Married at the Mansion

I caught up with Rachel and Robert at Tarrywile Mansion where they were getting dressed in the beautiful bridal suites. Tarrywile is one of the most unusual venues I've worked with, but also one of my favorites. It looked great decked out with cuban-inspired decorations to honor Rachel's heritage.

They had their first look on the main staircase, and then we went and did a bunch of couples and family photos.

Their ceremony was held on the wide porch, with a beautiful view of the grounds behind.

The party then moved inside for cocktail hour. The caterer's Cubano sandwiches were so good! Though I will admit I am a sucker for any food in bite-size pieces delivered by waiters.

They had their first dance on Tarrywile's unusual dance floor - essentially the main hallway. Robert joked that it was his first time dancing ever. At least, I think he was joking...

After a toast, dinner, and the cake cutting...

...it was time to open the dance floor. It took a little while to get going - not uncommon with a smaller crowd - but DJ Ian dialed in the music and people packed the dance floor.

I made sure we snuck out for a few more quick couples photos - Tarrywile has some excellent spots for nighttime portraits.

I stayed to the end of the night. It might have been the wonderful atmosphere, the wonderful company, or maybe that the waitstaff kept handing me desserts... But I just was in no hurry to head out, even as the crowd dwindled to their closest friends and family.

Congratulations, Rachel and Robert!

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!

An Engagement to Remember

When Kashika and Ashish contacted me, they were very clear that it wouldn't be a traditional wedding - it was an engagement party for their American friends and family before going to India for the real wedding. I didn't mind - it was still an amazing day.

The day began with some hair and make-up, and then photos of the couple.

After a cocktail hour, they had the most energetic introductions I've ever seen, led in with a live drummer and the whole wedding party backing them up.

After cutting their cake, the couple and a bunch of their friends put on Bollywood style choreographed dances. 

Between the music, the moves, and the ladies' beautiful outfits (the guy's looked good too), it was really something else.

It only got better from there - this was a dancing crowd for sure!

Before I headed out, we got a few more photos of the couple...

...and then I wished them well on their trip to India! Congratulations, Kashika, and Ashish!

By The Sea

I've worked at Lighthouse Point, and I've worked several times at Anthony's, but I'd never worked at Amarante's right between the two until Amanda and Craig's wedding. It's a beautiful venue - unfortunately the rain kept us from taking full advantage of the lawn, but we made due.

That said, the rain did nothing to diminish the celebration. After a short indoor ceremony, the cocktail hour kicked off with live music and wonderful food.

Actually, the food was a really interesting point. Amanda had told me in advance that there was no formal sit-down dinner, just a "cocktail service". I didn't know what to expect, but figured it would be like a usual cocktail hour - a handful of snacks passed around by waiters. Well, there was that - but also constantly refilled stations with hot sandwiches, finger food, and later desserts. It was some of the best and most fun food I've had at a wedding.

After the first dance, there were a handful of touching speeches from friends and family.

Later they cut their beautiful cake. (By the way, thanks to the maître d' for making sure to get me a piece of cake - it was really good.)

Through the whole night the band kept people on the floor with wonderful music, and everyone had a great time.

Congratulations Amanda and Craig!

Watching the Weather

It's pretty unfair, because there were a hundred amazing details at Shannon and Kevin's wedding, but the one that is going to stick with me is watching the up-to-the-minute weather radar. All through the prep...

...and through the first look and group photos...

...we were all huddling around our phones, watching the clouds sweep over Avon and crossing our fingers. In the end, it worked out! The weather cleared just enough at the right time that they could get married in the open air.

From there, the rest of the night was a blast. Four wonderful speeches, a touching first dance, and lots of great food and music to last the night.

It was a really amazing night!

I suppose there was one other detail that really sticks out. All night a cheery little gnome kept popping up. I never did get the full story behind that...

Congratulations, Shannon and Kevin!

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!

Evergreen in Simsbury

(This wedding took place November 2017.)

I was so excited to work with Laura and James again after their engagement shoot last fall. 

The entire day took place at Simsbury Inn, a venue I worked at earlier this year and really loved. It looks great with Christmas decorations too!

After prep, they had their first look in the glass-walled greenhouse next to the ballroom.

The ceremony was indoors, a beautiful service officiated by Laura's dad.

After a fun cocktail hour set to the Beatles, it was time for their first dance.

The rest of the night was a blast, with an enthusiastic DJ and a crowd more than willing to dance!

Congratulations Laura and James!

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!