Julie and Matt's Wedding

Julie and Matt had one of the most unique engagement stories (he proposed to her during spin class...) I have ever heard and I was thrilled that their wedding was just as unique and spontaneous!

The day of the wedding I headed out to spend the morning with Julie and her 4 sisters and her other bridesmaids getting ready. During that time Greg spent the morning with Matt and the men...although I think they spent less time getting ready and more time hanging out!











Julie's family church- right out of a fairy tale! It was amazing!





As a photographer there are moments you know are going to happen during a wedding ceremony. You don't know when, so you have to wait for them. Then there are other moments in between, ones that spontaneously happen, and if they are captured, it is pure photo joy.

The above is one of those moments. It happened so fast and I only knew I had captured it when I got home and uploaded the pictures. As the priest was talking about Matt and Julie and their love for each other, Matt lifted Julie's hand and kissed it. It was so romantic and touching and I am thrilled to have gotten this moment frozen in time for their future enjoyment and sharing.



Married!



After the ceremony, Julie, Matt and I stole away from the crowds and headed to a rose garden. This garden was so delightful, but is more than just pretty flowers. This garden is also where Julie's parents had their wedding pictures taken.






Afterward, we left for the John Edwards' Winery where every detail was perfect! Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour amongst the vineyards, during which time I again got to take some shots of Julie and Matt against yet another beautiful location.







Julie and Matt headed back to join their guests and to start their reception.

Please notice below, another unique detail was added- but this one was not planned...an exquisite rainbow appeared in the sky and seemed to land right on the location of the reception!! ( it rained elsewhere, thank you mother nature )





There were many fantastic speeches during the reception. From the best man, the father of the bride, the father of the groom, and even Matt himself-but this one struck a special chord with me. Julie's sisters and cousin reflected on how when they were growing up in a household of girls that they would play a game pretending to be grown ups. And here they were now all grown up- doing for real what they had so often pretended to do.





Julie here was clapping as Matt's cousin sang a self written song about love...or was it when Julie's little sisters performed a Irish step dance? Either way, more unique details- family members expressing their happiness and love for Matt and Julie with touching performances.



One of the younger reception guests!



Oh and the conga line- this wedding had one of the best!!







Matt taking one of his many BIG squeezes of his new wife!





A tradition in Julie's family- a little air guitar on the leg! This couple here, Meghan and Joey are next in line to get married!



And nothing states a great time better than kicking the shoes off and dancing the night away!



The final hug and squeeze of the evening- at least for the camera! Congratulations to Julie and Matt and your families, your wedding was amazing and surely will be a memorable one for all who attended!

Julie and Matt's Clam Bake

Weddings have greatly evolved over the years and for the better in my opinion. Weddings often now include a whole weekend of festivities, starting with the rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinners used to be more about the rehearsing and less about the fun. These days they can be a great time for hugs, kisses, catching up, speeches and dancing- and all in a more relaxed atmosphere for the bride and groom and family members.

Julie and Matt had a Clam Bake to kick off their wedding weekend. The event took place right on the water at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.



















Stay tuned for their wedidng pics that will be posted very soon!

An Adorable Family!

In tune with the summer of 2009, I had a photo shoot that was canceled due to...yes, rain. But this time it was a good thing, because the next day was an incredible day of sunshine!! My favorites from the photo shoot took place in Grandma's garden, a true wonderland!





This little girl was just amazing. She took me on a tour of the garden and showed me all the special plants. I loved watching how genuinely fascinated she was by the nature. If only we can all be as honest and true and open as an 8 year old.



Little brother was full of smiles!



Grandpa!



A tomato that she had grown herself....and to my surprise, she gave it to me. She told me it was a souvenir from the photo shoot!



During some family portraits we also had some big laughs as the little guy starting pulling hair!





Pictures with Grandma and Grandpa!









And finally we made it to the beach...but it was the garden that really stole my attention! It was lovely, and this family- one of the loveliest! Thank you for the great time, the big smiles and the laughs!!