Meredith both called and emailed me one morning over a year ago, eager to find out if I was booked for her wedding date--and as soon as I spoke with her, and heard the excitement in her voice, I just knew we were going to hit it off. We met up for coffee soon after, and the meeting was a first for me: within a half hour of chatting, they signed with me, and we went immediately out into the streets of Portsmouth for their engagement session. They are up for anything, and oh my goodness, to see Sean look at Meredith! He smiles with his eyes, and is so funny and genuine, that you can't help but think the world is a wonderful place in his presence. And Meredith is so tiny and lovely, that Sean just sweeps her up in his arms, and it is so sweet to see. Their wedding was so well thought out and meaningful. I was fortunate to have the help of my friend and talented photographer, Mat Gardella, who was an enormous help, as well as being positive and uplifting and keeping me laughing all day (even when one of my cameras kicked it in the middle of the wedding). We started with their adorable first look on the steps of the lovely Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, and then hopped in a trolley to go to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, located at historic Fort Constitution. We had clearance to enter the fort, and I fell in love with the grounds, and especially the inside of the lighthouse, with its brick walls and swirling staircase that made me feel like we were inside a seashell...This oceanside theme was present in every detail of the day: the ceremony overlooking the harbor, the tables each named after a different lighthouse in New England, the two tiny adirondack chairs on top of the cake, and at the base, their initials drawn in sand....But best of all was just being in their presence, seeing Sean beam at his bride, and seeing their marriage off to such a wonderful start. Congratulations M & S, you two are the best, and I hope you enjoy your first peek at the photos...
High-fiving after their first look. The shot on the right is by awesome second shooter Mat--it is one of my favorites! The inside of the lighthouse was amazing. Love the angle of the shot on the right by Mat.. Close-up kiss shot by Mat! A little flower girl drama...Sean's neice was so cute! On the right, one of the shots from part B of their engagement shoot on Rye Beach. Sean's brother's best man toast was taped to a skateboard, a momento from their childhood. There were some killer moves on the dance floor--such as this gem...
And last, their slideshow. Be sure to turn your volume up to get the full effect:
Today marks one month since Jen and Eric were married at the beautiful Simsbury Inn in Simsbury, CT. Eric is one of my little brother's best friends, and he is the whole package: brains, handsomeness, kindess, athleticism (he is a renassaince man, and is even into photography! So you know he's gotta be awesome). But honestly, the quality that stood out to me the most on their wedding day was how apparent and tender his love for Jen is. He barely took his eyes off her all day, smiling down at her with his cute broad smile! In fact, I would give Jen and Eric the award for "most ridiculously adorable smiles," Eric with his pearly-straight teeth and Jen with her huge smile and precious dimple...And they are both tall and athletic--the kind of gorgeous that is the best gorgeous because they are both so seemingly unaware and natural...In fact, Jen had us laughing so hard in the bridal suite--no drama, just warmth and laughter. It was a pleasure capturing all of the sweet moments of their day. Jen and Eric, I apologize for the delay--you made my job so easy, and at last, here is the result...
Loved the Inn's blue damask wallpaper and mirrors for shots in every direction... Jen, gorgeous in b&w... See what I mean about the adorable dimples! Jen is my first bride to wear a gardenia in her hair--like I did on my wedding day :) Flashing those fabulous smiles at each other. Jen's dad was so smiley and sentimental all day. No wedding is complete with out a couple guys strumming the classic air guitar
And of course, the slideshow (as always, turn up the volume!):
When I met Alison, I knew instantly we were going to be a match. She came to meet me with two of her three wonderful sisters, her wedding planning team--and we laughed and bonded over tea and could have gabbed for hours. Alison is warm and smiley and and sweet, and this of course was particularly true on her wedding day--she was absolutely glowing all day long, with beauty, with happiness...Exactly the way you should feel on your wedding day (I know, I may sound cheesy to say, but I can because I was looking at her through a camera lens all day long :) Alison and Billy both grew up in Roslindale, and started dating when they were only 17. And they found themselves, more than a decade later, standing across from each other on the most perfect evening you could want (the clouds parted for clear blue sky and a gorgeous sunset over the water at the lovely Lakeview Pavilion, in Foxboro) affirming their long-held promise to each other. I loved Alison's asthetic, the super-vibrant colors (hooray for hot PINK), the totally fabulous shoes, the pretty-in-pink programs that doubled as fans, the underwater orchids, (centerpeices), the fluffy peony in her hair...But mostly, I loved watching Alison and Billy honor their enduring partnership. Thanks to the happy couple for that honor!
Did I mention I loved Alison's choice of COLOR? And I couldn't hold myself back from that orange wall (thanks sweet Kelly!) Red carpet caliber hair. Shockingly blue eyes. Alison, you gorgeous girl. FAVORITE shot of the night. I stole the videographer's light on this one (shout out to Gary of Gary Antle Productions)
Last, but not least, the slideshow! Turn your volume up and enjoy...
