Saturday, October 30, 2021

A rainy Saturday for the Eve of Hallow's Eve made for a cozy living room wedding for Katelynne and Brandon, surrounded by close family and friends. What started as a "quick trip to city hall" developed into this truly special, intimate celebration that they'll get to remember year after year on their favorite holiday. 

When Katelynne and Brandon bought their home nearly two years ago, they bought it with the thought of holding their ceremony there. Plan A was out in the backyard, but as rain held in the forecast, they decided to lean on Plan B - their living room. They loved this idea because it was a room that didn't get much use and now it's the special place in their home that tied their families together.

After the short and sweet ceremony, given by their dear friend, they went right into their first dance together as husband and wife. Everyone was ready to celebrate as they headed into the kitchen for a quick toast  before heading out to Kith and Kin for dinner. 

I chased them over to Kith and Kin for a few rainy umbrella shots, then left them to enjoy their drinks and dinner. 

I said to Katelynne, "isn't it a bummer that you only get to wear this beautiful dress once?!" And she said, "I'm wearing it tomorrow for Halloween!" 

May you rock that dress every Halloween from here on out! 

Thanks again for having me as your wedding day photographer! It was such a TREAT! 

Dress: Elizabeth Ann’s 
Makeup: Jill J MUA
Suits: Bonardi’s 
Rings: Sachs Jewelers
Dinner:Kith and Kin
Flowers: Love and Thistle
Ceremony Rentals: Atlas Events
Cake: Gerardo’s Bakery

October 16, 2021
Back at the Publick House! I love the selection of ceremony and reception spaces that the Publick House offers. Again, the Main St. was full of activity with all the Fall celebrations. All week, rain was in the forecast. Katherine wouldn't even allow me to say the "R" word. She had her people working on it she said and by some miracle, it worked! The day was completely clear and sunny right up until we finished our "end of night" shot. Then it POURED like those clouds had just been waiting for us to get under the tent!
This couple is incredible. Two selfless beings found love in the most improbable place, a hospital. When there's no denying it, love will make it's way!
I was so lucky they chose me to be their photographer. They found me from Dan's sister's wedding where I was the second photographer for Lindsey Topham. Lindsey was SO SAD that she couldn't be there, but I was jumping for joy when the email came my way! 
Katherine and Daniel decided to read their vows privately before their ceremony and then do a first look. They met in the field called, The Meadow where they stood back to back as they read their vows to each other. When they were finished, they each turned to see each other. I hadn't seen that before and I JUST LOVED IT! I'd seen the first look, I've seen readings but not both. It was a very special moment to witness. 
It also eased some nerves - as they celebrated with a bottle of champagne before heading off for portraits and then the ceremony!
Katherine's father had passed away just a few years ago. She brought his hat to have at the ceremony in his memory. When her siblings saw the hat, they all "fought" over who got to sit next to Dad. Then they proceeded to talk to him like he was right there. Katherine's oldest brother walked her to the altar, leaving her with a kiss on her hand. 
I know I don't need to say it, but how beautiful were they?! I mean, WOW! My second photographer said he felt like he was shooting for a magazine! 
Not only were they incredibly good looking (queue Zoolander pose), but they're incredibly gracious, kind, and FUNNY! When their officiant had Katherine repeat, "for richer or poorer", she would only repeat "for richer" because "there ain't no movin' backwards!"
Oh! And how could I forget their flower girl! Katherine and Dan asked Katherine's grandmother to be their flower girl and boyyyy did she love that! GORGEOUS dress with that million dollar smile, she was meant for the job! She killed it on the dance floor too!
Cocktail hour was just perfect with the cozy fire going, drinks, and apps. Dan and his law enforcement crew posed for some photos - those crazy kids! ;) Family members were so happy to be together, they wanted photos too! 
Katherine and Dan made their entrance right into their first dance. They then invited their parents onto the dance floor to join them. 
The rest of the night, as you can see from the photos, was a total BORE. Jussst kidddinngggg! The dinner, the dance moves, the cigars, the perfect cool Fall weather, it was a DREAM! They ended the night with a hot dog cart to absorb some of that silly liquid. The pouring rain just added to the coziness under the tent. It was absolutely perfect!
Congratulations, Katherine and Dan! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys really were a dream!

Venue: Publick House Sturbridge, MA
Second Photographer: Eric Leger

Saturday, October 9th, 2021
Michelle and David said "I do", with all of their friends, family, (and Colby!) by their side. 

A cloudy Fall day at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA - Main St. was bumpin' with activity. Outdoor tents, pumpkins, cider, donuts, apples, scarecrows, and lots of tourists! Michelle was tucked away in her bridal suite with her ladies as she got ready for her wedding day. David hung out with the guys at the cottages on site with their dog, Colby (who has the cutest wrinkly forehead you ever did see!) 

​David and Colby made their way over to the bridal suite for their first look. Colby saw first, but barely recognized his Mom! Nerves subsided as we hopped onto a golf cart to get a few portraits of Michelle and David before their ceremony. David's brother did his best to chase after us with Colby so we could add him to some of the photos! Publick House offers a beautiful private field called The Meadow with a gorgeous tree right in the middle and a red barn that's a short walk away. We also took advantage of our time (and golf cart) to see their ceremony site at the Hillside Arbor. 

Shortly after sunset, guests made their way to pick a seat for the ceremony. Sadly, the lights over the arbor were not working that day so they basically got married in the dark, but that obviously didn't stop them! Colby, the dedicated dog that he is, brought the rings - good dog! They said "I do" and sealed it with a kiss - then off to PARTY!

A little tense as Michelle's team of ladies were confused as to how her dress bustled, but they did it! David remained calm as he tried to find the secret door in the library. ;)

Their reception took place in Paige Hall, beautiful high ceilings with giant chandeliers! Really rustic but elegant! David and Michelle made their way into the Hall with their fans roaring! They went right into their first dance - Elvis Preseley's, I Can't Help Falling in Love With You. Michelle had two MOH's who both gave their own sentimental speeches. David's two brothers were his Best Men. They were very happy to welcome Michelle into their family and paid their respects to those who are no longer with us.

A fun tradition from Uncle Rui was giving them the ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL! I heard from an insider that Rui would bribe couples at family gatherings with a hundred dollars if they'd get married. Uncle Rui stayed true to his word and presented the one hundred dollar bill to Michelle and David. Michelle immediately yanked it away as Rui handed it to David! Too funny!

I was about to pack up my things but FORTUNATELY I caught the Celine show before I did! 

David and Michelle, I'm sure your wedding day is all a blur but after seeing these photos, I hope it's all coming back to you now. ;)

Cheers to a most beautiful and memorable wedding day!

​Venue: Publick House Sturbridge, MA
DJ: Sean from Atlas Event Group
Cake: Publick House The Bake Shoppe
Hair & Make Up: Christy and Co.
Florist: Herbert E Berg Florist
Dress: Marianne's Bridal Outlet
Suit: Bonardi's
Rings: Kay Jewelers
​Second Photographer: Oliver Scott Photography

I got to meet Ashley and Mike for their engagement session last Fall. I went home SOOOO excited for their wedding day! They're incredibly easy to be around. They're very giggly, gracious, appreciative, and clearly in love! 

Friday wedding, forecast: RAIN - of course! It's been such a rainy summer, why not bring it into the Fall too! I spent the morning with Ashley and her ladies at their house getting ready. Rain, rain. They get on the trolley to head to the venue and guess what??? The sun had popped out! Just in time for their first look! Incredible!

Ashley got her dress on at the venue, Butternut Farm Golf Club then met Mike outside for their first look - with (most) of their wedding party viewing from the porch. I loved it! Ashley, with her devilish grin, grabbed him by the butt to let him know she was there. Mike clearly loved it! Ha! They immediately embraced in a hug with their fans cheering in the background. We then hopped on a golf cart to take some portraits of the two before their ceremony.

Their ceremony! Ashley made her way down the aisle to Mike, escorted by her Dad who was trying very hard to hold back his tears. When their officiant asked for the rings, everyone looked at each other like a deer in headlights. "Ummmm, rings??" Mom to the rescue! I should mention here that Ashley's Mom is the wedding coordinator at Butternut. She was trying SO hard to step away from that role and just be the bride's Mom, but at this moment she jumped back into coordinator mode and ran! She got the rings, they fit, they said their I do's, and sealed it with a kiss! PARTY TIME!

A beautifully decorated reception room, fitting Ashley and Mike's style to a T was ready for them to enjoy some dinner, cocktails, and dancing. They rocked that dance floor. And I mean, EVERYONE! It was Friday and they were ready to party! 

Congratulations to you, Mike and Ashley, and your entire crew! It was such an honor to be able to capture your wedding day!

Venue: Butternut Farm Golf Club
Florist: Mugfords Flower Shop
Cake: Bean Counter Bakery
Hair and Make up: Make Up Your Mind Hair Studio
DJ: First Class Weddings
​Coordinator: Events By Chrissie Sue
​Second Photographer: Nicole LeBlanc

Oh boy. I have so much to say! These weddings are pulling at my heart strings big time this year!

Stephanie and Cam had a wedding planned for 2020. They decided to put on the brakes due to the pandemic and wait it out so they could have the wedding they've always dreamed of. Fast forward to July 30th, 2021 and that day came true! 

Their wedding was epic! They lucked out with perfect weather after a super rainy July. I started with Cam at his childhood home. He practiced his vows, got dressed, had a toast with his buddies then headed out to a bar by their venue. I then sprinted over to Stephanie who was getting ready with her ladies at the hotel, twenty minutes from the venue. Everyone was so calm and chill until it was time to go! They beat me to the venue where we were graciously welcomed by the Grand View staff. Stephanie and her ladies were able to have a bite and some champagne while they waited anxiously for the ceremony. 

Grand View in Mendon, MA is so, so beautiful! And the timing of their ceremony was during that golden hour so it was spectacular! 

As Stephanie made her way down the stairs with her Dad on her arm, Cam couldn't help but wipe away his tears. Their officiant, who was also the MOH's husband, was given less than 24 hour notice to put together a speech for the bride and groom. The couple received a sudden cancelation, but boy did he step up! He had everyone in stitches, including Stephanie and Cam (and me!) I think he may have found a new side gig!

After the ceremony, we took the wedding party and family over for photos while the other guests enjoyed cocktail hour. Everything was so close, the staff was able to bring over beverages and apps while we took photos. I'm seriously obsessing over this venue! 

Stephanie and Cam were welcomed into the reception with a standing ovation, guests twirling their napkins in the air! They made their way onto the dance floor to the theme of Star Wars. I'm not sure if it could even be heard over the roaring crowd! 

After their first dance, the best man and maid of honor gave their speeches. Cam chose his Dad to be his best man, so his Dad had to decide whether to give his speech as a "Dad" or "best friend". He decided to do it as his Dad and boy, it's still bringing tears to my eyes! Cam joined the army right out of high school and climbed the ranks so quickly, he was almost immediately deported. It was a really hard time for his Dad, he barely slept as he waited for his safe return. Watching his Mom's expression as he spoke told me that she was all too aware of this feeling. It was all just very touching and so incredibly special to have his Dad up there giving his best man speech. 

Then Katie stepped up to bat and like her husband, she delivered! You'll notice in my photos that Stephanie is wearing a U shaped ring with blue lights while on the dance floor. Her Mom was worried that she'd get too hot while dancing, so she gifted her with her own personal AC unit that she could wear on the dance floor! So this is a thing. Stephanie runs hotttt and all her friends know it. So here we are with Katie's speech. She describes a night out with Stephanie, at the club, they're dancing and having some drinks... when they all go to the restroom to freshen their make up, take some selfies, and whatnot. All of her friends are by the mirror and over under the air dryer is Stephanie, cooling off her face and body! I'm not doing this story justice, but the way Katie told and acted it out was hilarious! And let me just say, this girl took her role seriously! She had Stephanie's  back in every way! Helped me with photos of her dress, getting her ready, got her husband to marry them, and then came the dance floor. If you didn't know Katie, now you know Katie! She is like a party starter! Everyone was clearly ready to party but she kept it rolling! I applaud you, Katie and hope you can make it to all of my future dance floors! ;)

Ok, I've said a lot. This was a really special wedding that had build up like you wouldn't believe! I hope you partied all weekend, Cam and Steph! I hope you're still celebrating! I feel so lucky that I got to capture which I'm sure is one of the best days of your lives!

Venue: Grand View in Mendon, MA
Dress: Your Dream Bridal
Hair: Beauty Boston Artistry
Make up: Beauty Boston Artistry
DJ: Craig Fowler from All That Events
Harpist: Mary King
Cake: Gerardo Italian Bakery
Second Photographer: Nicole LeBlanc

​

I learned during the ceremony that Karla has had her eye on Evan since elementary school! I don't know what took him so long but he eventually came to his senses. They are simply adorable and compliment each other so well!

The forecast suggested thunderstorms all day. And yes, they appeared but when we needed them to go away, away they went! The luck is certainly on their side!

Karla looked amazing! I looooooved her dress! Her best friend did her make up. Karla said, "I don't even need to look in the mirror." 

Karla and Evan wrote notes to each other, which they read before their ceremony. Karla blatantly admitted that his was better, as she wiped away her tears. If it's true that he made her wait all that time, then she deserves it!

It was Evan's turn to wipe away the tears when he saw Karla walk down the aisle with her Dad. He's so cute. It was clear to everyone how smitten he is with Karla. The way he looks at her, holds her, dances with her. They truly have something special!

This wedding did not stop after I dragged my body home and into bed. Nope! They kept the night going hours after! So hopefully these photos will draw back some memories of this epic day! 

Thank you for having me capture all the emotions! I have lots more to come and I cannot wait to share them with you! Cheers to a beautiful future together! Thunderstorms and all!

Hair: @lift_lob_love
Make up: @vanessa_pasq
Dress: Lastrina Girls
Rings: Stevens Jewelers Lashbrook Designs
           Lauren B Jewelry
Suit: Mens Wearhouse
Florist: Mark Henry Florist
DJ: Jesse Paulo "New Image"
Cake: The Latest Kraez
Caterer: Twin Hills Country Club
Venue: Twin Hills Country Club
Limo: Bill's Limousine
Second Photographer: Nicole LeBlanc

Here we go! Welcome back, weddings! 

Can I just start this off by saying how much I missed this?! The thrill of capturing a wedding day never disappoints. All the preparation, the nerves in getting there, the excitement of the big moment, the spectrum of emotions - to be witness to it all is just the coolest thing and I'm so grateful!

Amanda and Keith clearly put a lot of time and effort into making their day as spectacular as they could and it showed! The venue, the flowers, the food - I could tell that they were creating a day to remember! I was noticing their choice in vendors through out the day and how excellent they were! I mean, I was literally taking notes for my brother and his fiance!

After getting ready in the bridal suite, Amanda chose to do a first look with her Dad and Stepdad. She looked stunning! Both were clearly so proud of their little girl! Speechless!

Cool as a cucumber, Keith broke into tears when he saw Amanda step into the aisle. With all eyes on her, she was locked into Keith who was trying his best to hold back his tears. It was as though it was just the two of them in that room for those split seconds.

They joined hands, said their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it with a kiss! Quick and sweet and off to party!

After family portraits, we took the wedding party outside in the heat for a quick portrait session. After being isolated from family and friends all year, everyone was so excited to be together!

DJ Nicki Nell introduced the parents, the wedding party, and the new Mr. and Mrs. Harris! The reception had begun and the dance floor was rockin! A family tradition, everyone was given sunglasses and formed a conga line to three specific songs. Someone will have to remind me of the songs - I know one was Sunglasses at Night. Darn, what were the other two? Comment below! I just loved that tradition. It definitely got everyone on the dance floor! So fun!

My personal favorite of the night was when the DJ handed Amanda a fog blaster! Her reaction was priceless! I'm still laughing!

Sending you big hugs, Mr. and Mrs. Harris! You did it! Hold onto those sunglasses because your future is BRIGHT! ;)

Venue: Boylston Rooms
Dress: Pearl Bridal in Holyoke, MA
Suits: Men's Wearhouse
Hair/Makeup: Vivid Salon & Spa Westfield, MA
Catering: Myer's Catering
Florist: Feather and Bloom in Suffield, CT
DJ: Visual Sound Productions - Nicki Nell
Rings: Hannoush Jewelers
Cupcakes/Cake: Frosted Swirl Cupcakes, Westfield, MA
Second Photographer: Nicole LeBlanc

I decided to kick off the season with a mini session at Ferjulian's Tulip Field in Hudson, MA. The original day was postponed due to weather but it was worth the wait! Blue skies, sun, and a fresh breeze!

When I saw on Facebook that Ferjulian's was willing to host photographers and their clients, I had to jump on it! Ferjulian's Farm is a photographer's goldmine and it holds a special place in my heart. I got to work at the stand through out my high school years. To this day, it was one of my favorite jobs! Certainly a lot of work, but so rewarding! I loved being outside with the flowers and the fresh smelling produce. 

Thank you so much to all of the families that came out! Some familiar faces, some new! You guys rocked! 

And of course, thank you to the Ferjulian Family for allowing us to use your beautiful grounds for this session. My clients and I were so grateful and are crossing our fingers that you allow it again! 

Like so many towns and cities around the country, Hudson had a peaceful demonstration tonight to acknowledge the injustice of George Floyd's death and so many before him. A Mom in town organized the event saying she needed to do something! (Thank you so much, Julie!) It was so wonderful to see the heartfelt signs and chants of the people of Hudson, gathering for such a powerful purpose!

​A change is going to come - OH HELL YES IT WILL!

This was so fun! I loved reading your stories and learning a little bit about you during this lonely time of quarantine. I hope these images brought a smile to your kids' faces! I know here at my home, my kids have good days and bad. It must be so incredibly confusing for them! 

Together, we were able to support many locally owned small businesses, including the Hudson Food Pantry! I can't wait to use those gift cards you sent! Haberdash, Rail Trail, Kith & Kin, Cafe 641 - you'll see me running when this is all over! Truly, very generous people out there! 

Thank you to Tara Mapes for creating these incredible backgrounds and for bending the rules to allow me to use parents' photos! I know a bunch of you had a lot of fun getting out there for your photo shoots! The costumes, props, and poses were phenomenal! 

I'm so excited to add this to my list of services! They'll make such great gifts for birthdays and other special events! 

This all came about because a client of mine asked if I'd do something special for their daughter's fifth birthday. It was such a hit, I decided to do it for my kids! Their eyes lit up like I hadn't seen in a long time. I knew I had to share that!

If you have an idea that's been itching you, share it with me! We're all trying to navigate this quarantined lifestyle together. It's fun being able to connect with new ideas and I certainly love to make people feel special! 

Take care, everyone!