Aria Wedding in Prospect, CT :: Black Tie, Formal Chinese Wedding :: Sneak Peek :: Julia & Robert

You may remember this beautiful couple from their engagement session that was recently posted posted on the blog. Well, as of Saturday, Julia and Robert are officially married at the Aria in Prospect, Connecticut.

There's a light that just shines through with these two. On top of just being sweet people, gracious and thoughtful in all of our interactions, they are so open and were willing to trust in the crazy process that can be wedding photography. There wasn't a single thing I suggested that they weren't up for with a smile.. unless I asked for a serious expression that is! 

Julia and Robert really value family and tradition. And their wedding incorporated a fun and meaningful mix of formal custom, personal history, and playful touches from the decor to their plans throughout the day. During their wedding ceremony they incorporated a traditional tea serving ritual, offering tea to each of their parents to show their respect and gratitude. It was beautiful to watch as each was served followed by hearty hugs. At their reception, dancers during dinner entertained with a number of cultural dance performances completely with colorful traditional attire. This couple also showed their love for their Alma Mater with an appearance by two UCONN huskies at cocktail hour. IfJulia and Robert weren't looking so great (just look at them and those smiles!) those pups could've really stolen the show! Needless to say, it was an incredible day. And there are tons of photos for me to go through, but, for now, I wanted to share this sneak peek with you all.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Aria in Prospect, CT
Wedding Ceremony officiated by Keith Brough
Florals by Super Stop & Shop Floral in Waterbury, CT
Cake Artist (Baker): Modern Pastry in Hartford, CT
Hair & Makeup by Lucille
Wedding Gown from Love Me Two Times Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses by Bill Levkoff
Groom and Groomsmen attire from JoS. A. Bank by Calvin Klein

Fontainebleau Inn Spring Wedding :: Sage Chapel at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York :: Sneak Peek :: Jillian and Clayton

Jillian and I met years ago, when I still lived in New York, before she met Clayton. When I moved, we kept in touch.. being friends and all! And I was overjoyed to hear about their engagement last year. Jillian is a truly beautiful person and I could not wait to meet the man that she said 'Yes' to, he was obviously someone special! Clayton did not disappoint.. the way they looked at each other, held on tight, laughed and kissed, the way they support one another, it is easy to see the love there.

This past weekend, Jillian and Clayton were married at Sage Chapel at Cornell University (Jillian's Alma Matter) in Ithaca, NY followed by a celebration next to Cayuta Lake at the Fontainebleau Inn because.. "How do you have a wedding in the fingerlakes and not be on a lake?!" It was an incredible location made even more beautiful by the clouds (Just check out that cloudy backdrop over the lake in the photos below!) which never amounted to more than some passing showers (Take that, Weather Channel!). After they both got ready, they started out with a private and emotional first look.. there may have been tears involved.. followed by a whirlwind of champagne popping, dancing, happy tears, 'I do', trolley riding, bubbles, big hugs, lots of excitement and support, kisses, and ice cream. It was a heck of a day and I hope that the photos below can communicate even a fraction of the love that could so easily be felt throughout it all.

Engagement Session at Harkness Park's Eolia Mansion in Waterford, CT :: Julia and Robert

I have to admit that I've been behind in showing off all of the great engagement sessions that I've been able to capture over the past couple of months and I want to fix that. I absolutely love getting to have an engagement session with a couple. Not only do we get to capture some incredible images together.. photographs that can speak to your daily lives, hint at an inside joke, incorporate a favorite hobby, show off where you had your first date, have a casual feel, or give you an excuse to get all dolled up with a new dress or suit! We also get to know each other. We work past some of the photography jitters, most of us aren't used to being infant of a camera.. I know that I'm not! Pick a place, a garden, the beach, your first home together, they city you met in, a cafe.. wherever! Then spend some time wandering around, feeling out what lets you feel the most natural for photos.

This past Sunday I got to photography Julia and Robert's engagement session around the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park in Waterford, Connecticut. And it was one of those fun evenings.. with the laughing and the stories. It has me so excited to be a part of their upcoming wedding later this month! 

And that gorgeous red gown is from Rent the Runway

Quonquont Farms Intimate Spring Wedding :: Apple Orchard Ceremony :: Barn Reception :: Laura and Evan

Getting to know Laura and Evan thought this whole wedding planning process has been nothing short of fun. Laura and I immediately bonded over a mutual love of a particular shoe brand (so comfortable and so cute!). We've met up for drinks and talked beer. Jeff (my Jeff) even joined us as a fellow beer lover. The energy from the start was like picking up a conversation with friends you saw just last month. So on the morning of their wedding I had butterflies, I felt nervous and excited. Yes, even after five.. no six years of photographing weddings, I still get those butterflies! I wanted to make sure this day and the photographs they remember it by are beautiful, that they reflect how beautiful these two are and really tell their story. 

And it was such a good day. Sure, there was a little bit of rain. But it didn't really matter! The plans didn't have to change. The love was there. The smiles! And the theme throughout it, what I couldn't help saying more than once and heard even more, was how sweet and how in love these two are. Here's a little sneak peek of it all!

Wedding Venue: Quonquont Farms in Whately MA
Wedding Planner: Events by Jackie M
Floral Arrangements by Forget Me Not Florist
Cake by Henion Bakery
DJ: Thom Sliney of TJ Productions
Catering by Seth Mias
Hair by Barbara Paulo of Shear XTreme
Makeup by Crystal Vazquez & Company
Wedding Gown by Morilee from Marry & Tux Bridal
Wedding Shoes: Tieks
Groom's Suit by Joseph Abboud from Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaid dresses from David's Bridal
Wedding Rings from Leber Jeweler
Donuts (for dessert) from Donut Dip!