Melissa and Matt's Wedding Day was a perfect blend of family, friends, love and a nice dose of wedding jitters to keep everyone in the moment. I started the day with Melissa and her bridesmaids as they got ready for the ceremony at her aunt's home. The house was buzzing with excitement as the ladies got their final touches on their hair and makeup - and Melissa was beaming. She was calm and happy, but was also fighting back tears at the realization that the day she and Matt had been planning for so long had finally arrived. Once everyone was all ready I grabbed some photos of Melissa with her nearest and dearest (isn't her grandmother stunning?) and we headed over to the Westford Regency Inn where the ceremony and reception would be taking place. I met up with Shannon, who joined our team for the day and she had just finished hanging with the guys and grabbing some photos of Matt and his groomsmen (isn't that 'flying V' groomsmen photo cool? It makes me smile). We set up for the ceremony and watched lots of happy guests file in to welcome Melissa into the room. There were two surprises during the ceremony that most people didn't know about. One was that Melissa's grandfather was officiating the ceremony and the other surprise was a song that was played during their ceremony that Melissa had pre-recorded of herself singing to Matt. I'm fairly sure this is when the waterworks started for both Matt and Melissa. It was so sweet. After the ceremony we grabbed some photos of the two of them as they basked in their newlywed glow and enjoyed watching the guests tear up the dance floor later on. Matt and Melissa were on cloud nine and radiated happiness the entire evening. Melissa and Matt, it's been such a pleasure. We wish you many years of happiness, Congratulations!
Annette + Jason = Married
From the beginning, Annette and Jason wanted the theme of their wedding to be a celebration of family. They consider their friends family as well, so really, the goal was a celebration of relationships. Annette and Jason are very relational people, so this was an easy task. Every aspect of their wedding was planned with this in mind - from the family-style food at the tables that guests shared, to the specific vendors involved with the wedding. For example, an aunt designed all of their paper goods, a friend made the photobooth wall, the mothers crafted the adorable and cheery decorations and Summer Street photographed their wedding. Matt and Annette have been friends since they were four, so it's been a true pleasure knowing Annette and Jason first as friends and then as clients. They are so sweet and charismatic. With all of these elements its no wonder their wedding day went off without a hitch. We were honored to have Julia join our team for the day and enjoyed every moment of Annette and Jason's Wedding Celebration. Annette and Jason, enjoy your European Honeymoon adventure - you know we're insanely jealous! Congratulations!
Caitlin + Dave = Married
Caitlin and Dave make me smile. They are just so good together. I love when couples infuse their personalities and tastes into their wedding day, and Caitlin and Dave did such a great job at that. Caitlin is detail oriented, organized and utterly feminine. Dave works for a beer distributing company so he's clearly great with people and understands the importance of relationship and taking time to enjoy life. It was a natural fit for them to choose The Barn at Gibbet Hill as their wedding backdrop since the venue boasts pastoral views, a glamorous barn and great food. We started the day with them getting ready in their respective rooms at a nearby hotel where Caitlin was getting the final touches on her makeup and hair. Her bridesmaids were so supportive and sweet as she stepped out of the room fully dressed in her wedding gown, just glowing with excitement (don't you love their faces in the photo up there?). Next up we drove to the sweetest little New England stone church you've ever seen for their Catholic ceremony. They did a quick first look before the ceremony to ease the nerves and we grabbed a few shots of them in their wedding day glow. The ceremony was incredibly happy and felt like a dream as birds literally chirped and sang through the entire thing. After they said 'I do' it was off to Gibbet Hill where we enjoyed shooting their couple portraits and some cocktail hour candid moments. The rest of the evening was relaxed and warm with sweet words from their nearest and dearest and a fun dance that even the Priest who married them enjoyed. Such a happy day and great representation of their new life together. Caitlin and Dave, we've loved working with you - Congratulations!
Beth + Chris = Married
Beth and Chris were married on a beautiful September day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. From the moment we arrived, Beth and Chris were on cloud nine. They were more than ready to get the party started. In many ways, I feel that couples today are committed to one another far before their wedding day happens, but the wedding day is a formalization, public declaration and celebration of that process. Beth and Chris are like that. Head over heels for one another and excited to take the journey of life side by side. What's even better is that for Beth and Chris, life is like a big happy dance party. Their ceremony took place at the beautiful North Church downtown Portsmouth where their friends and family poured out their love which was eminent by the smiles they wore on their faces as Beth and Chris saw one another for the first time at the alter. After the kiss we jumped on the Wedding Trolly with them to Newcastle Commons which boasts stunning views of the ocean and lighthouses. As wedding-day schedules usually go, we were zipping in and out of there faster than you can blink - so Beth and Chris' experience being in front of the camera during their Engagement Session paid off in a major way when it came time for wedding portraits. When we got back to their reception venue their guests were happy to see them and spent the next several hours hugging, laughing and toasting to the newlyweds. Once the band started up the floor was PACKED (overflowing, in fact) and the party was rocking and rolling. Love and a giant dance party - does one need anything else?
Meaghan + Joe = Married
Here's what I love about Meaghan and Joe: they are both extremely talented and accomplished, and yet they don't take themselves too seriously. They are the type of people that would hug you upon first introduction and make you feel right at home in their presence. They are a perfect match. We had been looking forward to shooting their wedding at the Willowdale Estate all year and when the day arrived it more than exceeded our expectations. The weather was the most perfect slice of September I'd ever experienced (you know, warm in the sun with a crisp breeze) and the wedding day timeline was easy and seamless - resulting in a stress-free and enjoyable afternoon and evening. We started the day with Meagan getting ready at the Estate and with a wedding party involving eight ladies and the most picture perfect Arts and Crafts style bathtub in her bridal suite, we just *had* to take a photo with all of them piled in! After Meaghan was fully ready she set off to see Joe for the first time during their first look which was super sweet. We took some portraits of them afterward on the luscious grounds of the Estate and then prepped for the ceremony which was filled with wildflowers and bumblebees. After the kiss, it was time for a few sunset portraits and then time to party! We enjoyed listening to the heartfelt toasts and watching the endearing first dances followed by a rocking live band that kept the party going. Meaghan and Joe, you two are the greatest. Enjoy Italy and be sure to eat some pasta in Tuscany for us!
Laura + Peter = Married
Laura and Peter are high school sweethearts - and what sweethearts they are! They are some of the kindest, gentlest, sweetest people you will ever meet. We loved photographing their Connecticut wedding at Saint Clements Castle, which they both worked at when they were in high school (isn't that cute?). We started the day off with getting ready photos. Laura and her attendants put the finishing touches on their preparations at a nearby B&B with the most adorable back yard, which we later took advantage of during their portraits. Peter got ready at a nearby hotel and after a few photos with his guys (I think they look really cool in that parking lot photo) he came over to the Inn for their first look and their couple portraits. Their sweet love made our job a breeze as we snapped away in their we're-almost-married excitement. The sky gave us mixed signals with sun showers and big clouds, making an eminent rain storm seem like a tease. Once we got to Saint Clements Castle for their ceremony and reception, the storm clouds had decided they were going to play a role in Laura and Peter' wedding day. A quick shift in outdoor ceremony locations and a prompt start to their ceremony allowed us to dash the rain storm almost completely. Just as the minister said "You may kiss the bride" as if it were choreographed, it started raining down on Laura and Peter. Everyone cheered and hurried their way inside for the cozy cocktail hour and reception. Their reception was a blur of hugs and laughter and ended with a giant dance party which even Grandma boogied down. All in all, it was a success! Laura and Peter, you're been a joy to work with. We're so happy for you and know you have so much to look forward to together. Congratulations!
Editorial with Whim Events
Even amongst the busy season, it's refreshing and fun to do an editorial shoot. The timeline is a bit more relaxed so it gives us vendors a little creative playground to try out new ideas and work together. For us, that included shooting film (which we do some of on wedding days anyway) and shooting in inclement weather. Of course the fabulously organized ladies from Whim Events didn't plan the rain, but it happened so we all went with it and I'm convinced that the shoot wouldn't have been the same without it! When Natalie from Whim Events told us the concept for the shoot was as though 'the beach herself was throwing a party' we were intrigued. They used the soft palates of sand and sea to influence the shoot as though it were a small elopement on the beach with the couple's nearest and dearest. Add in furniture rentals from New England Country Rentals, dresses from Flair Bridesmaid Boutique, makeup by Julie from The Stylish One, a swoon-worthy print collection from Hartford Prints!, ingenious flower design by Moria from Whim, tasty Oysters from Island Creek Oysters, wine from Framaggio Kitchen and coordination by Natalie from Whim - and you get an amazing result! We were floored by the organic elegance that was achieved when all these elements came together and felt honored to be able to tie them together through photography with such a talented bunch. Now, any of our brides out there want to throw caution to the wind, abandon their wedding plans and recreate this as your wedding? I've got just the team for you. :)
Ashley + Jamie = Married
Ashley and Jamie are beautiful souls. They are gentle, well-spoken, heart-felt and magnificent. Truly. It has been an extreme honor getting to know them during this time of their lives and we are happy to call them new friends. From the beginning of their wedding planning they wanted a wedding day experience that represented their values and taste as well as an enjoyable weekend getaway for their guests. In fact, I think their day could be categorized as part of the "The Slow Wedding Movement" (you know, as compared to The Slow Food Movement" and yes, I just made that up.) They selected The 1768 Hubbell Homestad in Bennington, Vermont as the backdrop to their big day and choose to have a Quaker Ceremony on a high hill overlooking the mountains where guests are asked to bring their thoughts, text, poems and encouragement to contribute as part of the ceremony. It was beautiful. I cried. Three times in fact. After the ceremony we took full advantage of the stunning grounds at the Homestead to grab some photos of Ashley and Jamie as freshly coined husband and wife. They were beaming in their newlywed glow, which made our job a cinch. The evening continued down at the Homestead under a clear night sky and more happy toasts to the couple. We enjoyed watching *all* of the wedding guests boogie down (especially the 50+ crowd) and drove the 3 hour drive back to Boston with a full heart and smile on our face. Ashley and Jamie, we couldn't be more grateful for you in our lives. Congratulations!!
Christina + Dan = Married
When Christina and Dan first met with us and told us their vision of having a fun and relaxing weekend on Peaks Island (right off the Portland, Maine coast) for their wedding celebration - we were immediately hooked. They wanted an adventurous yet laid back experience for their guests that would feel like a holiday. From the moment our feet hit the ground after a quick ferry ride from Portland - we knew their vision had already been fulfilled. Dan happened to be relaxing on the front porch when we arrived and we were greeted with a big hug. I hopped upstairs to the spa where Christina and her ladies were getting ready and the vibe was calm and happy. Christina was as cool as a cucumber and was waiting until the last moment to change into her wedding dress. Typically bridesmaids are the ones walking around watching the action of the bride getting ready - but Christina was the one that was enjoying the hustle and bustle of everyone getting their final touches - she was grounded and ready to go! Minutes before the ceremony Christina slipped into her princess-worthy gown and enjoyed a quiet moment with her mom. The ceremony followed with a sky full of sunshine and the smell of fresh sea breeze as their guests watched with love. Everyone had a laugh when Dan's wedding ring wouldn't fit during their ring exchange and I can honestly say that hearing wedding guests laugh in unison is probably one of the happiest sounds ever. (It's totally not the same as a movie or comedy show, during a wedding ceremony people are laughing with happiness as they witness an extremely personal and emotional event). Guests enjoyed cocktail hour while we stole Christina and Dan away for a little while to get some sun drenched photos of them on the beach, which was a new experience for us to have a *western* facing sunset since we were on an island facing Maine. The evening ended with sweet toasts for the newlyweds and a rocking dance party which involved family members of *all* ages. Overall it was a happy and relaxing day, just what they had in mind. Christina and Dan, it's been a pleasure working with you. Congratulations on your marriage and enjoy Italy!! (p.s. It must be a sign that Matt and I need to go back to Italy with a surge of clients who are all visiting Italy on their honeymoons!)
Sarah + Ben = Married
We've had the distinct honor of knowing Sarah and Ben since the beginning of their relationship, which coincided with our cross country move from Minnesota to Massachusetts four years ago. They too, were moving from MN to MA and Sarah was a dancer, Ben was an academic - just like us. It was destiny that we meet once we moved out here and the four of us became fast friends. Our time in Massachusetts has been bench marked by a few very special relationships, and Sarah and Ben are a huge part of that. We've shared countless dinners, artistic projects and genuine conversations with them. To say that photographing their wedding was an pleasure would be an understatement. We loved documenting their day in a way that reflected their distinct personalities and united commonality (in fact, their wedding ceremony readings were from The Metamorphosis of Plants and Julia Child's autobiography...which is SO perfect for both of them). Ipswich Mass has become a very special place for Sarah and Ben, so The Inn at Castle Hill was a perfect backdrop for their intimate 21 person guest list. The Inn lies within the grounds of The Crane Estate, so we were also able to photograph them by the breathtaking mansion grounds, which we loved and felt as though we'd be swept to an English Palace. Their ceremony started with the sound of the wind gently moving hand bells that their guests held (which was so peaceful and beautiful) and ended ended with an emotion filled kiss and an explosion of laughter and cheering. Their evening boasted a beautiful sunset and heartfelt toasts as they enjoyed a foodie-approved dinner catered by Fireside Catering. Sarah and Ben, we are so happy for you and know that the future will hold great things for you both. Congratulations!!