Joseph & Mary's Wedding at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

Part 2
Joseph & Mary - June 20, 2009
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis Summer Chapel, Niantic, CT
Reception Venue: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Caterer: Coastal Gourmet (Keri)
Flowers: Bakes & Baldwin
Band: Long Island Sound Band

Joseph & Mary danced to "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis

Dancing got crazy....and fun!

The scenery around Eugene O'Neill was just beautiful

As the afternoon wore on the kids got more and more adventurous - playing hide and seek in the field below the tent....such amazing scenery!

Joe's daughter's were so sweet!

My first bouquet toss ever!

Joe's daughter caught it :)

I'm not sure how happy Joe was about that!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this one....it may be going up in our newly re-decorated living room as a canvas

Joseph and Mary did a quick change before one final dance......then off to Bali!

But not before a hug good-bye from his daughter

A few details!

It was such an honor to document your wedding AND I had an incredibly fun time getting to know your families - thank you so much!

Mary & Joseph's Wedding at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

Joseph & Mary - June 20, 2009
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis Summer Chapel, Niantic, CT
Reception Venue: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Caterer: Coastal Gourmet (Keri)
Flowers: Bakes & Baldwin
Band: Long Island Sound Band

Mary & Joseph were married a few weeks ago in a lovely celebration of family and friends. Kids ruled the day and everyone was just very relaxed and had a wonderful time.

I started the day at Mary's childhood home......

Joe's two daughters came over with the rest of the family

Mary's Brother and his son help each other with their ties :)

Mary's Mom was radiant the whole day

As, of course, was Mary!

How cute is this little one??!!

The chapel is only open in the summer and has such a lovely relaxed feel to it

Mary's nephews tried to be patient and pay attention!

Mary's niece kept her eye on me :)

Married!

Love this one.

We snuck down to the beach for a few casual portraits before heading on to Eugene O'Neill

Stay tuned for part 2!

Cara & Andrew Engagement Shoot

I met up with Cara & Andrew for a shoot around their neighborhood in Somerville, MA. It was POURING as I was driving there....like in the middle of a monsoon pouring! Thankfully the rain had mostly let up and it was every so slightly misting by the time we got started - we would not be deterred! There were good sports getting dripped on and navigating puddles and we had a great time.

Cara and Andrew are having a very small wedding at Amee Farm in Pittsfield, VT in early October and I can't wait to visit Vermont in all of its' autumnal splendor and enjoy the celebration!

Without further adieu....the pictures!

Cara was an American history major so we started at the Prospect Hill Monument

LOVE this one :)

They both love comic books so we ducked into the local shop The Hub

A comic book for everyone :)

Cara makes these beautiful feather hair pieces and I can't wait to see the one she creates for their wedding

Another local stop - their favorite coffee shop in a converted bank

They used the safety deposit boxes all over the store

Cara & Andrew - I had so much fun hanging out with you - thanks for the yummy dinner!

Amanda

Brooke

Last week on my way back from Vermont I stopped in Westminster Station, VT to meet and photograph Brooke - an up and coming children's photographer in the area. Brooke had contacted me the week before about having some casual portraits taken and I was only to happy to make it happen!

Brooke - it was so fun meeting you!

Good luck!

Amanda

Belly

My cousin Heidi and her Husband Ave are going to be having a little girl in early September and I am over the moon for them :) I hadn't seen Heidi since March so this was the first time I'd seen "the belly." I spent about 20 minutes during dinner with my hand on her belly waiting for the little one to kick to no avail.

When we got home the sun had set but I ushered them outside to take a few photos. A full belly shoot and oodles of baby pictures will be following in the next few months so this was just a warm up.

Ave is thrilled by all this photographic attention ;)

Their kitty Kenya isn't sure what to think

Ave is clearly jealous of her belly :)

Can't wait to see you both in a few weeks!

xoxo

Ross & Annie's Shelburne Farms Engagement Shoot

I met up with Ross & Annie last week on Shelburne Farms and we had a BLAST. They climbed into my car and we went off in search of barns, trucks, tractors, and anything else that said Vermont! We journeyed all over Shelburne Farms and just had so much fun - we ended up in a dump....but the dump did have a pretty truck and it wasn't as bad as it sounds :)

Ross & Annie are getting married in August at the Basin Harbor Club and I am BEYOND excited....especially after hearing more. There will be pink bowties, and antique furniture, and lanters in the trees, and pink shoes and just so many other things that caused me to make many happy noises :)

Annie & Ross - you guys are a blast and I can't wait for the end of August!

xo

First off how can you NOT love someone who wears bright red shoes??!!

They were sports to climb up a ladder into a dusty and dirty hayloft for this one!

Annie's engagement ring is SO unique and beautiful.

The water was COLD.

More long grass and pretty blue sky and fun pink shoes. Ahhhhhh :)

The first truck we found was pretty good but there were cars parked on either side so I couldn't get the wide shot that I wanted

There is a local band in Shelburne that plays a song called "Why can't my woman be more like my truck?" I wish I could find the lyrics because it is CLASSIC.

We ended up in a barn....that sort of had a runway thing going on. I love barns. So much textured wood and walls and colors and grit - AHHHH!

Have a great July 4th!

xo

Kevin & Alex's Burlington Engagement Shoot

Kevin & Alex are getting married at the Mountain Top Inn near Killington in August which I am SO excited for. Last week we met up at the waterfront in Burlington and hung out with their dog Montana for a few hours.

Since Montana can't be at the wedding they wanted to include her in the engagement photos. She wanted to be included in the frisbee game going on right next to us :)

They were such naturals in front of the camera - very relaxed and affectionate and just perfect....made my job easy!

I can't get enough of pretty fields with tall grass!

We found this gritty wall and had to move some random large pieces of Styrafoam out of the way but it was a wee bit of shade on a hot day and I love the contrast!

We ended up in the dog park where at that point there were no dogs. So Montana could cruise around and we didn't have to worry about her running away. And there was pretty sun flare too :)

We were going to hold off on Montana going swimming but thought 'what the heck.' She had a great time fetching sticks in the water and we got some great shots in between!

Love the lines in this shot - we assume it was an old helicopter landing pad but it was pretty cracked and clearly hadn't been used in quite some time...the perfect place for a few photos.

Montana was very patient as I held the treat right about my lens :)

We only stayed here for about 30 seconds - it was this great funky wall in a mini skateboarding park so Montana was a little freaked out....or a lot freaked out. Again I love the urban feel.

When you see traintracks and no train coming you must walk down them....it's practically a rule :)

Alex & Kevin - I can't wait for August!

Tyson....the official Uberdog!

Recently I got together with Dan O'Brien (owner of Uberdog in West Hartford), his wife Isabella, and their dog Tyson. I have a few canvases of Uberdog clients hung there but the most important member of the family was missing....Tyson!

We met at Loomis Chaffee in Windsor where we walk Strider. I had a vision of long grass and beautiful evening light....I think it worked :)

I love photographing dogs and getting all their different personalities.

Serious Tyson

Goofy Tyson jumping to catch a treat

Proud of his family Tyson :)

Inquisitive Tyson

"Give me a treat lady" Tyson

We interrupt this shoot - Tyson would like to remind everyone to stop and smell the roses (or wildflowers)

Happy smiling Tyson

Curled lip Tyson :)

Give me 5 Tyson

Handsome Tyson!

Tyson the cow

More smiles

And then the shoot was done and more dogs arrived. Jeff and I have been taking care of our cousins dogs for the last few weeks so of course we needed to get a picture of ALL the yellows. From L to R: Tyson, Grit, Strider, and Cole!

Old man Cole

Tyson & Grit loved the ball. Strider not so much!

Strider among the wildflowers

And finally I have an extremely long tongue Tyson!

Dan - it was so good to see you again!

Will & Rachel's Wedding at Migis Lodge

The reception took place in the dining room of Migis Lodge which was decorated beautifully and just felt really warm and intimate.

Rachel's Dad gave a great toast

and the flower girl helped to announce Rachel & Will's first dance

The kids TORE IT UP on the dance floor and were so much fun to watch and photograph. These two would dance for awhile, then run away from each other, then come back together - so fun.

The adults didn't do too badly either!

And now for the details.

Rachel's Dad was in charge of creating all the birch bark details and man he did a fabulous job.

Marcia Davis did an amazing job with the flowers

I loved Will's boutonniere

The heart shaped hand made placecards were strung in the living room of the lodge

Rachel found a ton of different sized vases at an antique store and got a great deal on them - each table looked different

Pinecones served as table numbers

And dragon flies served as additional decoration!

More fun with birchbark - I really thought these were a wonderful idea that can translate after the wedding into a beautiful decor item for your home

A shot across the lake at sunset

Rachel & Will - I had such a blast with you both!

I LOVE the music Rachel chose for the slideshow

Rachel & Will's Wedding at Migis Lodge

June 15, 2009
Ceremony Venue: Camp O-At-Ka
Reception Venue & Guest Lodging: Migis Lodge
Flowers: Marcia Davis
Hair & Makeup: Studio One - Portland
DJ: Christopher Gray - betweenthebarsxo@gmail.com
Bride's Gown - Pronovias
Bride's Shoes - Te Casan
Rings - Sarah Perlis

Rachel & Will were married on a cloudy (but thankfully not rainy!) Monday in early June with all of their friends gathered round. Almost all the guests stayed at Migis Lodge - a great collection of cabins and lodging about 45 minutes north of Portland on Sebago Lake so everyone was VERY relaxed when we arrived!

The boys were playing whiffle ball and hanging out

Rachel waits while her sister gets her makeup done

I think Rachel wins the award for most relaxed bride ever.....I heart relaxed and laid back brides!

I love this image - Rachel concentrates as she gets into her dress

It's on!

I love Rachel's expression as she glimpses Will across the camp green. Right after this we went outside for their first look. Another thing I love - getting all the photos done before the ceremony so everyone can enjoy themselves after!

Her sister Rebecca buttons her up....they were all individual buttons....no zipper here!

Rachel & Will decided to have a first look and get all their photos taken before the ceremony. This is becoming more and more popular and I am SO psyched about that. I just find that people are SO much more relaxed for both the photos and the ceremony when they aren't trying to rush off to cocktail hour. If you are still planning your wedding I would highly recommend considering this option.

Guests gather outside the chapel at O-At-Ka

The kids at this wedding were to die for cute

The flower girls had these ethereal dresses and were just SO psyched to be in the wedding!

During their ceremony Rachel & Will had a period of reflection for 5 minutes. Cards were placed on the benches and guests could write a note to Will & Sarah, reflect, do a doodle - whatever. Rachel checks out what her guests are doing :)

Rachel's Grandfather was so cute all day. Here he's without his Bowdoin hat looking on as Rachel greets guests after the wedding

Done with portraits and off to cocktail hour!

The weather was threatening all day but miraculously held off so people milled around outside during cocktail hour!

My second shooters at the wedding were my good friend Sarah and the fabulous Brian Fitzgerald who took some amazing and beautiful scene setters and was just right where he needed to be all day.

Next up....reception and details!

Steph & Patrick's Vow Renewal

Last July I had the pleasure of photographing Steph & Patrick as part of an Operation Love Re-United shoot. Patrick headed over to Iraq a few weeks later, and a few months later Stephanie called and inquired about my availability on June 27th! They got married a few years ago but it was very small so their parents really wanted to do a more formal celebration. I am so excited to see them again!

Liz & Dan's Wedding at Gibbet Hill (Part 2)

Rain had been threatening all day so the ceremony was pushed forward just a few minutes since conveniently most of the guests had arrived on charter buses from a local hotel.

Liz's Mom was radiant as her two sons escorted her down the aisle

Dan's parents watch as their daughter (one of the bridesmaids) comes down the aisle

The setting at Gibbet Hill is just spectacular with the rolling hills on one side and the barns on the other

LOVE this image as Liz & her Dad reach the bottom of the stairs

One of my favorite coming down the aisle shots - I just love their expressions

We did a few quick portraits before they headed to cocktail hour

Dan shows off his new hardware!

The toasts were sweet, funny, and emotional - we were all wiping our eyes....both from crying and laughing!

The Chicken Slacks rocked the house!

The belly (she's due in August!) was a big hit on the dance floor :)

One of the guests played along with the band to great applause!

This was a first for me. If I am remembering correctly it's called the cinnamon roll (or maybe jellyroll??). Basically everyone gets in a big huge circle and joins hands. Then two people un-hook and the chain starts spinning in on itself until eventually everyone is in one big hug. It was a fitting end to a perfect day!

Liz & Dan's Wedding at Gibbet Hill

Venue: The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Groton, MA
Florist: Tangerine Creations
Catering: The Barn at Gibbet Hill
Bride's Gown: Vera Wang
Bridesmaid's Gowns: Vera Wang
Band: The Chicken Slacks
Bride's Shoes: J. Crew

Liz & Dan's wedding kicked off my 2009 wedding season in style. It was a weekend full of fun, laughter, and beautiful events! Liz & Dan seemed to take it in and enjoy it all - it's always great to see a couple really enjoying themselves and basking in the glow of being around their friends and family.

Liz & her 10 bridesmaids got ready at the Hunt Club Cottage which her parents were renting for the weekend. It was cozy inside for 10 bridesmaids, 1 bride, 2 photographers (thanks, Kris!), 2 hair & makeup ladies (fabulous - need to get their names from Liz once she's back from their honeymoon!), and 2 parents so the ladies spent a lot of time outside since the sun was shining!

It was also Liz's birthday! One of Dan's groomsmen had made a toast at the rehearsal dinner saying that Dan was genius to only have to remember one date instead of two :)

Meanwhile at Kimball Farm the boys were playing mini golf and bumper boats :) Here Dan's groomsmen lovingly push him into a flow of water getting him soaked!

Back at the house Liz was getting the finishing touches on her look

Liz's sweet Mom watches her daughter's transformation

A toast!

Liz's Dad gets inspected by the ladies - apparently he had missed a spot shaving :)

We headed over to Gibbet Hill so Liz could put on her beautiful Vera Wang gown. I love the reactions :)

Tangerine Creations did an AMAZING job with the flowers - they really popped against the dresses

The wind helped make Liz's bridal portraits a bit more fun....not to mention the 10 ladies behind me whistling and cat calling :)

Liz and her sister and maid of honor

A few details......

Love love love when florists use fruit in arrangements - it just gives it such a fresh and natural look

Once Liz & the ladies had headed inside to wait for the ceremony to start I got some time with Dan and his hilarious groomsmen

Coming up.....the ceremony :)

Book Recommendation - Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos

I just finished the book and really really enjoyed it. It's a super sweet story about family and friendship - the perfect summer read.

Liz & Dan's Rehearsal Dinner in Groton, MA

Event Planner: Hopple Popple
Catering: Capers Catering

The setting for Liz & Dan's rehearsal dinner was just stunning. Only a mile away from their reception location, the land in back of the Groton Trading Company provided the perfect setting. Even though rain was forecast all day thankfully the weathermen were wrong and the evening was just perfect!

Liz had mentioned some surprise performances were planned but she had no idea what they consisted of. When I arrived Dan's sister and his Dad were practicing the piece....they were joined by a boy that Liz used to babysit and Dan's good friend and groomsmen....a family affair! They sang "Glory Days" except the last verse was amended with the lyrics "wedding day" and it just got better from there....so much fun!

The tent was so beautifully decorated- we all thought it looked like a wedding! The greenery to disguise the tent poles was a really nice touch.

Liz arrives!

This cracked me up - small child sleeping through cocktail hour :)

Dan obviously knows how to have a good time!

One of Liz's bridesmaids elegantly applies bug spray :)

See what I mean? Perfect beautiful location.

The little one woke up!

Dan's Mom gave a sweet toast to begin the evening - the toasts all evening were so sweet and personal.

Liz's childhood friends

There always has to be a little embarrassment!

But mostly Liz and Dan just enjoyed the evening....we were all cracking up!

The performance was VERY well received and people were on their feet.

I just loved watching their reactions as the song unfolded

Up next....wedding day!