Abie and Travis described the vibe and design of their wedding day as “all the colors with an accent of disco ball,” and honestly, my brain melted a little when I heard that— in the best possible way, of course. These two commit to a vision and they do it right, and though their design was absolutely iconic and stunning, what actually got me wasn’t the incredible florals or the twinkle lights or the sparkle (although, yes, all of that was beautiful too) — it was the way their love, and the people who showed up for it, filled the whole day with warmth.
Going into their Torpedo Factory wedding day, I knew it was going to be a good one. Abie and Travis are gems. Kind, thoughtful, heartfelt, and so easy together. They are the kind of couple where you can tell, before the day even starts, that everyone in the room loves them on purpose because they are just the most genuine and kind souls.
Getting ready meant hearing the inside jokes before everyone was even in their wedding attire.
When I walked into Abie’s getting ready suite, hair and makeup was in full swing and her details were pulled off to the side, waiting for me to get to work. As I started photographing all of their pretty gems and paper products, I could hear the girls trading college nicknames across the room. “Buddy, you look SO gorgeous” floated through the air more than once, and it felt like a warm hug just to be standing there. It was clear early on that Abie and Travis are loved by their people, and that they love big in return.
Abie’s dress was 1920s Hollywood glamour meets mod, in the best possible way, and she stepped into it with her mom and maid of honor zipping her in. Sparkle, incredible beading, and a silhouette that was made for her— no notes: her dress will live rent free in my head forever! Soon, it was time for these two to see each other for the first time that day.
After the sweetest first look, they played rock, paper, scissors to decide who would read their personal vows first.
Abie and Travis shared their first look in the hotel courtyard, followed by private vows. Neither of them could decide who should read first, so naturally, they settled it the only fair way: a quick round of rock, paper, scissors. It was such a them moment, and so grounded in the best way as they exchanged promises for their future together.
From there, we headed down to the water for portraits with the two of them, their wedding party, and family.
The Old Town Alexandria waterfront (Just steps from Torpedo Factory!) gave us some of the best views of the day. This stretch of the afternoon was a bit of a whirlwind, but one thing was obvious the entire time: people show up for Abie and Travis. Family traveled from near and far, some overcoming real health challenges just to be there, and the support showed up in big laughs, fan-holding in the heat, and everyone leaning in close for photos, despite the summer humidity. Rain had been in the forecast, but it held off, and the cloud cover actually worked in our favor, softening the light and opening up some gorgeous views along the water. The humidity, on the other hand, we could have done without. (If you know the heat and humidity is known for, you know!)
Once we’d cooled down inside, it was time for Abie and Travis to sign their ketubah before the ceremony.
While we were upstairs, their ceremony/reception space downstairs was transforming into the most colorful, florals-everywhere wonderland. (AKA a photographer’s heaven!) Their chuppah was dressed in an incredible spread of blooms, with photos of loved ones who have passed away tucked in throughout, very much present and celebrating in spirit.
Guests started arriving and filled the space with laughter almost instantly. Twinkle lights set the mood, and soon Abie and Travis were walking down the aisle to exchange rings. Under a chuppah surrounded by the people who raised, shaped, supported, and celebrated them, even the ones who couldn’t physically be in the room, they became husband and wife. A kiss, some broken glass, a recessional hand in hand, and two of the happiest grins I’ve photographed all summer tied their ceremony into the most perfect moment!
Cocktail hour came with artist studios to view, delicious passed apps, and a World Cup match projected on the wall.
One of the coolest things about the Torpedo Factory is the artist spaces that are full of personality, talent, color, and so much heart. When I arrived earlier in the day, it was so cool to see so many artists hard at work on their craft. It made me want to come back when I wasn’t in work mode for a full deep dive into all of the studios.
Cocktail hour happened upstairs amongst said studios, and while the artists were out for the event, guests were able to wander through the halls while sipping drinks and snacking on passed apps, with views of the waterfront and a glimpse into all of the amazing art and talent housed in the Torpedo Factory. Once the reception space had been flipped, we snuck Abie and Travis back outside along the water for a few more portraits while guests took their seats, this time as a married couple.
All the colors, with an accent of disco ball, tied their Torpedo Factory wedding day together in the most perfect celebratory way.
Walking into the reception space for the first time was a moment. Their pinky, purply-orange florals popped against blue linens, with every table carrying its own personality and vibe. A few disco balls were scattered throughout the design, and the whole room felt modern and intimate at the same time, the perfect setting to celebrate two newlyweds.
Dinner kicked off with a welcome from the couple, followed by heartfelt toasts that wrapped up the meal. Then came their first dance, and the floor officially opened. From there, it was THE party of the summer. The disco balls that had spent the earlier portion of the evening as decor became dance floor props, big moves made an appearance, and Abie and Travis danced the night away surrounded by so many of the people who matter most to them. Soft pretzels, churros, and cannolis fueled the celebration, alongside a fully stocked bar that included, somewhat perfectly, a keg with solo cups. These two thought of everything, and it showed.
As I’m writing this, Abie and Travis are off enjoying their honeymoon in Italy. While they celebrate their marriage abroad, the rest of us get to scroll through the recap of one of the warmest, most colorful wedding days I’ve had the privilege of photographing this year. Prepare for a lot of sparkle, orchids you won’t be able to stop drooling over, and a dance floor that never stopped!
Congrats to these cuties… Let’s get to the party!
A shoutout to the vendor team before we get to the good stuff:
Planning: Patrick with Ida Rose Events | Venue: Torpedo Factory Art Center | Pre-Wedding Prep + Accommodations: The Alexandrian | Catering & Rentals: Get Plated | Photography: Cait Kramer Photography | Florals: Isis Floral | Beauty: Caitlyn Meyer Pro | Entertainment: Bachelor Boys Band
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