Married at the Mansion

I caught up with Rachel and Robert at Tarrywile Mansion where they were getting dressed in the beautiful bridal suites. Tarrywile is one of the most unusual venues I've worked with, but also one of my favorites. It looked great decked out with cuban-inspired decorations to honor Rachel's heritage.

They had their first look on the main staircase, and then we went and did a bunch of couples and family photos.

Their ceremony was held on the wide porch, with a beautiful view of the grounds behind.

The party then moved inside for cocktail hour. The caterer's Cubano sandwiches were so good! Though I will admit I am a sucker for any food in bite-size pieces delivered by waiters.

They had their first dance on Tarrywile's unusual dance floor - essentially the main hallway. Robert joked that it was his first time dancing ever. At least, I think he was joking...

After a toast, dinner, and the cake cutting...

...it was time to open the dance floor. It took a little while to get going - not uncommon with a smaller crowd - but DJ Ian dialed in the music and people packed the dance floor.

I made sure we snuck out for a few more quick couples photos - Tarrywile has some excellent spots for nighttime portraits.

I stayed to the end of the night. It might have been the wonderful atmosphere, the wonderful company, or maybe that the waitstaff kept handing me desserts... But I just was in no hurry to head out, even as the crowd dwindled to their closest friends and family.

Congratulations, Rachel and Robert!

The Goth Bride

I've previously talked about my friends Skoobah and Nate when I did their unique engagement shoot for them last fall. I was super excited when Skoobah's mom, Judy, asked if I would photograph her bridal shower as a surprise. I even managed to catch the moment Skoobah realized who was standing behind the big camera lens. 

I was also really excited to see that Judy totally bought in to her daughter's preferences where it comes to theme. There was no shortage of skulls, candles, and other gothy, steampunky details. 

Also: no shortage of amazing, homemade desserts. I got to take home a doggy bag of treats which, for the record, is a very good way to tip me.

After a lovely dinner, Skoobah opened her gifts while her guests played bridal shower bingo.

A couple of her bridesmaids did something very cool that was new to me - using pieces of wrapping from the gifts, they made her a bouquet. Very cool.

Finally, Skoobah and her bridesmaids goofed off in front of the very impressive homemade photo booth backdrop. Odds are good this backdrop will be back for the wedding day.

Just a couple of months to the wedding! Can't wait, because I know it's going to be something really special.

Seven

June 14th is here, and Zack Wussow Media is officially another year older. When I walked into the Vernon Town Clerk's office to file a DBA back in 2011, I didn't really know what would come of it. I certainly didn't know that seven years, 120+ weddings, and tons of events and portraits later, this little business would still be taking care of me.

Thank you all, because I could not do this without you. Here's to seven more years ahead!

A Perfect Summer's Day

Danielle and Corrie's wedding started with prep photos at a local salon for Corrie and at the bridal suite at The Barn at Wight Farm for Danielle.

Then we did a quick first look; I love it when someone cries!

The ceremony was held in a stunning secondary room, and was officiated by one of their friends, which is a touch I always enjoy.

The reception was a fun, casual brunch affair, with good food and great music. 

It was a ton of fun, and when it was time to leave, their guests saw them off with a Bubble Exit. 

Congratulations Danielle and Corrie!

An Engagement to Remember

When Kashika and Ashish contacted me, they were very clear that it wouldn't be a traditional wedding - it was an engagement party for their American friends and family before going to India for the real wedding. I didn't mind - it was still an amazing day.

The day began with some hair and make-up, and then photos of the couple.

After a cocktail hour, they had the most energetic introductions I've ever seen, led in with a live drummer and the whole wedding party backing them up.

After cutting their cake, the couple and a bunch of their friends put on Bollywood style choreographed dances. 

Between the music, the moves, and the ladies' beautiful outfits (the guy's looked good too), it was really something else.

It only got better from there - this was a dancing crowd for sure!

Before I headed out, we got a few more photos of the couple...

...and then I wished them well on their trip to India! Congratulations, Kashika, and Ashish!

By The Sea

I've worked at Lighthouse Point, and I've worked several times at Anthony's, but I'd never worked at Amarante's right between the two until Amanda and Craig's wedding. It's a beautiful venue - unfortunately the rain kept us from taking full advantage of the lawn, but we made due.

That said, the rain did nothing to diminish the celebration. After a short indoor ceremony, the cocktail hour kicked off with live music and wonderful food.

Actually, the food was a really interesting point. Amanda had told me in advance that there was no formal sit-down dinner, just a "cocktail service". I didn't know what to expect, but figured it would be like a usual cocktail hour - a handful of snacks passed around by waiters. Well, there was that - but also constantly refilled stations with hot sandwiches, finger food, and later desserts. It was some of the best and most fun food I've had at a wedding.

After the first dance, there were a handful of touching speeches from friends and family.

Later they cut their beautiful cake. (By the way, thanks to the maître d' for making sure to get me a piece of cake - it was really good.)

Through the whole night the band kept people on the floor with wonderful music, and everyone had a great time.

Congratulations Amanda and Craig!

Everything's Peachy

Heather and I are off for our belated honeymoon this week, so rather than a typical blog post, I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Zack Wussow Media family, Peach.

She came to us underage and with every problem - ticks, lice, infections - you'd expect for a stray. My wife, who besides second shooting for me works at a vet office, brought her home for us to "foster till we find her a forever home", a delusion that lasted maybe 48 hours.

She's already doing a lot better, and is growing like a weed. Our other cat, Enzo, is slowly coming around to the idea of having a little sister.

We're going to miss her a lot while we're gone this week, but no doubt she will get tons of love at the vet office!

Now, off to our honeymoon! See you next week.

Lovely Lake

For Danielle and Corrie's engagement, we decided to meet at Douglas State Forest in Douglas, MA as a convenient midway point. I arrived early to scope things out, and was very relieved to find it's a beautiful park with lots of great spots for photos. And despite it being the first really warm Saturday in spring it wasn't too crowded, either.

The water made for a beautiful backdrop and even allowed for some "studio-ish" images.

Without much walking we got some nice trail shots.

Then, Danielle and Corrie gamely clambered up one of the many big boulders along the lake-shore. It was perfect!

One more quick stop to take advantage of some May flowers...

...and we were done. I headed home to start editing, and Danielle and Corrie set off for a hike. 

Can't wait for the wedding this summer!