Two Men in Love in Leesburg


As a Loudoun and beyond Wedding Photographer I am there to tell your story. So this is something that I created to tell a story I would love to show more of. This project came together because of an incredible group of Loudoun County wedding vendors, Luke and Chad, and local businesses who believed in my concept and showed up. For months, this idea lived in my mind long before it ever came to paper, Pinterest, or chat. This shoot is an example of what is possible when creative professionals come together with a shared purpose. When we do, we create space for real people and real love to be fully celebrated even when it is in a "fake" setting. Representation matters, but authenticity matters more. I am so proud of of this couple for all the PDA they let me capture and the vendors for lending their art and space. Narrowing down the images was SO HARD.


A heartfelt thank you to all the businesses below for helping make this large creative concept shoot such a meaningful success. Please go click and follow to support them. I will be sharing an Instagram post too where you can also find everyone involved. Read to the end to learn more about each business and how they helped make this special.


Photography / Concept / Styling || @crystalcoronaphotography

Florals and Decor || @eventstudio

Plaid Suit, Pants, and Bow Tie || @misteronmain with @nostalgia

Venue and Tableware || @shuttersonking

Personalized Candle || @loudounwicks

Couple || @lukebreichel & @chad_w_ob

Potted Ferns, Air Plants, and Bookstore || @foliageplantshopva & @birchtreebookstore

Gelato || @gogosgelato

Books and Clothing || Thrifted, personal, and borrowed collections

Historic Town || @townofleesburgva

Behind the Scenes Video (BTS) || @kacimoranphotography

Support || @ssams8676


Luke and Chad were married 13 years ago, before it was legal to marry in Virginia. That right was not passed until October 6 of 2014. They gathered with loved ones in Washington DC so their marriage could be legally recognized but they didn't have a big party or a first dance. Luke and I connected over the phone where I shared my ideas for the shoot, and I was overjoyed that they were both open to participating. They were incredible throughout the planning and preparation, and I am so grateful to be able to give them these images to celebrate their love and their marriage, especially knowing it wasn't something they did on their wedding. It was also such a fun evening together and we had practiced that first dance multiple times and they laughed and I had the best time capturing their love.


This project was not just about creating beautiful images or showcasing two incredible grooms for local vendors and future clients. It was about offering them something they deserved, a moment where their love was centered, honored, and to have photographs that reflect who they are together.


The concept was elevated by Kelley of Event Studio, who helped refine and expand the vision into what it ultimately became. She created two distinct boutonnieres, a signature custom drink sign, and a specialty book page table runner. The lush vines, mini potted ferns, candlesticks and holders, lamps, and plant stands were all thoughtfully brought in by Kelley.


A special thank you to Silas of Mister on Main for trusting us with full access to the store and allowing me complete creative freedom to style with anything in stock. His generosity, trust, and alignment with the vision made this shoot truly possible. He was incredible to work with and such an important part of bringing this concept to life. The men's shop is also connected to the women's vintage Nostalgia Boutique. 


I sourced a few thrifted books and incorporated pieces from my own collection to support the overall aesthetic. Shutters on King allowed us to curate custom table settings on their stunning extra long table using their beautiful assortment of plates and glassware, which added so much personality to the design.


To further enhance the setting, air plants alongside larger potted ferns and mini specialty ferns generously loaned by Foliage Plant Shop (Birch Tree Books and Plants) were layered among the books on the table and mantel. Every detail worked together to bring the vision to life.


Kristi of Loudoun Wicks generously gifted Luke and Chad personalized candle tins featuring their names and wedding date. Mike at GoGo Gelato graciously welcomed us into the shop, where we happily enjoyed gelato and took a few portraits before heading back to Shutters.


A huge thank you as well to Kaci of Kaci Moran Photography for capturing behind the scenes moments throughout the shoot, and to Ami and Leah of Birch Tree Books and Plants for allowing us to also pop into their beautiful space for portraits. Also thank you to Stephanie for your support and connections during the planning process and beyond.


Silhouettes of people cast shadows against a brick building wall during golden hour sunset lighting.
Two people in formal attire sitting with drinks, showing hands clasped and holding a cocktail glass.
Elegant place setting with gray charger plate, blue napkin, and small round box labeled 'love' on wooden table.
A black and white sequence showing two people in suits embracing and sharing an intimate moment.
Vintage-style display with old fashioned cocktail recipe cards, woven baskets, and a typewriter.
Two people in formal attire share an intimate moment in a library setting with bookshelves in the background.
Two people relaxing on leather couch sharing drinks and intimate conversation.
Elegant table settings with woven pendant lights, greenery, and white linens in a rustic brick-walled venue.
Close-up shot of hands exchanging business cards during a professional meeting.
Rustic dining room with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and hanging greenery creates an intimate event space.
Two people sitting playfully on wooden floor in formal attire during event photography session.
Two people in suits lying on wooden floor sharing drinks in black and white photography.
A couple shares drinks at an elegant reception with table settings and decorative lighting.
Long wooden dining tables decorated with greenery and candles against exposed brick walls.
Two people in formal wear share drinks and conversation against floral wallpaper.
Two people in suits share drinks while lounging on couch in black and white photography.
A sequence of dance moves showing a dip between two dancers in a rustic room with wood paneling and floral wallpaper.
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Two hands holding each other in a supportive gesture against a blurred brick wall background.
Two people in suits walking together on a brick sidewalk at sunset.
Two people in suits sit and lean against a brick wall with green trim windows.
Two people cast long shadows on a brick wall with arched windows during sunset.
Close-up of hands exchanging business cards during a professional meeting.
A black and white photograph shows a group of people in formal attire gathered in a hallway.
Two people in dark suits share intimate moments in black and white photography.
Two people in formal attire dance and laugh together on autumn leaves.
Silhouettes of people cast long shadows on a brick building facade during golden hour sunset lighting.
Two people in formal attire playfully interacting on a brick plaza.
Two people in suits holding hands and walking on a brick sidewalk in an urban setting, captured in black and white.
Two people share an intimate moment in a cozy bookstore setting with bookshelves and handwritten signs visible.
Close-up sequence of hands exchanging a small object in a dimly lit setting.
Two people in dark suits having an animated conversation at a bar with leather seating and bookshelves in background.
Two people in formal attire share an intimate moment at an elegantly decorated dinner table with candles and woven lampshades.