Love in the Fall

Amanda and James had so many great ideas for their engagement session last year in Newport, I just knew that their wedding was going to be great.

The day started with prep photos at a local hotel.

From there we moved to The Lodge at Maneeley’s, where Amanda and James were relieved to finally have their first look and see each other.

The ceremony was short and sweet - James’ vows in particular required a lot of tissues.

After cocktail hour, it was time for introductions, which included an amazing surprise!

Those are the bridesmaids, charging in to the theme from Jurassic Park.

First dance, speeches, and parent dances followed.

Then: dancing! And lots of it! (James’ college friends especially put in a lot of work on the dance floor!)

We stole the happy couple away for some night photos on the amazing grounds.

It was an amazing day, and I’m so happy for James and Amanda. Congratulations!

Time to Celebrate!

Melissa and Sean’s wedding began with prep at a friend’s home and the hotel where they’d be staying that night.

Their ceremony was held in the beautiful St. Blaise Parish in Waterbury.

After a stop to visit Melissa’s grandfather, everyone made their way to the Ethan Allen Hotel for the rest of the night. We started with couples photos, and Sean and Melissa made my job easy.

The reception kicked off with their first dance, which was beautifully choreographed!

They also hit the usual highlights - cake, speeches, parent dances.

But you don’t hire Chaos Productions - who brought a DJ, a drummer, and a designated hype man - because you want a quiet reception. They came to party!

It was an amazing, fun, and loud night! A total blast.

Congratulations, Melissa and Sean!

Summer Fling

Back in June, I went out to Waterbury for another great Mattatuck Museum event, this time at the beautiful campus of a local school. (The museum is currently undergoing a renovation project that is going to be amazing!)

Called the “Summer Fling”, it was English garden party-themed, with charity games, a silent auction, and an amazing dinner.

It was a beautiful night, with perfect weather, lots of good times, and a lot of money was raised for a great cause.

I can’t wait to see the museum when it reopens!

Throwback: Raucus

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!

Coming of Age at Hillstead

This Saturday I got to hang out with Andrew and his family and friends for his Bar Mitzvah. We had such a good time! 

The ceremony took place at Congregation Beth Israel, which has to be one of the most beautiful venues I've ever worked in. Just stunning.

I caught up with them again at the Hillstead Museum for the party that evening. It was a great time with great food...

...fun party games...

...and the traditional Bar Mitzvah celebrations.

I had so much fun and, as with my first Bat Mitzvah last fall, I was so impressed by Andrew's maturity and by the whole celebration.

Then, as a perfect little cap to the night, I stepped outside to take a breath... And looked up to see this view.

A Friend's Engagement

Yesterday was a busy day in the Wussow household. 

My friends Victor and Faith got engaged recently, and we offered our house to host an engagement party for them.

The day started with a chilly but beautiful engagement shoot at some local parks.

Then lots of planning, prepping, cooking, and finally partying for the rest of the day. As a treat for the couple (and myself, because it's fun) I got out my ring light setup and ran a little photo-booth out of a side room.

I even found someone to take over camera duties so Heather and I could get a couple photos of us.

So happy for Faith and Vic, and can't wait to photograph their wedding next year!