The Next Adventure

Karen and Ben were never going to have a “normal” wedding. They met backpacking through the wilderness, live for adventure, and when Karen first contacted me she was pretty sure their summer camp venue meant she could zip-line into their ceremony.

These are some of my favorite weddings, though - ones that break the mold to perfectly fit the couple. The ceremony was simple, and sadly zip-line free, but their personalized vows were funny and beautiful.

The reception began with toasts, dinner, and cupcakes-

-but most of the night was given over to dancing to the live band, messing around on the monkey bars, and generally having a great time with their friends!

Congratulations, Karen and Ben!

Welcome to the Navy!

Emily and Trevor were a dream to work with - photogenic, friendly, and willing to be a little goofy. 

The whole day was spent at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, beginning with hair and makeup with Emily, her bridesmaids, and the mothers. Emily's look was stunning - simple and elegant.

Once she was ready, it was out to the beach where Trevor was waiting in his Navy service dress whites. He was all jokes until he got to see his future wife!

Before the ceremony, we took a bunch of posed photos-- mostly serious ones, but my favorites are more silly.

The ceremony was held on the beach, in front of an arbor decorated by Emily's mom. The day could not have been more perfect; a relief after a recent string of rainy weddings I've done.

Before they could enter the cocktail hour, it was time for a navy tradition - the sword arch.

The reception kicked off with their first dance and speeches from their parents.

Just before dinner, I pulled Emily and Trevor outside to take advantage of the sunset. The timing and the backdrop were perfect!

After dinner, it was time to cut the cake - easy enough when you're using a saber bigger than the cake itself.

Then it was time to get out on the dance floor. The band, Those Guys, did an amazing job getting everyone moving. Oh, and the navy men switched their formal uniforms for some pretty interesting hawaiian shirts.

Which brought us to the end of the night and the sparkler exit. Things got a little discombobulated, but it all worked out in the end!

Congratulations, Emily and Trevor!

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!