Love is Love - Stylish Gay Wedding at Strathmore Mansion

Strathmore Mansion Wedding

J&M reached out to me last summer for a last minute engagement photography session. I was so glad I could be their engagement photographer and we made some good memories at the Smithsonian Castle. What I knew immediately was that the couple had a great sense of style and their bond was special. One look would bring sparkles in the other's eyes. So I was elated to be asked to be their wedding photographer in 2024 after they received their engagement photos.

Arriving in style

The grooms and their wedding party arrived in style on a sunny May day at Strathmore Mansion in Rockville, Maryland. I followed the group upstairs to the Lockheed Martin Conference Room to get ready. The room was bright and airy, which is great for a few getting ready photos. Since it's a little tucked away from the main staircase, it was easy to avoid running into guests accidentally. The group brought great energy to the start of M&J's wedding.

Groom and Groom

Before the ceremony the grooms snuck away to the back gardens for couple's portrait. Under the lush foliage, I caught them smiling and laughing with each other, calming the nerves before the ceremony. The details on their cream-colored wedding suits were just so fun - gold embroideries of florals and stars - so classy!

Wedding party altogether

Once the wedding party joined the grooms, the fun began. With the curated navy and tangerine palette, the group looked amazing in front of the mansion portico. Everyone linked arms for a movement shot and had fun doing it.

Wedding Ceremony inside the Music Room

As the ceremony began, our wedding party walked down the grand staircase while the guests were seated in the Music Room. The glass door opened to welcome the officiant, the wedding party pairs, and finally the grooms walking together with the flower girl, an endearing sight. At the altar, M&J exchanged heartfelt vows and made us laugh. The room was full of smiles when the grooms were announced as husband and husband. The crowd cheered hard for the newlywed as they walked back up the aisle.

Cocktail hour at the Sun Porch and family portraits

Once the ceremony concluded, everyone was welcomed to the Sun Porch for cocktail hour. Our grooms embraced their loved ones as they congratulated the couple. After the everyone started to mingle, the couple joined their close family and friends outside for additional photos.

gRAND ENTRANCE AND SPEECHES

M&J entered the reception in their evening suits. At their sweetheart table, they listened to funny stories, touching anecdotes, and sage advice from their biggest supporters. What a wonderful way to celebrate the two grooms coming together surrounded by their family and friends.

Cake cutting and first dancce

M&J successfully cut their wedding cake, although the cut shape was quite unconventional. Afterwards, the wedding moved to the Music Room for the dance party. The grooms shared their first dance to Beyonce and invited everyone to join to get the party started. The crowd was ready to get their moves on. The DJ expertly dimmed the lights and the dancing commenced.

End of the wedding night

As the night came to a close, M&J snuck away one last time for an intimate nighttime couple's portrait. With the help with a few friends blowing bubbles, we created a romantic bubble sendoff for the newlyweds.