Joe & Tori’s wedding plans, along with so many other of my couples this year, were affected by the global pandemic. They moved their original wedding date from June to August and ultimately had to push their larger celebration until 2021. But that didn’t stop these two from saying “I Do.”

In fact they didn’t just face a pandemic, in addition to COVID-19 they also had a tornado touch down in their town the night before their ceremony (yes, we are still talking about Connecticut). The neighborhood where they were married was greatly impacted, so much so that Joe spent the morning cutting and clearing trees from the place where they were to officially tie the knot. I honestly couldn’t believe the destruction from the tornado when I was driving in to photograph their wedding. A date change, canceled rehearsal dinner, a downed cell tower that resulted in communication with their loved ones being difficult, a broken wedding dress strap (from Tori sharing a tight hug her dad at the end of the aisle - the best possible reason for a slight wardrobe malfunction) and a power outage - these two truly faced just about all of the obstacles in their wedding planning.

But on a Friday afternoon in August these two spoke words of truth, standing back to back, as they read their vows in a quiet moment before the ceremony. They tied the knot with their closest friends and family there to witness and they kept one another grounded in the things that they know to be true.

Engagement Session - Watch Hill, Rhode Island | Tori & Christian

Every once in a while life’s coincidences align in a way to connect you with people you wouldn’t have likely had the chance to meet, if not for the exact timing of a seemingly random series of events. These are some of the connections in life that I often feel most grateful for because my circle gets a little bigger and the world seems to get a little smaller all at the same time.

The way that Tori, Christian and I met and I came to photograph their elopement weekend was exactly that - a series of apparent coincidences that led to a phone call where we instantly connected and ended with Christian yelling in the background, “Let’s do it! We’re in!”

After getting to know them both over an extended weekend, I so appreciate their totally “here for it” approach to everything - they are two of the most genuine and fun people, full of laughter, inside jokes, and no reservation when it comes to snuggles. It’s clear that they show up for each other in their relationship, but they also show up for everyone they encounter with incredibly kind hearts.

Also worth mentioning is that Tori was totally up for rocking a bright red dress for a sunset session in Watch Hill, Rhode Island the weekend of their Elopement and we created some serious magic.

Tori & Christian, I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to capture this weekend for you. For allowing me a window into your love story and honoring me with the incredible privilege of capturing the intimacy of your relationship and marriage. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the crazy adventures life has in store for you both!

This Destination Elopement Weekend did not disappoint and I can’t wait to share more photos from our time together.

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!

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