Elm City Wedding

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!

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!