Kristin and Brian’s wedding last September was one I greatly anticipated as it was in my home state, Connecticut. Kristin and I had been talking on the phone and emailing throughout the year, and I learned quickly that she and Brian were easy-going, adventurous, and a lot of fun.  What I didn’t know was that she would be such a stunning — and gracious — bride.

I grew up about 20 minutes southwest of Hartford, but the only place I really remember going to in the city was the Civic Center to see my beloved Hartford Whalers.  It was such a treat to get to see a side of the capital city I’d never before seen.  From the hotel where everyone got ready to the huge Catholic church for the ceremony, it was fun to see a new part of Hartford.  After the ceremony we headed to the gorgeous Wickham Park.  It amazes me that I’ve driven by the exit for Wickham Park thousands of times and never knew that less than a mile off the highway is a hillside of beautifully maintained gardens and a view of the Hartford skyline.  What’s more, you don’t need to be going to a wedding to enjoy it.

Kristin and Brian very much wanted stress-free time for pictures after the ceremony so they built into their wedding day schedule an extra hour between the ceremony and the start of cocktail hour.  We were able to explore the gardens and shoot some awesome images without feeling pressure to get to the party.  We were even able to get all the group shots done before the cocktail hour started.  I cannot recommend this enough — it allows everyone to enjoy the cocktail hour and doesn’t compromise the quality (or quantity) of the bridal portraits and group photos.

Big thanks to Jennifer Shanley for referring Kristin to me.  I had way too much fun with Kristin and Brian (and their friends and family) to count as hard work! Shout out to the awesome Kia of ESTOccasions who coordinated a seem-less day and made sure no detail was left to chance.

Some of the highlights from the wedding day are below.  To see more, take a look at the slideshow.  Friends and family of the bride and groom can gain access to the online proof gallery by contacting Kristin or Brian for the Event Key.

Best wishes to Kristin and Brian for a long and happy life together!

Hotel:  The Marriott
Hair: Scott at Hair by Design
Make-up: Erin Lombardi
Wedding Dress: Enzoani
Bridesmaids’ Dresses:  J.Crew
Florist: Stems Floral Designs
Church: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Hartford, CT
Reception Venue:  Wickham Park, Manchester, CT
Band: Charisma
Catering: A Casual Affair
Pies: Michelle’s Pies
Day-Of Event Coordinator:  Kia at ESTOccassions