The Next Adventure

Karen and Ben were never going to have a “normal” wedding. They met backpacking through the wilderness, live for adventure, and when Karen first contacted me she was pretty sure their summer camp venue meant she could zip-line into their ceremony.

These are some of my favorite weddings, though - ones that break the mold to perfectly fit the couple. The ceremony was simple, and sadly zip-line free, but their personalized vows were funny and beautiful.

The reception began with toasts, dinner, and cupcakes-

-but most of the night was given over to dancing to the live band, messing around on the monkey bars, and generally having a great time with their friends!

Congratulations, Karen and Ben!

Baby Brother on the Way

Jessica contacted me about doing some maternity photos of her growing family.

We met at Valley Falls Park in Vernon, a convenient spot for both of us and one of my favorite haunts when I lived in town.

It took a some time to win over their little one (a common problem with two-year-olds) but we got there, and got some great photos of this adorable family.

Some of my favorite photos were a set poking fun at their contrasting taste in books…

…and a bunch just messing around with their daughter, who much preferred being the center of attention.

I’m looking forward to meeting their son in August!

Dancing With Friends

Rachel and Ross’s wedding was my third or fourth visit to Tunxis Pavillion, a great venue in Farmington. The day began with the girl’s getting ready in the recently redone bridal suite and posing for some group photos.

The ceremony was simple and beautiful, and Ross delivered a great face on seeing his beautiful bride.

We got a ride on golf carts out to the Pavilion’s beautiful posed photo spot. I love it every time!

The reception began with the usual activities - first dance, speeches, dinner.

After dinner, parent dances and a bouquet and garter toss.

But the focus of the night was lots and lots of great dancing! And, yes, Rachel and Ross had the DJ play the theme from Friends.

All together, an amazing night! Congratulations, Rachel and Ross.

Time to Celebrate!

Melissa and Sean’s wedding began with prep at a friend’s home and the hotel where they’d be staying that night.

Their ceremony was held in the beautiful St. Blaise Parish in Waterbury.

After a stop to visit Melissa’s grandfather, everyone made their way to the Ethan Allen Hotel for the rest of the night. We started with couples photos, and Sean and Melissa made my job easy.

The reception kicked off with their first dance, which was beautifully choreographed!

They also hit the usual highlights - cake, speeches, parent dances.

But you don’t hire Chaos Productions - who brought a DJ, a drummer, and a designated hype man - because you want a quiet reception. They came to party!

It was an amazing, fun, and loud night! A total blast.

Congratulations, Melissa and Sean!

My Friends are Expecting!

My wife has known Faith for over a decade and a half, and I went to school at UConn with Vic, so needless to say, we’re super excited they are expecting their first little nugget!

We met up to do some maternity announcements at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford. By chance we were right in time for Peak Rose™, which meant sharing the park with approximately twenty other photographers. Honestly, though, the roses have never been my favorite part of Elizabeth Park, as pretty as they are. I much prefer the old greenhouse and mixed flowers planted all over the grounds.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather, moseying around the park for a about an hour and hitting all my favorite spots. My wife came along as well and played dog wrangler with Tali, their Goldendoodle when she wasn’t needed for photos.

I’m so excited for their maternity photos this winter and meeting their newest family member early next year!

Summer Fling

Back in June, I went out to Waterbury for another great Mattatuck Museum event, this time at the beautiful campus of a local school. (The museum is currently undergoing a renovation project that is going to be amazing!)

Called the “Summer Fling”, it was English garden party-themed, with charity games, a silent auction, and an amazing dinner.

It was a beautiful night, with perfect weather, lots of good times, and a lot of money was raised for a great cause.

I can’t wait to see the museum when it reopens!

Eight

Today is eight years since I registered Zack Wussow Media with the wonderful folks at the Vernon Town Hall. Eight years of weddings and engagements, maternity and babies, events and portraits.

It’s been a wonderful eight years and I’m so excited to see where the next years take me!

A Capital Day

Sara and Abhishek somehow managed to plan their wedding while planning and executing a second wedding in India! I’m having anxiety just thinking about that.

Their entire US wedding was held at the Marriott Hotel in Hartford, a surprisingly wonderful venue with access to some of the awesome elevated walkways downtown. The day began with prep for the guys and girls in neighboring rooms.

My second shooter, Jeff, also got some awesome, artsy photos with the guys in the top-floor pool.

The ceremony was held in part of the Capital Ballroom. Sara and Abhi wrote their own vows, and they were so sweet!

While the guests were in the lobby bar for cocktails, the wedding party and I used some of those elevated walkways for some really fun posed photos. As always, my favorite were the couples photos.

And some pictures of the beautiful bride, of course.

The reception was a ton of fun. It started with the usually dances and speeches.

The DJ set up some fun games and Abhi’s cousins especially kept the dance floor hopping all night.

Finally it was time for the night to end, with a great sparkler exit.

Congratulations, Sara and Abhi!