Usually it's the bride who emails first.

It always happens, generally on the third or fourth day day of the honeymoon, just as I'm beginning the process of downloading gig after gig of CF cards, that I get a very perky email from a recently married bride. In between sips of her mojito, as she presumably looks out a hotel window on a Caribbean beach or a Parisian cafe, she'll type a quick email to say thanks. And, more to the point, to ask, ever so politely, if there's any way she can get a sneak peek at some pictures from the wedding.

That's how this blog came into being, really. We've always known that you guys are anxious to see some pictures and thought it would be good to head these kind of requests off at the pass.

But this time it was mom who beat everyone to the punch.

If there's one thing you should know about Emily Cohen, who married Jeff Nestler last weekend in a beautiful ceremony at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, it's that she is the daughter of Dee Cohen. And conversely, anyone who knows Dee knows that she's Emily's mom. They're a tag team of laughter, energy, and zany character, and it's a pleasure to be around them both at the same time. They act more like sisters, even when it comes to smothering Elvis, Jeff and Emily's adorable dog, with love.

So when an email popped into my box last night bearing the Cohen name, I assumed it was Emily saying hi from Brazil. But it was from Dee:

Matt:

What a difference a week makes. I can’t believe that one week ago we were still in wedding mode. Everything is starting to be a big blur. I want to thank you for being at Emily and Jeff’s wedding and let you know ahead of time that we are so excited to see the photos.

You are now our one chance to remember that we were actually there. After seeing the fabulous engagement photos (Elvis and all) I know we will be thrilled when we can finally take a look at what actually was on March 21.

People told me ahead of time that the night would be a memory and a vague one at that, but until you are actually there you can’t imagine that you will not remember all. What I do remember is that we had an amazing time and the party reviews were all A++. As soon as you have some photos that you can email me, please do…..the mother of the bride is anxiously awaiting.

I like emails like that.

Who wouldn't want clients who appreciate the importance of photography, not to mention ones who appreciate the effort we put in as photographers.

(It's kind of like the email queries I receive from prospective brides. Some are gushing, excited and hopeful. Others--not so many, thankfully--come as form letters, sometimes with other photographers are even cc'ed! Which one would you be more excited about?!)

Jeff and Emily had a gorgeous Spring day for a wedding here in the nation's capital. They got ready at the Hotel Monaco, always a fantasy for a photographer, with all that color everywhere, and we were able to take advantage of the warm weather for some fun pictures. I'm not even sure whose idea this was, but at one point during the getting ready festivities the doorbell rang and the largest red balloon I've ever seen popped into the room. Someone gets a gold star 'cause this thing was killer.

In fact, it might have been the coolest accessory for a wedding I've seen in a while, had Emily not then pulled the neatest veil-blusher-thingy (very technical term, speaking as a guy) out of a hat box. It was hip, it was retro, it was funky. And boy did it glow when Emily was escorted down the aisle by her mom and dad.

After that, as Dee said, things were a blur. Jodi Moraru and Jackie Gang made the museum look beautiful, DJ Chris Laich had people dancing from hello (and until goodbye), and Joel Wolke of Occasions Caterers once again outdid himself with some of the coolest Chinese appetizers (complete with mini take-out box) I've seen. (I see Joel so often at weddings I'm sometimes disoriented when he's not there.) And my buddy Kim Giammaria once again showed why she's the best makeup artist in town.

It was all a blast and I won't babble on any longer. Best wishes to the Cohen family, the Nestler family and a big thanks to Emily and Jeff for having me. As for Dee's request, that's an easy one:

To view a mini gallery of some pictures from Emily and Jeff's wedding, click here.

Best,

Matt