Hartford CT Wedding at the Society Room :: Hartford City Hall Wedding Portraits :: Sneak Peek :: Danielle and Patrick

Danielle and Patrick celebrated their wedding last Friday, utilizing two incredibly beautiful spaces in the city of Hartford, the Society Room and City Hall. Both dramatic sites with real historic character. And both unforgettable settings. Even with such wow-worthy backdrops though, you couldn't take your eyes off of Danielle and Patrick. It was a memorable day. Some of my favorite parts were at the very start actually. You could feel the anticipation in the room as Danielle finished getting into her gown, the emotion of the moment rising, and then seeing the way Patrick watched Danielle come down the aisle. The way they looked at each other. The way they laughed together at their ceremony. When their moms came forward to take part in their hand fasting ritual at the very end. And, of course, when they shared their first kiss as husband and wife together. And all of this was just the start!

In addition to that love you could easily see between Danielle and Patrick, these two tackled the tiny obstacles of the day together seamlessly. They hunted down their wayward limo while braving the crazy humidity and the sporadic rain of the day. Although these are seemingly small trials, they have already handled greater hurtles in life together. They're a team, whether at home or on separate continents. They are a beautiful example of what it means to be partners. And I feel honored that I got to help them capture a piece of that on their wedding day!

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at The Society Room in Hartford CT
Wedding Portraits at Hartford City Hall
Wedding Photography by Michelle Girard Photography and Design
Ceremony Officiated by Mary Coburn
Wedding Gown by Allure from The Wedding Embassy
Bridesmaid Attire by David's Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire by Men's Wearhouse
DJ: Keith Alan Productions

Vibrant Onota Lakeside Destination Wedding in the Berkshires :: Pittsfield, Ma :: Sneak Peek :: Michelle and Marc

Michelle and Marc were married at their family lake house in the Berkshires this past Saturday. It's a place that has meant so much to them both. They spend time there during the Summer, even year round, most weekends. It's where they really fell in love, where they had their first grilled dinner, where they went on their first boat ride, and it's where they were able to relax together out of the busy city. It's a place with history. Before their wedding it was the backdrop to countless stories. Now it's also the place where they started their marriage and it could not have been more beautiful.

I was so happy for Michelle and Marc when the clouds broke just before their first look.. even if I might have liked that soft diffused light from those clouds! You should've seen Michelle's smile in that moment, almost as big as her smile when she finally saw Marc that day. It was contagious, you couldn't help but be happy too. To root for her. Michelle is the kind of person who so clearly cares about others. When she asks how you are, she actually wants to know about your life. She's present and thoughtful.. you should've seen the care she put into the gifts she gave her wedding party. There were so many hugs. Those really genuine, whole heart kind of hugs. She has a huge heart, a lively spirit, and an admirable drive. And when her brother touched on these qualities in his toast later that day it put words to what was obvious after only knowing her a short while. Marc's sister delivered a toast as well that evening that illustrated how loving, motivated, and attentive he is too. How good these two are together. I couldn't have been more impressed with these speeches, the whole tent was nodding, laughing and and even crying. And I couldn't be more impressed with the people these words described. 

Michelle and Marc's wedding was held in the Berkshires at a family home
Floral Arrangements by Carolyn Valenti
Catering by Marketplace Catering
Hair and Makeup by Cranwell Resort
Wedding gown by Amy Kuschel from Gabriella New York
Groom's Attire by Sanford Bryant in Chelsea, New York
Wedding Band: HiFi from Music Management
Videographer: Jamie from JPod Films
Lighting by CJC Lighting
Restrooms from Yankee
Tent and Rentals from Classical Tents

Berkshires Destination Wedding :: Tent Reception at Home in Becket, Ma :: Saint Andrew’s Chapel Ceremony :: Sneak Peek :: Margaret and Pieter

One beautiful part of a wedding is how the day speaks to a couple's history while also celebrating their future together. Greta and Pieter's wedding on Saturday was a perfect reminder of that. There were so many ways in which family and history were tied into their wedding. These two held their reception somewhere very meaningful, a home in the Berkshires that Pieter spent many summers and winters at throughout his life. Pieter wore antique cufflinks given to him by Greta's father. Readings at their wedding ceremony were by Greta's godmother and Pieter's grandmother. There were heartfelt and funny toasts delivered by family. Even their wedding favors, a variety of lavender that was first cultivated at Twickel Castle which was one of Pieter's family's ancestral homes, is a nod to heritage and family. All of it came together alongside modern touches, a beautiful blend of something old and something new. The most memorable part of it all.. Greta and Pieter's huge smiles as they walked back down the aisle together after they were married. The start of their married life, surrounded but their family and friends clapping and smiling with them. Ready to build upon that history together.

Wedding Ceremony at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Washington, MA
Wedding Reception at Private Residence in Becket, Ma
Officiated by Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
Wedding Planning and Catering by Mezze Catering
Floral Arrangements by Forget Me Not Florist
Cake by Austin Bayliss
Djed by DJ BFG
Tent and Rentals from Classical Tents and Party Goods
Hair and Makeup by Patricia Luccardi
Wedding Favors: Twickel Lavender
#vanWassenaerNewlyweds

The Red Barn at Hampshire College Rustic Summer Wedding :: Amherst, Massachusetts :: Sneak Peek :: Raeanne and Tim

There's a lot going on and a lot to think about on your wedding day. There can be nervous energy or worry about the weather, especially when there are thunderstorms predicted on the day of your wedding with an outdoor ceremony. But Raeanne was calm. Completely calm. She handled the change to an indoor ceremony in stride. And I think that was because she knew, no matter the weather, she was about to marry Tim.

Raeanne and Tim truly compliment each other. They are partners. It's so clear when you're around them how much they love one another. And they're a team. They've worked together in building their home. And based on how stressful buying a house was for us last year... I can only imagine the challenges to navigate in building! They did it together. Even Raeanne's mom knew these two were meant to be together when she met Tim at a Christmas tree farm before Raeanne even knew him. She went home and told her daughter all about this great guy who would be perfect for her. And here we are today! They were married on Saturday and it was a beautiful day even with a bit of rain. It was a day filled with happy tears, hearty hugs, big laughs, touching toasts, lots of love, and some pretty great dance moves on a packed dance floor.  I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of Raeanne and Tim's wedding and I can't wait to share more photos soon!

Wedding Venue: The Red Barn at Hampshire College
Ceremony Officiant: Rev Hannah Grace
Florist: Atkins Farms
Cake Artist (Baker): Atkins Farms
Ceremony Music and DJ: Rob Alberti's Event Services
Hair and Makeup by Puffers Salon
Wedding Gown from Ve'lace Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses from Bridal Corner
Groom and Groomsmen Attire by Men's Wearhouse
Wedding Bands by Hannoush Jewelers