Monday, October 31, 2011

Ashley and Chris: The Riverview, Simsbury, CT

Ashley and Chris were married on a clear September morning, their union ever so charmingly set against a picturesque New England backdrop. When I arrived, Ashely was dancing around the hotel suite, in short-shorts and veil (I loved the juxtaposition of her athletic spunk and wedding day glam), her curls bouncing, smiling from ear to ear. She was radiant, and sporting the quintessential bridal "glow." And it was with her all day, especially when she saw her groom at the end of the aisle. Chris had that "something" about him too--and you couldn't help but be a sucker for true love, watching him wipe away tears as his bride walked toward him. I was fortunate to have the added bonus of photographers Courtney Kerr and my friend Mat Gardella, who added their perspectives and jovial spirits to the day. We went from the charming church atop a hill, to Simbsury's unique Flower Bridge, to the Riverview, with it's grand windows that look out over the Farmington River. I loved the mixture of traditional and modern touches Ashley and Chris worked into the day. I was particularly impressed that Ashley made all of the floral peices for the day herself: the bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, even centerpieces. Her personal touch was everywhere--a fact which always makes for the best weddings. Perhaps it was because it was the perfect Autumn day, perhaps it was because it was morning, and natural light touched every part of the day, perhaps it was the newlyweds' pure joy, or their warm families, or the collection of precious kiddos coloring the dance floor--but I left the wedding that evening, and drove all the way home, daydreaming of Matt and my girls, without even turning any music on. The two hour drive felt like twenty minutes. And because it was a day wedding, I was home in time to fold my little ladies up into my arms, and sing them to sleep, what a gift! It was a joy to be part of your day, Ashley and Chris, and I can't wait to see you, still revelling in your newlywed glow at Suzie and Mike's wedding this coming weekend!

Rhinestones and berries, can't go wrong...



Sexy little bride.




Shades in church...why not?




Love it, Mike (far left, adorable brother of the bride, and groom for my wedding this coming weekend!)

A little class and a little sass...

They were just "begging" for a jumping shot with those parasols!




My favorites of the day, immersed in brush and wildflowers...




The super-adorable paparazzi helped document the event.


Chris has some MOVES up his sleeve.


This can-can line was so much fun to shoot (especially the lass with the blonde curls!)



For more where that came from, check out the slideshow (and be sure to turn up your volume)...

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Amy and Bill {Hawthorne Hotel wedding}

When I stepped into Amy's grandmother's adorable home on the morning of her September wedding, the scene before me set the tone for the rest of the day. The little white cape was a feminine haven, pink decor down to the tiniest detail, the little pink kitchen buzzing with girls in various stages of hair and makeup glam, and Amy's sweet grandmother, standing there smiling while watching her granddaughters getting ready amidst giggles and happy tears. Like the new Dutchess Kate, Amy's beauty is understated and timeless, and she has the sweetest personality and carries herself so elegantly. Looking at her porclain face through my lens as she posed in the doorway of her grandmother's home was like viewing a portrait of a 1940s bride or Old Hollywood headshot. In many ways, the day was like stepping back in time. I don't know if it was her grandmother's home, dappled with trinkets of the past and the smell of homemade muffins baking, or if it was Amy's traditionally elegant gown with lace bollero and the delicate vintage hankerchief she wore on her finger, or Amy and Bill's first dance, where they waltzed with perfect form (way to go, Bill!), but I was in a dreamy romantic cloud all day...It was an honor to be part of, from the throw-back timelessness, to the elegance of the lovely ballroom at the Hawthorne Hotel, to the couple's close-knit, enthusiastic families, to the lively and crowded dance floor, to Amy and Bill's second introduction into the reception, dressed in berets and sequins (Amy) in honor of their impending honeymoon to Paris...In every way, it was such a full, memorable day to capture, and I am so pleased to finally unveil the photos...


Amy's sister has an exhuberant personality and wonderful energy; I couldn't keep my lens off of her.


Amy, you were exquisite.





For formals, we went to Winter Island in Salem (a hidden gem for photos).





Again, timeless.









Love this guy.

Bill "gettin down" with one of his groomsmen.


The France-bound couple make their second grand entrance...I loved this!




And now for the slideshow (turn up your volume so you can hear the song)...