Watching the Weather

It's pretty unfair, because there were a hundred amazing details at Shannon and Kevin's wedding, but the one that is going to stick with me is watching the up-to-the-minute weather radar. All through the prep...

...and through the first look and group photos...

...we were all huddling around our phones, watching the clouds sweep over Avon and crossing our fingers. In the end, it worked out! The weather cleared just enough at the right time that they could get married in the open air.

From there, the rest of the night was a blast. Four wonderful speeches, a touching first dance, and lots of great food and music to last the night.

It was a really amazing night!

I suppose there was one other detail that really sticks out. All night a cheery little gnome kept popping up. I never did get the full story behind that...

Congratulations, Shannon and Kevin!

The Elm City Wedding

I was really excited for Cherie and Matt's wedding because it was something I don't get to do a lot of in Connecticut - a real city wedding. Everything took place within a few blocks in downtown New Haven, and we all walked everywhere. Thankfully, we were blessed with good weather!

The day began at Omni Hotel, a lovely place I've been to before, for hair and makeup. I visited the guys, too, who were a bit disappointed with the finale to the Chelsea/Liverpool game but otherwise in good spirits.

From there, we went to Temple Plaza for first look photos and to the New Haven Green and the Yale Quad for some posed pictures.

The ceremony was held at Battell Chapel at Yale, a beautiful (and huge!) space.

The rest of the evening was spent at Union League Cafe, a beautiful old building just a short, attention-attracting walk down the block.

There was the usual assortment of introductions, toasts, and a first dance, all held at a relatively sedate pace as people enjoyed their delicious dinners.

And then, like flicking a switch, this crowd launched into party mode and rocked the dance floor. It was so much fun!

Congratulations, Cherie and Matt!

Welcome to the World

Back in 2015, I photographed Jen and Alex's wedding in Vermont. It was an amazing event in a beautiful setting.

I was thrilled when I heard they were expecting a little boy this spring, and went up to do a few newborn photos for them. 

It was my first newborn session - I brought just about every piece of photo gear (and every soft blanket) I own so I knew I'd have all the bases covered. Unneeded, as it turned out - Jen and Alex have such a beautiful house, and the light from the window was so perfect, I needed nothing but my camera.

Little Zack (obviously, I really approve of the name choice) was very cooperative! I was expecting him to be more bothered by my camera, but he slept right through every photo and outfit change. It was a really fun experience and definitely something I'd like to do more of!

Evergreen in Simsbury

(This wedding took place November 2017.)

I was so excited to work with Laura and James again after their engagement shoot last fall. 

The entire day took place at Simsbury Inn, a venue I worked at earlier this year and really loved. It looks great with Christmas decorations too!

After prep, they had their first look in the glass-walled greenhouse next to the ballroom.

The ceremony was indoors, a beautiful service officiated by Laura's dad.

After a fun cocktail hour set to the Beatles, it was time for their first dance.

The rest of the night was a blast, with an enthusiastic DJ and a crowd more than willing to dance!

Congratulations Laura and James!

Expecting Spring

When Eileen and I planned to do maternity photos for her in late March, I think we both expected it to be a spring shoot. So imagine our surprise when there was fresh snow on the ground!

But Eileen and John were happy to tough it out, and I really like how the photos came out!

I love the contrast between the monochromatic woods and Eileen's bright red dress. It's a great look.

Thanks again Eileen and John! Can't wait to meet little John!

New! Wooden USB Boxes for Weddings

My DVD packages haven't changed much in the last few years, and to judge from some of my couples coming up this year, a lot of people don't have ready access to dvd readers anyway, so it felt like it was about time for a change!

I'm excited to announce that going forward all weddings will receive their finished photos on a beautiful USB drive in a decorative wooden box. 

I've been delaying this until I could find a really quality product, and I think this is it. The wood is beautiful, the magnetic closures are snappy, and everything is really nicely put together.

Any of my former couples who would like an upgrade? Just drop me a line and I will send you one out at cost.

For now, I'm still going to use DVDs for non-wedding jobs, though that may change depending on feedback.

A Historic Setting

Simsbury's Publick House made an amazing setting for this wedding. I've actually been here before, but with zero overlap in locations.

The day started with hair and makeup, which was a ton of fun with this boisterous group of girls. Then, we had a chilly but emotional first look. (Why is there snow in March!?)

Paige Hall made a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception.

Speaking of the reception, it was a ton of fun! I always know when people are dancing through hair and make-up that the reception will be a blast.

Congrats, Tiffany and Gregg!

A Bit of Fall

I first met Amber and Paul at his sister's wedding just a couple months ago. I was so happy to work with their family again for their cozy, backyard wedding.

We started at the nearby Crescent Lake for a first look and couples photos.

The ceremony followed, with friend's and family gathering at the family home, decorated with lots of fall touches.

It was a wonderful ceremony, with some levity - the JP kept calling Amber "Amanda" instead. Still counts!

After a few hors d'oeuvres, they had their first dance, and a few toasts.

And that was it! For my part, anyway. Simple but a really fun day.

Congratulations, Amber and Paul!