Suzanne and Andy chose to see each other before their ceremony. They had a private moment in the gardens at StoneTree Golf Club to drink each other up. Suzanne approached Andy and teased him a little before she asked him to turn around.

He couldn’t stop looking at her. She was absolutely stunning.

We took the opportunity to do their portraits before hand. Not only did they look their freshest and had plenty of time for some great photos, but they were then able to enjoy all of their cocktail hour. It was the perfect choice for them.

So sweet and fun together.

I adored Suzanne’s dress. It was perfect on her- the best combination of sexy, glamorous, and playful. Check out the awesome mini-accordion crinoline underneath. Great texture.

And then it was time for these two to get hitched. Andy waited patiently at the end of the aisle for his bride to enter.

She walked in on her dad’s arm. And here, I have to take a little detour from the wedding narrative, because I got to hear a lot about Suzanne’s dad on the car ride from the hotel to StoneTree. He was an angel helping out with the wedding. Anything Suzanne or her mom needed, he took care of it. In fact, her mom said something along the lines of, "I love your dad more than ever today." She was so proud of and amazed by him. Probably the sweetest thing I have ever heard a mother of the bride say about her husband on her daughter’s wedding day. Really.

And now back to the story… Looks like he was pretty happy to help out, and especially happy to have his daughter on his arm.

The ceremony was beautiful, under clear blue skies.

With the rings, it became official.

And the celebration began immediately following the pronunciation of husband and wife. Let the party begin!

Did I say party? You betcha. Absolutely do not miss this one- coming soon. The 80’s cover band knocked our socks off and kept this party rocking!

Maren and Steve planned an absolutely stunning destination wedding at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. Their guests traveled from far and farther to celebrate with them and were treated to a weekend getaway celebration. Care was given to the smallest of details (each guest had their own personalized itinerary) and thought to the feel of the whole event. Spaces were created for relaxation, for dancing, for socializing. More on all of that later in a details blog post. For now, I want you to be able to get a sense of what it was like to be a guest at this wonderful wedding. And the answer is nothing short of amazing.

As I skipped ahead to Maren’s entrance in my last blog, I thought I would take a step back because I love this moment before Steve enters. The anticipation gives me goosebumps.

The guests also couldn’t wait to see Steve’s reaction to Maren’s entrance.

The ceremony was full of smiles and tears. When Maren and Steve brought each mom a specially embroidered handkerchief and white rose, Steve’s mom already had tears on her cheeks. So Maren helped wipe them away. Steve’s love and understanding of his mom came out in his smile.

Gotta love the folks who bring out the laughter.

At the end of the ceremony, Maren and Steve had not one, but two kisses, and then this very tender look as they enjoyed their new husband and wife status.

Oh wait, make that 3 kisses.

We snuck away for a few portraits on the grounds.

Immediately it felt like Maren and Steve were meant to be on this estate. They were so at ease at the Glen and comfortable in the space. It fit like a glove.

A private toast before they joined their guests.

The cocktail hour was enjoyed on the back lawn and guests spread out to all of the outdoor spaces, really enjoying the property.

Steve and Maren were such excellent hosts. It seemed as if they had invited all of their nearest and dearest to their private country estate. They really took ownership of the celebration, graciously welcoming their guests.

Loving the playfulness that comes with children.

And the sweetness. I can just imagine the conversation, something along the lines of "You look like a princess" from one of the ladies. Followed by "So do you," from the other.

A quick portrait on the steps with the whole bridal party. The kids are simply too cute.

For that matter, so is Maren. This moment during their first dance is hilarious. Maren is perfectly in character.

Loved hearing the story of how they chose the first song. Steve had requirements, well really just one. He didn’t want a song that would make him cry. Something upbeat fit the bill and as he liked Dean Martin, "Ain’t that a Kick in the Head" seemed a perfect choice. It was all fun, no tears.

As it turns out, his mom had similar requirements. So Steve surprised her with his favorite song from his childhood, Elvis Presley’s "Teddy Bear." The crowd, and his mom, loved it.

Dinner was served.

And guests wandered in and out of the ballroom, the dining rooms, and the outdoor spaces on this perfectly lovely evening.

What it actually means to be married I think. Too funny.

Just as we were about to depart, Steve broke out the cigars. He was hanging out with his friends- the whole group of guys, and gals, enjoyed a celebratory smoke.

Oh, what a night! And day, for that matter. This was such a wonderfully joyful wedding. I am so glad we could be a part of it. Many, many thanks to Maren and Steve for including us.

Additional gratitude goes to all of the professionals who helped make their day so fabulous. Each and every person was amazingly talented and wonderful to work with. Honestly I think Maren said it best though. "I just want to invite them all to Thanksgiving dinner." Now if that isn’t high praise.

A very special shout out of thanks to Katie Wilkinson the manager of their ceremony and reception venue, the Glen Manor House. What a joy it was to work with you! Everything was impeccable.

Getting Ready location: Kate Jenkins of the Pelham Court Hotel
Caterer: Ingrid Martins of Blue Rocks Catering
Cake: Kate Repko from Cappuccino’s
Floral Design: Sayles Livingston of Sayles Livingston Flowers
DJ: Sidney Posey of DeeJays Etc.
Ceremony Musicians: Crystal Pascucci and Quartetto Vivo
Hair and Make-up: Wavelengths Salon & Spa
Wedding dress designer and salon: Simone Carvalli; Maria Spyridopolous of Sabella Couture
Bridesmaids Dresses and salon: Watters & Watters; Cheri Amor of Perfect Bridal
Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse & Tuxedo

And the knock your socks off invitations, place cards, save the dates- aka the full design suite put together for their wedding, by none other than our groom, a professional designer by trade, Steve Reepmeyer.

So honestly truthfully, I had such a hard time narrowing these down for the blog. I really hope you will check out their slideshow and their PicFlick. And if you haven’t yet seen their engagement session, definitely check that out.

What we didn’t count on was Maren and Steve’s good fortune. We had no idea they had some kind of extra special karma hanging out in their corner. Because what unfolded was nothing short of a miracle.

Maren got ready at the Pelham Court Hotel- a sweet boutique hotel with a great suite for our bride and her ladies. She didn’t seem at all concerned about the weather, which at that point was all sunshine in Newport.

She and Steve saw each other for the first time in the courtyard of the hotel. I love this moment where they get a good look at each other. And I love that Dave purposely captured the blue sky as part of the image. He wanted to make sure they had at least one photo with blue skies from their wedding day.

We took a couple of portraits in the courtyard. We actually had to have them sit in the shade, because it was still so bright out.

Then we headed off to Ocean Drive, for photos along the rocky coast line. As we drove there, we could see the storm clouds getting closer.

Check it out in this image. Towards the west an ominous sky.

In the same spot, but toward the east, the bridal party got to enjoy a few more moments of beautiful blue.

At this point, the sky was getting dark fast. Steve asked his groomsmen to bring the umbrellas to us, just in case. They were ready for the worst. Strangely the storm seemed to stop and hold it’s position.

We were able to capture a few more at this spot, and even stop at another along the coast.

I was so glad that we had been able to get those photos in. I figured that was all the luck we would have and was prepared for the inevitable indoor ceremony. When I arrived at the Glen Manor House, I was greeted with blue skies again. What?!? I thought. Then I saw that the gardens were set up for the ceremony. I honestly thought the coordinator had made a mistake. She told me she had checked the radar and it looked fine. I was shocked but happy.

Then of course, the skies turned to gray again. Didn’t bother the ring bearer one bit, though.

Maren and Steve took a moment to enjoy the view of the water, gorgeous even with the gray skies.

Then the ceremony began. And unfortunately just as the bridal party made their entrance little drips of water started falling very lightly to the ground. This is it! I thought. Now it’s going to downpour on their ceremony. The pessimist in me came out. I couldn’t help being concerned for all of the guests and our truly fabulous couple. And just as quickly as it had started, Maren walked out, and I kid you not, the drizzle stopped.

Not one more drop fell. Crazy? Maybe. True? Yes. A miracle? Absolutely.

Post script- I suppose all this sounds a bit overdramatic. And I can be prone to that, but just to give you a sense of how bad this storm was, everywhere but at Maren and Steve’s wedding that is, check out this article.

Starting with the birdsong backdrop during their portrait session.

During their first dance, guests enjoyed watching our couple show off their moves.

While they were visiting tables, a Persian game between the bride and groom and their guests turned into a spontaneous dance party.

Mina and George are not the only ones who felt the inspiration to dance. Almost instantly everyone was on the dance floor.

Mina and George took center stage.

Taking a break from the music, for a few toasts.

A sweet slow song.

Girls just want to have fun… with the bouquet toss. This one taken by our associate, Brian Lee. The ladies had such a good time.

Boys! Boys! Boys! The garter toss. Mina giving George a little instruction about what to do and not to do.

One boy getting psyched up for the garter.

Closing the evening out with a lullaby, my favorite by Brian. This young lady was pooped from all the fun.

What a pleasure it was photographing Mina and George and their families, such fun spirits. Thank you for including us.

And much gratitude to the team of professionals who made their day so lovely:
Getting Ready Venue: San Ramon Marriott
Ceremony and Reception Site: Canyon View
Cake: City of D’lights
Floral design: San Francisco Florist
DJ: Aykut
Hair and Make-up: Victoria’s Salon
Wedding gown: Jenny Packham at Nouvelle Vogue
Invitations and other products: Lovebirds Stationary

Can’t get enough of this musical duo? I don’t blame you. For more of Mina and George, check out their engagement session, sneak preview, and slideshow.

Their grand entrance as husband and wife.

Enjoying the first dance.

Guests joined them for a slow song on the dance floor. I captured this image of the feel of the day- intense love, zooming.

Then things really got underway. Some very serious dancing.

Loving the rim of light around the lead singer.

At most weddings, the bride and groom get their first dance together and then maybe a few fast songs together, if they are lucky. Donna and Jimmy managed to get in several dances, and they enjoyed every single one.

And Jimmy getting down on his own.

After all that dancing, Donna needed a break. One generous gent offered her a foot rub. Definitely the way it should be for the bride.

Jimmy toasted his guests.

Then, side-by-side Donna and Jimmy attacked, I mean, cut the cake. Hilarious!

The party continued, with guests joining the band, and singing a few.

And the band kept the fun going all night long.

Many thanks to our couple, Donna and Jimmy, and all of the talented professionals who helped create this magical party for them…

Donna’s best friend, Jane Pofcher Goldman, and planner of D’Lish Intimate Catering, for coordinating, designing and planning the event with Donna

And the rest of the team-

Getting Ready Venue: The Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Exchange Conference Center, Boston
Caterer: Legal Seafoods
Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister
Floral design: Winston Flowers
Chuppah Design: Jessica Erickson
Chuppah Rental: Tommy Wholesale Design
Linens: Rentals Unlimited
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Invitations and Graphics: Jessica Erickson of J.L. Erickson Design

If you still want more, check out their e-session in Ashland, their sneak preview, and their slideshow.