Dog
I was really excited when Shannon and Kevin let me know they were expecting this first child - a happy baby girl named Adeline!
I visited them at home for a quick newborn session. Adeline was a very cooperative model, though she found the whole process a little yawn inducing.
Even their protective pup wanted to get in on the action!
But there was never any doubt who was star of the show.
Chris contacted me about doing a photo session as gift for his wife Jaci. As you’d expect from a bride who’s only request for wedding photos was “sheep!”, animals had to be involved!
We started at their home, with their trio of dogs, and a visit to the chicken coop.
Then we were off to the farm where Jaci works and where they held their wedding - an absolutely beautiful backdrop.
But lets be honest - we were there for the sheep!
Such a fun day!
One of the vets at my wife’s work wanted some family photos, but in her case that meant her, her boyfriend, and their three pooches.
We met at a local trail on an early November morning to take advantage of the fall foliage. All the pups got individual photos, too. In order of appearance: Scooter, Stella, and Luna.
We took some photos of the humans, too, for some reason.
My wife has known Faith for over a decade and a half, and I went to school at UConn with Vic, so needless to say, we’re super excited they are expecting their first little nugget!
We met up to do some maternity announcements at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford. By chance we were right in time for Peak Rose™, which meant sharing the park with approximately twenty other photographers. Honestly, though, the roses have never been my favorite part of Elizabeth Park, as pretty as they are. I much prefer the old greenhouse and mixed flowers planted all over the grounds.
We enjoyed the beautiful weather, moseying around the park for a about an hour and hitting all my favorite spots. My wife came along as well and played dog wrangler with Tali, their Goldendoodle when she wasn’t needed for photos.
I’m so excited for their maternity photos this winter and meeting their newest family member early next year!
I had a lot of fun doing Sophy and Jeff’s engagement photos at Elizabeth Park, and their wedding was beautiful, so I was so excited when they reached about about doing some maternity photos for their first child!
We met at a park in Vernon on a chilly (but thankfully not windy) November morning. They brought their adorable little Dachshunds, Hannah and Roxy, who were very cooperative. The trick to getting Roxy to look was to call out Hannah’s name - clearly a bit of sibling rivalry!
Our timing wasn’t perfect - we missed some of the best foliage - but there were still lots of great settings for pictures.
Plus, Sophy had brought along some props. You can probably guess that they are expecting a little girl!
A quick break for story time…
And then we called it a wrap and went to get warm.
I can’t wait to meet the little tyke - we’ve got a plan to do some newborn photos when she makes her appearance in January!
I've run into Sarah at many weddings since I photographed her and Chris's wedding in 2014 - seriously, I should just put her on the payroll given how many people she's referred to me - and anytime I see her face I know the reception is going to be a fun party. But few can match up to their blowout of a wedding.
I don't think I've ever had another bride with as much energy and excitement before the ceremony. No worries, no anxiety, just thrilled to be marrying her partner in crime.
The same energy extended to the wedding party, who could hardly keep a straight face through posed photos.
And then, of course, the amazing reception. If memory serves, this was also one of the best DJ's I've ever seen, who's contact info I've unfortunately lost.
Oh, and one last cute detail: ring photos with the pooches.
Congratulations, Sarah and Chris, hope to see you two around again!
The plan for Jen and Ryan's wedding called for bouncing back and forth between a bunch of New Haven locations, so it was amazing that we got a day with perfect weather for stretching our legs.
The day began at Rimage Salon, where Jen and her bridesmaids got their hair and makeup done, while the couple's pup Charlie kept everyone laughing.
Our next stop was the Omni Hotel, a perennial hot-spot for wedding stays. No joke, I've done three weddings in New Haven proper, and they all got ready in the same suite!
Before heading to the ceremony, the guys and the girls stopped in the lobby to do some cool group photos. I love the all-black look - very classy.
The intimate ceremony was held in St. Thomas More Chapel. Not only was it a beautiful service led by Rev. Karl Davis, but this is easily the most photo-friendly church I've worked in. Bright and beautiful!
It was a short walk from there to the Old Campus Courtyard for some posed photos. Walking through downtown is a good way to get lots of supportive honks and hollers!
We also came across a squirrel sneaking off with a chicken tender, in case you thought Yale's campus was totally unlike all other universities.
One last short walk brought us to the Graduate Club, a beautiful, cozy venue where we would spend the rest of the night.
(Their first date was at a Wendy's, so they did a quick re-enactment!)
The live band was great, got everyone out on the dance floor, and they even backed Ryan as he sang a song for his new wife. He did great!
Before the end of the night, I got them outside for one last portrait, and borrowed their beautiful rings for a photo.
It was a totally amazing night with an amazing couple. Ryan and Jen looked stunning, and they, their friends, and family were so friendly and gracious!
Congratulations, Jen and Ryan!
Jenny and Joe only had to tell me one thing to convince me I had to do their wedding: it was going to be at Beardsley Zoo. I didn't even know you could get married at the zoo!
The day started elsewhere, though. Specifically Lucious & Co., where Jenny and her bridesmaids got hair and makeup done. The folks there did an amazing job!
Next we moved to the zoo, where the guys and the girls were getting dressed in the Hansen Building.
We went to the rainforest building for the first look. Joe and I were kept company by adorable little monkeys while waiting for the bride to walk in. When she did, though, Joe only had eyes for her.
Before doing more posed photos, we stopped to say high to the Howler Monkeys, who were really interested in Jenny (or maybe just wanted to eat her bouquet).
Their ceremony was officiated by Joe's dad, a talented speaker who added an amazing, personal touch and a great sense of humor.
Afterward, there was time for people to hit up the food truck and explore the zoo, which was empty except for wedding guests. (At the risk of sounding crotchety, a zoo with no kids? Amazing.)
The reception proper started with a big announcement from the couple - after years of snakes, geckos, and other little pets, this animal loving couple had adopted their first dog just days before the wedding. Geronimo was a little nervous about all the people and excitement, but so so cute!
After that was the first dance...
...and then a trip to the carousel.
The rest of the night was dessert, dancing, and hanging out with friends and family. And one quick late-night portrait session, because I can't let a good set of arches go to waste.
Congratulations, Jenny, Joe, and Geronimo!