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!

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!

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!

Play It Again

I started Angie and Ryan's wedding at Angie's family home, where she and her girls got ready.

I also got to meet the Most Interesting Man in the World.

We moved to the Lodge at Maneeley's for the rest of the day. Unlike my previous wedding here, the weather was perfect, so the ceremony was held out by the Gazebo with a backdrop of amazing fall foliage.

Immediately afterward we finished up posed photos...

...including lots of fun photos with this beautiful couple!

The reception was a blast! 

Aside from the normal stuff - first dance, toasts, etc. - there were a few fun surprises, like the groom performing a few numbers.

An all around amazing day. Congratulations, Angie and Ryan!

Boots Made For Walkin'

I met up with Megan and her girls at Fox Hopyard, the site of all the day's festivities. They were busy getting hair and makeup done, plus trying on their boots with their matching robes.

When Chris arrived, we let Megan get a look at him, though he would have to wait till the ceremony.

The ceremony was held out on the porch (thankfully the rain let up in time!) with a beautiful view of the golf course behind.

We headed down to the pond (much easier to do when your bridesmaids are wearing cowboy boots!) for posed photos, which was a lot of fun with this group. It's kind of surprising no one got thrown in.

The rest of the night was the reception, in the biggest gazebo I have ever seen! The food and music were great, this group was hilarious, and there were some fun surprises along the way.

Congratulations, Megan and Chris!

Coming to God

I was so excited when one of my wife's coworkers, Emily, asked me to photograph her and Josh's wedding.

The whole day was held at Emily and Josh's church. I started with some getting ready shots. A detail I loved - Emily's dove hair clips, her "something borrowed". 

It was apparent what a huge role their church has played in their lives, and it was great to see them surrounded by such a loving community on their big day. Plus, the stunning building made for a wonderful backdrop!

After the ceremony, they had a fun reception in an adjoining hall, with their first dance, touching speeches, and delicious food.

Congratulations, Emily and Josh!