D. Bryant | Blog

Terrapin Park Engagement Session

2009-06-03T23:06:00.003-04:00

Warning to all folks wanting pics at Terrapin Park in the summer... TICKS!!!! And tons of them!!!! Not just your normal tick either but teensy-weensy deer ticks! All three of us were covering with them. We all sacrificed for this shoot for sure. But as long as none of us end up with Lyme's disease, I'd say it was worth it. Great sunset setting for a fabulous photo shoot on the Eastern Shore. Wedding bells are only a little more than a week away.

Stephanie and Jason - Annapolis Engagement Photos with Magical Muscle Car!

2009-05-31T01:27:00.005-04:00

When Stephanie asked me to be her wedding photographer, I knew immediately that the pictures were going to be amazing and unique - especially for their engagement session. "Jason has a muscle car and would like to have it in the engagement photos", she says. I couldn't think of anything else. Immediately, the wheels started turning in my head. All I need is a really cool location and a great sunset and twilight. As usual, my Annapolis delivered on both! I can't thank you guys enough for allowing me the opportunity to capture these amazing images. This was a lengthy photo shoot but the patience paid off!!!! And the two of you could give lessons on how to work the camera. All I had to do was light you, and capture the images. This photo shoot was so much fun. Great weather, fabulous sunset and one amazing vintage Oldsmobile "muscle car". This was a good time. In fact, I had so much fun I blew a 40 amp fuse on my power supply! First time for that EVER!

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Wedding - Kirsten and Matt

2009-05-25T02:34:00.007-04:00

Today's wedding from the double-header weekend was at the famous Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, MD. My first wedding at this venue in 2009...and hands down our favorite venue. Note to all brides considering this location for your wedding and/or reception, the foods is without question, the best around! Erin and Sharon rocked it out as usual and kept everyone (including me) right on schedule. Our bridal party enjoyed some really cool looking cocktails during the after ceremony photo shoot. Very colorful drinks! Check out the pic. I'll bet they tasted as good as they looked too!.

Kirsten and Matt were a little concerned about the weather because the forecast didn't look so good. Maybe my "no rain" track record has followed me to the Eastern Shore. Wouldn't that be nice. Well, we did it... no rain and the sunset was absolutely spectacular. The Reverend Joel Dan Lehman was our officiant (love him!). Our bridal party wore a mixture of short blue skirts for the gals and slacks and a jacket for the guys. Accessories for the guys were these really cute crab and coral logo neck ties. Nice to see something other than the traditional black tux. I figure if you're getting married on the beach, why no

t make it a little more casual. The gents looked very dapper.

And to top it all off, we had a band. Not just any band but "Raggs and the All Stars" from Elan Artists. Bottom line is these folks are top notch. Beyond first class. Our guests danced the night away to the sounds of Glenn Miller and then some more contemporary tunes. Overall a very fantastic day and evening. Everyone danced and had a great time; that's what matters.

Carly, thanks so much for you help. I couldn't have done it without you. A photographer couldn't have a better assistant/shooter...except my

wife Jill of course. But if Jill can't be with me then I have it made when Carly is with me. On the way out I ran into my colleague Larry Huffman who taught me something REALLY cool about my new camera. Thanks Larry!!!.. and it was nice having a brew-sky with you afterwards and talk shop. Now, time to relax and get my energy back. Happy Memorial Day everyone.

Seacrest out!!!!

Check out the slide show here.

Caitlin and Dustin...From the tobacco barn to the church.

2009-05-24T02:08:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to capture Caitlin an d Dustin's engagement images in the family barn. Great time for me as a photographer. I thought to myself, there's no way we are gonna top those pics... but I spoke too soon! I should have known anyone who is friends with Ashley Riddle is going to have an amazing bridal party who is fun and energetic. Sure enough, I was right on and they were RIGHT ON! Speaking of Ashley (soon to be Mommy) of Up Do's for I Do's... need I say more? Hair and makeup today was e-x-c-e-p-t-i-o-n-a-l! Note to all brides visiting this blog... Hire them (period!) You will look fabulous the entire day without question. Wanna look Hollywood? Wanna be a rock-star? If the answer is yes, you need Up Do's.

Our lovely bride Caitlin was spectacular and her dress was this flowing silk gorgeous material that my lens absolutely loved the whole day. The way she moved in that thing could be the definition of grace in the dictionary. Our couple said their nuptials at St. Andrew by the BayCatholic Church in Arnold, MD. Flat out the best lit church sanctuary in Anne Arundel County hands down! Then off to the Chartwell Country Club for cocktails and reception. Yale Moyer really knows how to do her stuff. Great gal! Thanks for all your help Yale. We love you guys. The venue can't get any prettier... rolling green grass golf course hills, rippling brooks, a stone bridge and golf cart transport. A photographers dream venue. Chris Riddle of Beat 2 Beat DJ's attended as a guest with his lovely wife Ashley Riddle but Dan manned up the helm and rocked the house like a true pro. Great party, great friends and family. Jill and I had a blast and for the first time in a while, I don't feel exhausted. I'm actually able to blog the same day as the wedding. Cool! Enjoy the pics (I couldn't decide my favorites from the slide show so I added many this time.

Click here for the slideshow (By the lovely Jill Thompson)

Blue Angels ripping up the sky blue!

2009-05-21T14:11:00.003-04:00

The end of May marks for us the beginning of summer and what an exciting time it is for sure! Wedding season kicking off full steam ahead and of course our very own air show pretty much right in our back yard!!! I love Annapolis more than anything. From the historical downtown buildings, the sailboats and the Blue Angels. Yesterday's air show was really interesting. The Blue's choreography was much different from previous years. We didn't know which way to look and just when we thought the show was over, there they were setting up for another awesome formation. It is such a blessing living this close to the Naval Academy. In fact, we get two show each year. The day before the official air show over the Severn River, the Angles perform a practice show that sometimes surpasses the real one! On the practice day we decided to watch from home. They flew so low over our neighborhood with smoke on, the cloud literally went right over over our home and you could smell the JP5 or whatever that smoke smell is. It's sweet!!!! Pardon the noise though, but it's the sound of FREEDOM!!!!

Go Navy and Marines!!!! Thank you for your service to our country.

Check out all the pics in my online gallery.

Naval Academy Governor Calvert House Wedding - Jennifer and Brian

2009-05-12T02:06:00.006-04:00

Kickin' the "D-Factor" at the Naval Academy and Governor Calvert House in Annapolis this weekend. Thanks to Jennifer and Brian for having us document their big wedding day! It was exciting seeing two other couples we photographed this year at the wedding too. Jennifer was as elegant as a bride could be and Brian was equally as dashing. My record still holds - no rain despite the looming rain clouds. (Your welcome Glenn!) Reception followed at the Governor Calvert House with Ken Rochon of Absolute Entertainment spinning the discs. Great job to everyone for making this day a total success. Enjoy the pics.

Click here to view slideshow compliments of the one and only Jill!

Annapolis Marriott Reception in True Style! Naval Academy Bride and Groom spared by looming weather.

2009-05-04T19:46:00.014-04:00

W-O-W!!!!! ...is all I could say about Jennifer and Mark's wedding this weekend. I'm still recovering from all the excitement! This wasn't just a wedding.. it was a feature length film production! Setting - US Naval Academy. Can't get much better than that. Reception, Annapolis Marriott. Never in all my years of photographing weddings have I ever seen this room look this absolutely amazing. Sidni Greenblat and her assistant Ashley from Rave Reviews Wedding Consulting did an absolutely amazing job. Kudos to Kim Hansman from the Waterfront Marriott in Annapolis too! The room was stunning! Everything a photographer could ask for. I was speechless when I entered the room. That's all I can say. And the band...Oh My Gosh!!!! Free Spirit from Baltimore's Entertainment Exchange simply were amazing. I will refer them exclusively from now on. If I could do it over again I would have them at my wedding in a heartbeat. Exceptionally talented musicians. During AC/DC's "Shook Me All Night Long", one of the horn players grabbed took to the mic to sing the song and actually sounded just like the raspy, guttural Brian Johnson. I could not believe my ears!

Of course, and as promised, the rain held off and my record continues... Never has rained on me at a Naval Academy wedding. (Knock on wood). Just as we finished up with the final set of photos on the Sea Wall, Jill and I noticed the first raindrops on the windscreen of the car on our way to the reception. It's really funny how I can almost control the weather. Of course, I can't take all the credit for that...(looking up to the ceiling) "Thanks God! I really appreciate it sir". Great weekend all around; I'm still trying to catch my breath and rest. I can't wait to do it all over again next weekend.

Check out Jill's slide show. Thanks baby girl!

If you would like to see all the wedding pics, click the following link to be notified when they go live. Cosco Lawson Wedding (472322)

Capturing some memories at our exclusive Chesapeake Bay local

2009-05-02T00:33:00.009-04:00

Andrew, Allison and I spent a couple hours getting to know each other before the big wedding day at Terrapin Park in Stevensville, MD the other day. We were graced with some magnificent summer weather on this late April day. Extraordinarily warm actually. Pollen was flying around us like crazy!!! Definitely time for allergy medicine too. Looking forward to the big day!

Local Hero

2009-04-18T22:48:00.008-04:00

I would like to thank all the volunteers and full time firefighters of Anne Arundel County; specifically our local heros down at the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Company for their sacrifice to our local community. Special thanks to Dan Meka who so graciously offered his profile clad in the armor of his trade. This portrait is my way of saying thank you to all of you for everything you do.

Never Forget.

Caitlin and Dustin - Down on the farm

2009-04-17T18:09:00.007-04:00

Every now and then I get a couple willing to step outside the box and boy is it ever exciting! Today I spent a couple hours on the family farm in Gambrills and Dustin and Caitlin capturing some very unique images only a few weeks before their wedding day. Dustin was a champ and scaled the wood railings assisting me with my lighting. I never thought I would ever see my Elinchrom balancing precariously above about 20 feet! But that light made for some amazing images that can only be achieved with some very daring feats of balance and a strategically placed bale of hay. Check these out!

Portrait Sessions at the Cape St. Claire Firehouse

2009-04-12T00:10:00.003-04:00

Jill and I have the honor this year of photographing the annual family portrait sessions at the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Department. In support of our local "heros", and as thanks to all the families who donated, we will be conducted two days of free family portraits on the weekend of April 18 and 19 between the hours of 10Am and 4PM. Each family will also receive a free 8x10 professionally printed portrait. If you donated, call now to schedule your family sitting and if you want, bring the family parakeet too! 410-757-8670. See you all soon!

Spring is in the air! Annapolis engagement photos.

2009-04-12T00:01:00.003-04:00

I'm so glad we were able to get the engagement photos done today with Tony and Mary. We had to reschedule to an earlier time due to the weather forecast. Even though it didn't rain as they were saying.. we got an earlier start and thankfully we did! We spent a good 3 hours getting to know each other during this photo session. We strolled some of my favorite locations in and around historic downtown Annapolis. We were able to learn a whole lot about each other; in fact, Tony and I share the same birthday in August! How cool! We had a blast and I can't wait to see these guys again real soon. Enjoy the pics.

"The Knot Best of Weddings 2008/2009 Pick"

2009-04-07T12:28:00.003-04:00

We are proud to announce that D. Bryant Photography has been rated by local brides and voted "The Knot Best of Weddings 2008/2009 Pick". Please pick up a copy of The Knot Best of Weddings 2009 magazine and check out our listing.

Spring Fashion photo shoot/wedding Naval Academy

2009-04-06T17:15:00.015-04:00

Well, it has finally happened...my first couture bride!!! Lindsay was fabulous!!!! It was like a celebrity photo shoot from the first click of the shutter. Jill always says "Don will place you in the light, it's up to you to make the picture magical" Everyone from the bridal party was fantastic; you guys made it happen for sure. I loved this wedding from beginning to end! Despite the renovations at the Naval Academy, the chapel is still the most beautiful place to photograph a wedding.... rain or shine. This particular day was sunny and windy. I love wind!! Lindsay's veil came alive as we shot on the sea wall on the Severn River and Carne did a really good job dodging it as it wisped in the crisp air. Our bridal party traveled in good old fashioned Annapolis style thanks to Matt Grubbs over at Discover Annapolis Tours to our final destination, Paul's on the South River. Their bright red trolley's are so much fun to photograph on the wedding day. Below is a link to the mini slide show compliments of my brilliant wife and assistant Jill Thompson.

Click here for the slide show.

For a link to all the wedding photos, click here to pre-register. Once they go live you will be notified via email. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed capturing them.

Katie and Jon - Annapolis wedding story unfolds!

2009-03-25T16:42:00.003-04:00

Here's a great reason to do the engagement sitting; even if you already have pre wedding photographs from another photographer or a family friend: The couple and I will be spending a good portion if not all of the wedding day capturing photographs. For most folks, the engagement sitting is the first time they've had professional photographs taken and if you're like me... whenever I find myself on the business end of the lens, I freeze up! Katie and Jon were a little apprehensive about doing the photos session to begin with (especially Jon) but after about an hour of strolling the side streets and around the historic sites of downtown Annapolis, both of them were as comfortable in front of the camera as I am behind it. Funny thing is Jon is from Ireland and the whole idea of documenting the wedding day let alone the engagement photos is almost unheard of in his homeland. Glad I live in the USA; Otherwise I'd be teaching high school mathematics! Sweet couple to work with and after getting to know the two of them better, the wedding day is going be so much easier. I always say the relationship between the couples and the photographer is unlike any other relationship couples will have with any of their other vendors. Engagement sittings should be mandatory!!! Check out how much fun we had strolling around historic Annapolis.

What's Up Weddings Magazine Featuring D. Bryant Photography!!!

2009-03-19T18:41:00.008-04:00

All I have to say is WOW!!!! Double Wow!!!! This is the most I have ever been published in a single magazine! I am so honored to have this many photographs in the Spring Summer 2009 issue of What's Up Weddings... especially the cover! Check it out.

This is the cover photo that is sooooo Cool!!!! Doug and Ashley Jarl photographed at the Naval Academy Sea Wall on a hot summer day.

We captured Rachel and Chris on School Street during a romantic walk downtown Annapolis right after saying their vows. It was a rainy night but oh, so romantic! The wedding and reception was held in one of the Historic Inns of Annapolis - The Maryland Inn on Main Street.

Here is a page showcasing the Tavern ballroom (my favorite) at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, MD.

Page 45 top right photo is Jason Canaan doin his thang with Absolute Entertainment. These guys rock! Top notch DJ's. Spend the extra money....trust me! Jason will set a tone for the reception you and your guests will not soon forget.

Two page spread showcasing the gorgeous Pintail Point at Hunter's Oak. I was so excited knowing that the photos were going to be used for magazine article.

Above photo is of the Catherine Marie from Watermark Cruises. We captured this image while on a Friday evening rehearsal dinner cruise around scenic Annapolis, the Naval Academy and the Severn River.

More exciting news to come in April. We were selected as one of The Knot.com's Best of Best for Photography!!!! Life is Good!

Historic Inns of Annapolis Bridal Fair

2009-03-10T17:40:00.004-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again.. bridal show time! On March 29th, 1PM-4PM at the Governor Calvert House on State Circle in Annapolis, we will be hanging with all of our favorite vendors meeting and greeting this and next year's brides to be. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door from what I'm told. Lots to see and prizes too! Stop by our table and say hi.

Contact Julie Ann Savage at 410-216-6328.

D. Bryant Photography finally makes the Pictage homepage!!!

2009-03-06T16:04:00.007-05:00

We finally made it to the Pictage homepage. What an honor!!! Check out a couple screen shots below. To have our images along side names such as Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink, I am floored.

Naval Academy Winter Magic

2009-02-23T19:01:00.006-05:00

Kristen and Rich had a wonderful wedding day in February at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A little breezy and chilly but overall we couldn't have asked for a better day for a wedding in the winter. I can think of other scenarios that would have been a lot tougher to deal with. And despite the chapel renovation and a little scaffolding, the setting inside was as beautiful as ever. The construction to the chapel afforded us the opportunity to photograph in area previously off limits to photographers during the ceremony. Special thanks to Claire MacCallum for helping us out a bit! We had a few more minutes of daylight to photograph a few shots at the sea gate and sea wall at the mouth of the Severn River. Shew!!!! It was a chilly one especially on the water with the breeze. Glad we made it to the warmth of the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel for a great reception. Jason Canaan of Absolute Entertainment rocked the house as usual. Flawless DJ and great sound. Top DJ for mixing the music. The entire reception was a fabulous party that no one wanted to end (especially our bride and groom). Great way to kick off the year. Thanks Kristen and Rich!!!

Click here for the slide show by Jill!!

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Bridal Show 2009

2009-01-15T02:27:00.004-05:00

Now that the holidays are behind us, January can be somewhat of a let down. But thanks to the gang over at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, the new year turned out to be fun and gave us all something to look forward to at the annual bridal extravaganza. I lost count of the number of gorgeous brides to be we met at our table in the Beach House. I hear it was a record breaking turnout this year too! Jeannine and I played paparazzi during the fashion show. Thanks to Matt Buerhaus of Buerhaus Design Videography and Jason Canaan of Quality Entertainment, the audio visual show was a real hit this year. All of the models from Annapolis Formal walked the runway like real pros. Our very own Cink Deveas and her husband Steve even strutted their stuff to and fro in style! Jill and I had our table right next to Carolyn Bruckner of Cache' Fleur (our favorite florist). Thanks Carolyn for the beautiful flowers!! And especially thanks to Erin, Teresa and Dereck at the Beach Club for having us again this year. I can't wait to work with all of you again this year.

Check out the pics from the fashion show here.

St. Mary's Wedding Bells-a-ringing again

2008-12-29T02:43:00.005-05:00

Matt and Katie blessed us with a beautiful wedding to end the year. The weather was looking a threatening just the day before but it turned out to be a great day after all. A wondrous quintet played before the wedding at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Duke of Gloucester in the downtown historic district of Annapolis.

The rainy day backup plan of shooting at the Maryland Inn provided a very unique photo opportunity for sure. Then we were off on foot to the Governor Calvert House for a banging reception to the tunes of Evan of My DJ.com. Raquel, Jeremy and Meghan of Wedding Savvy kept things rolling along right on time with one hiccup. Jill and I are winding down after a crazy year and playing catch up with some final albums. Back to work on January 4th for the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Bridal Show. See you all there! Looking forward to a very prosperous 2009 wedding season!

Click here for the slideshow of Matt and Katie's wedding highlights.

Fall wedding at The Oaks - St. Michael's, MD

2008-12-08T03:33:00.005-05:00

I am SO proud of my lovely wife Jill who captured this amazing photograph of Tara and Rob shortly after being pronounced man and wife. Great job honey!

Fall wedding technically, but it sure felt like winter!!! We even got some snow flakes; it was absolutely beautiful. Tara and Rob said their vows overlooking a picturesque view of water and old barns on the grounds of The Oaks in St. Michael's, Maryland. Their bridal party gals wore some of the most unique brides maids dresses we have ever seen; pockets and all! Tara's dress was spectacular too. The chill in the air didn't stop the party thanks to Brandon Reninger of Absolute Entertainment. Nice job Brandon! And in all the years I've been photographing weddings, this was, hands down, THE very best wedding meal I have ever tasted!!!! Seriously, the food was absolutely amazing!!!!! I can't say enough about it. I can't wait to do another wedding there and after having had one of the meals, I'm going to have to insist that I'm fed whenever we shoot there from now on. WOW! Jill and I had a wonderful time photographing this couple. I can't think of a better way to finish up the year. One more wedding to go for 2008 and we are looking forward to 2009 for sure. Check out these amazing images and slide show. (Thanks Jill!)

View slide show click here.

Pat Metheny new works in 2009!!

2008-12-04T22:38:00.002-05:00

I know.. I can hear it now... "Hey wait a minute, I thought this was a wedding photography blog!" Well, it is; but when my jazz guitar idol Pat Metheny announces he is recording a new album, I just have to yell "YEAH!!!!" at the top of my lungs and tell the whole world. So, I'm telling the world.... and now scroll down a little further and you'll see a wedding photography blog. :)

Centennial Park on a cold winter day...

2008-11-25T19:28:00.004-05:00

It happened on a cold winter day in November... Christina and Kenny decided call it starts. And it snowed like crazy!!!! I couldn't believe it...like a blizzard. Nothing really stuck to the ground and you can't really see any snow in these pics but trust me, it was like snow blind for sure on the trek up to Columbia the other day. A a blustery cold too! Couple shot of the soon to be wed couple.

Rainy and romantic in Annapolis - Rachel & Chris

2008-11-17T04:11:00.004-05:00

When Rachel came to Annapolis to marry her true love Chris, I think she brought along some Alaskan weather with her! Rain too! But we lucked out big time. Rain stopped at exactly the right moments for us allowing for some very stunning shots around State Circle with our jovial bridal party. The wedding ceremony was held at the Maryland Inn on Main Street with a reception to follow at the Inn. Julie Ann, Stephen and the gang transformed the nuptial room in a matter of minutes thanks to every one's help. This was my first time shooting a wedding and reception at the Inn and I must say that it very well may be one of my favorite venues this year. Tom and Amy Perricone from Quality Entertainment took care of business for us and led a flawless night of dancing and festivities. What a team they make. Jill and I simply love working with Tom and Amy and highly recommend them for any wedding. Our bride and groom made their getaway at exactly 10:30 in true Annapolis style; they climbed aboard a horse drawn covered carriage for a romantic ride in the rain to their honeymoon suite at the Westin Annapolis Hotel. Great day and great photos.

Click here for the slide show.