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

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.

More laughter.

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.

Happiness.

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.

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

Ariel’s dad enjoying dancing with his daughter.

And David with his mom. More sweetness.

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

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

During one of the extra toasts.

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

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.

Last night, Alyssa and Slava came by for their wedding premiere. We had such a great time sharing their photos with them and hearing more of the stories behind their wedding day- stories like how the color palette of blue and yellow reflected Alyssa’s favorite colors and how their friend Tex enjoyed their wedding so much he suggested they have a wedding every week. It also became clear that these two look great from every angle and in every style. And so I am excited to share the photos from their ceremony and reception. Dave and Brian did such a fabulous day capturing the joy and spirit of the day.

The ketubah signing is the Jewish marriage contract and there’s a special ceremony for this that occurs before the chuppah ceremony. Alyssa and Slava were surrounded by their families and a couple of friends.

I am completely enamored with their ceremony. There was so much laughter and joy in it.

Check out the full view. A beautiful chuppah decorated with orchids and a runner with flower petals along the sides.

So sweet the way Slava holds her hand.

These two are so much fun. Honestly we were laughing non-stop last night. And you totally get that in this photo as they leave the ceremony for the reception. It’s play time.

Oh me, oh my. These gentlemen lifted Alyssa way up in the air during the hora. She almost fell off, but amazingly held onto the chair for a bit longer.

The feeling of joy when reaching the ground again, safely.

The Hotpockets (Alyssa and her two girlfriends sang together in high school and that’s the name of their group) dancing and singing their hearts out. Now if only they had taken the stage with Powerhouse….

Everyone took a break for a few toasts. Alyssa’s sister sharing her thoughts.

Which were highly amusing to Alyssa and Slava.

And then more partying. Actually to hear Dave tell it, the dancing was crazy fun. And to see the photos, I have to agree. These people know how to celebrate.

The groomsmen dancing up a storm.

The bridesmaids dancing up a storm.

The guests dancing up a storm.

The bride and groom dancing up a storm.

So much fun and you can absolutely feel all of the joyous energy.

During the slow songs, our associate Brian captured the next two beautiful images. And I love the way they tell a story when I look at them side by side.

The present.

What the future holds.

One last super sweet image. Dave took Alyssa and Slava aside during the reception so he could capture a portrait of them at night, and so they could enjoy a quiet, private moment to take it all in. Here they are amidst their ceremony site.

Special thanks to all of the pros who made their wedding so beautiful:
Wedding gown: Priscilla of Boston
Bridesmaids dresses: L’Elite
Groom’s suit: Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair: Kristy’s Hair Studio
Officiant: Rabbi David Meyer of Temple Emanu-el
Floral design: William Mizuta
Caterer: Toby Karlyn from Celebrations Gourmet
Cake: Ellen Bartlett of Cakes to Remember
DJ/Band: Alan James from Powerhouse
Invitations: Heleene Fink from Special Occassions

And huge thanks to their hosts for sharing this amazing location.

Last, but definitely not least, much gratitude to Alyssa, Slava and your wonderful families for sharing your wedding day with us.

If you would like to see more from Alyssa and Slava’s waterfront wedding, check out their engagement session, sneak peek and their slideshow.

Ariel and David’s wedding day was filled with warmth, overwhelming emotions and so much love. Tears were spilling all over the place amidst huge infectious smiles. Such joy at every turn. The energy and the ease of the day balanced just so, allowing our bride and groom to feel relaxed and excited all at the same time.

I started with Ariel for a few details and getting ready photos.

One of the things I remember strongly from our first meeting was that Ariel had a vision for jewel tones to be incorporated into her wedding design. I had no idea this would play out in such fun ways. For instance, she wore emerald green shoes under her wedding dress. Love it.

Her sister/maid of honor helped her get into her dress.

The rest of the bridesmaids and her mom also assisted.

Meanwhile, my associate Rene was hanging with the boys, capturing their getting ready downstairs.

Apparently this handkerchief took awhile to fold just right, though it looks effortless here.

Ariel and David chose to see each before the ceremony, in part so that they had time for their portraits before the sun went down. I am so glad they did. They had a beautiful, private chance to take each other in. And then they had simply lovely light for their portraits.

On her way to her groom.

David waiting for her to approach.

The Fruitlands Museum, where Ariel and David, celebrated their wedding has absolutely beautiful grounds- gardens, forests, fields and varied historic buildings. We wanted to stay away from the ceremony site, so spent our time amidst the trees and the meadow.

And did I mention the funky tree sculptures? I wasn’t sure I was going to take any photos with them but then Ariel told me that her aunt had a connection to the artist. Honestly, this turns out to be one of my favorite images. It feels like this guy is protecting them or looking out for them in some fashion.

So loving this smile on Ariel’s face as we head to the ceremony. Time to get married!

Just a tease for now. More soon with photos from their beautiful ceremony overlooking the hills at sunset and their wonderfully fun party.

Want more from Ariel and David now? I highly recommend viewing their engagement photos. Beautiful!

They arrived in time to capture the groom getting ready in the billiard room.

Looking debonair.

Meanwhile, it took a bit longer for our bride. She started in curlers. So cute.

Checking out how the styling is going.

I adore Alyssa’s ring- here on their ketubah.

Her wedding gown.

And her shoes. Somehow this just works.

Once both our bride and groom were ready. Dave took them outside to see each other for the first time. Slava awaits his bride.

Each time I look at this photo of Alyssa and Slava seeing each other for the first time, I get a wee bit giddy. It is so rich with emotion.

In the scene. Stunning.

Then time for the ceremony. A beautiful silhouette by the water.

Their tented ceremony and reception followed, and with it are more amazing photos. But you will have to wait just a little longer to see those.

Ironically, Lauren and Ryan may have been the only couple we have worked with that wanted to see each other before their wedding, but couldn’t because it didn’t work in their schedule. So we started off with a few getting ready photos. Ryan getting his boutonniere put on. Loving the silhouette and the line of light around his face.

And the girls helping Lauren with her dress.

And oh what a dress! It fit her like a glove, both literally and figuratively.

So in love with the flower and fabric details on the back.

And her make-up was soft, subtle, classic. Simply beautiful.

Before all the ladies headed downstairs for the ceremony, one helped her mom by pinning on the corsage.

And then Lauren (and her dad who is on the other side of the wall) waited for the call to come down for the ceremony. Still so relaxed.

The ceremony was beautiful, lead by a family friend, including a few special touches like the unity candle.

They kissed at the end of the ceremony. And they kissed again as they were walking down the aisle. Sweetness!

During the cocktail hour, we utilized the Hotel Northampton‘s gorgeous lobby for fireside family portraits. Love this one with their grandmother.

Just as the sun was beginning to set, we popped outside for a few with Lauren and Ryan alone. More smooching!

Eskimo kisses, too.

The party got rolling with some seriously entertaining entrances by the bridal party. Paparazzi fun!

And right into the first dance. Check out their smiles.

Ryan’s bro giving his toast.

And his mom enjoying it.

Kicking it up on the dance floor.

Because we didn’t have a ton of time for portraits earlier in the day and Lauren and Ryan were up for anything, we took a quick spin outside for a few night shots around the hotel.

Then we made use of these super cool old time phone booths (sans phones) inside the hotel.

Love this photo, because I adore the people in it. On the left, our wonderful bride and groom. On the right, Emily and Mark who were married just over 3 years ago, who we have been friends with ever since. So a very BIG thanks to Emily and Mark for introducing us to Lauren and Ryan. We are so grateful.

And an even BIGGER thank you to Lauren and Ryan for choosing us to photograph your wedding. You two are fabulous and your families are lovely. We had such a great time with everyone. Thank you.

And while I am spreading the thanks, a shout out of gratitude to all the pros who helped make Lauren and Ryan’s day so wonderful:
Getting ready venue: Ruby Meng of the Hotel Northampton
Ceremony and reception site: Ruby Meng of the Hotel Northampton
Floral Designer: Valerie Vassaos of VJS Designs
DJ: DJ Mike of MCO Productions
Ceremony Musicians: Joe Belmont of Duo Fusion
Cake: Deb Martin of Cakes by Deborah
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Save the Dates: Shutterfly
Hair: The Lift Salon
Make-up: Brooks & Butterfield
Wedding gown designer: Galina Signature
Bridesmaids dresses: Alexia Designs at Pronuptia Bridal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s suits: Jos. A. Bank

Want more? And you should because I had a really tough time narrowing these down to a reasonable number. Check out Lauren and Ryan’s slideshow.

So allow me to let them inspire you and infuse your day with joy. We begin at the beginning.

Preparing for the big day, Selina was relaxed and happy.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that this was the view from her window. Even on a stormy day, Miami Beach is gorgeous.

Selina’s mom helped her put on her veil. So beautiful.

Selina and Greg created amazing atmosphere for their wedding. I can’t wait to share more details and inspiration; everything worked together beautifully. But for now, here’s just a peek from the ceremony decor.

Walking down the aisle on her dad’s arm.

She was literally jaw-dropping gorgeous. Can’t blame Greg for this reaction upon seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day.

Bringing in family traditions, Selina and Greg jumped the broom at the culmination of the ceremony.

Relaxing with her bridesmaids after the ceremony. I love their dresses- very fresh and flirty and tropical. Best of all, they are totally wearable.

A hint of what’s to come from the reception details and inspiration. Stunning.

I love how Dave captured this image from their first dance. For me, it tells the whole story of this moment, but still allows for mystery. Very romantic.

Later dances included the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. Greg’s mom looks so happy.

The party got underway. And it was quite a party. In fact, Selina told me this group had so enjoyed the destination aspect of the wedding, everyone arrived a few days before the wedding. They had all been hanging out together until at least 2 am each night. This group was totally up for some fun times.

So cute how the girls formed a circle around Selina.

On the dance floor. Selina and Greg know how to have a good time together.

So it’s no surprise that during the cake cutting, Selina had a plan to play a trick on her new husband. She got him as close as she could. Note her right hand.

Then sneak attack. She hit him with cake on the face.

Laughter abounded- cause that’s just how these two roll- and of course a "make-up" kiss.

Just had to finish with one of my absolute favorite images. A totally natural, candid moment of pure joy, love and tenderness.

I absolutely couldn’t blame you if you can’t get enough of Selina and Greg and their gorgeous destination wedding. So definitely check out their Newlywed Session where we did a little Trash the Dress action or their slideshow.

And of course, we have to thank all of the professionals who helped to make their wedding great:
Wedding Venue: The Palms Hotel and Spa, Miami Beach, Florida
Wedding coordinator: Helen Diaz from Modern Events
Ceremony Officiant: Father Frank Fagan

Make-up artist: Miriam B.
Floral Design: Ever After Floral Design
Cake: Elegant Temptations by Rosie Cunill
DJ: Exquisite Sound Productions by Raquel Salcedo

Another huge thank you to Sarah and Bryan for introducing us to Selina and Greg. We are so glad we can continue to be a part of your family’s celebrations.

Most of all, we want to thank Selina and Greg for including us in your amazing wedding. We are thrilled we could capture these memories for you.

Alas, it rains even in paradise, so we started off with portraits around the hotel. Fortunately the hotel is beau-ti-ful so we had no problem finding amazing locations around every corner. Plus Selina and Greg would look good anywhere. They totally made it easy for us.

We did jump from the veranda terrace to a little jungle-like oasis by the pool without getting too, too wet.

Then over to the bar with appropriate grass thatched roof.

Snuggling up among all the greenery…

and by The Palms gate.

As soon as there was a break in the rain, we headed out to the beach.

You might guess that Dave and I were a bit in love with the lifeguard stand. As it was raining, the lifeguard didn’t have a ton to do that day and was totally at ease with us playing on his perch. All of the stands along Miami Beach are decorated with Art Deco flair, but the one by The Palms just shouts sun and fun. How lucky is that!

We couldn’t miss the opportunity for a little Trash the Dress action, but only a little. Selina and Greg were flying off to their honeymoon that afternoon and we couldn’t have their baggage weigh more than the limit. So they couldn’t get too wet, but that didn’t stop them from taking on the From Here to Eternity moment and adding their own flare to it.

Oops. Didn’t expect that wave.

Yup, even with the stormy clouds, the view was spectacular.

So glad we were able to venture to Miami Beach with Selina and Greg. Can’t wait to share more from their fabulous destination wedding! More to come soon from the ceremony, the reception, the family and friends celebrating.

First of all, the stories I heard from brides and grooms were absolutely wonderful. This is the biggest reason I enjoy the shows. It gives me a chance to meet so many wonderful people and get a taste of their romantic stories- like the gentleman who proposed on a gondola in Venice, Italy.

Or the young man who asked his fiance to marry him while they were taking a road trip to Chicago, on their way to see her best friend and then to see her family for Thanksgiving; it was like a proposal and engagement party all in one.

Or the gent who swept his love off to Disney World for a get away, planned a fabulous dinner at the Grand Floridian. At the end of the evening, he snuck her out for a private cruise on the lagoon where a special dessert awaited them. Beneath that evening’s fireworks, he popped the question.

Yes, it’s true. I am a total romantic and a complete sucker for these stories, both grand and intimate. Love it! And I got a quite a fix at the shows.

Also at the shows, I got to meet some amazing vendors. I spent a good deal of time with a few of them. Namely, the wedding cake bakers. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm. Not only do these artists create a sweetness from the heavens, they make their cakes absolutely beautiful. So while I can’t share the taste, I thought I would share a few of the more creative cakes.

A few of my favorites from Konditor Meister…

Feels like something you would find in France. Love the script on the sides of the cake.

Perhaps Russian inspired like a Fabergé egg.

From the sea.

Springtime cake.

Autumn cake- love the rich colors; very unique.

Asian influence with bamboo.

And a couple from Ivy’s Fine Cakes…

Very sparkly – crystals galore.

Feels like a surprise from Tiffany’s.

Congrats to all of the wonderful couples and many thanks to these two vendors for sharing samples of their amazing work.

All of the family and friends who were needed for portraits hung out together during cocktail hour. The boys had a good time messing with Scott.

A few of Jackie and Scott enjoying their newlywed status. So sweet together.

Before the guests came into the ballroom, we wanted to capture the magic created by Winston Flowers for Jackie and Scott. The winter theme was gorgeous. Jackie had given Ryan and Pam a few guidelines as to what she was looking for, but they totally exceded her expectations with all of the special details- from orchids dripping from the tall arrangements to silver globes and varied candle styles and heights.

At our planning meeting before the wedding, there had been some discussion about the song they would choose for their first dance. And while I watched them dance, I knew the song actually didn’t matter. They were so in the moment, so with each other; their dance was only about them.

Toasts soon followed and the best man got everyone’s attention with jokes and surprises galore.

Stealing a kiss after the cake cutting.

The dance floor was soon mobbed and guests enjoyed all of the hoopla of the night. I love the way this photo Dave created captures the energy on the dance floor.

A bit of romance. I am a complete sucker for couples who get into the specialness of a wedding.

New Year’s Eve in Boston is not known to be the warmest of times. In fact it snowed earlier in the day, but this crew could not be stopped. They wanted a photo outside by the waterfront and the holiday decorations. So we took the party on the road; everyone had such a good time.

Did I say party? Yes. Definitely. Dancing like you wouldn’t believe. Dancing with smiles.

Dancing with hats.

Dancing that turned into kissing at midnight!

What a truly amazingly fun evening! And from what I hear the party continued well into 2010, with everyone hanging out ’til dawn.

Huge congratulations to Jackie and Scott, and to your family! And also many, many thanks for including us in your wonderful celebration. We adore you guys.

Also much gratitude to all of the professionals who contributed to this wonderful New Year’s Eve wedding:

Reception Site: Paul Melino and Ralph Black and their team at the Boston Intercontinental Hotel
Ceremony Site: Father Farrell of Our Lady of Assumption
Hair: Bobby Pinkham and Marie of Skin for All Seasons
Make-up: Jessica Russo from Bobbi Brown
Bride’s gown: Vera Wang Boston
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Vera Wang Boston
Groom and groomsmen’s tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Ellen Bartlett from Cakes to Remember
Floral Design and decor: Ryan Zoeller and Pam Boudreau from Winston Flowers
Lighting design: Paul from Boston Uplights
DJ: Peter Accolla from Nulmage Entertainment
Invitations: Arabella Papers
Save the dates: Mark Harris Stationers

Want to see more from Jackie and Scott’s New Year’s Eve wedding? Check out their slideshow and their PicFlic on facebook.

So let’s begin with 2009, the last day of the 00′s decade. We had snow that day; it is Boston after all. So our New Year’s Eve was freshly painted with white. A scene setting image from the ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel, where Jackie was getting ready and would later celebrate with family and friends.

Then up to her amazing suite to put on her dress. I captured a few of the details. First the shoes…

And then her Vera Wang dress. Absolutely loved the style and it looked amazing on Jackie. The lines like a sunburst from the side are quite flattering.

When Jackie was all set, we headed off to the church. She looked fabulous; even had the perfect wool coat to keep her warm.

Meanwhile, Scott was already at the church, preparing for the ceremony to begin.

Jackie was accompanied into the church. Note all of the fabulous candles and the beautiful display at the front of the church. Winston Flowers created the decor and winter theme for Jackie’s wedding and they did an absolutely phenomenal job- they brought the look together with lights, candles, greens, whites, silvers, and blues in all sorts of textures. Amazing!

Jackie and Scott had a Catholic ceremony at her family church north of Boston. I love the way Winston decorated the church interior. As you entered, you walked through an archway of greens dripping with crystals in fabulous glass vases. You felt like you were walking into a magical space.

Jackie and Scott were so cute during the ceremony; they found lots to enjoy and smile about.

Happy Newlyweds!

I have to leave with one little teaser image of what’s to come. Jackie had one wish for her wedding decor and she honestly didn’t think she was going to be able to get it. She wanted an escort card table of acrylic. She had seen a picture of one during her planning and totally fell in love with it. When she told Ryan and Pam of Winston Flowers, they made her dream come true. And wow!!!

Definitely check back as we party all night long with Jackie and Scott, bid a fond farewell to 2009 and say hello to 2010. More amazing photos to come!