Newport Engagement

I met Amanda and James at the Newport Cliff Walk for their engagement photos. It’s a favorite spot of theirs that they’ve visited often.

In a bit of perfect luck, the very first spot I had them pose for a photo was the exact spot he proposed to her!

The day was chilly but otherwise beautiful, and the Cliff Walk is full of great spots for pictures.

Just before sunset, we made our way over to Beavertail State Park. It’s a perfect spot for evening photos, with the rocky coastline looking west into the sunset.

So perfect, in fact, that almost everyone there had a photographer with them, whether they were doing engagements or family photos.

The day rounded out with a stunning sunset. Beautiful!

Can’t wait to photograph Amanda and James’s wedding next year. It’ll be great!

A Pumpkin On The Way

Brittany and Vinny contacted me to do some fun maternity announcement photos. Since it was October, they got permission from Krell Farm in Farmington to do a quick photo shoot for the announcement.

It was a short session (in part because that morning was hovering around 45 degrees…) but a lot of fun and really cute.

I’m looking forward to seeing them again in the spring - I just know Brittany is going to be a beautiful mom-to-be!

Too Warm For Christmas

I met friend and fellow UConn alum Sarah and her daughter Marie at a park (which will remain nameless, as I’m not actually sure we were allowed to be there…) to do some photos for their Christmas card.

Of course, the weather in Connecticut being what it is, despite picking a day in October, the weather felt more like July: warm and muggy. So it took a little imagination to get into the Christmas spirit.

None-the-less, the park was a beautiful backdrop for portraits, and Marie seemed to have a lot of fun wading into the lake.

Probably only one photo will make it to the Christmas card, but I sent the best 50 - you can never have too many pictures of a cute kid.

All this reminds me, Heather and I have to figure out what we’re doing for our card this year…

Pop the Cork

Savannah and Andy’s engagement was so much fun and so unique, I knew their wedding was going to be a lot of fun.

The day began with prep photos, the guys at the couple’s home, and the girls at the Avon Old Farms hotel.

The Avon Old Farms, by the way, is a great wedding venue in itself and has some awesome spots for posed photos.

Then we went to the Pavilion at the Tunxis Country Club for the rest of the day. (Incidentally, I’ve been there before, too!) First, the ceremony. There was hardly a dry eye in the house!

Then, the wedding party and immediate family were driven by (high-speed) golf cart to a special spot for posed photos. Lots of great couples photos, too.

The reception kicked off with the big events - First dance, parent dances, toasts.

Then a buffet dinner, and the dance floor was open! DJ Rudy kept the people moving all night.

Just before I took off, I brought them outside for a final portrait. The lift was his idea.

Congratulations, Savanndy!

Down on the Farm

When I spoke with Jaci and Chris about their wedding plans, they didn’t want getting ready photos, and they weren’t too worried about posed photos, but Jaci did have one very specific request: gotta get a photo with her sheep. So I knew it was going to be a fun wedding.

Some backstory: the wedding was held at The Hickories farm in Ridgefield, which is also where Jaci works. So not only a beautiful setting, but a meaningful one.

The day began with their first look and some couple’s photos among the asparagus.

Soon it was time for the ceremony, held on a rise with the beautifully wooded valley stretching out below.

Then guests whiled away the daylight with an extended cocktail hour full of drinks, conversation, and yard games. Plus some pumpkin rearranging.

Around sunset, we moved into a tent for their first dance, followed by a tasty dinner from Bartaco.

Speeches, parent dances, and a cake cutting followed, all with a casual, DIY approach.

The rest of the night was for dancing, and churros!

Just before they left for their after party, I got the happy couple out for one last photo. How could I not, with a backdrop like this barn!

Congratulations Jaci and Chris!

Lemon Approved

Alicia and Dave’s whole wedding took place at Lighthouse Point Park, a venue I’ve been to many times before. The day started with prep at the park, with the couple’s dog Lemon keeping them company.

Then it was time for the first look, which would have been on the beach if not for the crazy wind blowing in off the water. No problem - the carousel made a great backdrop too.

There was time for a couple posed photos before the ceremony.

Then it was time for the ceremony. Thankfully the wind had come down enough to let the ceremony be held outside.

The timing worked out perfectly to then do some posed photos with the sunset, which was one of the most stunning I’ve seen from this venue.

After introductions, it was time for speeches and dinner.

Then Alicia and Dave shared their first dance.

The bouquet toss rounded out the formal events.

The rest of the night was given over to dancing, and it was a blast! The bridesmaids really held down the floor, especially the maid of honor who was amazing.

It was a really fun night with a great group of people!

Congratulations, Alicia and Dave!

Lovely in Lavender

I’ve previously worked with Maria and Shawn twice - for their engagement and then their wedding. So I was very excited when, right around their first anniversary, they contacted me about doing newborn photos of their beautiful baby girl, Emily!

We decided on using the nursery in their new house (it’s been a busy year!), a lovely room in shades of lavender and bunny.

Emily was a bit fussy at first, but with a little patience and creativity we found ways to get her settled. (Or perhaps she just wore herself out…)

Either way, she was really cute…

...right down to her little toes!

All In The Family

Jennifer and Gary came to me through her cousin, Faith. I was really looking forward to their wedding because they had a lot of unique touches that I knew would be really fun.

The day began with prep photos, a process made much more fun with the inclusion of two adorable flower girls.

Next, we met up at the church in East Lyme for a first look. The actual moment was just for the couple, but my favorite photos came in the recreation for an audience.

We also did some great posed photos that involved just the smallest bit of trespassing. Don’t tell!

Pictured: My second shooter Jeff Hamm encouraging unlawful behavior.

The ceremony in the church was lovely - it’s a beautiful, centuries old building.

Then it was time to head over to Great Neck Country Club for the reception. It’s a lovely smaller venue and the staff were great. Things got started with introductions and the first dance.

Speeches and a blessing followed.

After dinner, in lieu of traditional parent dances, Jen and Gary danced with their children. Gary and Morgan’s dance was touching, and Jen and Noah’s choreographed dance was hilarious. (Hopefully it will be on Youtube soon and I can share it.)

The flower girls got in on the action too, performing to Shake It Off.

After a bit of dancing, it was time to cut the cake. Gary was mostly a gentleman.

The rest of the night was for dancing, cigars, and silliness.

Plus we went out for some late night couple portraits, which produced some of the dumbest “behind the scenes” shots I’ve ever had.

I’m holding a little flashlight so Jeff’s camera can focus…

All in all an amazingly fun night. Congratulations, Jennifer and Gary!