager – Fairfax, VA
Hair: Bubbles for Hair Salon, Chau Newman - Fairfax Corner, VA
Makeup: Lori Nansi

The post Joe and Karly’s Summer Chantilly Wedding at Sunset Crest Manor appeared first on Vita Images.

If you’re looking for wedding photography, senior portraits, capturing the special images of your family, or visual marketing for your established business, please reach out to Vita Images via email at info@vitaimages.com or via phone at 703.915.2745.

The post Welcome To The Vita Images Blog! appeared first on Vita Images.

I was pleasantly surprised this morning to wake up and find a little snow on the ground. Plus, Fairfax County Public Schools decided upon a two-hour school delay. My preschooler, Lauren, was delighted when she woke up and saw the snow out our bedroom window.

It’s been almost two years since we received any measurable amount of snow here in Reston. According to Capital Weather Gang, it’s been more than 728 days since our last real snow – one that has measured more than two inches. We may have had but an inch on the ground here this morning, but we’ll take it! For the past two years I bought Lauren both snowsuits and snow boots, yet they sat in the closet, sad and unused.

This morning we quickly dressed in those happy-to-be-used snowsuits and snow boots and headed outside to play. The snow was too powdery, so you couldn’t really do much, but we had fun stomping around in it.

However, by some miracle, we managed to make a snowman! She may have been only four inches high and we might have had to use mascara to paint on the eyes, but a snowman, or snow-woman in our case, was still fun for Lauren to make. And that’s all that matters.

Our friends at Reston Patch made our instagram photo of our snowwoman their Photo of the Day. This is one I’ll have to print, put in a frame, and make a tangible memory of our snow day.

Hopefully, we get some more snow this weekend and we can make a bigger snowman/woman or even snow forts, but until then, we still love the little surprise mother nature gave us this morning.

Jennifer

The post Snow Days In Reston Make For Fun Days At Vita Images appeared first on Vita Images.