The Red Barn at Hampshire College :: Rustic Wedding :: Rain on Your Wedding Day :: Katie and Ethan

During cocktail hour and the reception, every guest was boasting about how memorable Katie and Ethan's wedding would be, which is so true.. and not just for the reason that seemed obvious that day. 

The weather on Sunday was really difficult to predict with showers occasionally coming in between lengths of calm clouds. The weather seemed to be cooperating, so when the deadline came for a decision, Katie and Ethan opted to have their ceremony outside atop the hill under the big oak tree at the the Red Barn. It's such a gorgeous spot! Part way through the ceremony, as a friend finished a touching reading, it started to lightly sprinkle. Umbrellas were passed around and popped opened. The rain wasn't much, completely manageable. Then, just as these two finished up their vows, the rain started to increase until it was actually pouring. 

Everything stopped. Ethan called out for everyone to make their way inside where they'd finish the ceremony. There were huge smiles and laughs as people hurried to the barn huddled underneath umbrellas and jackets overhead. Katie and Ethan waited with their wedding party for the golf cart to come and help grandpa and a couple of guests back down before making their way back to the barn together. 

After a few moments to shake it off and get the instrumentalists into place, Katie and Ethan finalized their vows by exchanging rings and kissed as everyone cheered! It was such an energized, fun, beautiful moment! Everyone there was so excited for these two and for this great story they would all get to tell for years and for generations. How many couples get two ceremony locations in one day?

The rain was definitely memorable. So were people's expressions when it turned from a sprinkle to a pour. What stuck with me though was how these two waited in the rain until every guest was able to make their way down to the barn. How they handled the whole thing. This change of plans didn't take anything away from the joy of that moment. It was their first challenge to handle together, as husband and wife, and I'd say it symbolizes how they'll handle everything together.. with love, practicality, a sense of humor, care for those around them, and grace. I was and still am impressed.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Red Barn at Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass.
Wedding Officiated by Donny McKendall
Floral Arrangements by Atkins Farm in Amherst, MA
DJ: Chris Neil
Cake Design by Atkins Farm in Amherst, MA
Makeup by Liz Washer
Hair by Kelley Goddard
Wedding Gown from BHLDN
Bridesmaid Dresses from J.Crew
Grooms Attire from Suit Supply in Washington DC
Catering by Seth Mias
Wedding Favors: Jam made by the Bride and Groom
 

July Wedding at Mystic Seaport :: Latitude41 in Mystic, CT :: Sneak Peek :: Kat and Matt

At Kat and Matt's wedding, something happened that I have never once seen before, something that highlights the excitement, inclusiveness, and love that was so present that day, for every single person that came down the aisle in the precessional, the groom, the parents, the bridesmaids, and of course the bride, all of the guests clapped and cheered! Being there and feeling that energy, you could not help but be smiling! Their ceremony was so full of smiles and tears and emotion, it was incredible and it was a clear testament and reaction to who these two are. That is the kind of love and feeling that they help bring out around them. Kat and Matt are two of the sweetest people you could encounter, smiles just come easily around them. That energy carried through the entire evening too.. during the toasts (more cheering!), the packed dance floor, the end of the night sparklers.. what a night!

I know how thoughtful these two are first hand.. A year ago, when we met up for their engagement session which we scheduled close to my birthday, Kat brought along a birthday present for me that she gave to me as we were finishing up the session. I was floored and just impressed. She had seen that it was my birthday through the social media loop and thought of me. I am so incredibly grateful that I have been able to be a part of this with Kat and Matt. It was so hard choosing which moments to feature here for them, so many from their wedding day had me smiling! #katplusmatt

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Latitude 41 in Mystic, CT
First Look in Mystic Seaport
Wedding Planner: Lovely Day Styling and Events
Catered by Coastal Gourmet
Getting Ready at Hyatt Place Mystic, CT
Floral Arrangements by Stylish Blooms
Hair and Makeup by Dana Bartone & Co.
Cake by Creative Cakes by Donna
Wedding Gown by Watters from Lovely Bride
Grooms Attire from theblacktux.com
Bridesmaid Dresses by Amsale Dresses from Bella Bridesmaid in Westport
A Cappella Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music by Hyannis Sound
DJ: Heartbeats Everywhere
Officiant: Rev. Victoria Burdick
Wedding Rings from Lux Bond & Green
Wedding Favors were DIY Himalayan Pink Salt in Glass Bottles

Intimate Wedding in Easthampton, MA :: Celebrating with Family, Friends, Motorcycles, and Champagne :: Sneak Peek :: Corrine and Joel

Corrine and Joel's intimate wedding in Easthampton MA was truly one to remember! You know it's a fun day when a bride pulls up to the ceremony on the back of a motorcycle! And the amount of love and support around these two.. you could feel it as they said 'I do' to each other and motorcycles revved, as a line formed to give them both hearty hugs and hand them bottles of champagne, as they were received with cheers back at Joel's shop to celebrate. It was a day that was both formal and laid back, a mix of tradition and personal history that speaks to who they are. And here's a little sneak peek of it all!

Summer Wedding at Mystic Seaport in Mystic CT :: Latitude 41 and Coastal Gourmet Catering :: Lindsey and Larry

There are some moments that just pull at your heart. You feel the tension of it in your chest. The happiness and the excitement. It's hard to say if you're about to laugh or cry. You just really feel the moment. You can feel that it will stick with you. 

On Saturday, there were more of those moments then I can recount now. I could feel the anticipation and energy as soon as I walked into the hotel room where Lindsey was getting ready, and it just built from there. There was the the moment she opened a surprise gift from Larry. The moment Lindsey's dad saw her in her wedding gown (now that was a hug!), followed by Lindsey and Larry's first look out on the docks. While we were taking photos in Mysic Seaport and these two had a few seconds to just be together, there were those moments, taking in that time before they officially said 'I do'. At their ceremony, with the ocean breeze, the sunshine, and in front of everyone they love, as Larry raised his foot to break a glass and then kiss the bride.. his bride. The toasts.. definitely the toasts! The whole tent was glassy eyed at the end of Lindsey's father's speech and that was just the first one! There were just so many beautiful, heartfelt moments.

I am just so hugely happy for Lindsey and Larry, two of the sweetest people you'll meet, and so honored to have been a part of this day with them. To take in those moments and that love and to capture some of it for them. Congratulations again Lindsey and Larry! 

Ceremony and Reception at Latitude 41 in Mystic, CT
First Look in Mystic Seaport
Catering by Coastal Gourmet
Videographer: Lucent Wedding Films
Florist: Brambles and Bittersweet
Music for Ceremony by Matilda Petrela
DJ: Mickey Grouse
Transportation by Premier Limo
Hair by Ally Pelligrino
Makeup by Kari Sack
Wedding Gown by Heidi Elnora from Your Dream Bridal
Groom's and Groomsmen Attire from Mens Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses by Jenny Yoo from Nordstrom
Wedding Favors: Succulents grown and potted by Brambles and Bittersweet