Aug
06
On the radar, there was a rain cloud stretching from New Hampshire to Washington, DC and it was moving East at a steady pace. We had been watching the weather reports all week long, dreading what was to come for Maren and Steve’s wedding. They had chosen the most beautiful location for their destination wedding- an estate by the water in Portsmouth, RI- with an outdoor ceremony in the gardens. And they had planned a photo tour prior to the wedding which would take us around Newport‘s stunning coastline. Of course, this required a rain-free day. Dave and I were certain we would be relegated to Plan B. I brought the red umbrella for whatever photos we would be able to take outside.
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.
Oct
07
Me oh my- I am so excited to share more from Lauren and David’s amazing day at the Castle Hill Inn.
With the rain far behind us, we captured a few images of our happy couple with the beautiful scenery whenever we could steal them away.
And then we spent the rest of the evening photographing all the joy- and there was lots.
Lauren and David definitely like to have fun. They are so playful together. And Lauren must have had about a thousand different facial expressions to show her happiness.
After the first dance, the hora.
Each couple went up in turn, Lauren and David first, followed by Lauren’s parents, and then David’s. His mom was a little nervous I think.
David’s cousin gave one of the toasts and he rewarded her with a huge thank you hug.
Dancing got underway in full force. Lauren’s parents, so fun.
I loved this moment. Just before they fed each other the cake, there was definitely some teasing going on. And Lauren, all with her eyes, says, "Please."
Then more dancing. Lauren made sure to have a little time with each of her grandfathers.
And with her girlfriends.
Lauren’s sister was a great help throughout the day, and also enjoyed a little time on the dance floor once the party got underway.
Maybe the best thing about a destination wedding, like this one in Newport, is that everyone has more time together, because all of the guests stay for the weekend.
Lauren enjoys another chance to connect with friends.
I have to close with one of my favorite images from the day. We had this amazing sunset over the water. Such a beautiful place to spend a couple of moments as newlyweds.
Many thanks to the professionals who helped make Lauren and David’s day so special.
A big shout out to Nancy and her team at Castle Hill. Nancy was truly amazing, top notch all the way.
Also special thanks to Rocco Michaluk of Video & Vision. It was really great to work with you.
And for helping to complete Lauren and David’s vision:
Floral Design (more on this in a later post because WOW! gorgeous work): Laurel Lane of Laurel Lane Floral Design
Wedding cake and groom’s cake: Scrumptions
Invitations: Ruth at The Party People
Other printed materials: Judith Carroll at Papers
For creating Lauren and David’s personal looks:
Hair and Make-up: Jen Murphy and Frank Antonio from Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup
Lauren’s wedding dress: Romona Keveza from Bridal Reflections
Bridesmaid dress: Lazaro from Fontana’s
David’s attire: Georgio Armani
Groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein from Century 21
Plus a huge thank you to Lauren and David and your families. It was such a joy to be a part of your day and to celebrate with you.
Make sure to check out their slideshow as well.
Oct
01
I adore Lauren and David. Yup, I do. Why? Because nothing could dampen their spirits on their wedding day. And they had a few more things than normal to contend with, including a torrential downpour that came out of nowhere about 20 minutes before their outdoor ceremony was set to begin. Throughout it all, they handled everything that came their way with grace. I not only adore them, I admire them. And it doesn’t hurt that they are super nice and darn cute together.
So let’s start at the beginning of their day. We met up with Lauren at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport where she and David were celebrating their wedding. We started with Lauren in her room as she and her girlfriends were getting ready.
Then she met up with David in the chalet garden, where they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.
The rain started coming down just as we finished the family portraits. And it kept coming down for a good long time. Fortunately, the ketubah and bedeken ceremonies were scheduled to be indoors. The went off without a hitch.
It seemed like the rain would pass. It was amazing- on one side of the building you could see sunshine and blue skies, on the other side rain. Lauren waited and watched.
They held off the ceremony as long as they could and just in time, the skies cleared completely. Except for a few of the most perfect fluffy clouds. It was definitely worth the wait.
A few of my favorites from the ceremony…
That’s David’s brother walking Lauren and David’s puppy, and ringbearer, Henry. Isn’t Henry such a sweet little pup?
Lauren walking down the aisle under the enormous sky…
Lauren during the ceremony…
The sun shining down on the happy couple under the chuppah…
I love Lauren’s smile.
And David’s.
And a fabulous kiss under blue skies.
Talk about weathering the storm. Lauren and David absolutely enjoyed all of the good stuff that came their way. It was such a delight to be with them on their wedding day.
There are definitely lots more to come. But if you want more now, check out the sneak peek on the Allegro Photography fan page.
Aug
17
It is with great pleasure that I share Lauren and Steve’s wedding. They were married in true California style with an outdoor ceremony and reception all on a private estate in Carmel Valley. They were surrounded by friends and family for a weekend of festivities. Though relatively close to home, their wedding definitely had more of a destination feel. We had an amazing time sharing in their celebration.
Without further ado….
Lauren’s gorgeous dress, in the master suite at the private residence.
Lauren getting ready with her bridesmaids, a good friend and her sister-in-law Emily.
The finishing touches…
The true fun begins, Lauren walks down the aisle on her father’s arm. Her smile made everyone in the area smile along with her.
Their ceremony was held on the front lawn of the estate under a gorgeous old oak tree.
During the ceremony, Lauren’s Spanish family shared a reading.
After the ceremony, we took a few moments for portraits around the estate. I love how her magenta bouquet matches the bougainvellia.
A little into the evening, we stepped out for a few minutes to capture some images as the sun set. The light was absolutely stunning streaming through the valley. And Lauren and Steve were able to enjoy a few private moments.
Dave captured this image of their reflection in the pool. I love the dreamy, watercolor quality of it- all done in camera.
The reception got going with a fabulous meal, great speeches, and good times all around. There were definitely tears during the ceremony. But once the party got started, Steve and Lauren were cracking up non-stop.
All of their guests surrounded them when they took the dance floor for their first dance.
They danced to an upbeat swing song. The movement was so much fun, absolutely perfect for these two.
Lauren dancing with her dad.
Steve with his mom.
Our closing photo from the evening. What a idyllic way to celebrate, under the stars, under the lights, on a perfect evening.
We have so many people to acknowledge and thank for making Lauren and Steve’s wedding a dream come true.
First, Heather from Colette Cuccia Wedding & Event Design. She and her partner made sure everything about the day ran smoothly. A huge success!
Also, a shout out to Ginger at Studio 519 for Lauren’s beautiful hair, with touch-ups by Lauren’s fabulous sister-in-law to-be Leah. And to Justin Alexander Bridal who completed her look with that gorgeous gown.
For the lovely bridesmaids, kudos go out to Jasmine Bridal for their B2 collection. And to Jos. A Bank for the guys.
The paper goods and gifts set the tone for their day:
Invitations: Union Street Papery
Save-the-Dates and other printed materials: Little Lulu
Favors: beau coup
The party and party design were amazing. Huge congrats and thanks to the following:
Caterer: Paradise Catering
Wedding Cake: Layers
Floral Design: Kathryn Smith Flowers
Lighting Design and Plants: Plant Tenders
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
DJ: Daryl Lowery
Video: Dream Media Weddings
And lastly, to Lauren’s dad Phil, you are amazing! The flowers you planted around the ceremony site brought the space to life. All I can say is: Wow!
Thank you so much, Lauren and Steve, for including us in your wedding day. We are so glad we could be a part of it.
And for those of you who would like a few more from this gorgeous wedding, check out their Sneak Preview and their Slideshow.
Aug
12
On her wedding day, I asked our wonderful bride, Lauren, if it felt real. And then followed up with, "When did it feel like this was your wedding day?" Her response was, "When David [of Allegro Photography] arrived." I smiled.
And then later, when she was about to put the dress on, and Lauren was kicking out all of the men, except aforementioned David, because as she put it, "He’s family; he can stay." I laughed. Of course, all of us who weren’t helping her put on the dress, still closed our eyes or turned our backs until she was ready.
And then still later in the evening, when Lauren’s soon-to-be sister-in-law, Leah (whose wedding to Lauren’s brother Dave we will be photographing in November) checked on us to make sure we had eaten something. Actually, come to think of it, we were being offered food all weekend. Definitely family.
You see we have been a part of Lauren’s family since her brother Mark married Emily. We started with their engagement session and then photographed their wedding, which was when we met the rest of their families.
When Lauren got engaged in the winter of 2008, she called us up almost immediately to share the news. We were so excited for her. She knew she wanted us to be a part of her celebration, and we were looking forward to it. At that time, she hadn’t chosen anything else; she wanted to make sure we were available- how cool is that?! So throughout her planning process and decision making, we were a part of things. From her initial plan to get married at a destination resort in Mexico to her ultimate decision to create her dream wedding at a private estate in Carmel Valley.
When the big day finally arrived, we were so excited. Excited for Lauren and Steve, excited for both their families, and excited to see everyone. In honor of this, I dedicate Lauren and Steve’s sneak preview to family. Enjoy!
Lauren’s mom just after Lauren put on her dress.
Lauren and her dad after he walked her down the aisle.
Steve’s parents, being absolutely adorable, during the reception.
The families together.
Lauren’s adopted parents from her time in Spain, also being rather cute.
Lauren and Steve are clearly devoted to their mom’s. They gave each mom a beautifully embroidered handkerchief.
And they included family wedding photos as decor.
Now for the sibs.
Steve with the groomsmen, which included Lauren’s bothers and Steve’s brother.
Lauren looking up to her "little" twin brothers Dave and Mark.
Lauren getting ready with the help of her bridesmaids, which included her sister-in-law Emily (Mark’s wife) and her sister-in-law-to-be Leah (Dave’s fiance).
And I just want to close with one of my favorite photos from the wedding, one of the newly formed family unit, our gorgeous bride with her handsome groom.
What a totally fabulous and wonderful wedding! I can’t wait to share more of the happy couple and their gorgeous day. Definitely check back soon!
Aug
19
Cara and Nate were such a joy to photograph. They had some ideas of what they wanted but were happy to do whatever we suggested as well. We love this kind of collaboration. It always results in fabulous images and a really fun time.
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Jun
03
When Dave said, we have a “Bike Shoot” with Deana and Nick. I thought, “Cool, I have a couple of great ideas for couples and their bicycles.” Then he explained that the bikes he was talking about were European motorcycles. And I thought, “Wow! That’s hot!” And it was. We had an absolute blast playing with Deana and Nick and their bikes.
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