elizabeth wertz photography: Stacy and Chris: Newburyport, MA

Today marks one month since Stacy and Chris were married in the heart of charming downtown Newburyport. I have to start this post by recognizing what a true honor it was to document Stacy and Chris' day. Stacy is a wedding planner with Kate Parker Weddings, and this girl KNOWS weddings! To say she had vision for her wedding doesn't even begin to describe it--Stacy created MAGIC out of every last detail of her day...She unleashed her artistry on the grand at Mission Oak Room, with it's gothic windows and rich scarlet walls, and what resulted was sleek, modern-romantic, and luxe. Her color, of course, was RED, with bold black accents, like her sash and the brocade fabric draped everywhere. Sexy. Sassy. Oh and not to mention, delicious--berries in cocktails, cupcakes, and a whole spread of sweets. My fabulous friend and former teaching colleague Lorrinda Cerrutti was my second shooter for the day, and though it was her first wedding, she added her unique perspective (as a fellow arist and kindred spirit of mine, I wasn't surprised that it came naturally for her).

Something I loved was Stacy's sweet inability not to "wedding plan" her own wedding (she was quietly and gracefully running the show even when trying not to!). It is obvious that Stacy is passionate about what she does--not to mention excellent at it (future brides take note!). I could see her shoulders relax when her own planner, Shelby O'Connell of So Chic Events arrived on scene before the ceremony, and assured Stacy that every detail was in place, and the day was running according to plan.

And now I have to talk about Chris. With a leading lady so incredibly "in the know," you'd think he'd be one of those "just show up" grooms. But oh no, Chris was so present leading up to and on their wedding day--he was just as thoughtful, just as involved, just as excited for the day to unfold--and most importantly, so sweetly emotionally tuned to the sigificance of their union.

Okay, so I could draft an epic about this wedding, but I am going to limit myself to glimpses that I found particularly touching: the bridesmaids signing Stacy's shoes, the seat left open at the ceremony in honor of Stacy's late father, the tender look on Chris' face when he first saw his bride, Stacy's neices accompanying her walk down the aisle on violin, Stacy's tears during the ceremony making her eyes an even more striking blue, Chris sweeping his niece up into his arms right after the ceremony, the smile (and fabulously RED dress) on Stacy's tiny mother, Chris' father's epic, heartfelt toast, and his obvious pride in his son, Stacy's teeny-tiny hands in her husband's....I know, I am in full-throttle mush-mode, but this is what I took away....Actually, it's what I hope my photographs can say without my having to...

I melt for a pair of red shoes. And look at that bling!