Saturday, July 07, 2012

Annie and Kelsey: Niantic, CT Wedding

I was honored to document the marriage of Annie and Kelsey on a perfect spring day on the Connecticut coast. Annie is a special family friend, and she let me know years ago that I was to be the one to document her wedding day--she just had to find the perfect man! And to win the affections of Annie, he had to be someone extraordinary. Annie is a treasure of a person, with a warm, gentle countenance and giving heart. She is deeply devoted to her faith, firm in her beliefs, responsible, hard working, and loyal. She is truly beautiful inside and out. And she did find her perfect match: Kelsey is smart, good-natured and deeply faithful, and he and Annie meet on so many levels--thus, he was an instant hit among her close community of family and friends. They are so well suited, and it didn't take long for them to begin planning a life together. On the morning of the wedding, Annie got ready at a friend's home in Niantic, CT with Long Island sound in view, and the ceremony took place just down the street at the beautiful St. Agnes Catholic Church. It is not often I photograph a wedding with SIX officiants--but Annie and Kelsey are so involved in their faith and have such a strong connection to the Catholic community, that they had six priests/deacons on the altar helping to perform the sacrament of their union. Also, making the day extra-sweet for me was the fact that my brother, sisters in law, nephews, and niece were in the wedding party (check out the darling kiddos below). Following the ceremony, we went to the beautiful Harkness Memorial State Park for photos in the gardens that surround the grand mansion, Eolia. And after that, it was on to Stonington Meadows for the reception, where Annie and Kelsey were received with open arms by their guests and a lively party followed. Annie and Kelsey, thank you for having me, and including my family in your celebration. It was such a fulfilling day to witness. Your connection is visible in the way you dance, locked together, eyes closed--and it was such an honor to capture that closeness, and document the first day of your married life. My adorable nephew Isaiah peeking out at me as I work. The exquisite grounds of Harkness Memorial state park. Overload of adorableness (if I do say so myself). Daffodils and ocean air... It's not every day you see a priest gettin' down. Kelsey and his best man Take a peek at the slideshow set to their first dance song, "the Magic Hour:"