Jun
25
There are so many ways for love stories to happen. Sometimes couples meet in high school, sometimes through work or through friends, sometimes online. One of my favorites is definitively a chance meeting which through time and space would seem improbable. Somehow the stars align and the two who were meant to be together meet. Mary and Jason’s is one such story. They met when Mary was in England. An American girl meets an Englishman. They fall in love and manage being long-distance. Then at last they get married and begin their life together.
Mary started the day at a close friend’s home; she got ready there and even did a few portraits with her favorite ladies. We’ll start off with this image by Brian Lee who joined me for the day. What a great moment he captured!
Checking in with her friends….
With mom.
With the girls.
We all headed over to the church. Jason was all ready to go and looked very dashing. He’s a Brit so that seemed a given.
And he was very happy to see his bride join him at the end of the aisle.
The guests from across the pond enjoying the ceremony.
The church is so beautiful- it has great architectural details with a modern craftsman flair.
After the ceremony, we took a few portraits around the church.
Then we headed over to Santana Row.
And the Hotel Valencia. Jo and I photographed a wedding at the hotel a few years ago but didn’t get nearly enough time to enjoy all that it has to offer. I was so excited when Mary said she wanted to go there for photos. There are so many opportunities for great images.
Brian knew about this fabulous wall around the corner from the hotel. We were lucky enough to catch a lady who was moving in upstairs. She had this great black leather couch and was happy to lend it to us for a few shots. The red wall, the lanterns, the black leather couch and our stunning couple- can’t imagine anything better. Teamwork made this one!
This super sweet portrait by Brian.
Off to the reception at Maggiano’s. The cake was really beautiful. Loved the sculputural quality of it, and I think the silhouette definitely captures that element.
Have a I mentioned how much fun everyone had on the dance floor? Mary and her ladies took the party to high gear. This one by Brian.
Old, young and everyone in between knew how to kick it up on the dance floor. Love the movement!
Weddings have so much energy and the nature of the energy changes from moment to moment. Mary and Jason took this opportunity during a slow song to hold on tight and enjoy being Mr. and Mrs.
Congrats Mary and Jason! I can’t express what a joy it was to photograph you and your families. (We have known Mary’s side since Krista and Andy‘s wedding a few years back and are so glad we can continue to be a part of these wonderful celebrations.) A million thank you’s!
Special thanks to all those who made their day incredible:
Getting ready venue: friend’s home
Ceremony site: St. Andrew’s Church
Reception venue: Maggiano’s
Wedding cake: Cake Expressions
Floral Design: The Wild Geranium
DJ: Joel Nelson Productions
Invitations: David’s Bridal
Hair and make-up: Nirvana Salon, Los Gatos
Gown designer: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew
Groom and groomen’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Much gratitude to Brian Lee for tagging along on this fabulous wedding. It was such fun working with you.
If you want to see more from Mary and Jason’s wonderful day, check out their slideshow.
Jun
19
In my sneak peek of Dara and Keith’s wedding, I shared all about their warmth and caring natures, but what I neglected to share was how fun they are. That definitely came out during the reception. They know how to have a good time.
But first a few romantic portraits, which they took during their cocktail hour and as the sun was setting later in the evening.
As the cocktail hour came to a close Dara and Keith and their bridal party were introduced. Each couple had a different creative entrance, from casting a fishing pole and reeling the other in to throwing the bouquet like a football and getting the touchdown (very appropriate as Keith is a huge Patriots fan.)
Dara and Keith ran in to victorious cheers and went right into their first dance. They nailed all of the moves and looked so happy doing it.
Especially loving the dip at the end!
They enjoyed the time they had to visit with guests. Dara was so excited to hear that one of her friends would be joining the ranks of the newly married.
Keith spent some time chatting with Dara’s dad and family friends.
The kids were hilarious. You couldn’t get them off the dance floor. And the ringbearer was having a blast sword fighting with the little plastic swords he is using here as antennae.
On the other hand, these two could still bring the crowd to tears. Dara dancing with her dad.
And her mom watching.
Keith with his mom. He looks so proud to be dancing with her.
Then…. photobooth time! Love these two shots of Dara and Keith I captured through the booth curtains. So shows who they are- sweet and just a little bit silly!
Special thanks to all of the professionals who helped make Dara and Keith’s day idyllic:
Beth DeGray and the team at The Log Cabin created the perfect atmosphere and provided exceptional service to our couple and their guests. They were responsible for the getting ready space, the ceremony site, the cocktail hour, the reception venue, the amazing food, and the stunning cake.
Floral Design: The Growth Co.
Invitations: Renaissance Writings
Hair and Make-up: Ochoa
Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids Dresses: After Six
Groom and groomsmen’s tuxes: Gentlemen’s Warehouse
Thank you to Dara and Keith for choosing us to photograph your day. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you and your families. We are thrilled we could be there.
If you would like to see more from Dara and Keith’s wedding, please check out their sneak preview and their slideshow.
Jun
15
Two of the most warm and caring individuals, Dara and Keith are the epitome of kindness and love for each other and their families. It was a joy watching them connect with everyone at their wedding. When we spoke to discuss the details, they highlighted so many people they wanted to capture photographs of (like Dara’s uncle) and moments they knew they were going to cherish (like Keith’s brother crying during the ceremony). Here’s just a taste of their beautiful day.
Dara got ready in the bridal suite at the Log Cabin in western Mass. She was surrounded by her dearest friends and closest family members. Two of her bridesmaids helped her tie the corsette laces of her wedding dress.
A moment to check out the dress and all of her personal details. Dara’s classic beauty and softness shine in this image.
Meanwhile the boys were all set so they took some time to enjoy the stunning mountain views.
Just before Dara walked down the aisle, the flower girl and ringbearer prepared to lead the way.
Keith was terrified that he was going to cry during the ceremony. Apparently he is known for this, having cried during his brother’s wedding. He was trying desparately to keep it together in preparation for Dara to walk down the aisle.
On the arm of her father.
Arriving to her groom.
Check out this amazing, stunning, spectacular, gorgeous, out of this world mountain view. And the temperature was perfect. An idyllic scene, no?
The gentle breeze caught Dara’s veil and the light made it glow during their vows. So pretty.
I absolutely love this image of Dara’s mom and dad during the ceremony. You can feel the love they have for each other and for Dara and Keith just by looking at their faces and body language.
Just as Dara and Keith started their departure after their kiss and being pronounced man and wife, their ringbearer realized he was on the wrong side of the aisle. For a young man, what other solution is there, really, but to dash across to the correct side? Too funny.
And at the end there were bubbles – have I mentioned that I love bubbles?
What an all out great day! Definitely check back soon for more from Dara and Keith’s spring wedding.
Jun
09
We often say that engagement sessions are like double-dates, except we have cameras. After all, there’s a lot of laughter, we go to beautiful places, and we generally have fun. Our e-session with Maren and Steve was no exception, plus their session included dinner and dancing to boot.
We started off in the North End, for a really beautiful and quaint bit of Boston. We were lucky enough to enjoy near-perfect weather. So we wandered and strolled and found some quiet nooks and a few more public spots for a wide variety of surroundings.
Monday was a great night for the shoot as it also happens to be the night that many restauranteurs take a break. We had the doorway to this little Italian restaurant all to ourselves.
At the edge of the North End, you also get a unique view of Boston.
We then took the Charlestown Ferry across the river at sunset. The light was beautiful, the wind cool, and the views amazing. I am so glad Dave suggested this- what a great way to enjoy the water and the cities on both sides.
Once in Charlestown, we walked along the pier and captured a few images of Maren and Steve enjoying the scenery, the breeze and each other.
Among the boats.
We took a break as the dusk turned to night and enjoyed a meal at a favorite Tavern overlooking the water. Then ventured out for a few more on the pier.
As promised, there was dancing.
It was so hard to choose which ones to share. These two can not take a bad photo. Definitely check out their slideshow for more photos.
We can’t wait for their wedding at the Glen Manor House near Newport.
Jun
05
I am so excited to be sharing a sneak preview of images from Jackie and William’s amazing wedding at a private club in the Back Bay. I am limited by what I can show you at the request of the club management and their members, but I am able to share a few snippets from William’s getting ready, the portraits along Commonwealth Ave and a few details. So I hope you enjoy.
Dave started the day with William at the Boston Harbor Hotel, where he was getting ready. This view from William’s room would totally put anyone in the right frame of mind- peaceful, serene, stunning.
William was very excited about the tux he had custom-made by Brooks Brothers for the occasion. It seems only fitting that he receive artful photos of his attire.
A final check….
The effort and choices he made were impeccable. He looked so dashing.
William made his way to the club in a Rolls Royce, arriving in high style.
Meanwhile, Jackie was at the club getting ready. She chose a Vera Wang gown; the fabric flowed beautifully and totally showed off her figure. Plus the texture and shape was a perfect match for the cherry blossoms, which she used throughout to decorate.
After they saw each other for the first time (a truly emotional and beautiful experience), we popped outside for some photos around the Back Bay. Comm Ave is surrounded by gorgeous brownstones and a tree lined pedestrian way, so finding locations was no challenge. Plus we still had the Rolls Royce to play with.
Such a gentleman…
And a few little bits from the ceremony. The groom’s vows…
The embrace.
And a post ceremony portrait of their gorgeous puppy, who also played the roll of ring bearer. He was so cute walking down the aisle, and looked so handsome with his bowtie.
More to share soon, but if you want more now, and I wouldn’t blame you, definitely check out Jackie and William’s engagement session in Princeton and their love story by Generations Cinemastories.
