Carly Arnwine Photography

Featured: Washingtonian Bride & Groom

Carly — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:34:52 +0000

“First Looks” are becoming a becoming a popular way to snap a few pictures of the intimate moments before the wedding ceremony. I’ve done a few of these.. but this was the first occasion where I did one for the Father of the Bride.

Watching the bride, Whitney, stand behind the screen door with a nervous smile as her Dad approached the porch instantly took me back 20 years to when she was a little girl. I really saw a young Whitney who had been waiting for this moment her entire life. Tender moments like these make me realize why I love my job. Being a part of such a huge moment in a family’s life is so special.

Read the rest of the post on Washingtonian’s blog!

A Sundara Wedding in Roanoke, Virginia | Whitney + Brian

Carly — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:34:02 +0000

One of the best aspects of being a wedding photographer is the intimacy with which I get to know my clients. I feel as if I am invited into their world and the love story that brought them together. Never have I felt so attached to such a story as with Brian and Whitney.

Last May, Brian came to me with the idea to photograph his surprise engagement at the Jefferson Memorial. I hid behind a column as Brian got down on one knee and asked Whitney to marry him.

The wedding was an extension of that beautiful day, an outdoor affair with wonderful people and perfect light bouncing off of the gorgeous bride and groom. The highlight for me came when Whitney read a handwritten note from Brian, saying only a small portion out loud to keep from crying.

“There are not enough minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even years to tell you how much I love you..”

So I feel lucky to be a small part of their fairytale story, the privilege to share these special moments with them, and to share these special memories for them now.

Venue: Sundara

Second Shooter: Michael Waidmann

Planner: White Peony

Makeup Stylist: Danielle Smith

Florist: Melinda Amos

Cake: Mary Ogilvie

String Duet: Classic Strings Duo

Band: The Castaways

Rentals: Linens – BBJ Linens, Plates/Glassware – Aztec Rentals

Invitations: Appalachian Press

Wedding Signage: Brent Ellis (Maid of Honor)

Travel Tuesday: Traditional Ethiopian Houses

Carly — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:23:24 +0000

One of the most striking aspects of Ethiopian life was their traditional houses, gojobeits. Made of intricate weaving of bamboo or teff straw, sticks and mud, their structure becomes sturdy and undoubtedly beautiful. Seeing them scattered along the Ethiopian countryside was one of my favorite parts of the drive into the rural wilderness. The photo above was taken on Thanksgiving, as the smoke was rising from grilling meats. And the photo below was taken on the drive into Mezan Tefari, a region far south.

Travel Tuesday : Morning Commute

Carly — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:21:06 +0000

So I’ve been meaning to post a photo or two each Tuesday talking about my adventures abroad and local, and the stories behind them.

As so many folks in the metro area begin their daily commute this morning, I’m reminded of one of my favorite photos. It offers such a unique contrast to our style of transportation.

This photo was taken up in the mountain of Chiri, Ethiopia where paved roads are a foreign luxury, and individual vehicles are unheard of. Many men climb aboard any moving vehicle to get to the top; which is typically an hour long commute to start the days work. The less fortunate begin a day of walking to get to nearby markets.

This photo represents another aspect of life in Ethiopia that I find so endearing. Public transportation is rough, smelly, and dangerous but it’s part of their collective identity. Notice the kid second to the left with the big smile on his face. This is one of those days I’d gladly trade my ride for his.

DIY : Wedding Goody Bags

Carly — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:17:20 +0000

For brides planning weddings which require an overnight hotel stay, this is something cheap and extremely thoughtful to consider for your guests: A homemade goody bag!

As guests checked into the Hotel Roanoke, they received a goody bag, complete with a fresh warm cookie. Now THAT is service!!

Their personalized bag included things like :

+ a water bottle + Tylenol for that morning hangover

+ lots of snacks for late night munchies

+ gum (genius!)

+ a personal guide to the events at the wedding and recommendations for downtown Roanoke (where Whitney was born and raised)

The guide was SO beautiful and included everything from phone numbers to how to get around and the itinerary for the wedding.

Whitney and Brian left no detail unlooked. And THAT makes for a fantastic wedding.

Instagram | Spring in the City

Carly — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:38:49 +0000

I love Instagram.

Okay, I loooooooove Instagram. How is it that such a simple tool can be such a powerful tool in one’s everyday life?

Photos are the building blocks of memories; they add depth to them—similar to the way that smells or taste bring you back to a particular place in your mind. Instagram adds to that by letting you take a step back and observing what you’ve really been doing with your time; its proof of how one is growing and evolving as a person.

After my zillionth time of hitting the ‘home’ button on my Instagram feed, I realized how blessed I am with where I’m at in life. All of the tiny individual photos are part of a bigger whole; a world of intense color and motion and change.

In just the few weeks of returning from Panama, I’ve adjusted to life back in my home in Petworth, reunited with my best girlfriends, and continue bettering my skills in my favorite art form that I’m lucky enough to call work. I’m experiencing spring in the city, gardening in my very own garden, biking around the city, and making friends all over.

It’s never not in a state of chaos; but it’s a beautiful blur of chaos. It’s my chaos. And I love it.

DIY: Family Portraits

Carly — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:31 +0000

Alright future brides, listen up.

Here is the scene: the ceremony is breathtaking. Dad tears up and the bride glides down the aisle smoother than Kristi Yamaguchi winning the gold. Everything is a fairy tale… and then come the followup family portraits. Family portraits are—how shall I say it politely… pretty much always a cluster, uh, fudge. Yea, we’ll go with that. They always are. Okay that’s an exaggeration, but they are if you have a big family. I was also unfortunate enough to inherit a super soft voice (so much for my singing career) so my only chance at having things go my way is to stand on a chair and flail my arms and pray someone sees me and listens because they feel sorry for me. From this point family portraits would last AT LEAST an hour. Okay, that’s also an exaggeration. But I swear I’ve done an hour before. The larger the family, the longer it takes (clearly).

An hour of waiting for Uncle Fred because he went to smoke a cigarette, and the flower girl had to run to the ladies room. Then people forget to smile because they were smiling so hard while Fred was outside and grew tired. Everyone always grows impatient knowing that their beloved cocktail hour is waiting for them–and MY personal favorite hour (the time I get for portraits with the bride and groom–yeah, I said it. I love LOVE, okay?!) Anyway, people grow impatient with the process. I get it.

All was lost–or so I thought–until I met Kaitlyn. She puts my organizing skills to shame (do I even have any?) and this girl knows what she’s doing. A week prior to her wedding, she sends me an email with this spreadsheet and my initial reaction was something like this:

That’s mostly because spreadsheets scare the hell outta me. Once I actually saw what she was trying to do with this, the heavens parted. And THEN I actually saw it in action… that was it. I could never go back to the old way. This was the ONLY way, as far as I’m concerned.

So, my future brides, I beg you to take this into consideration. I’ll even give you a hug because I’ll be so grateful.

I’ll break it down so it’s easy to comprehend. Takes a liiiittle more effort on the bride prior to the wedding day (what’s another task on top of everything else you’re juggling, I mean REALLY). Kidding, I know how tough it is to be a bride these days. Anywho, you will thank your future self on your wedding day if you do this. So just listen. Especially if you have a huge family.

1. Create spreadsheet like exhibit A below, of your own family. Don’t forget Uncle Fred, even if he smokes cigarettes.

2. Print individual cards for each person and the numbers that correspond with which photos they are to be in.

3. Wait for Photographer [me] to yell [pathetically squeak] “Photo 1 (2) (3)… etc…!” and whoever has said number on their card will assemble by height.

4. Clap because we saved 4o minutes of your time. YAY!!!

So there ya have it folks! The most efficient way to assemble people! Who knew tiny little mint green cards hold so much power?

A Jefferson Memorial Engagement | Alyssa + Matt

Carly — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:39:21 +0000

Danny Tanner.

Or really, it was Matt, dressed as Danny at a costume party–and Matt’s 21st birthday party–at Virginia Tech. There he was, in his handsome, wholesome glory, and Alyssa simply couldn’t look away. Minutes after they met, sparks flew and there was no turning back. Even though Alyssa graduated a year before Matt did, fate came to the rescue and Alyssa was able to fly down to Virginia Tech because her mother worked for an airline for several years (can I join this club, please?!)

Matt decided after he graduated that he wanted to further his education at JMU (go Dukes!), and so their long-distance relationship was extended, and although miles apart, the distance only strengthened their love. This time, they took turns driving back and forth from northern Virginia to Harrisonburg to see each other. Matt finally graduated with his Masters in December, and took Alyssa to NYC to see the city lit up for the holidays. He then asked his girlfriend of 4 years to never leave his side again.

They are having a destination wedding in Hawaii and I could not be happier for them. I may or may not climb in their suitcase ;] -C

A Sunset Crest Manor Wedding | Kaitlyn + John

Carly — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:40:11 +0000

We couldn’t have asked for a better day. All of the hard work was completed for the most important day in John & Kaitlyn’s life… and as John watched his new wife walk down the aisle towards him, he couldn’t contain his joy. Seeing them finally together, for good, after years of John’s service and years of distance, they were united in this moment of pure bliss surrounded by their most loved and cherished.

I love John and Kaitlyn’s love, because it’s real and very relatable to me. Their chemistry was obvious and instant; yet had to shared in spurts as John split his time between where he was stationed in Texas. Seeing them finally together, for good, after years of John’s service and years of distance was a treat they shared with everyone around them. They were united in this moment of pure bliss surrounded by their most loved and cherished. I’m so happy for you two! Congrats! -C

Ceremony: Sacred Heart Church

Venue: Sunset Crest Manor

Second Shooter: Mayline Yu

Event Coordinator: Ashlee Virginia Events

DJ: Devin Alexander; My DeeJay

Invitations: Alive & Kicking, NYC

Rentals: Select Event Rentals

Tent: L&A Tent Rentals

Flowers: Jerry Hemanne

Catering: Culinary Delights by Feist

Cake: Culinary Delights by Feist

Groom’s Cake: Valerie Paylor

Make-Up: Victoria Budosh

Hair: Leedah Faiqe

Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Dress: Essence of Australia

Bridesmaids Dresses: The Dessy Group

A Georgetown Engagement | Alexa + Jason

Carly — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:14:01 +0000

“You know your mom is awesome, right?”

My first words to Jason when we met at Georgetown. He didn’t even flinch—I mean, how can you deny the truth? I worked with Debbie over the course of a few summers for a company called Wear Red Lipstick. She and her business partner Michelle had so much faith in me to photograph models in their outfits. We had the best times drinking mimosas and blasting Fleetwood Mac as we “worked” away together. Ah, those were the days. Now Debbie’s baby boy is all grown up and engaged to the lovely Alexa.

And Alexa? I loved her right away. She was sitting across from Debbie when we first met at a Starbucks to discuss details of her wedding. She talked elaborately with her hands about how colorful her family is, who is originally from Cuba. I perked up right away. Did I ever mention how much I love shooting culture?! I was drawn to her bright radiating energy that one could only associate with a giddy bride. We were also wearing the same nail polish shade: Essie in Chinchilly. Fate? Perhaps.

Anyway, enough about me. You probably want to hear about how these two lovebirds came together, right?

Jason and Alexa knew of each other since freshman year. Isn’t that always the case with social media at a college these days? But their paths didn’t cross until their junior year at Radford, and the chemistry couldn’t be avoided any longer. She casually invited him to a theme party, and they went dressed as the Incredibles. One glimpse of seeing him in those red spandex pants and she just knew: he was The One.

Alexa and Jason, I’m so happy for you both and cannot wait for your upcoming wedding in Florida! –C