Kristen and Brian were married on the most perfect June day. Everything they had hoped and dreamed for in their wedding celebrations went off without a hitch. We love that they incorporated the most beautiful view of the Boston skyline as the pillar of their wedding. Since the property lies on the other side of the water looking west onto downtown Boston, Kristen and Brian rocked the 'working with what you've got' concept at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in East Boston by incorporating the gorgeous skyline view into all of their wedding celebration. Kristen and Brian utilized the breezy outdoor tent at the hotel to allow guests to mingle on the lawn during the reception and incorporated personal touches into their wedding with a late-night freshly rolled cigar bar, homemade limoncello favors and showcased the Groom's father as a solo trumpet player during their ceremony. We loved photographing their beautiful wedding day and know they'll spend many happy years together. Check out all of their wedding photos here. Congratulations you two!
Katie + Matt = Married
Even though both of them grew up in Massachusetts, it took moving all the way across the country to California to meet and fall in love. With a common love of adventure sports, the outdoors and spending time with their dog, Katie and Matt were made for one another. Their wedding was a true celebration of two lives and families coming together in support of their commitment and love for each other. There was such joy and tenderness in the way they interacted with each other throughout the entire day. We started with getting ready photos of each of them and although they were cool and collected on the outside, Katie admitted to being "more than a little nervous" with the excitement and anticipation bubbling up inside. After their adorable first look and some couple portraits in a nearby state park, their closest friends joined them for bridal party photos before the ceremony. We made our way over to the meticulously gardened Independence Harbor for their ceremony which left few people with dry eyes as everyone witnessed their grinning, tear streaked happy faces say 'I do'. The celebrations continued into the evening with lots of hugs and some serious dance moves thrown down on the dance floor while Katie and Matt soaked up the happiness from those around them. The Summer Street Photobooth was also hopping all night with wedding guests who showed us exactly how to rock a feather boa. We had a blast shooting this wedding and know that Katie and Matt will share many happy years together. Congratulations you two!!
Kristen + Matthew = Married
This wedding makes us so happy. We often get asked what our number one piece of wedding planning advice would be, and time after time, we always say that if you as a couple can find ways to incorporate yourselves, your background and your future into your wedding day that it will be a truly unique, enjoyable and memorable event for yourselves and your guests. Kristen and Matthew nailed this one on the head. We LOVED photographing their big day and watching them celebrate their commitment with their nearest and dearest. The day started off with an intimate ceremony on the beach in their neighborhood and was followed by a relaxing and beautiful lunch at the Trafford Restaurant in Warren, RI. The space was so airy and calm, so with the addition of a nice mix of loving family and friends (and some incredible food) the atmosphere was just perfect. After the lunch reception more family and friends joined them at their house for a backyard gathering celebrating the newlyweds. Kristen had arranged a sweet surprise for her Matthew when Rhode Island's famous Del's Lemonade truck made an appearance during the reception. Kids and adults alike enjoyed iced lemonade with their lawn games and conversation. It was a truly enjoyable day for all that we were honored to get to capture. Kristen and Matthew, you both have been such a pleasure to work with. We wish you all the joy and happiness in the world. Congratulations!
Erika + Jeffrey = Married
Erika and Jeffrey had us at hello. From the very beginning we loved their vision for a beautiful, rustic wedding with an emphasis on having a great time for everyone involved. The Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm in Peabody was the perfect backdrop for said vision that went off with out a hitch. We're becoming huge fans of what we're calling 'one-stop-shop' wedding venues that offer so many diverse and beautiful backdrops for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception (as well as the photos of course) but no one has to mess with transportation during the wedding day. It makes the entire event run smoothly and ultimately more enjoyable for everyone. You can imagine our delight with a property as rich in history and beauty as Brooksby Farm - especially when we have two adorably in-love people who are just as attractive to work with as they are to photograph. In fact, we've got a petition out with their families to get these two moved back out to the East Coast so we can hang out with them more. We loved having the honor of capturing Erika and Jeff's wedding, and know these two will have many years of happiness as they celebrate life together. Be sure to check out all of their wedding photos here. Congratulations Erika and Jeff!!
Shannon + Mike = Married
Oh how we adore these two. Shannon and Mike were wed on the most perfect June day that was filled with joy, happiness and and outpouring of love from their friends and family who joined together to witness their long awaited union. Believe it or not, they met while studying abroad in Italy, but grew up just miles from one another (on a different note, they are currently honeymooning *in* Italy and we couldn't be more jealous...). It became quickly obvious to one another that they were meant to be, and they continued their relationship state side which eventually led us to the glorious day you see above. Humble, hard working and as genuinely kind as two people can be - Shannon and Mike deserve one another. It's been such a joy working with them and we couldn't be more happy for their future together. Congratulations you two! We wish you many years of wedded bliss.
Patricia + Alix = Married
It's always a special treat when the impending forecast says rain for ten days before a wedding day, only to be welcomed by the clouds rolling back to reveal a calm sunny sky on the morning of the wedding. All of that was really just a cherry on top of a really sweet sundae, however, because nothing could have dampened Patricia and Alix's spirits on their wedding day. When we arrived to capture getting ready photos of the two of them, they were each surrounded by their large loving bridal parties who were busy getting ready themselves - and both Patricia and Alix were like the calm eye of the storm....joyful, grounded and so ready to become husband and wife. They saw one another for the first time as Patricia walked down the aisle, and Alix's grin was so large it was as through his face was going to split in half. After their heartfelt vows and an amazing musical performance by a few of their friends - they sealed their ceremony with a kiss and danced down the aisle as husband and wife. The celebration continued at the Lake View Pavillon where their guests showered them with hugs, heartfelt toasts and a packed dance floor. Patricia and Alix, it's been a true joy working with the two of you. We wish you so many years of happiness together and know your future together can bring nothing but sunny skies. Congratulations!
Ingrid + Kristofor = Married
Feel free to ignore me down here and just go ahead and re-load this blog post and look at the photos again. It's okay, I'll wait.
Okay, you back? You still breathing? Because Iceland was literally breath taking. Many folks who don't know Ingrid and Kris but knew that we were headed to Iceland to shoot a wedding always asked us two things: 1) Are they Icelandic? and 2) Why Iceland? To clear up those two things first; Ingrid and Kris are American and they chose to have a destination wedding in Iceland for many reasons, but the primary reason being the absolutely stunning landscape and beauty of the place. We knew going into the wedding that it was going to be an amazing experience, but we really had no idea how austerely beautiful the weekend would be. It was other-worldly in many ways. As we drove three hours north from the airport in Keflavik we were quickly greeted by stunning volcano-mountains and lava rock plains. Civilization seemed to lull to a place of prehistoric proportions, and we had to laugh when we entered a stretch in the drive where the only radio station that came in clearly was an abstract fog horn musical composition. So very cool and Scandinavian.
As if the landscapes weren't enough to get us excited; when we finally pulled into Ingrid and Kris' wedding location, Hotel Budir, we were greeted by a cozy hotel on the shores of the Atlantic. In many ways it was in the middle of no where - but it felt very idyllic and community-like with roaming dogs and wedding guests arriving with hugs and excitement for the weekend to come. Ingrid and Kris welcomed their guests with a twilight dinner (the sun doesn't really go down until 11:00pm or so, and even then it doesn't get truly dark) that we were able to enjoy with the guests. On the morning of the wedding Matt and I ventured out to see some scenic views (and take photos of course) while the wedding party started to ready themselves for the big day. When we arrived to photograph Ingrid and Kris getting ready for the ceremony, excitement was high and laughter was plentiful. Despite the drizzly weather conditions we managed to take some portraits of them outside amongst the stunning landscapes. We were in photo heaven! The ceremony was held in the cutest little chapel up the road from the hotel which ended with the sweetest rendition of 'My Favorite Things' from The Sound of Music on the small church organ. The celebration continued back at the hotel with some amazing food, heartfelt toasts, an adorable first dance and all ages of guests rocking out the dance floor. We had to take the opportunity to grab a few more couple portraits at sunset (aka, 10:45pm) and were so glad we did since the rain had stopped by then and we were able to see more of the snow capped mountains. Ingrid and Kris, we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with you and capture such a special time in your lives. Til Hamingju!!!
Cara + Jesse = Married
American writer Ambrose Bierce once wrote, "Patience is a minor form of despair that is disguised as a virtue." I really can't think of a better way to start Cara and Jesse's weddings story than that. The story really begins back in March when they originally had planned to wed at the beautiful Willowdale Estate. Due to unforeseen circumstances that were outside anyones control on the morning of their original wedding day back in March, the wedding was forced to be rescheduled for a different date. It was a huge disappointment for everyone, but deep down I knew that when their wedding day *did* finally happen, that it was going to be an amazing day worth the wait. Unfortunately for Matt and I who were originally slated to shoot their wedding, the rescheduled date fell on a day that we already had another event scheduled. As fate would have it, our new Associate Photographer Chuck was available, along with our good friend and super talented Boston Photographer, Li from Fat Orange Cat Studio. Li and Chuck joined forces to capture Cara and Jesse's wedding in a way that was truly seamless and amazing (if the above evidence wasn't proof enough!) and we simply can't get enough of the results. Just like when Chuck works with us on a regular basis, we collected the images straight out of their cameras and got to work editing the photos after the wedding and spent many hours that followed exactly as we do with weddings that we shoot ourselves. We relive the moments (or get to see them for the first time in this case) and laugh, sniffle (you think I'm joking) and smile our way through working on the images. After working on Cara and Jesse's images and seeing the absolutely perfect wedding day that they had, I have to believe that it really was all meant to be this way. Congratulations Cara and Jesse, and a huge thank you to Chuck and Li for joining Summer Street to make this wedding incredible!
Erika + Steve = Married
There are some weddings that just feel like a giant dinner party. Everyone hugs as though it's been years since they saw each other and the murmur of the dinner conversation buzzes with happiness. After getting to know Erika and Steve, it was no surprise to us that their wedding was such a classy, comfortable affair because they exude such an easy confidence both as a couple and as parents to their darling little girl. Erika and her ladies got ready in the bridal suite of the Willowdale Estate where sweet glances passed between them as the flower girls (Erika's daughter and niece) sort of stole the show with their sweetness. Once Erika was dressed and ready and we were taking some bridal portraits of her, she found a live ladybug in her flower bouquet which we all took as a sign of good luck. Steve and his guys hung around and shared some laughs and food together as they waited for the ladies. Once they were both ready we photographed their first look and couple portraits on the gorgeous grounds of the Willowdale Estate. Willowdale remains one of our favorite venues because even in the early spring where the color has not popped yet, the building serves as such a stunning backdrop for photos. After more photos with family and loved ones everyone prepared for their cozy ceremony inside where Erika's grandfather officiated their wedding. After the kiss, the evening continued with two of the sweetest toasts we've ever heard and lots more hugs from their family and friends. As you can see, the party did not slow down once the dance floor opened up. We loved the range of ages rocking out to 'Shout' and had to laugh when Steve's grandparents took center stage on more than one occasion. Erika and Steve, it's been absolute pleasure working with you both and we couldn't be happier for you as you continue your relationship as husband and wife. Congratulations!
Chuck
Oh man are we excited about this blog post. To be honest, the heart behind this post has been in the works for almost a year. When Matt and I started Summer Street Photography we truly had no idea how (or if) our business would grow. We were two optimistic photographers with a lot of energy and passion for capturing people on the happiest days of their lives. After a few years of working with amazing clients who allowed us into the private and beautiful spaces of one of the most important days of their lives, and more hard work than we ever thought was possible to make a business run - we found ourselves in the shoes of those we had admired for so long. We were operating a successful business. As we became more rooted in the business and dealt with the glorious blessing of growing pains, we realized that in order to continue moving forward, we couldn't remain where we already were. We needed to take a leap of faith to best serve Summer Street Photography. Leaps into the unknown are scary. What happens if this is the straw that breaks the camels back? What will we do if this doesn't work? How do we write a book if we don't know how it ends?
Today's story is one that started almost a year ago. Chuck was introduced to us by our own dear friends (and our wedding photographers) and we instantly clicked with him. Over many meals and swims in Walden Pond, Matt and I realized something at about the same moment. We needed Chuck on our team. Chuck had a full time wedding photography business before he moved to Boston to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and was an amazing photographer. We worked with Chuck on and off last year to test how he would like dealing with the craziness of working with a married couple. Fortunately we didn't scare him off too much because after a few weddings we all realized we'd found a really great team.
We're thrilled to introduce Chuck to you today as our new Associate Photographer. In addition to working with Matt and I at weddings, Chuck is also available for his own wedding commissions through Summer Street Photography. Just like all the weddings we shoot, all of the administrational work (client communication, editing, blogging) that happens though Summer Street happens through me. In fact, many of the weddings we shoot aren't *just* shot by Matt or I. Chuck had his hand in many of last year's weddings as well, so anyone curious about how Chuck's involvement might change the look of our work can rest assured that the images you've seen over the last year have represented many different combinations of photographers. We are so excited about how Chuck's experience and artistry has already made us a better business and we can't wait to see how things will unfold with him on our team this year.
As a way to get to know Chuck better, we decided a mini Summer Street shoot was in order, along with a fun Q&A with Chuck. Something Matt and I didn't realize until this shoot was how bad we were at taking photos of *each other*. It took us a little while to get a shot that we approved of - but once Chuck stepped behind the lens we got what we needed pretty quickly. On to the interview!
So Chuck, tell us a bit about how you got into photography and why you were drawn to shoot weddings? Photography wasn't always in my life, but being artsy was. I grew up drawing, painting, playing music, and writing poetry, so I was always looking for ways of expressing myself. In college, I accidentally took a few aesthetically pleasing photographs, so I tried to figure out how to create beautiful images on purpose. However, my fatal flaw is that when I pick up a hobby, I get really really into it. This meant I quickly ran out of money to buy all the lenses and camera bodies that I wanted. Incidentally, I caught up with a college friend who was a wedding photographer and was creating some amazing pieces of work. I had never thought that weddings allowed for such creativity and beauty. I then started interning with a local wedding photographer, and I found that I not only loved the pace and excitement of weddings, but that the joy and love of the couple was really contagious. Ever since then, I've been hooked!
In addition to Photography, you're pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. How do you feel the two topics inform each other? Would you say that your training in psychology helps you while your shooting weddings? Most definitely! Like I mentioned, weddings can be pretty hectic, but I want the couple to remember what they're ultimately there for... which is each other! Sometimes, it takes someone who has seen a lot of weddings to remind them to slow down, take a breath, and relax a bit. Sometimes it also takes someone to remind them that they need to eat lunch and drink fluids or else they risk passing out in the hot sun :). I haven't had to put on my therapist hat during a wedding (knock on wood), but I like to think that I'm a supportive presence during the day.
What was the last meal you ate? Vina (my wife) made pasta with some fresh pesto (yum). We topped it off with some almond pine-nut cookies, and I plan on having some homemade durian ice cream after I finish this interview!
Canon vs. Nikon? Canon all the way :). Really, it's a trivial thing... I honestly think they're both great cameras, but I learned to shoot on Canon so I've stuck with it. My mentor was a Nikon shooter, but he could never convince me that Nikon was better.
How would you describe your shooting style on the day of a wedding? Previous clients have told me that I'm a calming presence, which I certainly hope is true, but I see it more as being on my game yet relaxed at the same time. There's so much craziness going on during the day, the last thing I want to be is another source of stress. In fact, I actively try to stay behind the scenes as much as possible, and am somewhat of a ninja during the ceremony. However, when things need direction (especially with the family photos), trust me when I say that my game face is on and I'm all business. Ultimately, I'm a firm believer that my job is to capture the emotions of the day and the couple just as they are, and to stay out of the picture as much as I can.
Why are you excited to be a Summer Street Associate? Tons of reasons! First, Kendra and Matt are awesome, so being an associate means I get to see them more! Second, I really appreciate the work and heart that they've built into Summer Street, and how they manage to stay grounded and humble. Ultimately, the day is about the couple, so there's no need for photographer drama or ego. I really respect the values that the business is built on, as well as the beautiful work that comes out of it, and jumped on the opportunity to be a part of the team. Before being an official associate, I had lots of opportunities to shoot with them, and being out there felt like we had been doing this together for a really long time. Third, (let me be selfish for a moment here), I really love shooting and working with the couple, but I don't necessarily love the immense amount of editing and post-processing that comes after it. Being an associate means that I get to shoot more and edit less, which I'll gladly take any day!
Starbucks or Dunkin? I don't drink coffee, but I have a Dunkin next to my house, and love their pumpkin donut-holes in the fall. Mmmm.
What does an ideal day in the life of Chuck look like? That's a tough one. I could spend an entire day fishing or gardening, or spend it backpacking and camping, preferably with my wife. Ideally, there would be some really tasty food involved, whether it was the fish I caught, or veggies from the garden, or a meal cooked over hot coals. Then, after any of the aforementioned possibilities, there would be a professional massage. Mmmmmm.
I hear you had a very serious addiction collection of Transformers when you were younger. Do you still have some valuable items? Tell us about it. Guilty as charged. I had an enormous collection in middle and high school, and found some of my rare items featured in publications (uber-geek, I know). While I still have a huge amount of nostalgia for the old 80's transformers, I don't own anything that's worth very much anymore. Before selling my collection (which helped pay for a '79 Corvette and college), I kept my very first transformers I got as a kid, which are well loved but not worth very much if I were to sell them. Maybe one day, if I happen upon an unreasonably large sum of money, I might start collecting again...
You just got married in January 2013 (in Thailand no less). How has the experience of being a Groom changed your perspective of shooting weddings? You know, having done so many weddings, I knew that the day went by quickly. Even so, I was surprised at how fast it all happened. At the end of the day, when we look back on our pictures, I'm so grateful for the work of the photographer, but am also reminded that we didn't need to sweat the small stuff. We got a massage in the middle of the day (which I highly recommend!) and just tried to take things slow and enjoy the process. Now that I'm married, I think I'm going to be just a little more sentimental when I do weddings, knowing what it's like on the other side.
Thanks for tuning in! Here's to a year of amazing weddings!