Simply Ohana - Family & Event Gourmet Food

I first “met” Stephanie on a phone call about 6 years ago when I was booking a limousine with Joshua’s Limousine for my own wedding. Over the years we’ve gotten to know each other and I’ve had the privilege of photographing her beautiful family and collaborating with Joshua’s Limousine for this coastal wedding styled shoot in Mystic, Connecticut.

Fast forward a bit to today and I think we can all agree that life has changed significantly in the last year and a half and the way we buy food and interact with local businesses and shops has also been drastically affected due to living in the world of a global pandemic. COVID-19 changed everything. Though much of these transitions have been traumatic and the lives of sos many rocked, we have also admired the resiliency of humanity, the loyalty of friendships, the kindness of strangers, and the importance of hard work, communication, and the ability to adapt. Many of these shifts in the world aligned just right for Stephanie to begin a company that focuses on the creation of gourmet food items and luxury service - a journey that really started with the chocolate dipped strawberry and has expanded from there. So today I’m excited to be introducing you to the Southeastern Connecticut business, Simply Ohana.

Behind every small business is a story of the person who had a vision and worked hard to have it come to life, and Stephanie’s story is particularly significant and moving and gives so much meaning to the heart she brings to her endeavor. Read on for her story…

Spring Engagement Photos Harkness Park

This Engagement Session actually happened last May. Whoa. I can’t believe I’m just now sharing this gorgeousness, but when I photographed these sweethearts I was actually about 8 months pregnant, and well, that was a pretty crazy season of life - I’m kind of loving revisiting these images just a few weeks before their celebration with friends and family.

I began working with Whitney and Dylan back in 2018, if you can believe it. I still remember sitting at Starbucks chatting about the dreams they had for their wedding day (plans that were ultimately altered a bit by COVID-19). Well, I’m happy to say, not only did these two have an intimate ceremony and still get married on the original day they had planned, although they had to postpone their larger celebration, the party will be happening THIS month and we’re all pretty excited.

Since I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them they’ve bought a house, added fur babies to their pack, and actually gotten married - it feels like a lot of life has happened since we met and I couldn’t be more excited to stand with them in celebration as they are able to have their closest friends and family witness their commitment to all of life’s changes and challenges ahead.

Cozy Session Morning of Destination Elopement - Mystic, Connecticut | Tori & Christian

I have so much more to share of these two cuties and this Destination Elopement Weekend, but for now, I hope you’ve had a chance to checkout Tori and Christian’s Engagement Session!

The morning of their Elopement we did a cute and cozy session at their AirBnb in Mystic, Connecticut and it was so sweet to capture these early morning moments with them.

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!

Engagement Session - Stonington Borough | Tiffany & Patrick

One of my absolute favorite things about photographing in New England are the amazing and vibrant colors you can find on the coast - in the landscape and the architecture. Tiffany and Patrick’s Engagement Session was no exception with a beautiful sunset and so many gorgeous flowers in bloom. These two will be getting married this Fall and were ahead of the planning process, choosing an intimate wedding celebration long before COVID-19 changed the world (and with it, the way we can currently gather).

It’s been encouraging to watch their plans fall into place and have a chance to catch up as we walked around exploring this stunning coastal town - making this location even more meaningful is the fact that Patrick proposed here!

Saying Yes to Your Dress

Choosing a dress - the dress - can come with some questions. Here are some helpful tips to walk you through the process and leave you empowered to look and feel your best on your wedding day!

How To Pin A Boutonnière

There are 3 main things I see the gentlemen struggle with on their wedding day that can be easily avoided with a little bit of pre-wedding prep. After all, no one likes to add any more stress or reasons for sweaty palms on their wedding day! What are these tricky day of activities you ask?

Pinning Boutonnieres. Folding Pocket Squares. Tying ties or bowties.

Always and forever.

Without fail, at every wedding, someone is on their phone looking up tutorials, graphics, and videos about how to do these things. Learn them beforehand and you will be well on your way to being a well-prepared Groom. Promise.

The more control you feel you have over the little things that happen during the day, the more you will be truly in the moment enjoying the celebration.

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!

Downtown Mystic, Connecticut | Engagement Session - Amy & Tommy

There’s one main word that comes to mind after spending time with Amy and Tommy during their engagement session: chemistry.

These two have been together for 10 years, so their connection certainly makes sense. Watching them interact was honestly an absolute privilege. The best part for me was actually knowing they entered the session being a bit nervous (I mean, really, who isn’t at the thought of having a stranger in your face taking photos? I totally get it) - but as we walked around and found each new spot and I guided them into “poses” focused on movement and really just encouraging them to be themselves with each other, well, it was MAGIC.

The in-between moments are where you can really see a couple’s chemistry come through and their personalities show up and I’m just so obsessed with Amy and Tommy’s “in-between-moments” from our time together. Both genuine, sweet, and compassionate people (it’s no wonder they’re both teachers) they are two people I would certainly describe as being meant for each other.

And I couldn’t be more excited they’ve chosen me to photograph their 2020 wedding!

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!

Downtown Mystic, Connecticut | Engagement Session - Taylor & Sean

Remember these two cuties from their Lighthouse Point session a while back with their precious pups?

They’re back…and cuter than ever (if that’s even possible)!

Taylor and Sean are a bit unique because they will be tying the knot where my husband and I had our wedding reception! We’ve had a special bond from the very beginning just because of that and I couldn’t be more excited to capture their day.

Counting down the days until they say “I do” in Mystic.

Harkness Memorial State Park | Engagement Session Waterford, Connecticut - Jamie & Scott

Jamie and Scott were such a blast to hang out with. They pretty much had me in a fit of giggles the whole night and it was an absolute pleasure getting to know them both.

And as we were walking to the cars to say goodnight the sky put on a performance with some beautiful colors. I wouldn’t be surprised if they got in their car laughing with each other about one of my favorite phrases: “OK guys - let’s stop here for just one more photo!”

These are the sessions that give me life and make me beyond excited for all of the love I get to capture in 2020.

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.

Elegant Farm Engagement Photos - Connecticut | Joe & Tori

When I received their inquiry several months ago, I remember smiling as I read that although from an outsider’s perspective these two seem like opposites, as they discovered their friendship and gave it the chance to blossom they often times couldn’t believe just how similar they really were. I love stories like this.

From the very first conversation we shared, I could tell that Joe and Tori were a couple full of life and fully in love. Their love for nature and genuine openness to each other and new experiences is not only sweet and infectious, it’s something I know will carry them through the ups and downs of marriage.

That first conversation also had me completely excited to finally meet them in person and see their love in action. From the moment we began and these two started interacting I could tell the whole night was going to be magic - and it was.

Olana State Historic Site: Hudson, New York - Engagement Session | Bridgette & Mike

If you follow my Instagram you may already know that my sister is getting married!!! While Bridgette is technically my husband’s sister, making her officially my sister-in-law, since the moment we met she’s been the sister I never had. From road tripping to Florida, watching her graduate from college, bar-hopping, hanging out and finding the best places to eat, to now watching her be the most amazing Aunt to our daughter - I simply can’t imagine life without her. And now she can’t imagine life without Mike!

By this time next year these two will officially be Mr. & Mrs. and I couldn’t be happier for them. Aside from just being thrilled to have watched their love story blossom from the very beginning, it’s also been a huge privilege to have been trusted with capturing some of the milestones along the way.

Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut Engagement Session | Kelly & Stephen

We had to reschedule this session…. two times? Maybe? I felt bad every time we touched base and made the decision to call it and hold out for better weather. I mean, it’s New England and we’ve got to roll with Mother Nature’s punches, but I was crossing my fingers the day we ended up getting together that the stars would align and give these two the best weather. And align they did.

Kelly and Stephen, you guys are awesome. An absolute blast to be around and the smiles you bring out in one another are making me smiling just writing this.

Looking forward to your 2020 wedding! Thanks for asking me tell your story.

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.

2 Things to Consider When Planning Your Honeymoon

Chances are if you’re Facebook status currently reads “Engaged” you’ve likely spent so much time bogged down by invitation lists, seating charts, and floral choices that you’ve forgotten there’s even such a thing as a honeymoon. I’m here to remind you that after all of the celebration with friends and family you can make the decision to celebrate just you and your forever! Here are two simple things to think about that will hopefully make planning your honeymoon a whole lot less stressful.

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