Here's a quick one: Mauresa had me come out for her daughter's first birthday party. It was amazing - tasty treats, a ball pit, cake smashing, and Minnie Mouse!
It was a fun time, and I got to take home a cupcake, which is always a good thing.
Winter Elegance /
Brooke and Joe got referred to me twice - by my step brother and my friend Faith - so while I didn't know the couple well beforehand, this still felt like a friend's wedding.
After 'getting ready' photos at a salon and hotel, I rode with them on the party bus to Elmwood Community Church in West Hartford. It was a beautiful ceremony, short and sweet.
Then back on the party bus for celebratory champagne.
Before the reception, the wedding party and immediate family stopped off for posed photos at Hartford City Hall - a building I confess I'd never seen before Brooke mentioned it to me. It was the perfect idea and the photos look amazing.
From there it was a quick ride on the bus to the G. Fox Building for the reception. It's a beautiful space with a classic style and it photographed really nicely. Having such a beautiful couple doesn't hurt either.
It was a great night, and I'm sure the after party next door was crazy.
Congratulations, Brooke and Joe!
First Dance /
Lindsey and Tyler are such a fun couple to work with - laid back, friendly, and obviously in love.
I started the day with some prep photos with the girls in her mom's house, which was full of family, friends, kids, and one adorable, slightly mischievous dog.
Their ceremony and reception were held at the Adams Mill, a great spot made even more special because Lindsey's parents own it, and both she and Tyler have worked there for years. Lindsey commemorated that fact by serving some drinks in the middle of the day.
It was great to see how much these two families had embraced each other. It was made apparent in the way Lindsey's sisters relentlessly teased their new brother.
I also enjoyed hearing several versions of their story - apparently it is quite a debate about who asked who to dance way back at the high school dance.
Either way, they got to have another first dance today.
Oh, and her dad had tuxedo shorts. I don't need to tell you how amazing that is.
Congrats Lindsey and Tyler! Thank you for having us!
Sunset at the Vineyard /
I met Angela and Jalen at Brignole Vineyards in East Granby for an early-autumn engagement session. The folks at Brignole were very considerate to allow us to use their beautiful grounds on a day they were closed, and it turned out to be the perfect evening for photos.
Angela and Jalen looked fabulous, and were a lot of fun to work with. They kept teasing each other about the quality of their posing. (For what it's worth, I think they did great!)
Later in the evening, the sun went down and the sky lit up beautifully. They were very patient as I set up a couple of interestingly lit shots, and I think it paid off.
We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful night. I can't wait to see these two on their wedding day next year!
Plan B (B is for Better) /
I had planned to meet Maria and Shawn at Wickham Park for their engagement shoot, but bad weather postponed it a couple times, and suddenly Wickham was closed. (As an aside - not the first time I've had this problem. Wickham Park is lovely but has the weirdest calendar.)
So instead we met at Valley Falls, a great park just around the corner from me, and the Belding Wildlife Management Area across the street.
The weather was surprisingly beautiful, and we had both parks totally to ourselves (a real treat for me).
I can't wait to work with them again next year at their wedding day. I know it will be a beautiful day!
Love On The Mystic River /
I met Leann and her bridesmaids at a beautiful rental house for prep photos and a touching moment when she read a letter from Josh, her groom.
Their daughter, Avery, was adorable. Just look at this face! "Cheese!"
They were married by the amazing Rev. Ron at the charming and historic Road Church in Stonington. They personalized their vows and had the entire assembly laughing.
Before and after the ceremony, I took the wedding party around the Mystic Seaport for posed photos. It's my second time this year shooting in the park, and it's such an amazingly fun venue I hope I get to come back soon.
The party kicked off with a karaoke cocktail hour, which was a blast, MC'd by Stephanie Stardust of Royal Beats DJs. I won't say it was the most talented live music I've seen at a wedding, but it might have been the most fun. Leann and Josh did do an excellent rendition of Wagon Wheel.
Inside, the reception was simple but fun - good food, good music, and lots and lots of dancing.
At the end of the night, a sparkler sendoff before the couple took off in a golf cart with a "Just Married" sign and trailing strings of cans.
Congratulations, Leann and Josh!
From Texas With Love /
Kara and Max were one of my rare couples that I don't meet before the wedding day, on account of them living in Texas. No trouble, though. We all met up at Lighthouse Point Park for the big day.
Unfortunately, the weather was a little rainy, pretty cold, and very, very windy, so the planned beach wedding had to be switched for an indoor ceremony. It ended up being an amazing backdrop, though, and the ceremony was great.
Kara and Max are made of stern stuff, so they were up for a quick trip outside to grab a few photos on the beach. If nature wants to give you drama, you might as well make use of it!
The rest of the night was a great party with excellent food, live music, and rides on a carousel.
Plus late-night popcorn, which gave me the chance to catch this picture that makes me giggle.
Congratulations, Kara and Max!
Do What Makes You Happy /
Nicole and Joe held their wedding at the North House in Avon. I met the girls there, while my second shooter Jeff met them across the street.
Nicole threw everyone for a curve when she changed her dress at the last minute, deciding to wear her evening "party" dress for the ceremony too. It was a great choice - she looked absolutely stunning!
We got incredibly lucky with the weather - after two weeks of cold, wet weather, their day was perfect. The ceremony was held out on the patio, with lovely fall foliage as a backdrop.
I couldn't help but use the natural beauty for their ring photo as well.
Inside, we had the usual compliment of first dances, speeches, delicious food (and a stunning Venetian table that gave me a stomach-ache...), and family and friends enjoy their time together.
Oh, and dancing, obviously. Always dancing.
Congratulations Nicole and Joe!
