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.

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!

First of all there are multiple fabulous options for an outdoor wedding. I know it is hard to think about that right now with the first serious snow just melting and more on the way, but that was always the way I pictured my wedding. I am pretty sure I am not alone on that one. So if you are like me and felt an outdoor wedding was your first choice, you have 3 great options: on the lawn facing the beach, on the lawn facing down the hill towards ocean views, and in the Italian Garden.

A few photos of option 2:

A few from option 3 (I think this is what I would do- I love the feeling of this secluded garden space- feels like ancient ruins)

Laura Daly and her team are great. They will also have a perfect back up plan, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We got a peek at the indoor option and it truly is lovely.

The best spot for cocktail hour, in my opinion, is on the back patio. I love this location because you get to enjoy the sweeping views of the water and have the gorgeous architecture as a back drop. Plus if you wanted to do a group photo it’s an excellent location for that.

Side note, awesome story, these two griffin statues were given to the Crane family as a gift from their servants. They had the sculptures custom made to protect the house. All I have to say is that the Crane’s must have been amazing employers to generate that kind of love from their staff.

Then you have two options for your reception as well. You can host the party indoors- the spaces are grand and elegant. Or outdoors on another patio. You could even tent the outdoor space.

And I just had to share a few of my favorite details from the site.

Dave and I enjoying the view.

I almost missed these bas relief sculptures of the cranes. Very cool and very appropriate.

All in all, I was amazed by the beauty of this wedding venue and the thoughtful consideration of their events team. I also really appreciate that they are making efforts to be green and provide environmentally beneficial resources, plus when you have a wedding at a historic site like this, your rental fee contributes to the greater good. Not a bad way to celebrate, in my opinion.

We are so excited because we were just invited to be a part of Gilded Boston‘s bridal show- the Gilded Bride- at the Algonquin Club in the Back Bay in Boston. This event was designed specifically with the stylish bride-to-be in mind and will be a happy alternative to larger bridal expos. We will be photographing the event as well as sharing our work. It is this Sunday, April 26 from Noon to 5 pm. You receive a $5 discount when you pre-register online. We hope to see you there!

Abby gave me a tour of the event spaces. And they are stunning. Each one has warmth and charm and character galore.

This photo shows off the lobby- can you imagine your guests arriving and walking through here? I love the chandeliers. There is definitely a crystal lighting motif that runs through all of the hotel.

Even the hallways inspire thoughts of old world European elegance. Check out these beautiful murals.

If you are having a grand affair, the piece d’resistance is the Plaza Ballroom and Imperial Ballroom suite. Your guests could arrive through the main entranceway, shown above or through a private stairwell. They would walk into the Plaza Ballroom, where cocktails are served. And be treated to large beautiful windows, draped in red velvet.

Wall sconces, gold leaf moldings and bas relief sculptures accent the walls and ceiling.

Another elegant chandelier. I adore the decoration wear the fixure meets the ceiling.

Then, when it is time for dinner to be served, the walls open up between the two rooms to give your guests their first glimpse of the Imperial Ballroom.

The Imperial Ballroom has the complete "Wow" factor. This two story high grand ballroom offers room for very large weddings- with seating available in the center area as well as on the balconies. You also could set up a lounge area in the balconies. The stage would be perfect for your band, and perhaps even your first dance.

I am so glad I was able to experience the Park Plaza for myself. It really is amazing. Thanks so much, Abby!

When the brides and grooms-to-be arrived with their families, they were shown to their table, where their personalized tasting menu awaited them.

Each table was decorated with a different theme and all of them were gorgeous.

Love the beach theme with shells and candles for this centerpiece.

I am such a fan of bright colors and especially love tropical flowers. Check out these orchids!

And something a bit more classical, various arrangements including calla lilies, roses, and candles, all in white.

She had her wonderful candy bar all set up, again all whites, a tribute to the winter season.

And the food and service, as always, were amazing. I love the pizzas and the mini-burgers.

Throughout the event, the wedding couples were serenaded with music by either the fabulous string quartet or the rocking band. They toured the grounds and had the opportunity to meet all of their wedding vendors. They could choose to talk with the florist, the fabulous cake designer, the ladies who created custom invitations, a videographer, a jeweler, an officiant, a tux shop, the folks from KISS Spa who will take care of hair and make-up and offer massages, and of course, wedding photographers.

An all around great day!

The exteriors of the prison remain. In fact, over 30 percent of the original building is in tact, which means this edifice is an official historic site.

When they opened up the ceiling, they were able to see the inside of this tower for the first time.

One of my favorite touches, the signature "key" with the "solitary (aka ‘do not disturb’) sign."

We visited a few of the rooms and suites. All of them are lovely, but of course their Presidential Suite was out of this world. The views from so many of the rooms are amazing, but this one not only has super luxurious features, but also has a patio with a 270 degree view of the Charles and the city. Plus tons of stars have stayed there- including Bruce Willis and just the other night, Lindsay Lohan. Too fun!

And of course, they have a gorgeous ballroom. They can accommodate up to 180 guests in their intimate space. I especially loved all the natural light that filters in and the awesome chandeliers.

Cocktail hour can be enjoyed on any of the balcony spaces in the rotunda area. The fifth floor was my favorite, completely private, room for 250 guests, and a great view of the lobby. Of course it only works if you have no fear of heights.

The windows in the rotunda- amazing for dramatic photos.

Another event and meeting space with a really modern flare. There are additional spaces off this central area. Check out the cool spiral staircase.

As you can see the hotel has views from their huge windows looking towards the city and the river. When we were in some of the suites, Dave pointed out that it would be a perfect place to watch Fourth of July fireworks. As it turns out, they are not booked on the Fourth yet, so if you are interested, you should definitely check them out. What a treat to end your evening with fireworks! And for those interested in something a little different, they also have Oct. 31st available. I think the old prison would be a perfect place for a Halloween wedding.