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

I have been so remiss about keeping up to date on the blog here.  I’m posting more frequently to my Facebook page but have been neglecting to repost here…  I just finished putting together the slideshow from Lisa and Tim’s sophisticated winter wedding at the State Room in Boston. Check it out!

In my 5+ years living Maine, I had only been up to Camden once.  For sure it is a lovely spot with gorgeous light and a charming town, but it’s just far enough away to make it a bit of a haul (especially with a toddler in tow).  I was fortunate to have two excuses to make the trek up to Camden in September.  There really isn’t a better time of year to visit midcoast Maine.  The summer crush of tourists starts to abate, the trees are still lush but are just starting to turn, and the weather is warm enough during the day that you can almost fool yourself into thinking summer isn’t over.  The first of the jobs what as a second shooter for Melanie of White Box Weddings at stunning Point Lookout.  Then one week later I was up there again for Michelle and Clint’s wedding.

Michelle and Clint’s wedding plans included an outdoor ceremony at the Camden Public Library followed by a reception at the Camden Yacht Club.  We had perfect weather.  Surrounded by friends and family, Michelle and Clint exchanged vows in the outdoor amphitheatre that overlooks Camden Harbor.  It was a bittersweet day for everyone — Michelle and Clint would be moving to Abu Dhabi just a few weeks after the wedding.  After taking some time for photos on the lawn, we jumped on the yacht club’s boat to arrive at the reception in style.  Friends and family cheered for the couple from the pier at the yacht club as we pulled up.

We found the party well underway by the time we climbed the gang blank up to the club (at low tide that thing is steep!).  Bartenders expertly mixed blueberry mojitos, waiters passed hors d’oeuvres, performer John Tercyak took requests, and guests soaked in the scenery.  I think it was with a bit of a grumble that the guests finally made their way into the tent for dinner.  Everyone seemed reluctant to leave their waterfront reposes.  The late afternoon light was so sweet that when it was time for the first dance, the couple asked DJ Jeff Rockwell if they could have it outside.  Jeff quickly rearranged his sound system.  Just before they were to begin their dance, Clint grabbed the mic and proceeded to tell us all the story of how he’d fallen for Michelle the very first time they met (which was in junior high school).  Apparently it took a bit longer for their romance to develop, but it was a sweet and funny speech that got us all warmed up for the rest of the night.  Surrounded by their family and friends, Michelle and Clint danced close in the waning sunlight.  It took a while for the party to find its way indoors, but the air was getting chilly and there was cake to be cut.  I took my leave of them shortly after that.

It was a true joy and pleasure to photograph Michelle and Clint’s wedding.  I wish them all the best in their new life as expats!

You can see more images here in this slideshow.  Enjoy!

Hair and make up: Cutting Edge Hair Salon, Camden
Hotel: The Grand Harbor Inn, Camden
Wedding dress: Pronovias at L’elite Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: J.Crew
Ceremony: Camden Public Library Park and Amphitheatre
Ceremony and cocktail hour music:  John Tercyak
Reception:  Camden Yacht Club
Catering: Trillium Catering
Flowers:  Endless Summer Farm
DJ: Jeff Rockwell
Thanks to everyone for helping make this such a great afternoon.  I am so fortunate to get to work with such wonderful wedding professionals.  Extra thanks to John Tercyak who sent me home with a CD of children songs — my boy LOVES it!