It's Been Forever!

It's no exaggeration to say I've been looking forward to Skoobah and Nate's wedding for years - not only have I known them since college, but she had me hold the date three years in advance. 

I knew their wedding would be something really special. Photographing their engagement photos and Skoobah's bridal shower only made me more excited to see what wonderful touches they put on their wedding day. They didn't disappoint.

The whole day was at Camp Bournedale in Massachusetts, and kicked off with prep photos in their cabin. It was pretty funny watching Skoobah's sister do her hair and makeup. Less cheery small talk and more, "Hey, quit moving your head!"

Skoobah and Nate had their first look by the water, and while he didn't cry, it's fair to say Nate was pretty excited with Skoobah's look. I think the neighbors across the lake heard him "whoop"!

Once Ring Security had done a sweep of the area, the ceremony kicked off with a view of the lake as a beautiful backdrop. Thunderstorms were looming, but held off just long enough - besides, everyone agreed dark, brooding clouds fit the theme.

In a first for me, the recessional was amphibious - they kissed and then sailed off into the distance after a push from the best man. (RIP his shoes...)

Just as the celebrations had moved inside for the reception, the storm clouds broke and poured torrential rain. The building even lost power twice during the cocktail hour, but not only did the crowd not care, they greeted each outage with a cheer, and an even bigger one when it clicked back on!

First dance, speeches, a delicious surf and turf dinner, and cake cutting got the formal celebrations out of the way, clearing the night for lots of dancing and visits to the photobooth.

Late that evening, the rain quit and the clouds parted just enough to give us a beautiful sunset sky. I stole Nate and Skoobah away for a few quick portraits...

...and one silhouette photo I knew I just had to get.

For their final song, they broke out... Well, I'll admit I didn't recognize it, but it brought the house down.

An amazing night befitting an amazing couple. And that scale-mail armor is one of the coolest wedding details I've ever seen. 

Love you guys! Congratulations!

The Goth Bride

I've previously talked about my friends Skoobah and Nate when I did their unique engagement shoot for them last fall. I was super excited when Skoobah's mom, Judy, asked if I would photograph her bridal shower as a surprise. I even managed to catch the moment Skoobah realized who was standing behind the big camera lens. 

I was also really excited to see that Judy totally bought in to her daughter's preferences where it comes to theme. There was no shortage of skulls, candles, and other gothy, steampunky details. 

Also: no shortage of amazing, homemade desserts. I got to take home a doggy bag of treats which, for the record, is a very good way to tip me.

After a lovely dinner, Skoobah opened her gifts while her guests played bridal shower bingo.

A couple of her bridesmaids did something very cool that was new to me - using pieces of wrapping from the gifts, they made her a bouquet. Very cool.

Finally, Skoobah and her bridesmaids goofed off in front of the very impressive homemade photo booth backdrop. Odds are good this backdrop will be back for the wedding day.

Just a couple of months to the wedding! Can't wait, because I know it's going to be something really special.

Some Hartford Flavor

Savannah and Andy had originally planned to go to a local park for their engagement photos, but the late October weather had other plans. Instead, Savannah was able to get us into the Hartford Flavor Company's tasting room.

I'm actually really glad for the change, as I think the photos came out great and are much more unique to this couple.

One of the staff on hand made some cocktails for Savannah and Andy and told us a bit about the company.

When we had exhausted our picture ideas inside, we popped outside for a few rainy photos.

It was a really fun day, and the bottle of birch liqueur I brought home was awfully tasty.

Till Death

I'm so excited to finally be able to share these! Skoobah and Nate are college friends of mine, so they asked me not to share their engagement photos till they could surprise everyone with their save the dates... which they appropriately timed to arrive for Halloween!

As soon as Skoobah told me they were planning on doing skull face paint I knew the perfect spot - a local trail where I've taken other couples, but which is also home to a bunch of creepy hidden gems.

Skoobah and Nate were great! They were having so much fun, it was easy to get amazing photos.

I love these photos so much, they've actually changed the way I do engagement photos a bit - I'm trying to encourage couples more to find something unique to them as a theme for their engagement session.

I can't wait for the wedding!

Get Pumped for the Wedding!

I was so excited when Paige contacted me about her engagement shoot - she and her fiance, Jay, wanted to do the photos in one of their favorite places, Snap Fitness.

I love a flower-filled park as much as the next photographer, but it also puts a smile on my face to do a shoot that is truly unique to the couple - and this was definitely a first for me!

The shoot itself was pretty straightforward - Paige and Jay arrive ready to exert themselves and with a variety of poses and favorite exercises in mind.

I could tell they were more relaxed and having more fun than most because they were in their element. I know these two are going to have a fun wedding too!

Congratulations, Paige and Jay!

"I Do" At The Zoo

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!