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!

Pop the Cork

Savannah and Andy’s engagement was so much fun and so unique, I knew their wedding was going to be a lot of fun.

The day began with prep photos, the guys at the couple’s home, and the girls at the Avon Old Farms hotel.

The Avon Old Farms, by the way, is a great wedding venue in itself and has some awesome spots for posed photos.

Then we went to the Pavilion at the Tunxis Country Club for the rest of the day. (Incidentally, I’ve been there before, too!) First, the ceremony. There was hardly a dry eye in the house!

Then, the wedding party and immediate family were driven by (high-speed) golf cart to a special spot for posed photos. Lots of great couples photos, too.

The reception kicked off with the big events - First dance, parent dances, toasts.

Then a buffet dinner, and the dance floor was open! DJ Rudy kept the people moving all night.

Just before I took off, I brought them outside for a final portrait. The lift was his idea.

Congratulations, Savanndy!

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!

Lemon Approved

Alicia and Dave’s whole wedding took place at Lighthouse Point Park, a venue I’ve been to many times before. The day started with prep at the park, with the couple’s dog Lemon keeping them company.

Then it was time for the first look, which would have been on the beach if not for the crazy wind blowing in off the water. No problem - the carousel made a great backdrop too.

There was time for a couple posed photos before the ceremony.

Then it was time for the ceremony. Thankfully the wind had come down enough to let the ceremony be held outside.

The timing worked out perfectly to then do some posed photos with the sunset, which was one of the most stunning I’ve seen from this venue.

After introductions, it was time for speeches and dinner.

Then Alicia and Dave shared their first dance.

The bouquet toss rounded out the formal events.

The rest of the night was given over to dancing, and it was a blast! The bridesmaids really held down the floor, especially the maid of honor who was amazing.

It was a really fun night with a great group of people!

Congratulations, Alicia and Dave!

All In The Family

Jennifer and Gary came to me through her cousin, Faith. I was really looking forward to their wedding because they had a lot of unique touches that I knew would be really fun.

The day began with prep photos, a process made much more fun with the inclusion of two adorable flower girls.

Next, we met up at the church in East Lyme for a first look. The actual moment was just for the couple, but my favorite photos came in the recreation for an audience.

We also did some great posed photos that involved just the smallest bit of trespassing. Don’t tell!

Pictured: My second shooter Jeff Hamm encouraging unlawful behavior.

The ceremony in the church was lovely - it’s a beautiful, centuries old building.

Then it was time to head over to Great Neck Country Club for the reception. It’s a lovely smaller venue and the staff were great. Things got started with introductions and the first dance.

Speeches and a blessing followed.

After dinner, in lieu of traditional parent dances, Jen and Gary danced with their children. Gary and Morgan’s dance was touching, and Jen and Noah’s choreographed dance was hilarious. (Hopefully it will be on Youtube soon and I can share it.)

The flower girls got in on the action too, performing to Shake It Off.

After a bit of dancing, it was time to cut the cake. Gary was mostly a gentleman.

The rest of the night was for dancing, cigars, and silliness.

Plus we went out for some late night couple portraits, which produced some of the dumbest “behind the scenes” shots I’ve ever had.

I’m holding a little flashlight so Jeff’s camera can focus…

All in all an amazingly fun night. Congratulations, Jennifer and Gary!

Look Park Wedding

Katie and Bryan wanted to have a relaxed, informal, fun wedding, and they got it. The day began with a short stint of hair and makeup in Northampton, but quickly moved to The Garden House at Look Park, where the rest of the day’s festivities would take place.

Katie and Bryan opted for a first look, which was beautiful, and gave us the chance to take care of formal photos.

The ceremony was held under an attached tent, with a couple of extra touches I really liked, like a memorial lamp for Bryan’s mom, a sand ceremony, and a glass breaking.

The cocktail hour was tons of fun and overflowing with amazing food - sliders, crab cakes, and a nacho bar.

Introductions were followed by the first dance, parent dances, and speeches.

Then lots more amazing food, and it was time to cut the cake.

That was it for planned ceremonies - the rest of the night was for music, dancing, dessert, and good times with friends and family.

It was a beautiful day. Congratulations, Katie and Bryan!

Throwback: A Simple Ceremony

Erica and Ryan didn't need me for very long - just enough to cover an outdoor ceremony and do a few posed photos.

It was a beautiful fall day, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

A short event for a sweet couple!

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!