Summer Connecticut Backyard Intimate Wedding

Where do I even begin?

The first time Alyssa, Alex and I hopped on the phone to chat about their wedding plans and get to know one another we connected over their love for National Parks. At the time I was knee deep in design plans for our national park themed nursery and we hit it off immediately. These two radiate joy, they love each other beautifully, intensely, and simply. Exploring during their Engagement Session it became evident that these two get each other.

Fast forward and #COVID-19 changed their original wedding plans but they adjusted to the changes with such grace, in the end deciding that although they would wait to celebrate with their large group of friends and family, but they wouldn’t wait another year, month, or day to get married.

And so, I was able to witness and capture their dreams come true in the backyard of Alyssa’s childhood home.

And it. was. stunning.

COVID-19 wasn’t the only thing they overcame. Let’s just talk about the absolute torrential downpour that happened right as we were supposed to have their First Look. Alex and I stood underneath the tent as the wind blew, the rain came down in the most intense way, and we waited it out. Props to Alyssa and Alex for being extra patient and taking my advice to wait just a little bit longer so we could have their First Look under the gorgeous tree they had planned because it was absolutely worth the wait for the most beautiful light and post-rain-perfectness. Make sure to check out the look on Alex’s face when he first saw his bride because it’s definitely precious.

And seeing their personalities shine through with their decor and National Parks place cards (each one carefully chosen for each individual person), these two certainly didn’t let life’s circumstances detract in anyway from the intent with which they committed themselves to one another.

Congratulations Alyssa and Alex! Thank you for allowing me to capture this incredible journey for you both…and bring on the party in 2021!

Yale New Haven, Connecticut Winter Wedding | Michelle & Johnny

Michelle and Johnny’s December wedding day was truly stunning; however, it was the emotion woven through the entire day that had in me in tears at least 3 times while editing their galleryl. There were so many touching and heartfelt interactions between the beautiful new Mr. & Mrs. and their friends and family.

I met up with these two to walk around Yale University a few weeks before the event to scope out the perfect spot for some photos. Let’s just say - I’m glad we took the time to do so because the weather cooperated and we got some seriously lovely photos of them snuggling together with incredible architecture as the backdrop for their love story. Fitting, as Yale is where they first met. These two were rockstars bearing the cold and I’d say it was worth it!

Branford House Wedding | Regan & Dayne

Regan and Dayne are some of the sweetest people with the most genuine hearts you’ll ever meet.

Years ago they first became aware of each other when Regan attended Freshman orientation at the Branford House where Dayne was giving a presentation. How cool that they can now say they were married in this same place (the exact same room, in fact). Their day was filled with all kinds of sentimental touches, woven together with the history of the legacy of their loved ones - fitting, considering they are both passionate historians. The dress Regan chose to wore was previously worn by her grandmother and mother and it was an absolute honor to photograph such an heirloom. And Dayne, a pianist having performed at hundreds of events at the Branford House previously, finally had the opportunity to sit and play for his wife. So many gorgeous long-awaited meaningful not-soon-to-be-forgotten moments are what this day was comprised of.

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know these two and walking alongside them capturing the next chapter of the beautiful story they are writing together. Thank you, Regan and Dayne, for trusting me to capture your wedding!

The Stonington Meadows - Mystic, Connecticut Wedding | Meghan & Timothy

Meghan and Timothy are incredibly sweet and classy people - there’s really no other way to put it. In addition to this, boy, do they know how to break. it. down. on the dance floor. I’ve truly never attended a wedding where two people along with all of their friends and family knew every word to every song for an entire evening. At the close of the night, I’m pretty sure the dance floor was just as packed as when the night began - the true sign of a really good party.

They met in Boston while in college, and as they say, the rest was history. Timothy planned an elaborate surprise when he proposed and had brought their friends and family together to celebrate.

Their wedding day was full of beautiful moments (and heartfelt vows) displaying their history of falling more in love over the last 5 years and it was an honor to capture this next part of their story.

Congratulations, Meghan and Timothy!

The Stonington Meadows - Mystic, Connecticut Wedding | Trinity & Curtis

I remember the first time Trinity and I spoke on the phone - instantly drawn to her sweet personality - we chatted about almost everything and I fell in love with her vision for their wedding day. Even more than that, the way she talked about Curtis and their relationship had me so excited to meet these two. We decided on Harkness Memorial State Park for their engagement session, an especially meaningful decision as it was where they actually got engaged! In addition to getting to know Trinity and Curtis as we walked around, I also got to meet their sweet pup, Lulu, and Curtis’ parents (who generously volunteered to dog-sit while we explored).

Their love for Fall and the outdoors made The Stonington Meadows an easy choice for their wedding venue, with large windows and a beautiful view of the marsh behind. They couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather to go along with this amazing venue and all that they had planned for the day.

Trinity and Curtis, thank you for trusting me to capture the love you share!

Pond House Cafe Hartford, Connecticut Wedding | Rachel & Harrison

From the first moment I met these two their genuineness and ability to truly have fun together was infectious.

Maybe it’s in part because they’ve known each practically since birth, but they are so comfortably themselves with each other. After sporadically keeping in touch over the years, Rachel tells the story of them reconnecting when they happened to be at the same restaurant one night and Harrison made a funny face at her from across the room - the more time I spent with them the more I realized that this interaction is so them.

I would also like to mention another beautiful part of their story that I think made their wedding day even more intimate and precious. Harrison serves with the United States Air Force (thank you for your service, Harrison!) and he and Rachel have had several seasons of time apart in their relationship. The more I think about it, watching the two of them together there’s really no other way to put it (sorry for the cliche) but they’ve found home in each other. From short visits and moves around the country, they’ve stood one another. Watching them embrace is like getting a little window into the immense comfort and safe space they’ve created together.

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Nope, actually I was definitely crying. Especially watching Harrison’s reaction to Rachel walking down the aisle and then when they literally did a little *completely* adorable jump together in the first few moments after sealing their union with a kiss.

Tyrone Farm Fall Wedding Pomfret, Connecticut | Johnna & Jay

Johnna and Jay spent 10 years together before walking down the aisle, but if there’s one thing I could say about these two it’s that the foundation they spent time building, well, it certainly shows.

From the moment I first met them, the way Jay looks at Johnna let’s you know that he feels like the luckiest guy in the world.

I got to document the day they confessed their love for each other in front of their friends and family, and with the sweetest vows they committed their forevers to one another and it was pretty dang cool to witness. During the bouquet toss I planted myself next to Jay at their sweetheart table to get the best shot, and as she was laughing it up enjoying the moment with the gals, I looked over at Jay and said, “she’s pretty great, isn’t she?”

His response? Grinning from ear to ear he said, “Yeah. She’s the best”

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Jonathan Edwards Winery Event

You know how there’s a large part of the population who would likely tell you “I hate surprises,” when asked?

Well, I discovered that it’s because no one has been surprised with a birthday party amongst the vines at Jonathan Edwards Winery before. If everyone had experienced this kind of surprise I think we would be able to change the stigma around the dreaded word “Surprise!”.

Great River Golf Club Milford, Connecticut - Summer Wedding | Julie & Tom

Going into this wedding weekend I had my fingers AND toes crossed for beautiful weather for this sweet couple - and mother nature certainly did not disappoint. Between blue skies and comfortable temps for the guests to enjoy a gorgeous outdoor ceremony at Great River Golf Club, this was the kind of day couples dream about.

Julie and Tom spoke their vows in front of cherished friends and family and I’m pretty certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Every detail was beautifully planned and as soon as the day began I could immediately tell they were both just excited to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Aaron & Lauren | Groton, Connecticut

This warmer weather has me thinking back to this gorgeous session! Nothing more New England than making lighthouse memories with your favorite person.

WeddingCora ProperMay 22, 2019weddingphotographer, couples photographer, new england, new england photographerComment

Mercedes McCoy, Makeup Artist & Facialist | Studio Tour

Spring is finally feeling like it’s here to stay and I don’t know about you but this warm weather and sunshine on my face has me thinking about staying more active, letting my inner beauty shine, and taking proper care of my skin to keep it looking healthy. I thought there no better time than now, with wedding season on its way, to talk about one my favorite local Makeup Artists, Mercedes McCoy, and to take you on a little tour to show you the inside of her gorgeous studio.

5 Date Ideas for the Engaged Couple

Looking for ideas for a date night with your loved one in the midst of the chaos of planning a wedding? Look no further! A few ideas to help inspire taking time to spend together and making the most of your engagement season.

James & Ashley | Waikiki, Hawai'i

I had been dreaming of a session like this since the moment we found out my husband Andrew would be working on Oahu - only problem was, I hadn’t met anyone who lived in Hawai’i yet. Minor detail, right?

Little did I know I would get to meet and photograph Ashley & James, or that we would have as much fun as we did, or that the session would end up being one of my absolute favorites ever.

Coastal Vineyard Wedding | Mikaela & Russ

Harkness Memorial State Park | Waterford, Connecticut

Nothing better than a night with perfect light and a soft breeze at Harkness Memorial State Park taking some bridal portraits.

Coastal Fairytale Wedding | Mystic, Connecticut

This styled shoot features a married couple madly in love at the unique venue The Meadows, tucked away like the Secret Garden in Mystic, Connecticut. The shoot was centered around the theme of my wedding packages: “Your Love is My Lighthouse.” Styling for the shoot, including design of the invitation suite and fabric accents were created by myself and a local designer.

Everything about this couple’s wedding day is focused around the belief that love doesn’t have to be extravagant, it just has to be enduring, simple and true. In a place woven with history of sea merchants and sailors tales, a modern day coastal wedding means embracing the history of the past with nautical ropes, handcrafted rose gold jewelry, and starfish on your wedding cake. Where rainy days don’t exclude you from wedding portraits on the beach, and embracing nautical doesn’t mean your dress can’t have countless layers of tulle.

Enchanted Forest Wedding - Jesse & Kylee | Flagstaff, Arizona

This wedding in the Flagstaff, Arizona forest is what fairytales are made of. The union of this joyful couple was everything it was meant to be. From beautiful florals, gorgeous smiles and laughter, to breaking it down on the dance floor this wedding sure is one for the books!

Backyard Wedding - Suffield, Connecticut | Zach & Candice

On their 10 year dating anniversary (cue the total heart melt), Candice and Zach *finally* tied the knot (see below for their adorable Save the Date: "He finally asked!"). Who would have known their meeting at Panera over a decade ago was just the beginning of a beautiful love story? After spending months carefully planning every detail, this couple threw a party their guests won’t soon forget.