While Marleah and Chris live on the beautiful island of Nantucket, they decided to get married in the equally beautiful town of Scituate for their wedding. A ceremony at Saint Mary of the Nativity was followed by a reception at the gorgeous cottage home Marleah grew up in (yay backyard weddings!). Add in some portraits out by the water (not to mention an extremely photogenic couple) and, well, you can see the results above! Did we mention that their lab Fletcher makes his second appearance on our blog here? All of the details were perfectly suited to emphasize the relaxed, coastal ambiance and laid back vibe that Marleah and Chris share. It was like one giant dinner party - with some rocking dancing! Marleah and Chris, we have loved getting to know you and enjoyed every moment of working with you. We know you will provide each other a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations!!
Janet + John = Married
What do you get when you combine a stunning New England mansion, a sea of happy faces, an adorable Golden Retriever named Pudgey, a steadfast and happy groom and an beautiful bride? I'll tell you. Janet and John's wedding. Photographing Janet and John's big day was a true delight. I started with the ladies at The Lenox Hotel in Boston (she got ready in the room Judy Garland called her favorite...swoon) and loved watching the excitement buzz around as Janet primped and prepped for the ceremony. Matt went with the guys as they enjoyed a glass of beer, casually got their suits and ties on and hung out with Pudgey. Their ceremony was on the lawn of the mansion at Elm Bank which is part of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and it was STUNNING. Guests cheers as John entered the ceremony space, leaving him gleaming with happiness as Janet floated down the aisle to her groom. We took advantage of the manicured lawn and flower gardens for their portraits (with Pudgey in tow of course) and watched as guests danced the night away in the carriage house. Janet and John; we are so happy for you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness together. It was an honor being a part of your day! Congratulations!
Nicole + Jeff = Married
Tears welled from her eyes as she grasped her father's arm. She took a big breath and started walking. Jeff stood, solid and present at the end of the aisle with his eyes locked on her. Nicole glanced at the family and friends who were there lifting her up. There was so much fullness, but also a very obvious missing presence. Nicole's mother, and Jeff's father had both unexpectedly passed away when Nicole and Jeff were teenagers, and their presence was missing like a roaring lull. The day was clearly incomplete without them, and yet, as her eyes met his, and the warmth of their communities poured out in support, their ceremony started with joy and sent the best kind of shivers down my spine. Joy. Fullness. Love. Sunshine. Everything was there. It had been a long time in the making with lots of ups and downs, but there they were - presenting themselves as the imperfect beings we are - ready to become husband and wife. The entire day was filled with moments like those, and after an extremely hot summer in South Dakota, it was as if Nicole's mom and Jeff's dad were anointing their wedding day with the most *perfect* 75 degree wedding day weather anyone could ask for. The entire day went flawlessly, and we were honored to share in Nicole and Jeff's wedding glow. Nicole and Jeff: you have both been through so much. We adore you and love the way you light up when you are together. We wish you nothing but the best in your new life together and know that together; you can face any storm that may come your way. We love you!
Jessica + Jon = Married
After shooting Jessica and Jon's wedding, we have a new favorite type of wedding: BACKYARD WEDDINGS. Jessica and Jon wanted a wedding day that was zero fuss (they were even barefoot for their ceremony) and full of love and family. When we met up with them at a neighbor's house for first looks portraits their neighbor friend was chopping fruit for their wedding reception later. Jessica arrived with a stunning floral wreath (her step-mom arranged all the flowers) and a nervous excitement to see her groom for the first time that day. Jon was smooth and sweet as he turned to see his beautiful bride and their connection gave me chills as they shared their excitement for the evening ahead. We couldn't have had better light or setting as we snapped away for their woodsey couple portraits. After some family photos we were ready for the ceremony where Jon's children played a leading role as they welcomed Jessica into their family. Jessica's father quickly orchestrated the ceremony space switch as it turned into a magical reception as the guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres on the lawn. The musical playlist lulled the group into a casual yet classy gathering as Jessica and Jon hugged their nearest and dearest as Mr. and Mrs. So easy, laid back and full of love. Mission accomplished!
Samantha + Ben = Married
Samantha (aka, Sam) and Ben are fun loving people. They share a love for animals, good food and lazy Saturdays spent together (amen!). With their adventurous spirits and a slight obsession for nerdy humor - they are a perfect match. The New England Aquarium was an awesome backdrop for their outdoor wedding which was oozing with love and laughter. We started the day by photographing their wedding preparations at the beautiful downtown Boston Hilton Hotel. Once they were ready to go, we met at Post Office Square down the street where Sam and Ben shared an adorable first look. In retrospect, they were waiting for us to tell them to turn around and see each other (which we don't usually direct), but before that happened a good five minutes passed where Sam stood behind Ben as he waited to see his her - and they just talked to one another. Their body language changed just by the sound of each other's voice, which was so sweet. After their first look we walked around and grabbed some portraits of the two of them, including some of our favorites on a carousal. Once photos were done they prepared for the ceremony which overlooked the entire Boston harbor. The ocean breeze was refreshing and all of their guests were enamored with their sweet vows and first kiss. Cocktail hour was spent among the fish tanks and penguins which everyone loved, followed by a rocking reception behind the Aquarium. The wedding party even had a surprise choreographed dance which was a lot of fun. Based on some of the reception photos, there is a little hint to what song they danced to. Anyone? Leave your guess in the comments and I'll personally high five anyone that gets it right. Sam and Ben, we were so happy to share in your Wedding Day and know you'll make each other eternally happy. Congratulations!
Kaitlyn + Ryan = Married
I swear Kaitlyn and Ryan are from another era. Ryan is dapper and gentlemen-like with a kind hearted demeanor and heart of love. Kaitlyn is a darling, lovely person. She beams with love for Ryan and has a soft spot for all things feminine. Everyone who knows them knows how sweet they are together, and that they have the kind of love that surpasses their age in years. You would expect nothing less for their wedding day than this adorable, DIY day filled with family, peaches and lace. They hosted their wedding at Ryan's sister's home in New Hampshire and said 'I Do' at a nearby vineyard down the road. After their joyful ceremony we grabbed a few portraits of them in a field of flowers nearby their reception venue. They had amazing food and the weather was just the right temperature to feel comfortable but remind you that it is summer. Halfway through their reception Kaitlyn had arranged a Good Humor Ice Cream truck to make a surprise appearance, which was a HUGE hit. The evening ended with a peaceful flying lantern send off, which was a magical way to end a perfect day. Congrats you two! We are so happy for you!!
Komal + Kunal = Married
If the last 100 some photos above weren't proof enough; Komal and Kunal's Minnesota Wedding was a blast. We were excited to photograph their wedding for a number of reasons; 1) It was our first traditional Indian Wedding. 2) It was in Minneapolis (we love the Twin Cities). And 3) It was Komal and Kunal! We joined them on day three of their Wedding celebration - the pinnacle of their ceremonies. I first met with Komal who was getting ready for their ceremony with with her mom, sister and aunt, while Matt went with Kunal who was getting ready as well. They were calm and collected as the wedding preparations buzzed around them. After they were ready, they shared a sweet First Look and we grabbed a few portraits of them before the ceremony. Next up we prepared for the Baraat where Kunal was led to the ceremony with a processional of music and dancing. We loved the energy (and dancing of course!) from the baraat and so did all of the guests. Next up the ceremony took place in the gorgeous ballroom of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington which was seeped in rich tradition and rituals. One of our favorite moments from the ceremony was Komal's face when she got to see Kunal after a cloth barrier was taken down so they could see one another. After the ceremony it was time to change into their reception outfits and then off for more portraits at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis which boasts a stunning view of Minneapolis' skyline. We were convinced that Komal and Kunal were looking like royalty at that point as they rocked their portraits with ease and a model-esque presence. The evening concluded with a beautiful reception full of color and life as all of the guests toasted to Komal and Kunal's life together. Komal and Kunal; we have loved every moment of working with you and are so happy that we were able to share in your wedding celebration. Congratulations!
Charlene + Andrew = Married
There are some days, scratch that, MOST days that we feel completely blessed to have the job we do. Weddings like Charlene and Andrew's exemplify our feelings times 100. Yes, weddings are beautiful events filled with flowers, beautiful dresses and freshly shaven faces. You don't have to twist my arm to enjoy photographing beautiful things....it's inspiring and fun. But all of those things are nothing if you don't have LOVE and JOY. This is what makes our job different than just shooting magazine or blog styled shoots. Charlene and Andrew's wedding was filled with so much happiness. They are better together than apart, and it was clear to everyone that their passion for life and each other far surpassed the glamour and glitz of a fancy wedding day. That isn't to say that their wedding wasn't beautiful. It was STUNNING and every detail was perfectly placed. But despite all of those things, their biggest priority on their wedding day was each other - and it was so joyfully obvious. They exchanged vows at their meeting place and Alma Mater, Bryant University and The Eisenhower House in Newport, Rhode Island was a perfect backdrop for their laid back tented reception. We absolutely loved shooting their portraits on the perfectly New England coastline in Newport and have to say that our favorite moment of the day was when Andrew surprised Charlene with a song he had written her during the reception. We actually think he may have a career as a rockstar ahead of him (seriously). Charlene and Andrew, Congratulations. We are so happy to have shared in your big day and wish you a lifetime of adventures!
Kristen + Jay = Married
One would think that with all of the weddings that Matt and I photograph, that we'd be searching for things to say about our couples in this little text tidbit, but it's actually quite easy to brag about how great our clients are. Their love stories tell their own unique perspectives - each coming together on equal ground to commit their lives to one another, but each love different than another couple. Really, the couple's tell their own love story, and we get to witness (and document!) it. And what an amazing job it is! Take Kristen and Jay. When I think about them, I just want to hug something. Their love is something to be envied, and when Jay looks at Kristen....heart fireworks ensue. Their wedding day was a beautiful July day that started at The River of Life Church in Jamaica Plain. They choose not to see one another pre-ceremony, which only heightened the anticipation everyone felt as Kristen floated down the aisle with her father, radiating with love. Actually, it was such a joyful moment that I don't think there was a dry eye in the church. Their ceremony was beautiful and personalized, afterwich we made our way over to Weston to The Henderson House which served as a stunning backdrop for their bygone era reception. When it came time to photograph their couple portraits, we found some beautiful light but they were beaming with so much happiness that their presence pretty much stole the spotlight. Kristen and Jay, it's been a true pleasure. We hope you enjoyed your Southern Honeymoon and are settling into married life with ease!
Susan + Tony = Married
Susan and Tony were married on a perfect summer day in July. We started out the morning with a traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony at Susan's parents house - which includes a procession of the groom and his family and friends presenting the bride and her parents with many gifts, including a whole roast pig. Since we don't speak Vietnamese, we can't exactly tell you what they say, but we can tell you that the Tea Ceremony was full of laughter, hugs and two people very much in love with beaming parents. That alone started the day out with a joyous, family-focused feel, which continued throughout the afternoon lunch reception and into their Catholic Ceremony and dinner reception. One of our favorite things about Susan and Tony is their ability to not take themselves too seriously. They know how to let loose and enjoy life, which is really what a wedding celebration is all about. Tony is notorious for looking at the world with the up most optimism; he is like a traveling party. Susan is his rock; grounded, organized and full of joy. We had a great time photographing their wedding and especially enjoyed their surprise Wedding Party Flash mob, they can really dance! Congratulations Susan and Tony! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!