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.

Married on Prom Night

I arrived at Elizabeth Park on Friday for Ben and Chelsea's small, intimate wedding, and was confused to find... crowds of sharply dressed teenagers.

It turns out, Elizabeth Park is a popular spot for pre-prom photos.

Luckily, Chelsea and Ben had a couple of determined guests to help herd the crowds away from the gazebo, and everything went off without interruption.

After the ceremony, we did a bunch of group photos with their close family and friends. Then Chelsea, Ben, and I wandered around to find some beautiful spots for portraits.

It was a great time! Ben and Chelsea were easy going and have a great sense of humor. 

Congrats Ben and Chelsea!

500

I'm out of town this weekend, so a quick post to celebrate hitting 500 straight days of taking a photo a day. It's a lot of fun, even though there are a lot of my fiance... our cat... our bedroom around 11:55PM. 

Here are some of the more exciting ones.

#406 - The first photo shoot for my Shapeways shop.

#433 - A dramatic shot from a trip to NYC.

#457 - This crazy place.

#463 - This cute little guy who did not appreciate being picked up.

#493 - An unplanned wedding portrait.

#500 - A fitting ending, hanging with friends on the Cape!

Here's to another 100! Now back to work.

Alabama Meets Massachusetts

I headed up to Westwood, MA yesterday with my second shooter Jeff to capture Lauren and Amy's wedding.

I knew going in we were going to have a great time - Lauren's bubbly personality and laid back style were definite good signs.

The wedding took place at Amy's parent's beautiful old home, with most of the festivities in a giant tent lovingly decorated and catered by Wicked Catering.

After a short, sweet, and funny ceremony, and a handful of posed photos, we quickly got down to the important things in life: food, drinks, and dancing!

Lauren's family, proud Alabamians, really represented for their home state. I had no idea "Roll Tide!" could be worked into so many popular songs!

All in all, a beautiful and fun day. Congratulations Lauren and Amy!

An Uncommon Engagement Shoot

I met up with Marylou, Kevin, and their adorable dog (and Marylou's mom, professional dog wrangler) at Boston Commons on an overcast afternoon this weekend.

Despite the cold and the crowds we had no trouble getting lots of beautiful pictures for this couple and their pooch.

Also, I got the chance to do something I didn't even know I needed to do: take a photo on Acorn Street, arguably the most photographed street in the United States. I don't know if I believe that part, but it was definitely an amazing spot for some photos.

For a day I worried would get rained out, it went really well! I can't wait to work with Marylou and Kevin again for their wedding day!

Coming of Age at Hillstead

This Saturday I got to hang out with Andrew and his family and friends for his Bar Mitzvah. We had such a good time! 

The ceremony took place at Congregation Beth Israel, which has to be one of the most beautiful venues I've ever worked in. Just stunning.

I caught up with them again at the Hillstead Museum for the party that evening. It was a great time with great food...

...fun party games...

...and the traditional Bar Mitzvah celebrations.

I had so much fun and, as with my first Bat Mitzvah last fall, I was so impressed by Andrew's maturity and by the whole celebration.

Then, as a perfect little cap to the night, I stepped outside to take a breath... And looked up to see this view.

Husky Weekend

This time of year, I cover a handful of events for my alma mater, UConn, specifically the School of Business. Unlike most of my work, I can't share that many photos from the events, but I always make sure to get a few more artistic photos.

The first was the UConn Risk Management Conference in Stamford. 

It's no coincidence that this time of year I often start double checking my insurance policies, and buying extra backup batteries...

The second was the EMBA graduation, at the beautiful Society Room in Hartford. I love any excuse to work in this gorgeous old building.

It's also a lot of fun, because I have been working with the EMBA program long enough that I took headshots for these graduates back when they showed up for the first day of class two years ago. 

Is it weird to say I enjoy watching them grow up when they're all older than me? Maybe, but it's still fun.

Hey, Those Look Familiar!

March is ending in it's typical yearly lull. No complaints, it gave my fiance and I a chance to get out of town for a few days.

Pictured: not the Brooklyn Bridge

We visited some friends, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and we spent a day at the Museum of Natural History.

Pictured: Danger Turkeys!

April is shaping up to be busy, though! Mostly events for UConn plus a Bar Mitzvah and possibly a last-minute trip.

It was while preparing for one of the UConn events that I had a strange feeling of deja vu. The photos on the event page seemed familiar... because they're mine from last year's event! Always a pleasure to see my work getting used.