MBK Top Photo Moments of 2019

The start of the new year brought me the opportunity to reflect on all of the great jobs I completed over the course of 2019. I am filled with such gratitude to be a part of so many amazing events, and continuing to do the work that I love and am so passionate about. A major part of what makes my job so special and fulfilling is my incredible clientele- some of which I have been lucky enough to know over the course of many, many years! From weddings to Mitzvahs to corporate events, there have been lots of incredibly noteworthy occasions over the past year. It’s not easy to chose favorites, but here are 10 memorable highlights from 2019!

I love this shot from the DC Mardi Gras Ball at the Washington Hilton. This year, the entire ballroom was transformed into an Alice in Wonderland theme, which was spectacular. Walking in, I immediately felt like I had fallen down a rabbit hole into this fantasy world populated by every peculiar, anthropomorphic Wonderland creature. I enjoy photographing the D.C. Mardi Gras events because it’s always an exciting experience, and every year they continue to outdo themselves!

This is one of my favorite wedding candids. I love that this photograph captures the joy and excitement of the bride’s dad seeing his beautiful daughter for the first time right before walking down the aisle. Such a special moment that I’m glad they will be able to relive forever!

Love this beautiful moment that I captured, and this event was extra special for me because I got to see my niece truly marry “an officer and a gentleman".

One of my favorite decor shots from Katherine and Alex’s stunning wedding at Columbia Country Club.

It was so great to celebrate Sofia and Habib's marriage and their baby to come… And love the added element of the birds in this picture, which could not have been timed more perfectly!

Another photo favorite from 2019 was from Karlee & Jeremy’s magical wedding on the Chesapeake Bay at Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island.

I loved celebrating Halston’s 2nd birthday one bite at a time. It’s always so great to be a part of all the wonderful Marcus family celebrations!

This is one of my favorite shots from Maggie and Tommy's fabulous wedding at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, VT. The couple climbed over a fence to get to this incredibly picturesque spot. I've known Maggie all her life so it was extra special for me to be asked to photograph her wedding. Maggie and Tommy are such a wonderful couple, and I'm so happy that they both found their rock in one another!

A favorite candid from a family photoshoot at Dewey Beach. Gathering up all the kids for a family shot could be a new Olympic sport…And Jenna, Niki and Jason would get the gold medal!

It was a memorable day photographing this engagement shoot for Harris and Katie at the scenic Rocklands Farm Winery in Poolesville, MD. I still remember photographing Harris's Bar Mitzvah so it’s an extra treat to see what a great guy he has developed into, and how happy he and Katie are together. The two of them make such a beautiful couple!

Hope you enjoyed taking a look at some of my top photo moments from 2019. I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting new endeavors 2020 brings!

SOSi Anniversary Gala 2019

SOS International (SOSi) celebrated its 30th birthday at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. While the company looked back with pride on its first 30 years, SOSi voiced no plans to slow down as they continue to evolve and find new opportunities for growth.

Since 1989, SOSi has provided specialized services supporting the national security interests of the United States and the security and stability needs of its allies. Their vision is to be the leading provider of mission and intelligence support to the Defense, Homeland Security, and Intelligence communities. Their unparalleled ability to enter new markets and deliver integrated solutions to complex challenges has been the hallmark of SOSi’s growth into a large business with global reach.

Immediately upon arrival, I was very impressed with how well the National Building Museum was transformed into the perfect setting for this lavish gala. From the highly designed decor to the remarkable service and cuisine, every detail of this event was flawless, and I enjoyed being a part of it all. I’m very much looking forward to photographing many more SOSi anniversary galas to come, and excited to see what the next years bring as SOSi continues to grow rapidly.

Building A GradNation: America's Promise Alliance

The Building a GradNation Summit occurs annually in Washington, DC to promote students graduating high-school nationally. Since the 2010 launch of the GradNation campaign, America’s Promise Alliance has brought energy and focus to the national graduation rate challenge through research and data analysis, community-level investments, and convenings at the national, state, and local levels. Their incredible work focuses on keeping the Five Promises to young people: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Help Others.

I felt so honored to photograph this extraordinary event, which joins more than 800 leaders in education, politics, business, and nonprofits with youth and community leaders from across the country. I am excited to share highlights from the GradNation Summit, and hope to raise awareness and encourage people to take action for this great cause. From individuals to national organizations and all in between - there is a way to make a difference and impact the life of a young person!

“What we have here is not an education challenge, it is an American challenge””

— Mrs. Alma Powell

America’s Promise Founding Chairman General Colin Powell and current chair Mrs. Alma Powell presented at this event, followed by a special announcement from Mrs. Laura Bush.

GradNation aims to increase the national graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020 and put millions more young people on the path to adult success. It is so inspiring to see the huge accomplishments America’s Promise has made over the last several years, and thanks to their unmitigated passion and commitment, these goals are now tangible.

“With hundreds of national partners and their local affiliates, America’s Promise Alliance is uniquely positioned to mobilize Americans to act. We have made improving high school graduation rates our top priority, and we are on track to achieve the nation’s goal of a 90 percent graduation rate””

— Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

International Leadership Reunion

Group shot surrounding Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (in red).

The International Leadership Reunion (ILR) was held at the Cannon Caucus Ballroom in Washington, D.C. This was a very exciting photoshoot because the ILR is known to be the most prestigious worldwide Jewish event, gathering the highest level donors. These important fundraising organizations work with the Jewish communities throughout the world for social and education programs and the support of refugees. The conference is in line with the Foundation’s goals since it aims to encourage the integration and peaceful cohabitation of nations through meetings that address issues they have in common.

In partnership with the global Jewish community, the ILR works to further the national priorities of the State of Israel and Israeli society, with special emphasis on advancing weaker communities; nurturing disadvantaged and marginalized youth; encouraging aliyah; implementing rescue operations; and connecting young Diaspora Jews to Israel and Jewish life.

In addition to Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there were many other notable attendees at the International Leadership Reunion. William Daroff, the Senior Vice President for public policy and director of the Washington office of The Jewish Federations of North America. As the principal spokesperson on public policy and international affairs for 148 Jewish Federations and more than 300 independent communities, Daroff ensures that the voice of Jewish Federations is a prominent force in the nation's capital. He guides the Jewish community’s advocacy efforts on the Federation movement’s key domestic policy issues, from health and human services to elder care, homeland security to strengthening charitable organizations.

Another high level donor at the event was Natan Sharansky, an Israeli politician, human rights activist and author who, as a refusenik in the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s, spent nine years in Soviet prisons. Sharansky served as Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency from June 2009 to August 2018.

The night was filled with prominent donors and speakers, and incredible entertainment by Doc Scantlin & His Imperial Palms Orchestra. For over a decade, dapper Doc Scantlin has kept the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s alive for Washington, DC and others internationally. The performance was incredible, immediately transporting the audience to the high life immortalized by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the Great Gatsby the moment they took the stage.