Dec
31
As a tribute to all of the fabulous couples and the amazing weddings we have been a part of this year, we thought it only fitting to celebrate love in the form of the wedding ring. So here’s a few of our more creative and fun ring shots from 2009.
Our bride Shelley wanted to honor the city where she and her husband were getting married, so they incorporated historical Boston images and special locations into their seating arrangements and used this book as their guest sign-in book. Photo taken at the Wang Theatre at the CitiCenter Performing Arts Center in Boston, MA.
This photo seems like it is the beginning of a cinematic short. I have a whole story in my mind about how the rings meet and talk and fall in love. Okay perhaps I am getting carried away. Photo taken at Wine and Roses in Lodi, California.
This image combines the rings with a family heirloom. Love the sentimental connection. Photo taken at destination wedding at Hans Fahden Vineyards in Calistoga, California.
The Russian dolls were the favors at Yelena and Rob’s wedding. They made a great prop for the rings. Photo taken at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts.
More than meets the eye. You know the rest. Photo taken at the Fort Mason Officer’s Club in San Francisco, California.
Many, many thanks to our fabulous couples, our supportive family, and our warm and loving friends. We wish you all a healthy and happy 2010!
Dec
28
Dave and I had the opportunity to visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich and all I can say is WOW!!! One of my friends had gotten married there a few years ago and was telling me about the venue, I was so excited to see it as he had nothing but positive reviews. But honestly it is even better than he described.
First of all there are multiple fabulous options for an outdoor wedding. I know it is hard to think about that right now with the first serious snow just melting and more on the way, but that was always the way I pictured my wedding. I am pretty sure I am not alone on that one. So if you are like me and felt an outdoor wedding was your first choice, you have 3 great options: on the lawn facing the beach, on the lawn facing down the hill towards ocean views, and in the Italian Garden.
A few photos of option 2:
A few from option 3 (I think this is what I would do- I love the feeling of this secluded garden space- feels like ancient ruins)
Laura Daly and her team are great. They will also have a perfect back up plan, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We got a peek at the indoor option and it truly is lovely.
The best spot for cocktail hour, in my opinion, is on the back patio. I love this location because you get to enjoy the sweeping views of the water and have the gorgeous architecture as a back drop. Plus if you wanted to do a group photo it’s an excellent location for that.
Side note, awesome story, these two griffin statues were given to the Crane family as a gift from their servants. They had the sculptures custom made to protect the house. All I have to say is that the Crane’s must have been amazing employers to generate that kind of love from their staff.
Then you have two options for your reception as well. You can host the party indoors- the spaces are grand and elegant. Or outdoors on another patio. You could even tent the outdoor space.
And I just had to share a few of my favorite details from the site.
Dave and I enjoying the view.
I almost missed these bas relief sculptures of the cranes. Very cool and very appropriate.
All in all, I was amazed by the beauty of this wedding venue and the thoughtful consideration of their events team. I also really appreciate that they are making efforts to be green and provide environmentally beneficial resources, plus when you have a wedding at a historic site like this, your rental fee contributes to the greater good. Not a bad way to celebrate, in my opinion.
Dec
24
This year, I joined the Junior League. Didn’t know much about it, but liked the idea of getting to meet new people in the Boston area along with having an outlet to do community service. Turns out it was an excellent decision. My project allows me to work with a great group of young ladies. We meet up a couple times a month and do all sorts of activities geared towards building self-esteem and self-awareness in the girls.
Recently, we had a bit of a holiday celebration, complete with holidays songs, gingerbread house building and decorating, cookie decorating, and games. The sugar highs were fun and the kids were at their silly and serious best. So here’s a few pix from our party!
And I had to put up a special PicFlick of my favorite girls!
Dec
18
Stylish. Fun. So sweet on each other. Leah and Dave are a joy to be around and were so much fun to photograph on their wedding day.
A few of my favorite bits from the day:
Dave purchased his tux. He knew it would be tailored perfectly if he owned it and he wanted to look his absolute best for Leah. He even spent some time ironing earlier in the day.
Leah gave Dave a special cologne and Dave gave Leah a special perfume as a wedding gift. They had learned that emotion tied to scents are uniquely suited to bring back memories; they selected new scents for their special day so they had another way to recall their joy. I love this.
They wanted the first time they saw each other to be private and intimate. It was so beautiful.
Leah didn’t even blink at the cold, and it was cold. She looked totally relaxed for all of their portraits, and there were lots. She’s one tough lady.
Dave and his twin brother Mark took a moment before the ceremony. I don’t know what they said to each other, but I loved watching their closeness.
The look on Leah’s dad’s face when he was giving her away.
When Emily (wife of Dave’s brother Mark) and Steve (husband of Dave’s sister Lauren) had a special welcome for Leah as the newest in-law.
Oh boy, I have a lot of favorites. I could go on all night. But perhaps I should get to some photos….
So here’s the rest of their story. Starting with the ceremony.
I love this photo of Dave waiting for Leah to walk down the aisle, with Mark watching him. Dave has already seen Leah on their wedding day, in her wedding dress. And there is definitely something different and equally special about this moment. You can see it in his eyes.
Their ceremony was held under the stars in the pavilion on the grounds of Wine and Roses in Lodi, California. The candles, lanterns and flowers added so much romance to the space.
Leah’s parents enjoyed the ceremony…
As did Leah.
It was also filled with emotion.
Dave’s dad found the newlyweds after the ceremony for a congratulatory hug.
Leah and Dave’s reception was in the ballroom, a beautiful warm lodge-like space. They sat a sweetheart table in front the fireplace and enjoyed a toast to their new status.
First dance.
I mentioned this toast by Emily and Steve. Emily not only welcomed Leah to the family, but also shared advice on living with one half of a pair of twins. Emily is married to Dave’s twin and so she knows all about it.
Then the party got underway.
Some guests were caught up in the romance of the day.
Others got into the dancing frenzy with Dave.
The dance floor was never empty, to be sure.
What a great night, all around! And for those who can’t get enough, a little PicFlick….
If you want to see more from Leah and Dave’s stunning wedding at Wine and Roses, definitely check out their slideshow.
And a big thank you to all of the professionals who helped make their day so special.
Event planners: Emily Mattos and Kristen Jensen from Sugar Rush Events
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Catering: Wine and Roses
Gown Designer: Reem Acra
Make-up artist: Mina Drake
Cake: River City Cake Company
Floral Designer, lighting and room decor: The Big Bang
Rentals: Stuart Rental Company
Ceremony musician: guitarist Davis Ramsey
DJ: Music By Brian
But the greatest thanks go out to Leah and Dave. We have so loved getting to know you both and are thrilled that we could be a part of your celebration. And so much gratitude to your wonderful families. We love you all!
Dec
17
And she did it!
That’s right our fearless bride Courtney took a taste of fire for the first time on her wedding night. Her friends guided her. And her very supportive and understanding groom Brian cheered her on (not pictured here).
And now for a step back in time.
The getting ready is the first chance we get to check out our bride’s stylistic choices for the day. Not only did Courtney have a super cute dress and very stylish shoes (as featured in the sneak preview), she also had a birdcage veil. I love this. With the right dress, on the right person, it is the exact right touch. Courtney was just right.
Meanwhile the boys were hanging out next door. Already dressed and prepped, Brian had a bit of a wait. I think he just wanted to get upstairs to see his bride.
And pretty soon, he got his wish. She met him at the end of the aisle in the Topsfield Commons ballroom. They were both all smiles and warmth.
Our ringbearer performed his job with grace. So cute. (He took his job very seriously and insisted on getting this clean-cut hairstyle prior to the wedding. What a young gentleman!)
After the ceremony, Courtney and Brian went upstairs for their family portraits.
Before the portraits got underway, Brian embraced his father. After hearing the stories, I can honestly say I want to be like his dad when I am older. He’s got tons of energy and it’s clear his family honors, respects and adores him.
A few more from their first dance.
Did I mention all of their talents? In addition to fire eating, trapeze flying, videography, and graphic design, they can do one hell of a swing dance. Awesome lift!
Once they opened the dance floor, you couldn’t keep their guests off. And Greg from C-zone did a great job playing music to keep the dance floor jam packed all night long.
So maybe one guest wasn’t so into dancing.
Courtney took the opportunity to take a spin with various guests.
The romance of the evening definitely caught up with this couple.
I wanted to close with a few portraits from their day.
We took this one of Courtney after the family portraits.
Then once the party was underway, we brought Courtney and Brian downstairs for some alone time and a few more photos.
I love the feeling a privacy and intimacy in this image. They are clearly in their own world.
If you want to see more from Courtney and Brian’s amazing north shore wedding, definitely check out their PicFlick.
And a big thank you to all of the professionals who helped make their day so special:
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Catering: Kristi Martino from The Topsfield Commons
Gown Designer: Priscilla of Boston, special thanks to April Abbott
Bridesmaid Dresses: Baby Girl Boutique
Groom’s Tux: Frank’s Custom Tailoring
Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Mary Bandereck
Floral Designer: Annette Rinaldi
Ceremony musician: Christian Cundari
DJ: Greg from C-Zone Music
Hair styling: Shag
Finally, a HUGE thank you to Courtney and Brian. You guys were and are amazing. Your trust and faith in us made the day so very enjoyable. And we absolutely love your adventurous spirits. We are so glad that we get to continue working with you on future projects.
Dec
14
I am always excited when I talk to a groom and he is as into the wedding details as the bride. That doesn’t happen very often mind you, and that’s fine; I just think it is so cute when the gents get excited about the whole shebang. So when I had my preconsultation phone conversation with Dave and Leah, I was amazed. Leah knew all of the details, to be sure, and she was on top of all the organization, but Dave was right there alongside her. And they each had their own projects. Dave even gave us a special tour of his favorite spots at Wine and Roses, their wedding venue. Together, they made their wedding day so special and memorable for each other and for their guests.
Just to give you a taste of their amazing style and their joyous day, here’s a sneak peek of all the fun before the ceremony….
First a few details.
Leah got ready in the bride’s changing room, above the Garden Ballroom. She was surrounded by her mom and her bridesmaids. Love the matching track suits- and the super cute "bridesmaid" tees.
Then she donned her glimmering dress.
Definitely star appeal in this number. So much sparkle.
Leah is stunning.
Dave got ready in his twin brother, Mark‘s, room. Mark made sure that Dave looked very dapper.
Check him out! What a handsome fellow.
Once they were both all set. They met up in a secret location to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The privacy of their special locale made the moment even better.
Leah took a step back to get a good look at her groom. Big smiles all around.
Enjoying their alone time.
After we finished all of the portraits, the whole group went back to Leah’s getting ready room to relax, freshen up and warm up.
The boys clowning around…
Before the ceremony… I love the way Dave looks at Leah. Could he be sweeter?
Of course, this is just the beginning. Definitely check back for photos from their beautiful ceremony and their awesome party.
Dec
06
Courtney and Brian are artists, both professional filmmakers and editors as well as graphic designers; plus Courtney is a trapeze artist. We were unbelievablely honored when they chose us to photograph their wedding day.
We wanted to make sure we captured their day in a way that spoke to their fun and creative nature as well as their individual personalities. Courtney is exuberant, energetic and courageous. And Brian is so, so sweet and supportive and genuine. They perfectly compliment each other. So today I share with you just a taste of what’s to come from their wedding at the Topsfield Commons. I hope you enjoy!
Courtney’s beautiful dancing dress and super cute shoes.
Hanging with the girls before the wedding.
Hanging with the boys…
A few portraits after the wedding. Tender sweetness.
A little background for this photo…. Courtney and Brian asked one of their dear friends to perform the ceremony at the wedding. She also happens to be a trapeze artist and a member of the circus arts community. During the ceremony, she handed Courtney and Brian each a clown nose with the wise thought that they never take themselves too seriously. They started not taking themselves too seriously immediately after the wedding and obliged us with a few emotional photos.
Another of Courtney and Brian’s talents’, swing dancing. They were awesome with aerials and all. (By the way, guys, we’d love to join you sometime. We haven’t been swing dancing in a very long time and totally miss it.)
Stealing a kiss during dinner.
After dinner and a bit of dancing and a few drinks, the circus crew went outside for a bite of dessert, aka fire. Okay so maybe it was more of a show than dessert, but it was so cool. This would be the "ringleader."
Several guests gave it a shot. And Brian used the tools of the trade to light his cigar.
Courtney was considering giving it a go. She had actually decided not to do it prior to the wedding- you know the whole don’t want to burn myself up and ruin the honeymoon idea- but then on the night of the wedding, she considered it. Here’s one of her attempts. Aaahhh, but did she go through with it? Check back to find out.
And I have to put a plug in for Courtney’s next trapeze show. It’s at the TSNY Beantown Boston area facility on Saturday, December 19 at 8 pm. We are so excited to finally be able to make it to one of her shows and it promises to be amazing. Come if you can!
Stay tuned for more photos.
Dec
04
And laughter and tears, pretty much all at the same time, and it certainly made for a great day. Joy and beauty enveloped Sarah and Bryan for their wedding at Stern Grove in San Francisco, California. Jo and I are captivated by Stern Grove on it’s own- it is a place of nature (the redwoods are stunning) and music (each year hosting the Stern Grove Festival). Now I add "love" to the list, as Stern Grove was the back drop to this amazing wedding.
I started the day with Sarah and her girls at the Clubhouse.
Sarah walked down the aisle with her mom and dad on each arm, and tears of joy in her eyes.
This image says it all. Sarah’s dad gave Bryan a warm welcome into the family, before the ceremony even got underway.
Check out their ceremony site. So beautiful among the trees.
Watching.
Under the chuppah, sealed with a kiss.
Then they took a few moments for their portraits and to enjoy their newlywed status.
Let the party begin. Friends and family got things started with some music.
Sarah and Bryan kicked off the dancing with their first dance.
Did I mentioned laughter? Because there was tons of it. I am still laughing over the toast by Sarah’s cousin in which she explained the origins of the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass. Her explanation was one I had not heard before, and it had everyone reeling from laughter.
More dancing followed dinner.
Shosh and Jon, who introduced us to Sarah and Bryan, took a spin on the dancefloor.
The guests definitely enjoyed themselves.
And for that matter so did Sarah.
Thank you so much, Sarah and Bryan, for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day. I had such a great time working with you and am thrilled to share the rest of your photos with you. But first, a little PicFlick….
For more of Sarah and Bryan, check out their slideshow.
