Evening Engagement Session Stamford, Connecticut

Aside from Taylor and Andrew being two of the sweetest humans (I mean it, they were an absolute blast to hang out with) it turns out Stamford is a place I’ll be going back to often because it’s so cute. Views of the water and Long Island Sound, great restaurants and bakeries, swings, a play area with sand for the kids, gorgeous parks and modern architecture - and, bonus, from everything I saw it’s a superrrrr clean city. This downtown area was quiet and serene and it really turned out to be such a perfect evening. The sunset colors even showed off for us and we concluded the night dancing on the dock with a pink-sky-backdrop as Taylor twirled around in the most beautiful floral dress.

Brooklyn Bridge Sunrise Couple's Photos

After being in Manhattan this weekend to photograph a surprise proposal (she said “YES!”) I was reminiscing back to this weekend in Brooklyn and couldn’t wait to put the finishing touches on this gallery to share with you all. It’s been a long time dream of mine to make it to the Brooklynn Bridge at sunrise for a photo session, and the stars aligned and it felt like a dream to be on the bridge photographing this gorgeous couple in the first light on a spring Saturday morning.

There are a few different spots in Brooklyn that are all easily accessible and close together in the DUMBO area, and with a little pre-planning we decided to begin at sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge (total dream) and head to Washington Street for the iconic cobblestone New York City streets, make our way to Jane’s Carousel (which my daughter Jane *loved*), and then finished our time together right on the water with the gorgeous New York cityscape for a backdrop. The morning light was so soft and perfect and Jess and Peter were absolute naturals at being in front of the camera - every request was met with enthusiasm and I’m just so grateful for sweet couple’s that allow me the honor of photographing a piece of their story. Peter used to live and work across the river in New York City and Jess has fond memories of time throughout her life on the the Brooklyn Bridge, including a photo of her and her mom when she was younger on the bridge. It’s amazing to think how photographs freeze these moments in time and we carry them with us, and that I was able to add to their memories of this gorgeous bridge and the part it will play in their story.

Classic NYC Central Park Couple's Portraits

I must say, every day since this session I’ve had a moment after waking up back in Connecticut that I think, “I wish I was waking up to sunrise in Central Park.”

Central Park is a classic piece of the New York City experience and there is just something about NYC with the springtime glow, a gorgeous couple in love (getting married this Fall and I cannot wait to be there to photograph their wedding day - eeeeeek!) and exploring this stunning park perfectly placed in Manhattan.

Wedding Website Information To Include

If I’ve ever had the pleasure of connecting with you to chat about your wedding it probably took all of 0.001 seconds for you to realize that I’m a details-loving-gal. I try to reign this in a bit during initial conversations with couples, because the process of moving from being engaged to married and the intricacies of wedding planning are meant to be experienced in phases — and it’s so overwhelming to have all of the questions at once. However! While I may not be a planner, and you don’t have to share everything with me (or your respective photographer) right away, I know that your guests appreciate the details just as much as vendors do, and one of the best ways to share them is through a wedding website!

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…

Charming Snowy Winter Connecticut Engagement Photos

Sitting at my desk watching the snow fall in April - got to love New England - and it reminded me that I haven’t had a chance to blog Nicole and Dan’s cozy winter engagement photos at Heavitree of Griswold B&B. From a few warm indoor photos with tons of historical character, cozying up on a couch together with gorgeous exposed beams, fireplaces and a taproom, to some outdoor moments with gorgeous rock walls, a red barn and a Christmas tree farm backdrop of Geers Tree Farm, this session was filled with all of the reasons I love New England and the moments it inspires in love stories.

7 Ways To Elevate The Guest Experience At Your Wedding

Your wedding is absolutely your special day, but it’s also a chance to create a memorable and meaningful event for your friends and family. After all, they're taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with you — why not thank them for showing up by giving them a guest experience they'll never forget? Fortunately, there are tons of thoughtful ways you can elevate the guest experience at your wedding that can help make your big day feel special for everyone. Read on to learn all about the top seven tips for crafting a unique and unforgettable wedding experience for all of your favorite people.

3 Reasons To Get Married in Mystic, Connecticut

Important Considerations When Hiring Your Wedding DJ

I’m thrilled to be sharing these tips and tricks from Jeff and Amy, owners and masterminds behind Mystic River Entertainment, offering entertainment services throughout New England. Jeff and Amy are two of the sweetest souls and their passion for music, party planning, and helping others is apparent in every conversation I’ve had with them. Best part? These two are dang good at throwing an awesome party with thoughtful music choices and their skill for creating a warm and positive environment for your guests is incredible - I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and I can confidently tell you that the DJ you select will directly influence the way your guests remember the party. SO. Without further ado, take it away Jeff!

Mystic, Connecticut Autumn Intimate Wedding

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Elegant Fall Garden Party Connecticut Wedding

Despite the many speed bumps and hurdles these two faced while planning, they crafted a day that focused on the safety of their loved ones, amidst a global pandemic, and a day that was representative of their relationship. They chose to have a First Look under a willow tree that provided for gorgeous soft light and a romantic aesthetic with the addition of Charlotte’s plush bouquet with pops of maroon and plum, followed by portraits around the gardens. Their “I Do’s” were exchanged at the most stunning ceremony site where the sun shone through the orchard trees and incorporated incredible architecture and florals. The cocktail hour was the perfect prelude to the rest of the evening full of celebrations. Guests had the opportunity to mingle and move about and explore the different elements which had been carefully designed with hightop tables, several elegant and cozy seating areas, and various games to encourage social distancing - all while eating from individual charcuterie cones (their Catering team, A Thyme to Cook, really knocked it out of the park along with so many other vendors).

Charlotte and Rob are two of the most thoughtful and genuinely sweet and caring people I’ve ever met. They incorporated countless details in their plans emphasizing their concern for both the safety and overall experience of their guests. Even their loved ones who were no longer able to celebrate in person with them due to COVID-19 were a focal point, with an honored place live streaming at their ceremony - they may have even had a better view of their vows and first kiss than the guests in attendance! Speaking of all things thoughtful, they had previously sent out a toast for everyone to enjoy with them at home. Capturing them say hello to everyone celebrating remotely after the ceremony was one of my favorite moments.

Rhode Island Ocean House Sunset Beach Engagement

Every time I photograph a new couple, especially those first few moments after meeting, it’s uncomfortable. It’s 10000% normal to not feel instantly at ease being photographed and generally it takes a little while to feel like you can be yourself in front of the camera - I know, even as a photographer I freak out a bit when I’m on the other side. These are all emotions I’m ready for and prepped to guide my couples through to make for a positive and enjoyable experience. But truly, watching Chris and Sarah interact over the course of our time together was beautiful. There were moments when they were focused on each other that I felt like, and *really* hoped, that they had actually forgotten I was there. Chris looks at Sarah in a way that tells the whole world he knows exactly the gift he has in his arms - he’s so full of joy and contentment. And Sarah, well she lights up an entire beach with her smile and her calming and joyful demeanor brings an undeniable peace.

These are the moments and stories I live to photograph.

Classic New England Church & Backyard Wedding

Working with Kelly and Stephen to document this day amidst a global pandemic had it’s ups and downs in planning, but I think after everything we can say that their wedding plans worked out exactly as they were supposed to.

We held to their original plan of a church ceremony in Branford, but the reception that followed took place at Kelly’s childhood home. Now, her home is not in just any neighborhood - it’s one of those neighborhoods they make shows about. All the kids grew up together, the parents are all friends, it seems the neighbors collectively raised each other’s children (giving a whole new meaning and depth to the phrase “it takes a village”), the group even had their favorite song that brought everyone out on the dance floor at once. I don’t know all of the details of the many years of friendships that have developed in this neighborhood, but I do know from experiencing the level of community on display for just one night, this is they type of community and we should all be fighting for these days. It was so beautiful to watch Kelly and Stephen have all of their closest people celebrating with them in a place with such history for them.

Elegant Connecticut Countryside Summer Wedding

And then Courtney began to walk towards Ryan and the sun came out. I could hear gasps of excitement from their guests, it was that noticeable. An undeniable sparkle and warmth from a sun we hadn’t seen all day. I’m telling you, I’m crying as I’m writing this, because it was one of the most redemptive moments of 2020 so far and I was there with a front row seat to witness.

Congratulations, Courtney and Ryan! I can’t thank you enough for trusting me in this season and allowing me to capture some of your most precious memories.

Possibly my favorite moment from their day were the two separate moments (both captured with photos you can see below) where shortly after they had exchanged rings, shared a kiss, both Courtney and Ryan looked down at their hands with the sweetest expressions, visibly realizing that the hand they were holding was now, without question, there’s to hold forever.

Intimate Backyard Connecticut Wedding

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.

Summer Coastal Connecticut Tented Outdoor Wedding

Whitney and Dylan are two people who love intentionally. Everything they do is done with such care for those around them. Every detail of this day of celebration in Mystic, Connecticut at The Stonington Meadows came together beautifully. Whitney’s dress was absolutely breathtaking, the weather was glorious, the florals were stunning, the ceremony was meaningful, and the party was epic. It was a beautiful day and I could not think of two more deserving people to have their plans finally fall into place.

Intimate Adirondack Mountains Adventure Wedding

Leia and Dave are both lovers of the outdoors. They are two people who light up in each other’s presence and their calm demeanor and steadfast devotion to each other is admirable. Not to mention they both have the best sense of humor and watching their genuine and carefree interactions throughout the day was such a fun front row seat to have.

The were married at the Chapel at Camp Fowler, a stunning and peaceful woodsy building with pine features, followed by some portraits by the water and surrounding buildings, beach, and canoes and then an intimate and fun backyard gathering. This gathering was uniquely and exquisitely styled and arranged much in part and thanks to their amazing families, including their sister-in-law, Jess, who owns Different Blend Bakery in Schenectady, New York. Be sure to checkout the amazing cake, s’mores station, custom napkins, and many other carefully attended to details that made this celebration so clearly crafted in love.

We ended the evening with canoeing around the lake and letting the newlyweds enjoy a grand adventure together - their first canoe trip as Mr. and Mrs. captured forever. The day wouldn’t have been complete without running down the dock together hand-in-hand and a jump in the lake. Admittedly, I asked them to do this twice because it was just too much fun.

This wedding day had all the intentionality behind it I wish for all of my couples. If an adventure inspired intimate wedding in the Adirondacks doesn’t speak to your soul, that’s ok. But these two celebrated in a way that was true to them and their relationship and I hope that every couple feels empowered to choose the things that are most important to them on their wedding day. It truly doesn’t matter if you call it an elopement, micro-wedding, destination wedding, intimate wedding - for Leia and Dave the celebration was no-fuss in all the ways they intended. They will forever have this day etched in their minds and can always look back and know that they chose love, they chose each other, and they chose to declare their union and be affirmed in it by their families who will continue to stand by their sides for years to come as they watch Leia and Dave, undoubtedly, embark on many more adventures together.

Tree Farm Boho Styled Shoot Turned Real Wedding

The added twist to this styled shoot was that our models were a real couple I connected with on social media and they exchanged vows and were legally married during the shoot! They traveled in from Ohio and it was quite the destination elopement weekend (be sure to check out their Engagement Session and cozy morning of wedding shoot if you haven’t already).

Where a typical styled shoot might be called off due to rain, because we were holding an actual ceremony we obviously went ahead with the plans and we think the rain and dark sky add an element of realness and romance to this styled-shoot-turned-real-wedding. So many amazing vendors and talented creatives came together to make this possible and their entire intimate wedding day was a complete surprise from start to finish! So cool.

Summer Connecticut Island Wedding

The first time Courtney and I chatted on the phone we connected over so many things - among them, the similarities shared by our significant others (right down to them sharing the same birthday). During their initial inquiry call we talked at length about the plans they envisioned for their wedding day, but even more importantly, I had the opportunity to get to know them and hear about their love story up until their engagement. These two have been together for about 10 years, and from the bits and pieces I’ve picked up from conversation, as well as their live-life-to-the-fullest personalities, I would say that those 10 years were filled with more epic adventures and life experiences together than some have the opportunity to have in a lifetime.

When they were officially engaged, in conversation with Courtney’s 98 year old Grandmother (affectionately known as Grma), she asked that they get married in Connecticut so that she could dance at their wedding. A Connecticut wedding wasn’t necessarily a given because Courtney and Jeff have lived in Connecticut, Hawai’i, and Colorado, but they decided to plan for a New England wedding to make Gram’s wish come true.

Fast forward to a meeting over Christmas week to tour Guilford Yacht Club together, followed by a global pandemic (COVID-19 plot twist), added state guidelines, gathering mandates, travel restrictions and a change of venue. At the end of it all? A happy ending for two of the most deserving people I know. A stunning wedding with their family in attendance on Chaffinch Island in Guilford, Connecticut where they frequented together in the early days of their relationship. Gram was in fact able to dance at their intimate outdoor wedding reception, and the joy that lit up that backyard made several months of stressful wedding planning and adjusting worth it.

5 Date Ideas for the Engaged Couple During COVID-19

Are you recently engaged? Did you get engaged before the global pandemic, began planning a wedding and are now looking around wondering what the next year will hold?

I have a lot of feelings about this season, and I can’t imagine as an engaged couple all of the feelings you are working through, but I hope no matter where you are in life, if you are next to the one you love, you are supported and encouraged that in the chaos of the moment we become stronger. Stronger as individuals, stronger in our relationships - increasingly aware of the things that really matter in this life.

Awhile back I’d posted “5 Date Ideas for the Engaged Couple,” but I realized that I should maybe revisit and modify this list for those of you engaged during this season and looking for inspiration to lean into joy and dedicate time your significant other. So here goes!

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