Misty Mountains

In October my wife Heather and I had the wonderful excuse of my friend Whitney’s wedding to take a road trip to beautiful, rural Virginia.

The wedding day started with getting ready - Heather took Kirk and his guys out for some posed photos, and unintentionally made Whitney cry!

The ceremony was outside, with the rain just barely holding off. The mist actually made the background that much more beautiful.

Posed photos were easy with this stunning couple and a such a beautiful backdrop.

The reception kicked off with the first dance, speeches, and a macaron birthday cake for Whitney’s sister.

Then it was time to party!

Finally, a dramatic exit showered by lavender!

Congratulations, Whitney and Kirk!

Down on the Farm

When I spoke with Jaci and Chris about their wedding plans, they didn’t want getting ready photos, and they weren’t too worried about posed photos, but Jaci did have one very specific request: gotta get a photo with her sheep. So I knew it was going to be a fun wedding.

Some backstory: the wedding was held at The Hickories farm in Ridgefield, which is also where Jaci works. So not only a beautiful setting, but a meaningful one.

The day began with their first look and some couple’s photos among the asparagus.

Soon it was time for the ceremony, held on a rise with the beautifully wooded valley stretching out below.

Then guests whiled away the daylight with an extended cocktail hour full of drinks, conversation, and yard games. Plus some pumpkin rearranging.

Around sunset, we moved into a tent for their first dance, followed by a tasty dinner from Bartaco.

Speeches, parent dances, and a cake cutting followed, all with a casual, DIY approach.

The rest of the night was for dancing, and churros!

Just before they left for their after party, I got the happy couple out for one last photo. How could I not, with a backdrop like this barn!

Congratulations Jaci and Chris!

A Perfect Summer's Day

Danielle and Corrie's wedding started with prep photos at a local salon for Corrie and at the bridal suite at The Barn at Wight Farm for Danielle.

Then we did a quick first look; I love it when someone cries!

The ceremony was held in a stunning secondary room, and was officiated by one of their friends, which is a touch I always enjoy.

The reception was a fun, casual brunch affair, with good food and great music. 

It was a ton of fun, and when it was time to leave, their guests saw them off with a Bubble Exit. 

Congratulations Danielle and Corrie!

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!

Back to the Barn

Last summer I photographed my first wedding at Webb Dean Barn in Wethersfield. It was a great time, so I was very excited with Kaitlyn and Adam told me their wedding would be in the same spot!

However, the day started at Strandz Salon, where Kaitlyn, her bridesmaids, and her mom got their hair done.

After a quick stop at the hotel for the dress, we made our way to the barn where the guests were already seated for the ceremony. They wrote their own vows that got laughs from everyone .

Webb Barn's gardens were in full bloom, so of course we had to get lots of couple's photos.

After cocktails, we moved inside the barn for the remaining festivities.

It was a relatively short night, but they packed in lots of excitement and lots of great music.

And to end the night they had a visit from an ice cream truck!

What a fun night! Congratulations, Kaitlyn and Adam!

Perfect Together

I joked on Facebook before my wedding yesterday that photographing a friend's wedding makes me especially nervous. It's true! Every wedding makes me nervous to some degree - which is good, since it makes me triple check my gear and the schedule - but with friends you also feel a personal pressure to not let them down.

I needn't have worried with Shannon and Andy.

Not only was the wedding beautiful, but they were as laid-back and fun-loving as I've always known them to be. It was a day filled with familiar faces, actually, with a neighbor, a former wedding couple of mine, and a handful of other acquaintances joining in.

The day started off with the girls getting ready at Shannon's parent's house, a fun process with this bunch.

The ceremony was very traditional, in the beautiful Our Lady of Sorrows in West Hartford. 

Then we moved to the Webb-Dean Barn for a lively reception DJ'd by Collins Entertainment. Shannon, Andy, and their friends and family know how to enjoy a party, but it was also marked by touching moments. After they each made a speech about what the other meant to them, the videographer and I were both misty-eyed.

So yes, friend's weddings make me nervous, but that's only half the story. They are also my most satisfying weddings, and the most touching.

Congratulations, you two! I don't know another couple as perfectly suited for each other as you two are.