Rustic Summer Wedding at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret, CT :: Outdoor Ceremony and Barn Reception :: Danielle and Jeff

On Saturday, it was as if the skies knew exactly when to let the rain fall and give all of the omens of good luck to Danielle and Jeff on their wedding day that it could muster. There was a cloudy start to the day but after Danielle and Jeff's first look, the sun came out in full force, sticking around all the way through their ceremony until the very end of cocktail hour. Then, as if on cue, the rain poured down right after all of the guests were seated in the barn and ready for the reception to begin. And as quickly as that rain came in, it went.. leaving behind a rainbow and a gorgeous evening sunset. It was the perfect compliment to the day and the this beautiful couple we were all there to celebrate. 

Danielle and Jeff are two people that you just feel good around. They have such a warmth and positive energy. It's easy to smile and feel relaxed, you'll find yourself joking around and having fun with them instantly. And they so clearly love each other. They're a couple you root for, a couple that even the weather and the sky seemingly roots for! I hope that you can feel some of that in this sneak peek, in their smiles and the joy of those around them that day..

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret, CT
Hair & Makeup by Lyndsay Simon Beauty
Wedding Gown from David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses from J. Crew
Groom and Groomsmen's Attire from Men's Wearhouse
Officiant: Paul Aldrich
DJ: Brian Nicks Productions
Photobooth from MARX Entertainment
Floral Arrangements, Catering, and Cake by Peppers Fine Catering

Lakeside Tent Wedding in the Berkshires at Family's Home :: Emily and Peter

There is so much love and joy that you feel when you're around Emily and Peter. They are just great people. They smile easily, are really there for the people around them, they inspire beautiful toasts, and can rock a dance floor as the band plays on.  These two also know how to deal with obstacles in stride, without letting it get them down. It sounds a bit cliche, but it's true. I got to see it multiple times, whether it was a golfing mishap the day before the wedding or a late bus that pushed back their ceremony start time. 

And, aside from how much I like Emily and Peter as people, there were also so many mentionable details that really add to the feel of the day, the little fire truck that their ring bearer rode in on, the 'Berkshires' book used as a guestbook, the custom golf ball that sat at their sweetheart table, or the vintage doors setups at the beginning of the ceremony aisle. But one of my favorite aspects of their wedding day is the history and connection to the place where they actually said 'I do'. Their wedding was on a lake in the Berkshires, part of family home that has actually seen a number of celebrations including the start of Emily's brother's marriages. That just ties so beautifully into how much they clearly love their family and friends. I hope that you enjoy this sneak peek of their wedding and can see some of that love for yourself!

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Family's Private Residence in the Berkshires
Caterer: Savory Harvest Catering
Florist: Garden Blossoms Florist in Pittsfield, Ma
Cake Artist (Baker): A.W. Confections
Music for Ceremony and Reception by the Band Uptown Swing
Furniture and Table Setting Rentals from Mahaiwe Tent & Party Rentals
Ceremony Decorations and Lighting Rentals from Maryanne Gillooly at Gilllooly Design
Videography by Ben Pliss Media
Ceremony Officiant: Ann ONeil
Wedding Gown by Romona Keveza from Wedding Salon of Manhasset in New York
Hair and Makeup by Christy & Co
Bridesmaid Dresses by Bill Levkoff
Groom and Groomsmen's Attire by Calvin Klein from Men's Wearhouse

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