The romance of winter was visible as Meghan and Ian wed on a crisp cold day in Middlebury, Vermont. It was everything you dream of when you start to picture a small winter wedding in a snowy mountain town. With 17 guests in attendance it was an intimate day, shared with an inner circle of family and friends. Being invited to document this occasion was a treat. Matt accompanied me as second shooter and sherpa, carrying bags and prepping lights as I tried to convince him to leave his job and work for me full time. (It hasn’t worked yet) We felt especially honored to be among the small group of guests and provide the images that would be remembered and shared with all those not in attendance. We were welcomed in and I can’t thank everyone enough for their hospitality.

Upon arriving to Middlebury we got acquainted with the locations for the wedding and then went off on a run to scout locations for photos. I always love to get to know a place with a run, and as the sun set the town twinkled with lights and the warm glow of houses which seemed to welcome us in. We soon joined those inside as we headed to the rehearsal dinner and the first official events of the weekend kicked off. The only thing missing was snow. Fortuitously we awoke to a light blanket that had been laid overnight to cover the ground. The temperature had also dropped at least 10 degrees from the day before, but we were prepared for the cold. I’m not sure if Ian could have prepared for wearing a kilt in such weather but he didn’t flinch. After warming up from the outdoor ceremony everyone gathered across the green in the Community House for a reception equivalent to the Christmas dinner you always wish you had with those closest to you. It was a beautiful day, remembered in the warmest light as the memory of a cold day fades with the passing of time.

Each time I head to Vermont I find another reason to return. The small towns nestled between snowy mountains are so inviting and ready for exploration. Just a few miles north of Middlebury we fell in love with Vergennes Laundry, a wood fired bakery and coffee shop that fit our tastes perfectly. More and more I’m drawn to the simple and expertly crafted espresso drinks found only at small establishments like this. Pair that with fresh bread, tarts, and french treats like caneles and it’s almost enough reason to pick up and move or actually start building that wood fired oven we have been talking about. A trip to Vergennes was the perfect treat after a cold day shooting outside. Enough so that I’m ready to plan for next year.

They didn’t expect to fall in love when they walked in to church one Sunday two years ago. Mike had come looking for a church after moving to the area and was drawn to the community passionate about serving others. Leslie had grown up in the church and attended while home over the holidays to find a tall handsome stranger sitting in Sunday school with her.  They couldn’t help but notice each other and on tried to avoid making their interest obvious throughout that first class. Afterwards, a typically shy Leslie approached Mike and introduced herself.  A typically outgoing and confident Mike found himself feeling a little shy.

Opposites attract. While similarities brought them together their differences made them stronger. Her artistic insight and his thoughtful organization allow them to balance each other, strengthen each other, and challenge each other. For Leslie, on time is a fluid term that can include a few minutes late. For Mike on time is 15 minutes early.

I arrived in Boston and spent the morning with Leslie and Mike, getting to know the area. We stopped in the church – where they first met and were getting married, drove to the beach where the first look would take place and finalized our plan for the next day. While it was the first time I had met both of them I felt as though I was back in town for a wedding of good friends. Leslie and Mike are the kind of people you just want to be friends with, and I felt lucky to be among those in attendance for their wedding.

There was an effortlessness with how the day unfolded. Nothing was contrived, but genuinely crafted to be an extension of their life together and expression of their love. In the same way, photographing their day came easily. Leslie and Mike are so obviously in love they were naturals and I can’t say enough how much I loved being able to document them. I hope you enjoy the images just as much!

Leslie handmade fabric invitations to set the tone for their personal day and invite everyone to join them. She tried a few methods before deciding on one that worked best – and she is going to share her process in a post on Monday!

After getting ready it was off to the beach in Nahant for the first look. These photos convince me even more that a first look is a necessary part of a wedding day. It allowed us to take the time to shoot in a gorgeous location before the ceremony and take advantage of the light when it was best – a must when shooting in the winter months.

I love the pops of color against navy dresses and muted landscape of November. That little bit of orange color in the bushes ties to together perfectly.

Flowers Blooms of Hope Dress David’s Bridal Hairpiece Simplybellatlb on etsy Jewelry Bridalbeads and OliniBridalJewelry on etsy Bridesmaid’s Dresses J.Crew Hair & Makeup Siobhan McKenna Venue Nahant Country Club

It was meant to be. There are times in each person’s life when you wonder what the future holds, what your purpose is and where life will take you. The friendships you form in high school are tested when life starts to unfold – and do so unexpectedly with twists and turns that take you in a new direction. No relationship is tested more than a romantic one, and Chris and Collen have weathered the storm.

They still remember that first prom, back in their awkward teenage years, and as Chris recounted in his vows, he never understood why Colleen loved him. She was everything to him, and it wasn’t until a few years later when she was facing life threatening illness that he fully realized his purpose in their relationship. He was there to love her, and when there was the possibility that she might not be there, he stood by her side and loved her more. To be there – in good times and in bad, in times of plenty and need, and in times of sickness and in health – is a promise they made on their wedding day. It was a promise in many ways they had already fulfilled, but on this day they pledged to do so for the rest of their lives.

There are few times when I cry at a wedding, but as Chris and Colleen read their vows written specifically for each other, my eyes welled up and hid behind my camera and I continued to document. Here was a relationship so meaningful, so real, you could not help but recognize what they had and celebrate their love… and celebrate they did. Chris and Colleen know how to throw a party and it was an absolute joy to document their day. Thanks again to everyone for inviting me in and I hope you enjoy this small story of the day.

The Cortland Alumni house is a gorgeous venue and of course a significant location to these Cortland grads. It was decked out in feathers which replaced flowers for most of the decoration. It was such a new and beautiful perspective on bouquets and arrangements! 

Isn’t that dress amazing?!

I always love a first look, it’s a chance to enjoy the day more fully and photograph everyone when they look their best, right after getting ready. Chris + Colleen met at the front of the alumni house and she came out the door to great him.

don’t they look so good together? they can easily make each other laugh and have fun on a moments notice which always helps

love those adorable headbands! Feathers were carried throughout the design and executed so well! Such a unique take on boutineers + bouquets.

The weather couldn’t have been better for this outdoor October ceremony. It sneaked into the 70′s at one point which is hard to believe for the fall.

Pumpkins were another decoration that was consistently used throughout the reception as the table centerpieces – and they carved a custom thank you pumpkin.

such a good looking bridal party! There were many unique aspects to Chris + Colleen’s day, her engagement ring being one of them. A family heirloom, I have never seen anything like and love how the rings fit together as one.

as the night progressed, the dancing quickly started and lasted well into the evening. It was a party, a celebration and most definitely a night to remember. Hopefully the photos helped you do so, and congrats again to Colleen and Chris and thanks for letting me document your day!

Dustin & Maureen, your wedding yesterday was fabulous. I’m so happy I could be a part of it, enjoy this preview and look for a few more here soon.

Portland. It was the city Marianne knew and loved. She only moved away from it for a short time, to attend college and play soccer across the country in New York. She took long flights home enjoyed spending breaks with friends when a trip wasn’t in the cards. It wasn’t easy being so far away, and it always held a special place in her heart. Upon graduation, it was an easy choice when deciding where to start her career and life on her own, but it was hard to move away from the friends she grew so close to in New York. One of those friends turned in to so much more.

Jimmy, as everyone called him, quickly turned into Jim as nicknames (if we can call it that) often fade when things get serious. His quick wit and humor kept her on her toes and there was never a dull moment when they were together. Their relationship began late in college, so when Marianne decided to move back to Portland it was a big decision for Jim to follow. He dove in to the adventure of moving across the country and began his masters at nearby George Fox University. He grew to love the city as he fell deeper in love with Marianne.

It was fitting that their choice for a wedding day was also a day when Portland was at it’s best, the day of the Rose Parade. On that summery Saturday morning while the streets were teeming with people getting ready for the parade to begin, Marianne and Jimmy began their wedding day preparations. Marianne deftly navigated the city streets up to the salon for her hair appointment, and like clockwork the details she planned for the day began to fall in to place. Forecasts for rain proved erroneous and what unfolded was a modern and chic wedding day unlike any other.

I count myself incredibly lucky to be a part of this wedding, and I love any excuse to fly over to Portland. Marianne and Jimmy have a relationship that is undoubtedly the real thing and you can never go wrong when you start with that. Throughout the wedding it was clear that when they were planning they were thinking of their guests. Handwritten details adorned each place setting (as seen in this post) and the flow of the wedding events was clear and uninterrupted. Even the idea of having their wedding on the same day as the Rose Parade allowed family to enjoy a long standing tradition and out of town guests to experience the best of the city. You can tell I’m impressed, but just to make sure you should look through the pictures to see the gorgeous day unfold…

The rose parade as seen from my 10th story window as I prepared to start shooting. Below, the University Club was a chic ceremony and reception site.

Marianne’s Enzoani wedding dress was just made for her. simply gorgeous

a wedding day gift from Jimmy: a Tiffany‘s citrine pendant

When Marianne and Jimmy told me they decided to have a first look and I couldn’t wait because I knew that meant their pictures would be extra special. There’s just something about not only those moments, but the effect it has on the whole schedule for the day that makes taking pictures easier for the couple. See for yourself….

We went to several Portland landmarks and enjoyed part of the city while taking photos before the ceremony. I love this image of the flower girls, and am convinced you can’t have too many in a wedding. The ceremony combined a few different traditions and most notably Marianne’s Filipino roots. I love the contrast in the processional and recessional photos – and the difference in emotion between the two. So fitting. After the ceremony we took a few more pictures down the road at the Ira Keller Park + Fountain. It’s a popular location for photos for good reason, it’s beautiful.

Before long we headed back for the reception which was decorated in green and white and seen in some of the details below…

it was an evening full of celebration, and people not afraid to have fun on the dance floor. If you are a friend or family of the wedding I’ll let you enjoy looking through all of the photos over in the proofing gallery, but I’ll end with these since it was hard enough to narrow things down. Marianne + Jimmy, congratulations again on a fabulous wedding day and the start of life together. I can’t wait to hear what you think and really enjoyed being a part of everything – let’s do it again next year.

…I took yesterday was a long exposure of the night sky at Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville, VA. I think I love night photography, since even the smallest bit of light can illuminate in an amazing way. If this photo is any indication of how the rest of the pictures look (which it is) we’re all in for a treat.

I was referred to Marc and Ginny from Jenn, and although we didn’t get a chance to meet before the big day, we spent a lot of time emailing and talking to make sure the photography went smoothly. I know Marc + Ginny had a lot of trust in me which I totally appreciate and it was a privilege to be alongside them on their wedding day and document everything. A special thanks to Kaylan Buteyn who second shot the wedding with me and was a big help! This Florida wedding truly was fabulous and it took place at TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players, in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida.

To start off, here are some of the fabulous details of the day, which all compliment the modern and classic style Ginny was going for.

Ginny’s dress, “Lucy” from Priscilla of Boston’s Vineyard Collection was gorgeous and fit her like a glove. I loved the flower detail at the back and captured this abstract shot of the layers of tulle from underneath – it’s one of my favorites.

Yes, that is a Steeler’s garter that Ginny wore!

Ginny’s bouquet was one of the most gorgeous I’ve seen. It was so simple and elegant – I love the sunflower centers they added so much texture. In the center you can see a brooch from Ginny’s grandmother that the bouquet was built around.

Marc and Ginny decided to do a first look and see each other before the ceremony while also taking all of the bridal party and family pictures beforehand. That works out perfectly when you don’t want down time in between the ceremony and reception. It also gives you a chance to be photographed at the beginning of the day, just after you’ve gotten ready and look your best.

Marc and Ginny looked fabulous and not only that, they are perfect for each other.

The inside of the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass is gorgeous, and I love the paintings they have of some of golf’s best players and historic wins at the course. Outside was the perfect spot for a big bridal party group shot, and you can see why Marc and Ginny fell in love with the location.

Soon it was time for the ceremony, which took place on the other side of the clubhouse overlooking the golf course. Once again, the clubhouse is gorgeous as is the view. If you’re considering having your wedding here I would highly recommend it, everyone at TPC was also incredibly helpful and did a great job organizing the wedding details.

After the ceremony Marc and Ginny hopped in a golf cart to go take a few more pictures at a scenic spot on the course. It was the perfect moment alone for them after the ceremony and before the reception.

Gorgeous! The rest of the night included hors d’oeuvres outside as the sun set and then dinner, dancing and all around fun inside for the reception. The party was fabulous and everyone had a great time celebrating. To look through all of the images you can head over to the proofing gallery if you haven’t already… and I hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I did. Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post so I can send out a free enlargement. Marc and Ginny you guys are wonderful and thanks again for letting me document everything!

This love story started on the basketball court. Christy and Phil met on a church league and while that is where their story began, the first chapter wasn’t written until Christy’s trip to Zambia. Working for World Hope, she was presented with the opportunity to work in the field. She spread the news about her trip and asked family and friends to help support her, and one of those friends was Phil. They met over coffee to talk and their friendship soon developed into something more. Who would have known that a support letter would have lead to an engagement… that’s taking a support letter to a whole new level.

look at those moves! Matt and I met up with Phil and Christy in DC and spent part of our time in the district and most of it in Georgetown area, which is beautiful.

Christy left for her trip not too long after their coffee shop date which meant that they spent the first part of their relationship miles apart.

Gorgeous, right? Are you as excited for their wedding as I am?

they love each other. There’s so much more of their story to be written and I’m so excited to be a part of documenting it. Phil + Christy see you in October and good luck with the wedding planning!

I have a lot to fill you in on since my last post was almost a week ago. I’ve had a lot of travel in these past few days, as well as excitement with Mike + Kaity’s wedding this past weekend in the Wappingers Falls area. You might have heard about – or lived through – the storm the northeast experienced as well, and the dramatization on the weather channel made me wonder if I would even make it up to the wedding. I sat in front of the tv Thursday night seeing report after report on precipitation, road conditions, and that you should cancel your travel plans if you haven’t already. I was sucked in, I admit it, and while the storm did drop a lot of snow thankfully the highways were perfectly safe to travel on and I arrived as scheduled.

Another wintery wedding. Mike + Kaity’s wedding day was fabulous and what made it so fun is that I know them so well. Both runners (like myself) they also graduated from Houghton and we share stories of meets, long runs, and the time spent together that comes from being a part of a team. It was fun to catch up with some old friends at their wedding and enjoy the reunion that so often comes along with the day. Can’t wait to show you more!