Brittany + J.J. | United States Naval Academy Wedding

June 4, 2014

Weddings

Oh this wedding. Brittany and J.J. have become incredibly special to me in the short time that I’ve known them. They are so sweet and so sincere and you can’t help but love them. There was so much beautiful emotion on their wedding day and there were many moments were both Jen and I were both fighting back tears, and even a few times where we just couldn’t hold them back. I am so happy I was able to share in their special day. It was truly an honor.

I started my day off with Brittany at her parents’ house. I was so excited to be able to photograph her dress on the tree out front – the same spot that she stood for many pictures over the years. I also got to use my brand new glitter bride hanger courtesy of lilafrances on etsy!

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Brittany designed all of the paper goods for the wedding. I love the art deco style!jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0113 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0114 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0115 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0116 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0117 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0118 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0119

Once she was dressed we did a first look both with the bridesmaids and her daddy!

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Oh Brittany, you just looked amazing.

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Stunning.

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The Naval Academy Chapel is just amazing. Such a beautiful place for a wedding!jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0126 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0127jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0128 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0129 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0130 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0131 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0132 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0133 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0134jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0135 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0136 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0137 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0138 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0139 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0140

After the ceremony we were able to get access to the Superintendent’s garden for portraits, and it was just lovely! I’m so glad we did, such a beautiful backdrop.jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0141

I just love these of Brittany!jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0142 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0143 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0154

I love the girls’ dresses and the guys in uniform. Brittany’s brother was looking sharp in his white tux with black vest–such an awesome choice and he fit in well!

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After some bridal party shots I was able to focus in on the happy couple, these bring tears to my eyes. I just love them and their joy!

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Definitely a favorite!

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Dahlgren hall is such an awesome place! I love that Brittany and J.J. wanted photos here – and it also had very impressive natural light. I was a big fan.

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It also has the columns outside, which I am obsessed with.

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LOVE!

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I also love these bridal party shots with the trolley!

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The N* room at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was such an awesome place to have their reception! The room was beautifully decorated with lots of personal touches by Brittany!

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In lieu of a guestbook, Brittany and J.J. had their guests sign jenga pieces.

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The cake toppers were also hand painted by the bride! I was so impressed by the intricate detailing, especially in J.J.’s uniform!jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0164 jj-brittany-usna-wedding_0165

Brittany and J.J. entered the reception in style- with their signature dip!

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They went straight into a very sweet first dance followed by heartfelt speeches by the maid of honor, best man, and father of the bride and a blessing by the brother of the bride.

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During dinner we snuck out for some sunset photos but those are to come later in this post- we came back and went straight into the cake cutting!

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Following the dinner service, Brittany and J.J. cut the cake and went into the parent dances. Both of these dances had Jen and I with tears running down our faces. These two are so loved by their families, and it was a joy to watch.

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I’m so glad we were able to go up to the 6th floor for these photos, we had an amazing sunset!

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Brittany + J.J., I hope you guys are having a blast in Disney! I am so sad that you guys are moving to Norfolk, but when you come back to visit you’ll have to let me know! Love you guys!

-Brea

Vendors
Ceremony Venue: United States Naval Academy Chapel
Reception Venue: The N* Room at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Photographer: Breanna Shaw, Photography by Brea
Second Shooter: Jennifer Smutek
Caterer: Bo Brooks Catering – AMAZING FOOD!
Hair and Makeup: Behind the Veil
Transportation: Towne Transport
Invitations + Cake topper: The Bride!

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  1. Jennifer says:

    Beautiful! These two were just the sweetest couple… such a fun wedding!

  2. Natalie says:

    The Naval Academy Chapel is my favorite!! Ahh!! This wedding is gorgeous! :)

  3. Laura says:

    Great work as always! I love the first look shots with the bridal party, what a great idea! And that chapel is amazing!!!

  4. Caitlin says:

    love that just married trolley- so awesome!! those bridesmaids dresses are super cute, too! amazing job on the photos as always!!

  5. Lauren C says:

    I like your new glitter hanger!! That bridal portrait where the veil is halfway up…..that is breathtaking.

  6. Emilia Jane says:

    Oh man I love the sword photos outside the church! Gets me every time.

  7. Nastja says:

    What a cute daddy daughter first look. :) Amazing!

  8. Dani says:

    Gorgeous! I love how those flowers pop against those blue-ish dresses. So pretty.

  9. Kelly Ewell says:

    USNA weddings can’t help but look spectacular! And what a great idea for the white tux. I had to do a double take to even see the difference at first!

  10. Sarah says:

    Dahlgren Hall made for awesome photos, as well as everywhere else but the lighting and architecture and the bokeh of the lights. yum! What a sweet couple and day!

  11. These are so sweet!!!