From our very first conversation with Michael and Manpreet, we knew these were our people. Hard working, exceptionally talented, full of love for one another, optimistic for the future, and did we mention totally real? Michael and Manpreet have magnetic personalities and huge hearts. They deserve one another and their wedding day completely celebrated that. If you've been following our work for a little while, you know that we regularly shoot in New England and the Midwest, so it was extra fun for us to venture a little further south to the Big Apple to photograph Manpreet and Michael's big day. The city has such an electric vibe, and hosting the event at the Brooklyn Winery was the perfect spot to gather together for their wedding. Manpreet and her favotire people gathered together at the couple's home to prep for the day, while Michael's crew got ready in Times Square. Michael grew up in the United Kingdom, so many of his friends and family came from overseas for the wedding. Times Square was a fitting and bustling place to get ready for the wedding, and also let many of his friends experience a slice of New York in it's glittering light. The day continued with a sweet hour of portraits where Michael couldn't stop smiling at Manpreet because their wedding day had finally arrived (I'm telling you, these two are sweethearts). Their cozy, candle lit ceremony left everyone in happy tears which was a great prelude for the rest of the evening's stories and toasts from their loved ones. The night concluded with a serious dance party and we left with a huge grin wiped across our face. I'd call that a good day at work. Congratulations Manpreet and Michael. We are over the moon for you and trust you'll share many glasses of wine from the Brooklyn Winery on your anniversary each year.
2014 - IN REVIEW
For those of you still hanging around at the end, let's start with a high-five for being able to process all those images. We are well aware that this little annual tradition of our images in a yearly review format is entirely too big. Believe it or not, this is a highly edited version of some of our favorite images for the year. I suppose that's what happens when we shoot more than 50 weddings in a year, not to mention even more portrait sessions. There is just so much LIFE and LOVE that we get to witness! It's such an honor, guys.
Now you get to read our little acceptance speech of gratitude. First of all, none of these photos would be possible without the beautiful clients we get to have in our Summer Street family. Their lives and love are our constant inspiration, and without that we'd just be taking photos of pretty things with no substance. Next up, our team of dedicated photographers. Of course Matt and I started this whole crazy business, but we've picked up Chuck and Abby along the way as our sensationally talented Associate Photographers, and much of what you see above is their talented work as well. Next up we have the privilege of working with some of the finest in the industry as our second shooters and assistants for some weddings; Ashley, Katie, Deb, Bella, Dan, Olivia, Ellie, Jean and Vina - your talent behind the lens is clearly phenomenal and we're honored to call you peers. We are hybrid shooters (film and digital) so we have to thank our talented film lab, Richard Photo Lab, for their expert work in the dark room. This year we hand-trained a new talented digital editor as well. With the influx of a new market in the Midwest, Matt and I needed back-end support to help us deliver beautiful, consistent images to our clients in a timely manner, and we knew bringing an in-house editor to help us would be just the thing. Laura is now part of our team and has been an integral part of our back-end this year and helps all our images become what you see on our site. Talk about a talented group!
We have captured love in many places this year. From sandy beaches to historic estates. Ornate houses of worship and cathedrals in the woods. Childhood homes and mountain tops. All across New England and the prairies of the Midwest, we've gotten to step back and capture lives full of love. We've been able to tell their stories through photos that they will cherish for years to come. We are completely honored to call this work, and we toast to you all for supporting us along the way. Here's to 2015!
*In the mood for more photos? Previous years in review: 2011, 2012 (part I, II, III), 2013*
Sharon + Chris = Married
Sharon and Chris were married in Lakeville, Minnesota a few weeks back, wrapping up our 2014 season on a very high note. They were married on the same week that they celebrated 10 years together, which was one sweet element in a slew of meaningful contributions in their big day. They got ready at their venue and made their way down to a nearby state park for their first look and couple portraits - in the bitter cold of 17 degrees (without coats) - but once they saw each other their excitement and warmth pushed them through for some beautiful images together. A roaring fire welcomed guests as they shared a cozy and meaningful ceremony together. Cold temps didn't keep the crew of Minnesotan wedding attendants leery of popping outside for some photos (we are a tough breed) and afterward the party continued with witty toasts and some polka dancing. If there is anything we are sure of, it's that these two deserve one another and they will share a happily ever after together. Congratulations, Sharon and Chris!
Suzy + Dan = Married
Maybe it's the introverts in us, but we love weddings with small guest lists. I think it's a combination of seeing the bride and groom lavish love from each and every guest, or maybe it's because the whole wedding feels like a dinner party, but either way we're fans. Dan and Suzy celebrated their union at the DeWolf Tavern in Bristol, Rhode Island a few weeks back, and Chuck was there to capture all the action. If you've never been to Bristol, you really should add it to your travel list. It's the sweetest little costal New England town, with a sleepy old main street and beautiful historic houses that line the streets. It's no surprise that The Dewolf Tavern was equally as cozy for a wedding. We love how the late fall twilight illuminates their dark and striking features, and how Dan's pop of red on his tie and boutonnière are just the right touch of color. Beyond the aesthetic details, these two are charismatic sweethearts, and we couldn't be more grateful for their trust in our work! Congratulations Suzy and Dan, we know you have years of happiness in your future together!
Jaime + Ben = Married
Jaime and Ben threw the most charming wedding a few weeks back in Saint Paul. Matt and Abby were there to capture it all, and the results are just so great. We love love love when our couples infuse themselves into their wedding celebration, which Jaime and Ben did with care. It's also very promising when you take two people as genuine, lovely and talented (did we mention Jaime is a florist back home in California and whipped together her wedding flowers?) as this pair and stem out a celebration as unique as they are. We've never seen such a well-executed 'autumnal' wedding so appropriately crafted for the middle of October. From the color palate of rich greens and deep plums to the textures of the farmhouse tables and soft glow of candlelight, it was all just so cozy and savory. Beside all the fantastic sensory details, what we really appreciated about this wedding was how much love was buzzing around during the reception. It's clear that these two are deserving of a long and prosperous marriage, and we couldn't be happier for them. Congratulations Jaime and Ben!
Leah + Mike = Married
When Mike and Leah set out to plan their nuptials, they knew they wanted something historic, unique and fun. They wanted something that wasn't your traditional ballroom and chicken-dinner type wedding. When they told us about their plans to get married on a historic Riverboat on the Saint Croix off of Stillwater, we couldn't be more excited. Mike and our very own Matt go way back. I'm talking, they have been friends since they were in diapers. It's not often that we are invited to a wedding that we are also photographing, so it worked out to be a perfect fit to have our Midwest Associate Photographer Abby shoot their big day. Since Matt was in the wedding and I got to be a wedding guest (what do you mean I can eat and drink at a wedding? :)) it was fun to sit back and watch the action unfold from a guest's perspective, and then later catch up with Abby about all the fun she had with these two. Mike and Leah's wedding turned out to be exactly as they hoped, with an emphasis on the fun, and it was an honor to work with them. Mike and Leah, you know we love you guys and are so happy for you as you become a new family. Congratulations!
Audrey + Patrick = Married
There's nothing quite like a traditional wedding filled with class and sophistication. We love Audrey and Patrick's rendition of romance, and how they built their wedding around the laid-back elegance vibe. The Villa in East Bridgewater provided a lovely backdrop for their family and friends to gather together to celebrate these two, and the autumn sunshine made her appearance just in time for their outdoor ceremony and sun drenched portraits. Chuck had the privilege of working with Audrey and Patrick, and our good friend and talented photographer Katie accompanied him as the second shooter for the day. The results were flawless (as well as Audrey's bridal look, am I right?) and the photos are clearly evidence of their joy together. Audrey and Patrick, we are elated for you during this exciting time. Thank you for trusting us to capture your flawless wedding!
Ali + Adam = Married
We love so much about Ali and Adam's wedding. You really can't go wrong with a wedding on the cape in our minds. The sand and sun make anything better, so when you set a pretty little wedding right by the sea, magic happens. Ali and Adam share a beautiful love, and their wedding day was a fantastic reflection of their connection. The Hawthrone in Chatham, Mass served as a beautiful backdrop for their wedding day. Their entire wedding was filled with personal touches, including hand-made flower arrangements by the bridesmaids. And I don't know about you, but their array of cakes (plural!) is about the prettiest display of yum we've seen this season. Chuck was capturing all the goodness for this wedding, and each time we think he's outdone himself. Congratulations Ali and Adam. We wish you both years of wedded bliss!
Erica + Tim = Married
Erica and Tim's wedding was an event long in the making. They came to us early in their engagement, so we've had the privilege of getting to know these two quite well leading up to the wedding. It's always fun to follow along in an engagement like theirs, because we become confidants during the vendor hunt and planning process. Erica and Tim had The Towers in Narragansett all lined up for their reception, and were hoping to have the ceremony outside on the town green nearby. When that door closed during the process, they turned to a nearby Bed and Breakfast which turned out way better than they could have imagined. Their families occupied the B&B for the week and set up camp Erica and Tim. Erica and her maids got ready at the Inn while Tim and his guys hung out at his family's house nearby. They waited to see one another until the ceremony which made emotions run high for everyone involved. Tim's experience in the military typically leaves him strong and steadfast, but even he couldn't resist a tear as Erica made her way down the aisle. The celebration continued over at The Towers after the ceremony where their friends and families showered them with love in the form of witty toasts and even a song sung by Erica's father ("My Girl", for those of you who want to awwww with us). Overall, it was a smashing success filled with lots of love. What more can one ask for? Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Becca + Dan = Married
In the client department, we feel like we are winning. Nothing makes this job more fun than the people we get to work with. It's truly our joy to capture our couple's love stories, and Becca and Dan's Hubbell Homestead Wedding in Vermont is no exception. Chuck has been busy on Summer Street this fall, and he was privileged to capture Becca and Dan's wedding on a perfect September day. Matt and I enjoyed shooting at Hubbell in the past, so it's always fun to see how Chuck will capture the same space. Becca and Dan's wedding did not disappoint, where some of our favorite highlights included family contributions such as the hand made chuppah that Dan's family lovingly crafted with vines over a period of months. Their families also crafted the woodland centerpieces, so there was some serious talent running through their veins. We're obsessed with their sun drenched portraits, and think their newlywed glow is just about as beautiful as Chuck's handiwork behind the camera. Becca and Dan, we are so happy for you guys and know you deserve all the joy in the world. Congratulations!