While working on Ariel and David’s wedding photos, I came across a series of David’s changing expressions when he was waiting for Ari to walk down the aisle to become his wife. First off, you may recall that these two saw each other before the ceremony. And still this moment was extraordinarily emotional. This was my experience on our wedding day and has been my experience observing several other grooms, but seeing David in this way, I knew instantly how I would describe this particular phenomen. David was truly a Sweet Mess (the nice version of Christian‘s ‘hot mess‘). And I gotta say I adore that about him.

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While I think that term is particularly appropriate for gentlemen, Ari wasn’t far behind. From tears to laughter in moments. Beautiful.

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To give you a sense of the scene around them, check out the view from their ceremony site at the Fruitlands Museum. They chose to celebrate their nuptials in a field, under a tree, overlooking the valley. And clearly they have done some good things in their lives, because karma was on their side. It had been raining the whole week before and then rained again the whole week after. But on their wedding day, the skies were perfect.

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More laughter.

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Ari and David added many personal touches. I especially liked that their unity candle was lit with flames from both parents; all of their guests also lit candles as part of the ceremony.

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Happiness.

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After a few portraits as the sun was setting, we returned to the tent for the reception. And they went right into their first dance. Loving the twirling skirt captured by my associate Rene. Last night, during their premiere, Ari and David shared that they had only spent about 10 minutes planning their dance. Really? I still don’t believe it. They completely owned it.

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Ari’s sister gave such a nice toast with a sweet story. More laughter ensued.

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Ariel’s dad enjoying dancing with his daughter.

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And David with his mom. More sweetness.

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And then there were the guests. Clearly enjoying the music.

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This is just one of many fun photos of Ariel’s mom. She wore a smile literally every time I looked at her.

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During one of the extra toasts.

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Then at last, Ariel had a little free time to get down on the dance floor. Good times!

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What an amazing day! Congrats and many thanks to Ariel and David for including us in your celebration.

And much gratitude to the team of pros who helped everything go so smoothly. First of all, Francie Dorman from Linnea Tangorra Wedding Planning, you did a wonderful job. It was great to work with you.

And the rest of the best:
Getting ready venue: Le Meridien Hotel
Ceremony and reception site: Lillian Lee from the Fruitlands Museum
Floral: Meredith McCarthy Floral Design and Tangorra Wedding Planning
Officiant: Rev. Sylvia Johnson
Caterer: Fireside Catering
DJ: Greg "Gates" Plowman from Entertainment Concepts
Invitations: Lilywillow Paper and Press and Gus and Ruby Letterpress
Hair: Melissa Gullotti
Make-up: Dani Wagener
Bride’s dress: a private label
Groom’s suit: Ralph Lauren

Want more of Ari and David? Definitely check out their engagement session, their sneak peek and their PicFlick.