When I started this post last May I was sitting at my sister in law's table, looking out at Lake Erie, trying to do a little bit of work but feeling jittery and distracted. A few days prior, my husband and I had packed up a week's worth of necessities and taken off to Ohio. We had received a piece of news that was abrupt, upsetting and jarring. Mike's 30 year old cousin had passed away. 

I met Alex somewhere around ten years ago. I was at a family Thanksgiving in Ohio, meeting most of my (now) husband's family for the first time. I was nervous and a little anxious. Thanksgiving was a big deal. Things came out of storage, multiple tables were set, food was prepped, bar was stocked and by evening time the house was entirely full of people I didn't know. Mike's family is enormous by my standards.

I grew up with a handful of cousins who I saw once or twice a year at family holidays. We lived far enough apart that we didn't see each other much more often and our age differences meant that we didn't have much in common other than the fact that our parents were siblings. 

Mike grew up with a gaggle of boy cousins (and one brilliant girl cousin who probably wanted nothing to do with their shenanigans). I can picture them as a roving pack of mischief, with stinky shoes and that gangly, awkward lope that adolescent boys always seem to have. They are spread out around the country now but they are all still close, still call, still say "love you cuz" before they hang up. It makes me smile every time I hear it.
 

Five years ago Mike and I had a week long wedding celebration at our favorite spot in Baja, Mexico. Up until a few years ago when we landed in VT, we led a fairly transient lifestyle, moving every few years to a different place and a new adventure. It had been our dream to unite the amazing friends we had made in each of those places so that they could hang out and get to know one another. Our wedding was the perfect venue for that situation and for an entire week 50 of our friends and family members got to swim, snorkel, kayak, dive and drink tequila together. It was the best week ever. When we sent out our wedding invites I'm pretty sure (Aunt) Abby, (Uncle) Ray, Adam and Alex had tickets to Mexico the very next day. That's just how they roll. They are sweet, fun, supportive and are always there for family no matter what.

I will forever picture >6 foot + tall Adam and Alex flanking Mike's <5 foot tall, 80 year old Aunt Phyllis, acting as her personal safety officers, escorting her from event to event, helping her up and down stairs and generally keeping an eye on her. I will also never forget the dancing. We wanted to make sure there was no shortage of good music at the wedding so we hired a band for the welcome party, a band for the wedding day and then a late night DJ. Our wedding day band was a local reggae band and it makes me smile when I think of Alex dancing like a maniac to the band while everyone else chatted and drank margaritas on the sidelines. When I shared the news of Alex's passing with my friends and family every single one of them brought up the memory of him dancing at our wedding. That guy loved music.

Aside from being my husband's cousin, the one thing Alex and I found to bond over was photography. He was starting his program just as I was finishing up mine and having something like that in common to chat about was a comfort and a joy.

Alex lived the way every photographer wishes they could live. He took leaps, he explored, he got off the beaten path and he immersed himself in every aspect of local lifestyle and culture. He took the the back alley off of the road less traveled. He was always looking for a better, more interesting angle. He was rarely content with the obvious shot; the easy shot; the one most photographers would have taken. Instead he would seek out the most "Alex shot", usually striking up a conversation with someone in the process. Alex was extremely talented but his genuine interest in people and ability to draw someone out gave him access to a higher echelon of photographic opportunity. He stood out like a sore thumb but at the same time was able to fit in just about anywhere. He was special and truly gifted.

The news was shocking and devastating. Alex was outgoing and mellowly gregarious. He was easy to talk to and could carry on a conversation in a way that made his conversational partner feel interesting, validated and seen; which might be why it was so hard to accept the fact that there was a part of him hiding below the smiles and laughter. A part of him that was lost and hurting in a way most of us will hopefully never experience. Depression is real, devastating and insidious. It isn't the equivalent of someone having a really bad day or being moody or selfish. It is biological, physiological and emotional. It's hard for most of us to understand because we haven't experienced it and it seems easy to assign blame to the affected party, tell them they aren't trying hard enough or berate them for hurting the people they love. You wouldn't tell someone with cancer to stop complaining and suck it up and when someone says they are "gluten intolerant" we rush to accommodate them. We need to get involved in a bigger conversation about depression so that we can make those affected feel loved and supported instead of guilty or at fault. The harder it is for depression to hide, the better.

A few days after we arrived in Ohio and I started writing this post we headed to Alex's memorial service at the music hall at Lake Erie College. This is the best I can do to describe it: it was like walking in from the cold and being unexpectedly wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket. Anyone who was feeling hurt and sad and lost in their pain was instantly enveloped in a loving community of people who were feeling the same way. The family gathered first and then I watched the hall fill with people until there was no room left and people continued to gather on the steps and the lawn outside. When I looked around the room my heart felt like it was going to explode. I saw so many tears but heard laughter, stories, and saw handshakes and hugs as people said hello to old friends or introduced themselves for the first time. Alex was an incredible human in life and he continues to be an incredible presence even now. It quickly became clear that Alex wasn't a brick in the wall. He was the mortar holding it all together.

Now, just shy of a year later, the time seemed right to finish this post. It began mostly as a therapeutic writing exercise; a way to consolidate my thoughts and clear my head. A way to deal with something terrible without stepping on the grief of those suffering on the front lines. 
The healing process has begun, however slow and infinite it may be. A scholarship was set up in Alex's name at Lake Erie College and family and friends have been sinking their hearts and time and energy into fundraising for the cause. Alex's parents and brothers are some of the strongest, most determined people I have ever met. They are surrounded by partners, friends and community who are wildly supportive, caring and invested in each others' lives. Alex's logo for "Stayin Hungry Productions" has been absorbed by his community and seeded out into the world on hats, shirts, bracelets and stickers. It has become a walking advertisement for love and camaraderie, a nod to art and music and a way of keeping the vibe alive. If you see a Stayin Hungry hat or t-shirt walking down the street don't hesitate to smile, wave or even say hi. I have no doubt Alex would be thrilled to have facilitated a conversation or maybe even a new friendship. 

A few months after the memorial Mike and I returned to Ohio for a scholarship fundraiser at the Driftwood Point Beach Bar on Lake Erie. It was a warm summer day with a perfect breeze sweeping over the water. A fabulous line up of local bands drew people in, some coming in specifically for the fundraiser and others pleasantly surprised when they wandered in for a lake-side cocktail. People were dancing, drinking beer and laughing in the sunshine. The mood was lighter and there were more smiles than tears. It was a day of celebration, gratitude, reconnection and fond remembrance in a way I think Alex would have wholeheartedly approved of. It was a perfect day to sit in the grass and picture Alex, camera in hand, dancing to the music.

To donate to the Alex Delamotte Scholarship Fund go to: https://www.lec.edu/giving     

At the "designation" tab pull the dropdown to "OTHER" and enter Alex Delamotte's name. 

To donate your time or $$ to those in need check out #RAKE at http://www.rakenow.org/ 

Hillary and Gabe booked their wedding at Alyson's Orchard three years ago. In this part of the country a year is pretty typical, a year and a half is playing it safe and three years is virtually unheard of. Three years is far enough out for my brain to think things like "will the venue even still be there?".  When Mike and I arrived I immediately understood. It is a beautiful location with spectacular views. It is the definition of picturesque. Rows of apple trees stretch in every direction. Ponds dot the landscape and a 360 degree elevated view of the entire region makes this venue unique. 

The weather was perfect. I mentioned in a previous post that while everyone else is hoping for a sunny day, your photographers are praying for clouds. Saturday was overcast enough to block the harsh sun, but still bright enough to let the most perfect, soft, etherial light I have ever seen shine through on the pondside wedding. I didn't have to hunt for shade or set up my lights to try to overpower the sun, which meant that the entire venue was fair game for post ceremony photos and the wedding party was ready and willing to walk from one beautiful spot to the next. 

In addition to the perfect venue and perfect natural light, Hillary and Gabe's wedding was full of incredibly gorgeous details, thanks to Hillary's mom Sam. The entire venue was covered with beautiful flowers; from the stunning arbor at the ceremony to the gorgeous bouquets inside and outside of the reception room to the tiny succulents Sam grew as favors for the guests to take home. The flower girls had enough flower petals to blanket the wedding aisle and then continue the flowery fanfare post ceremony as we took photos on the hill overlooking the pond. The entire day resonated with a sort of graceful but wild beauty that seemed to echo Hillary and Gabe's personalities perfectly. 

The evening closed out with a perfect sparkler exit. It was the perfect way to celebrate this lovely couple. Cheers to Hillary and Gabe and to a long, happy life together!

On top of all of the aforementioned awesomeness, Lindsey and Jon are, first and foremost, two of the sweetest, friendliest, kindest people I have ever met. They are quick to laugh and easy to talk to. By the end of our first cup of iced coffee together I felt like I had known these two for ages.

A few months after our first meeting we met again on a perfect fall day. We drove around the picturesque town of Putney looking for photo worthy locations and, after finding several, ended our trek at Green Mountain Orchard; one of the most beautiful places in Southern VT.  As we hiked around, chatted and took photos I found myself wishing the wedding wasn't a year away.

The wedding took place at one of my favorite southern VT venues, Mt Snow. There are lots of mountains in VT but Snow has THE BEST view from the top. It overlooks the 8 mile long Harriman Resevoir and a sea of other mountains. There are shady spots, perfect for a first look on a bright, sunny day and wide open spaces to experience the views from every angle. The ceremony location is conveniently located at the base of the mountain but set apart from the rest of the resort, out of the way of the hubbub and other events that might be happening. There is a beautiful courtyard for cocktail hour and then a bright, airy ballroom, fabulous for dinner and late night dancing. 

Lindsey and Jon had a perfect day. I could write a small novel about all of the thought and detail that went into this wedding but I will let the images speak for themselves. I do want to give a shoutout to Lindsey and Jon's friend Joe, who officiated their incredibly beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. The fact that they have a friend like Joe to speak on their behalf in such an eloquent way speaks volumes about their character.

The rest of the night flew by. Lindsey's sister Abbey and Jon's best man Nate gave beautiful toasts that had the entire room wiping their eyes while exploding in laughter. There was dinner and dancing just as Mikey and I were packing up our gear, the groom and his junior groomsman Bennet busted out an amazing dance they had choreographed. Mikey unpacked a camera just in time to get a few shots before it was over. It was a perfect way for us to wrap up the night.

Lindsey and Jon, we wish you were close enough to meet up for a few runs at the mountain but we hope you are loving your new home in Arizona and we think of you every time we ski at Mt Snow! You two are amazing and we wish you all the best in your life together! Also, your homebrews were delicious!!!

Vendors: 

Cake: Top Tier Baking

Dj: El Folio Entertainment, Arlington, VT

Fowers: Audrey's Flower Shop, Melodey Matthews (aka Bride's amazing sister), Gloucester, MA

Hair: Mountain Styles Salon, West Dover, VT

I met these two last year at Katie's mountain home in Ludlow, VT. I met her parents, sister and brother in law and amazing pup Scarlet. We had a full afternoon of photos at the house and then took a little hike out to a beautiful waterfall. We toured the venue and peeked in at the reception area. Katie is a planner and I love it. 

A year later the wedding weekend finally rolled around. I got to be present for the welcome party on the eve of the wedding and then Mike and I were there for full wedding coverage the next day. Spending the weekend immersed in this huge, vivacious, gregarious group of people was amazing. I love getting to know the couples I work with but it is an extra fun bonus to get to spend time with their families and friends as well. I love being present for the toasts and speeches but also the little asides, handshakes, hugs and sneaky tears of joy. Seeing Katie and Tyler amidst their crowd of guests the night before the wedding made me realize how family oriented and beloved these two really are. There were over 100 people there to celebrate and somehow this amazing couple managed to spend time with each and every one of them. Every time I turned around the bride and groom were engaged in conversation with a different person, laughing like they had been chatting for hours and happy to let me snap a quick photo.

The wedding day was perfect. It was sunny, bright and beautiful. Luckily there was abundant shade for family photos and the sweet, unexpectedly emotional first look. The ceremony took place in a beautiful high clearing at the mountain, after which guests were shuttled back for cocktail hour in the Jackson Gore courtyard and the reception in the Round House. Katie and Tyler's friend DJ Mike Pitera and his 'Partners in Sound' team came all the way up from NY to throw one of the best reception dance parties I have ever seen. The uplighting was gorgeous, the playlist was amazing and every single guest was on the dance floor until Billy Joel closed out the night.  I would hire these guys in a heartbeat. Seriously. They are awesome. Even after the music stopped and the lights came up an adamant group of protesters refused to leave the dancefloor and continued to persuade Mike to keep the party going. Unfortunately curfews exists at most venues and the party moved along to the hotel bar.

Cheers to Kathryn and Tyler and Miss Scarlet. We wish you a long, happy marriage filled with adventure and dancing and endless games of fetch.

Venue: Jackson Gore

Flowers: Woodbury Florist, Springfield, VT

DJ: Partners In Sound LI - Mike Pitera partnersinsoundli@gmail.com

Cake and Confections: Irene's Cake by Design, Ludlow, VT

Anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE the summer (paddle season!), have lukewarm feelings about the spring and fall and LOVE the snow (ski season!). Kaitlin and Scott seemed like a perfect fit from our very first emails but watching them laugh and wade through thigh deep snow drifts without hesitation made me realize just how much fun they were going to be to work with.

We met again in September at Stratton Mountain for the wedding. This time Kaitlin and Scott were surrounded by family and friends who had traveled across the country to join in the celebration. They got ready in bright, airy, immaculately clean (thanks to Joan and Cindi) suites conveniently located next to each other so that I could bop back and forth and capture both sides getting ready.

The ceremony took place in the beautiful, intimate Chapel of the Snows and the reception in the bright, open Stratton Mountain club. The entire day was filled with smiles, giggles, laughter, hugs, dancing and energy. Every moment, from the ceremony, to hilarious photos with the wedding party, to Jerry Springer t-shirts, speeches and dancing was a contagious celebration of life and love. Kaitlin and Scott's hilarious, fun, rowdy crew reminded me so much of my own fiercely vivacious, surf and snow loving friends that I just couldn't stop smiling. It was an incredible day.

Cheers to this fabulous duo! I wish you a life full of endless adventures. You two are amazing. I am so happy you found me and I sincerely hope our paths cross again!

Vendor Shoutouts:

Venue: Chapel of the Snows and Stratton Mountain Club. Special thanks to Sarah and Mary for your kindness, organizational skills and ability to keep the day on track while allowing me a few extra minutes for photos. You are beyond awesome and are always a pleasure to work with!

Kaitlin's Gorgeous Flowers: Green Mountain Floral Arts, Marlboro, VT

Sweet Treats: Squam Lake Inn, Holderness, NH

Kaitlin & Scott's Beautiful Wedding Bands: Scott's Grandpa Warren (the talent in this family knows no bounds)

Music: DJ Super Sounds

Hair & Makeup: Green Mountain Day Spa

I first met Olivia and Joe last November when multiple rainy days had thwarted our engagement session attempts until with we were left with no choice but to meet at 8:00 the morning before Olivia and Joe headed back to NJ. It was cold, brutally cold and intensely windy. There was snow on the mountain but the sun was shining so we decided to make the most of the morning. We trekked around the village, moseyed up to the covered bridge and took advantage of the empty golf course. The result was an adorable, windblown set of photos and my realization that these two were going to be so much fun to work with.

Of all of the indoor ceremony venues I have photographed, the Chapel of the Snows might be my favorite. It is quaint, a little cramped and there is little to no room for me to move around once everyone is inside and seated. The thing that sets it apart is the beautiful circular window on the wall above the altar, shedding beautiful, natural light on the bride and groom. It was the perfect setting for Olivia and Joe's sweet, heartfelt vows. At one point I turned around from my vantage point against the side wall to move to the back of the church and was totally shocked to see that every single person behind me had tears in their eyes. There literally was not a dry eye in the house.

The rest of the day was perfection. High, puffy clouds only added to the beauty of the expansive view from the summit and we made it back down in time for family photos before the sun sank completely behind the mountain. Photo time segued into toasts, dinner and celebration.

Thank you to Mark and Betsy and Mary and Joe for having been wonderfully helpful and easy to work with and thank you to everyone in the wedding party for having been so considerate and altruistic. Ladies, your bridal pit crew skills were unparalleled. Thanks to everyone in the wedding party for having kept the day on track and allowing us the time for so many amazing photo opportunities. 

And finally, thank you Olivia and Joe for your warmth, kindness and enthusiasm. It was a pleasure to have been able to document your day. We wish you a long, happy, healthy life together. You two deserve the world.

Vendor Shoutouts:

Florist: Bondville Bloomist (Stunning seasonal flowers as always.)

DJ: Premier Entertainment (Jim, you are amazing. Thanks for always keeping us in the loop!)

Venue: Stratton Mountain Resort (Mary and Sarah are the epitome of organization and we LOVE working with them.)

Hair: Stylz By Jenn

Makeup: Tiffany Martin

The engagement session was fun, original, sweet and totally hilarious. After a cup of tea at my favorite bakery, some reading time in the park and a slow motion, Star Wars themed run through a field, I came away completely smitten with this amazing couple.  Side note: I could listen to Kofi read out loud all day and sincerely suggest that he attempt to break into the audio book readers profession. 

My photo list for the wedding day was just as much fun. A photo with Hannah's favorite tea set, a quiet moment alone having tea with her mom, photos in the river below the covered bridge, photos on a couch in the woods, and a request for a photo in front of a Hemlock - Hannah's favorite tree. 

Thanks to Hannah's planning, her super organized MOH Tegan and the rest of the 'ready and willing' wedding party, the wedding day was a series of picture perfect moments. Hannah's grasp of a realistic wedding timeline allowed us to fit in every single one of the images and locations Hannah and Kofi were hoping for. It was nothing short of epic.

The wedding was bright and beautiful; tradition perfectly balanced with Hannah and Kofi's own style. Every little bit, from the intimate, pre-wedding Ketubah signing, to the Tolken reading, drinking of wine and stomping of the glasses, was perfect. In fact, I cannot imagine any single thing could have made this day any better.

The evening wrapped up with dinner, dancing, drinks and toasts. Bt the end of the night friends and family meeting for the first time were laughing and dancing together like old friends. Cheers to Hannah & Kofi, one of the most refreshingly original, good natured, effortlessly fun couples I have ever worked with. I hope you two know just how awesome you are! (And if you didn't, now you do.)

Thanks to Stephen Laurie (www.stephenlaurie.com) for a beautiful ceremony, Allison Ellis (www.floralartvt.com) for some of the most gorgeous and unique floral arrangements I have ever seen, Premier Entertainment DJs for keeping me in the loop and being totally awesome to work with, and of course, to the Mad River Barn (http://madriverbarn.com) for the stunning venue and beautifully organized day.

The Putney school is not your average high school. It really isn't even your average New England prep school. The school focuses heavily on experiential learning, allowing students a multifaceted education, not only through academics, but through art, sports, theater, farming, and even building. The students learn how to work together, support each other, accomplish some pretty impressive large scale projects and in the process find their own voice, discover what they are passionate about and graduate with a much broader world view than most teenagers.

Graduation at the Putney School is a unique event. There are no caps and gowns, no sombre precession to Pomp and Circumstance. Graduation begins with a celebratory parade in which the seniors make an entrance in cars, trucks, atv's, tractors and even on horseback. The ceremony closes with the presentation of diplomas, each of which is a work of art, unique to its recipient.

Graduations always make me feel a little bit nostalgic. Although I graduated a very, very, very long time ago, I still remember what it felt like at that point when my life was equal parts excitement and anxiety. I remember applying to colleges and visualizing the endless possibilities in front of me with the romantic notion that I could literally do anything and be anything I wanted. I also realize how very privileged I was to be able to feel that way.

Watching the students yesterday also made me feel hope. No matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on, I think we can all admit that we are currently living in a politically charged world. It's not the first time or the worst time but sometimes it makes me want to bang my head against the wall in frustration. Every day we are totally overwhelmed by shocking and sad news reports and people tellings us what to think, what to be afraid of and where to assign blame. At the end of the day it is easy to feel overwhelmed and angry. Yesterday I listened as the senior class speakers talked about hope and change. They talked about using their voices and their educations to take action and make the world a better place. Right now we are sorely in need of new voices and better ideas. 

Cheers to the class of 2017 and to the endless possibilities in front of you!

Midnight before our departure found me furiously packing. It seems no matter how early I start the process I always end up in a state of methodical, last minute packing, unpacking and repacking. For days I had been charging batteries, eliminating unnecessary pieces of equipment and trying my best to consolidate what typically takes up the entire trunk of my car into one checked bag and two carryons. I like to be prepared. For anything. I like to have backups for my backups, enough gear for 4 photographers and anything else I might need to McGiver anything that might break, tear or fail during a wedding. When I show up to a wedding, my clients see my shoulder bag and gear bag but most of them have no idea what else is lurking in my trunk...just in case. The notion of having to fit my preparedness in a much smaller amount of space than usual was simultaneously daunting and liberating.

On Friday morning Mikey and I left cold, rainy, gray Vermont and stepped out into warm, green, sunny DC. We met the bride and groom and then left to check out the venue. The grounds at Riverside on the Potomac are incredible. The venue boasts a lakeside patio, an adorably tiny, restored log chapel and a gorgeous, massive, barn. We got a tour from wedding coordinator Jessica and then headed back to the hotel to grab our gear and make our way to the welcome party to mix and mingle and take photos of the guests as they arrived to greet the bride and groom.

The next morning we awoke to rain. We split up to spend time with the bride and groom while they got ready and then made our way to the venue where the guys sipped whisky in the rustic stables while the ladies put on their finishing touches in the owner's stunning farmhouse. Despite the rain, we found enough cover for family photos (thanks to my amazing husband for holding and umbrella over me and my camera so that I could step back into the rain for the best vantage point). There ceremony took place on the stable porch, out of the rain but with a view of the lawn and flowering trees in the background. After the ceremony the rain let up enough to scoot out for photos with the wedding party and we were even graced with enough light to sneak in some sunset photos.

The rest of the night involved toasts, dancing and beer brewed by the bride and groom for the event. How cool is that???

Mikey and I headed home early the next morning, exhausted but ecstatic. Thanks to Maura & Eric and their families for a fantastically fun weekend! We wish you a lifetime of happiness. You two are the coolest!

Venue: Riverside on the Potomac

Coordinator: Jessica of JEM Events

DJ Mark: www.djmaskell.com

Makeup: Lena Turner

Catering: Smokin' Willy BBQ

Florist: J Morris Flowers

Special thanks to Jessica and Mark of JEM Events and DJMaskell for being such a dream team and for working with us around the wacky weather!

Kristin and Jordan's wedding took place on a stunning fall day at the Colonel Williams Inn in Marlboro, VT. It was a perfectly lovely day for a truly wonderful couple. The sun was shining, foliage was at its peak, and then Inn was completely surrounded by vivid reds and golds. I spent a little time with the ladies while they put the final touches on the already beautiful bride and then Kristin and I went to meet the groom before the ceremony. A series of little walking trails around the inn proved the perfect location for a sneaky first look, away from the inquisitive and eager eyes of arriving guests.

The ceremony was set up on a green lawn with a glassy pond and rolling hills in the background. The late afternoon timing was perfect and the ceremony gave way to the best light of the day, just in time for golden hour photos. The heartier guests remained on the lawn as the sun sank, embracing the brisk fall air and enjoying the serene beauty of the rural location. When the sun had set and the cold started to creep in the guests moved into the charming barn for toasts, dinner and dancing.

Cheers to Kristin and Jordan, two of the kindest, sweetest couples I have met. You two are such a lovely compliment to one another. I wish you bundles of happiness in your future!

And thanks to the fabulous vendors:

• Venue: Colonel Williams Inn
• Hair and Makeup: Enright and Co 
• Cake: Top Tier Baking Co
• DJ: Pete Chambers DJ & Event Services
• Catering: Catered Events by Chef George

Michelle and Raymond fit this description to a tee. 

My first encounter with Michelle and Ray happened on a miserably cold, rainy spring day. We met inside one of my favorite cozy coffee spots, complete with cushy leather chairs and a crackling fire. We sipped warm beverages, chatted and got to know one another. I found out that Ray is actually a humble but incredibly talented photographer and has lead workshops at the Cooper Hill Inn in the past, which explained their ties to the venue. I also learned that Ray's mother Sharon is also a talented photographer along with several other members of the family. 

When our cups were empty we bundled up and ventured out into the chill to take some engagement photos. Ray had already scouted some beautiful locations in the area so we caravanned around town until we had a solid set of images of Michelle and Ray laughing and cuddling together for warmth with their pup Jackson in the cold rain. I have never seen two people look so soggy and so adorably happy at the same time.

A few months later I met Michelle and Ray again for the big event. It was my second time working at the Cooper Hill Inn and I sincerely hope it won't be my last. It is a beautiful location with an incredible view, delicious food and wonderfully kind owners. It was a perfect, sparkly bright September afternoon; a perfect day for a wedding.

Thanks to Michelle's planning and attention to detail, I had a great photo outline for the day. When I arrived at the venue Ray's mother, Sharon, had already laid out the dress, shoes, rings and accessories for me to photograph in a clean, uncluttered room. Swoon. The MOH Danielle had a schedule and photo list and functioned as an amazing logistics coordinator throughout the day, making sure the bride, groom and wedding party were all in the right place at the right time and later shepherding family members in and out of group photos. (Danielle, if you ever decide to move to VT and need a job...)

The rest of the day was photographic bliss. The sun was shining but there was plenty of open shade and flattering light for one of the loveliest first looks/ couples photo sessions of all time. I got to spend a solid half hour with Michelle and Ray before being joined by the rest of their super fun, cheeky, and extremely cooperative wedding party. I think it was one of the quickest, easiest, smoothest wedding party photo sessions ever. 

Other highlights of the day included a gorgeous ceremony, huge group photo on the hill, perfect golden hour light for family photos, an amazing sunset over the expansive vista and an awesome dance party.

Thank you to Danielle and the rest of the super cool bridesmaids and groomsmen for being awesome, ridiculously photogenic and just the right amount of goofy. Thanks to Sharon, Laura, Scott and the rest of the family for being incredibly sweet and helpful. You all made my day so much fun. 

Thanks most of all to Michelle and Raymond for having chosen me to be your photographer and for having been so much fun to get to know. You two are such a great team. I wish you a life filled with adventures and happiness!

• Venue: Cooper Hill Inn
• Cake: Top Tier Bakery
• Hair: Twin Valley Creations
• DJ: Peak Entertainment

When I think about Joya and Christopher's wedding I am struck by the depth of joy and emotion that radiated throughout the ceremony and celebration. It was a day filled with poignant words and meaningful actions where nothing was taken for granted. It was a celebration of life, love and friendship. Perhaps the thing that speaks most to this couple's character is the fact that friends and family flew in from all corners of the world to celebrate throughout the weekend. To see that much love and comradery in the middle of rural Vermont was truly extraordinary. These two have an astounding international support network and an incredibly cool group of friends. 

The ceremony took place in a clearing in the middle of the forest surrounded by tall, stoic conifers. The silence and seclusion of the forest and the late afternoon sun sparkling through the treetops gave the clearing a warm, enchanted feel. Guests put away their phones and electronics in order to be fully present in the moment with Joya and Chris as Joya's brother Jonathan lead the couple through the ceremony. It was one of the loveliest ceremonies I have ever seen.

After a gourmet dinner, first dances, heartfelt speeches, toasts and cake, the whole crew scooted onto the dance floor for a night of celebration.

Congratulations to Joya and Christopher. You are a truly incredible team. You are the type of people who inspire others to be better and do better. I am so happy to have met you and I wish you a long, happy, healthy life together. 

Special thanks to the Inn at Weathersfield for making Joya and Christopher's day truly extraordinary and, as always, for being such a pleasure to work with.

A lot of my clients travel from out of state to get married in the beautiful mountains of VT but Elizabeth and Peter raised the bar and came all the way from Ireland. The wedding took place on the sunny shores of Lake Champlain where Elizabeth's darling parents, siblings and sweet, sassy grandmother still reside. Peter's family and an impressive contingent of friends also traveled across the Atlantic to join the bride and groom in a spectacular celebration.

I met Elizabeth, her sister, niece, mother, and grandmother at her parents' home in Alburgh, VT, way, way up near the Canadian border. The ladies did their hair and makeup, sipped wine and chatted with Grandma Lorraine while Elizabeth's dad prepared his nerve calming, specialty grilled cheeses.

After spending the morning with the ladies I scooted over to the venue to meet Peter and his family for a few photos before the ceremony. When I turned into the drive for the Turner Farmhouse my jaw dropped. It is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen. The stately farmhouse is warm and inviting but beautifully decorated and opens out onto a picturesque lawn peppered with well placed trees, looking out onto the lake. 

The rest of the day was amazing. Peter and Elizabeth's families were funny, sweet and so much fun to work with. It is incredible to see two families who live on different continents laughing and celebrating together like they have known each other forever. The weather was gorgeous, the sunset was perfect and the party was unparalleled. I have seen some epic dance parties at weddings. This one blew them all out of the water. The Irish can dance. Like really dance. There was an energy and enthusiasm that was hard to describe so I think I will let the images tell the rest of the story.

Cheers to Elizabeth and Peter! I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter and dancing!

Amy and Adam were married in a beautiful field on a hill. I met Amy at the tail end of the getting ready process, just in time to photograph her ladies helping her into her tall socks and purple converse sneakers. (If there is one thing Vermonters know it is that it is silly to try to wear stilettos when getting married in a field.) 

The day was perfect, bright and sunny. We arrived at the field to see Amy's horse headed down the hill to meet us. For years I have dreamed about photographing a bride with her horse. Thanks to Amy for finally making it happen! The rest of the day was a giant celebration. Friends and family gathered on bales of hay as Amy and Adam said their vows under a hand hewn altar. After the ceremony, guests made their way to the tent to fill up a commemorative mason jar with a cold beverage, eat local BBQ, talk, laugh, dance and celebrate.

Cheers to Amy and Adam and thanks to their sweet families and friends for making it such a fun day!

Kerri and Charlie are artists in every sense of the word. As individuals they are sweet, quick witted, self possessed, poised and humble. Together they are a powerhouse of intellect, talent, confidence and charisma. They live their lives in notes and words; inspiring hearts, empowering minds, bringing joy, and provoking thoughts and feelings. Kerri has a soft voice and a commanding presence. Her melodic words and exquisite phrases draw you in and wrap you up. Her lyrics and poems are thoughtful, meaningful and beautiful. Charlie is debonaire and affable, with a spring in his step and twinkle in his eye. I can picture him seated comfortably at a table sharing a laugh and a drink with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Danny Kaye or Dean Martin. The two bear depth and talent beyond their years. 

Friends and family gathered from around the country to celebrate the lovely couple in the idyllic Vermont countryside. The bride stepped out in a beautiful flowered dress that would make any bride think twice about wearing a traditional white gown and the groom looked dashing in a grey linen suit. Simplicity was perfection and each little touch allowed the rustic charm of the farm to shine through. There were beautiful flowers, a gorgeous cake complete with custom toppers crafted by the mother of the groom, and a station for each guest to create a personalized card for the bride and groom. The wedding was full of toasts, speeches, music, love and laughter.

Congratulations to Kerri and Charlie and cheers to a long and happy life together!

Hundreds of books, papers, cups of coffee and chocolate espresso beans later, my mother can finally take a breath and live the one life that she has been working so hard for.

Two weeks ago our family and friends converged in Newton, MA to attend my mother's graduation. I cannot express the amount of pride and joy I felt as I watched my mom climb the steps to receive her masters hood and diploma. She has supported my brother and I through everything we have been through over the years; lending support, giving advice, visiting us in the far away places we have lived and worked, and mothering like a champ. This time we were able to be there to support her as she took her final step toward a whole new chapter of her life. 

Cheers to my mom, her newly earned master's degree, and to all of the other parents and grandparents out there who are constantly working to better themselves and the world around them. 

​

My afternoon with Kerri and Charlie was fun, happy, light-hearted and yes, mildly whimsical thanks to Charlie's little table in the field. It is true, not everyone can pull of a little table in the middle of a field but these two did it with such charm and conviction that it didn't feel over the top or out of place. A vase of flowers, two glasses of wine, Kerri's beautiful dress and Charlie's handsome jacket made me feel as though I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. 

I appreciate couples who aren't afraid to bring ideas and their own personality to a session and I love working with couples who can smile, laugh and don't take themselves too seriously. I couldn't stop laughing during my first edit when I got to a set of photos of Charlie sweetly lifting Kerri and then the subsequent set of Kerri lifting Charlie. 

In addition to the table in the field, we took advantage of the beautiful, charming, centuries old farmhouse and barn. The rustic background contributed elements of depth, history and texture to the images of this laid back, stylish couple; helping to showcase their appreciation for the beauty around them.

I can't wait to see what lovely things these two dream up for their wedding. So happy to be working with Kerri and Charlie!

Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont. ​ Creative, whimsical engagement session in Williamsville, Vermont.

Yesterday I was excited to meet one of my fall wedding couples to chat over a cup of tea and then venture out to take some engagement photos. Unfortunately the weather had ideas of its own and decided to bestow upon us a steady stream of (much needed) rain. Fortunately it was more of a chilly drizzle than a torrential downpour and Michelle and Ray and their pup Jackson decided to put on their rain coats and make the best of the situation. 

Ray, a talented nature photographer (http://www.klassphoto.com/), has lead photo workshops in Southern Vermont and had some great, less traveled locations up his sleeve. Working with these two sweet, adventurous souls made me so happy to be able to do what I do. They embraced the day with smiles and laughter and a true appreciation for Vermont in all of it's soggy, seasonal glory. We parted ways and I headed home, very thankful for my seat heaters and so excited to work with Michelle and Ray during their wedding this fall. 

I have the best clients.

Every couple is different. Some couples dream of a huge, extravagant wedding; pulling out all the stops to give their 300 some-odd guests an incredible festival-like experience. Other couples go smaller and more intimate with a close group of friends and family, a great band and a backyard BBQ. Some couples go smaller still, choosing to keep the day pure, simple, and just as memorable as any of the largest weddings out there.

Last Saturday I met Heather and Mike at the Inn At Weathersfield to photograph their mini wedding (only 5 other immediate family members present). It was a beautiful, sunny, February day and as I turned down the drive to the inn the stately, plantation style front porch, complete with rocking chairs, came into view. Despite the gorgeous southern-style exterior, the interior of the inn was filled with beautifully maintained New England charm. I was greeted by owner Marilee and escorted to the beautiful, bright room where the ceremony was to take place. She and assistant Jessica were busy rearranging and putting the final touches on the room to make it ceremony ready.

I made my way to Heather's bridal suite for a few pre-ceremony photos and then headed down to meet Mike and his mom and wait for the entrance of his bride and her family. The room was small, bright and warm, thanks to a glowing fire in the hearth. Heather and Mike held hands and exchanged vows and rings while their family members sat around them, radiating love and support.

After the ceremony we ventured out into the chilly sunshine for a few photos on the expansive porch. A few more with the bride and groom and then they were off to relax and celebrate the rest of the evening with their family, sampling the inn's renowned cuisine.

I was absolutely enamored with the impeccable simplicity of Heather and Mike's choices for the day. Heather looked stunning in a simple, lace dress with cream colored shoes, a gorgeous blue coat and a pop of complementary color from her fuchsia bouquet (plus a second pair of awesome blue shoes and a chic pair of Sorels for our venture down onto the icy lawn). Mike looked hip and handsome in a navy suit with a matching fuchsia boutonniere. It was a beautiful, memorable afternoon with a lovely couple who, once again, made me so happy to do what I do. I have the best clients!

Cheers to Heather and Mike!

Weddings are awesome. From the guest's point of view things are perfect. They are surrounded by their favorite people, free booze, and good music, all in the comfort of a perfect, fairytale-like bubble made of burlap, mason jars and adorable chalkboards. The ladies sip champagne and wonder, in awe, how Jane found the time to make it all happen as they peruse the scene for pinterest-worthy ideas they might like to use for their own wedding someday.

Anyone who has actually been married knows that during the two months before the wedding, Jane was up until 3 am every night frantically tying twine around jelly jars, bleeding from papercuts, desperately trying to separate fingers accidentally superglued together in a moment of exhaustion and poor judgement.

Weddings are a lot of work. 

Good couples do their homework. They whittle down a list of vendors, trying to find the magic combination of availability, style and price point. Once a vendor is booked, the couple can relax and breathe easy (or go back to glitter glueing designs on tiny candles).Vendors are professionals. They do what they do for a living. They should be good at it. Right?

Do your research. Read reviews, meet in person if you can and make sure you know what you are paying for.  You don't want to end up with the DJ with faulty equipment, the mc who publicly embarasses you in front of 200 guests or the photographer who just got their first camera for Christmas and can't wait to try it out at your wedding. Budgeting is important but booking a vendor solely on price can hurt in the long run. Make sure you like your vendor's style and personality as well as their product. You want your wedding day to be fun and go smoothly. 

The term "wedding photography" sounds so sweet. It sounds like the most romantic, fulfilling job in the world. We literally get to photograph people being in love. Yes... and no.

Wedding photography is one part sugar and spice, two parts adrenaline, three parts endurance and four parts problem solving.  

When I wrote this blog I knew there was the possibility that no one would read it. I think I just needed to put into words some of the funny things I have seen and experienced in the world of wedding photography. If one of these little gems of wisdom helps even one couple, I feel my mission has been accomplished.

So, take my advice with a grain of salt if you like but here we go. A peek into the dark underbelly of wedding photography...

The night before a wedding, I don't sleep. I just don't. I am excited and a little bit nervous and spend 8 hours mentally setting up gear, putting together shots, and preparing for the day ahead. I worry about everything from a flat tire on the way to the venue to the state of the weather. Clouds. Always pray for clouds. Full midday sunlight is the enemy. It is harsh and unflattering, creates crazy shadows and turns suit-clad groomsmen into sweaty puddles. While you all are hoping for a sunny, beautiful day, I am praying for clouds.

Giant wedding parties. Nothing looks cooler than a huge array of color coordinated ladies and gentlemen but please, be patient with your photographer. We know you are hot and just want to get to the bar for a much deserved wine spritzer, but a 30 person wedding party = 60 blinking eyeballs. Every time one of you sneezes, makes a weird face, blinks, coughs etc... means we have to click the shutter button one more time. Yes, there are photoshop techniques that can remedy a blinky eye or two but it is time consuming. The more time we spend retouching, the more $ we have to charge to survive. 

Outdoor, summer wedding, Stowe, VT.

Can't you just photoshop it? I hear this one A LOT. Thanks to the internet, people generally think that photoshop is a magic world where one click of a button can make every couple look like Will and Kate. The truth of the matter is, photoshop takes time, effort and skill to use. Things do not magically appear. They must either exist somewhere else or be created by us. A lot of the photoshop stuff I do literally involves changing individual pixels. How many pixels are in a photo....? Millions. Are we incredibly lucky that photoshop exists? Heck yes! Every time I have to swap out a blinkey eye or remove the glare on someone's glasses I thank the tech gods of mount Adobe for the ability to make digital alterations. Is it something I want to spend 80 hours a week doing? Heck no. In the interest of time, cost effectiveness and our sanity, please show a little mercy and resist the urge to utter the words "can't you just photoshop it". Help us get it right in real life and you will get your images a lot sooner.

Talking while I am trying to take your photo. It usually makes me laugh. Everyone is looking dead on at the camera but one person is moving their mouth, making a comment or a joke. Unless you are a professional ventriloquist, I can see your mouth moving, which means the camera can see your mouth moving, which falls into the weird expression category. Just give us a minute to finish and you can chat away.

Backseat drivers. I am always happy to hear suggestions for photo setups and will always, always listen to the bride and groom if they ask for something. I even love it when an auntie darts in to fix an errant collar or hemline. It is, however, not super helpful to have someone standing next to me (or worse, in front of me) yelling at the wedding party and telling them what to do or how to stand. I'll take care of that thank you.

Along those lines...other cameras. Team, when we finally have the 30 person wedding party set up and ready to go, I want to get those photos done as quickly as possible. It is the opposite of helpful when someone is standing off to the side harassing a member of the wedding party (all in good fun of course) or trying to take their own photo, causing some of the members of the wedding party to look at them instead of me. That just means it takes me even longer to get the image I need. Give me a few minutes and I will step back and happily pass the baton to guests who want to take their own photos. I know I don't have a monopoly on photos of the bride and groom but I am the one they are paying. Please, please wait your turn.

Social media frenzy. Nothing makes me sadder than looking back at my photos of a stunning bride walking down the aisle to meet her handsome, teary-eyed groom, with a wall of cameras, phones and ipads behind her. The tech revolution has allowed us to completely detach from human interaction. I love social media as much as the next photographer but I also firmly believe that a wedding is a very intimate and meaningful event. Please, for the love of the bride and groom, put down your electronics and give them your attention. They invited you there to be a part of a momentous and special occasion. They invited me there to take pictures. Put down your phone and be present in the moment.

Photo credit Andrew McNeaney (from my very own "unplugged" wedding).  Notice, not an iphone in sight!

Poorly dressed vendors. It sucks when your caterer looks like a hot mess and is standing behind you while you cut the cake. What we would like to be wearing when we shoot a wedding = track pants, compression socks and a sweatband. What we actually wear...a nice dress and a suit. Vendors should be dressed for a wedding or stay behind the scenes.

Mini Lasers. Thats right, lasers. This is one I had never thought about as a guest at a wedding. It was only when I started shooting them that I realized lasers are a menace. DJ with cool, colored lights = awesome for photos. DJ with the tiny spinning laser ball = looks like a sniper is trying to take out the father of the bride.

Unhelpful wedding party. Dear brides, please do yourself a favor and select your bridal party based on people you know are going to be fun and helpful on your wedding day. Choosing a bridal party can be tricky. Maybe you have a huge group of really good friends and don't want to leave anyone out. Maybe your parents are pressuring you to include the awkward cousin (you only see once every 5 years) just because she is a relative. Perhaps you know that if you don't ask Liz, she will complain to Becca and then Becca will complain to Sally... Brides, please remember that this day is about you. Keep it simple. Choose friends who live near you and won't mind coming over at midnight to help you cut out place settings, select a small group of really good friends, or, keep it close and make it siblings only. Surround yourself with the ladies (or gents) you know are going to keep you calm and relaxed on your wedding day and leave the caddy, snarky friend out of it. If they are truly your friends they will be happy for you whether they are amongst the "chosen" or not.

Punctuality and planning. Your wedding day is about you so obviously people are going to wait for you if you are running late. You may even make it to your ceremony on time but if you have to rush and get all stressed out and sweaty in the process you are doing it wrong. Leave yourself enough time. Calculate the amount of time you think you are going to need and then add an hour or even two. Some of my favorite photo moments come from brides who are ready a little bit ahead of schedule and have a few extra minutes to take some really beautiful bridal portraits or impromptu photos with their ladies, mothers, grammies, pets and anyone else who might happen to be hanging out in the bridal suite. Leave yourself time to take a deep breath, have a glass of champagne and make your way out to the ceremony with cool, calm dignity. The first day of your married life shouldn't start with stress and frustration. Give yourself plenty of time.

Winter wedding at Stowe Mountain Resort, VT.

Solidarity. The day after a big wedding I usually feel like Mike Tyson beat the crap out of me. My whole body hurts. We are literally doing shoulder presses with up to 15 pounds of gear for 8 to 12 hours. The adrenaline and fast pace throughout the day keep us going but eventually we feel it. Just know that when you wake up with a headache from too many cocktails, blisters from wearing heels all day and sore muscles from dancing like a maniac, breakdance fighting and jumping up and down singing "Don't Stop Believing" we are right there with you. And we can't wait do it all over again:)

Thanks to all of my clients who have taken the time to write a review and share their experience with new, potential clients. You made 2015 an extraordinary year for me and I am eternally grateful to all of the couples, families and individuals who have made my job so much fun! Cheers to a wonderful 2016!

Claudia and Pat are an amazing couple. They are sweet and soft spoken but have a very clear idea of what they want out of life. They are two skilled, talented, hard working people who look forward to building a life together with their own hands. I respect that tremendously. 

The ceremony took place in a field that Claudia farms in the warmer months. It was peaceful and quiet; the only sounds coming from a hawk hunting along the treeline. A handful of family members sat facing a beautiful arch, hewn by the groom himself, while the stunning bride was escorted toward her waiting fiancé by her father.

The officiant, Irv Sideman, complimented the elegant simplicity of the setting with an eloquent and heartfelt ceremony. When Claudia and Pat had officially been pronounced husband and wife there were hugs all around and then a round of family photos. Eventually family trickled back to the warmth of the house and I had a few minutes alone with the bride and groom. As the fleeting winter sun began to sink behind the hill the light grew softer and softer. Summer has its' charms but winter in New England can be breathtakingly beautiful.

Cheers to Claudia and Pat as they build a life together.

The fall is an amazing but tricky time to get married in Vermont. It can be sunny and warm or gray and rainy with the looming potential for an early snow.  I met Lyndsay and Will on their wedding day in late September. I had the pleasure of spending the entire day working with my wonderful husband and photographing the bride and groom from hair and makeup until the band bid their farewell and packed up for home.

It was a perfect, sunny, warm, fall day. The weather was on it's absolute best behavior and we spent an amazing morning photographing the bride and groom with their wedding party and family. After the first look and group photos we scooted up the the venue I was blown away. My previous visit took place on a gray, rainy, day. The whole world looked dark and dingy but Lyndsay assured me that behind the looming bank of fog, there was an amazing view. When we arrived we could see for miles across a vast expanse of mountains and valleys.

The view behind the bride and groom as they said their vows was unparallelled. The ceremony gave way to cocktail hour and cocktail hour gave way to the first dance, a welcome from the father of the bride, heartfelt speeches from the sister of the bride and brother of the groom and then dinner. As soon as the plates were cleared the band started things up and kept everyone laughing and dancing for the next few hours. 

Not only did Lyndsay and Will end up with perfect weather, they also happened to be married on the eve of the "supermoon". We snuck out just before the sunset to take advantage of the incredible view and the huge, full moon. 

The rest of the evening was a blur. There was dancing, laughter and lots of hugs. Before the night drew to a close I think Lyndsay had managed to dance or spend a moment with every single one of their guests. It was a magical night for a very sweet and deserving couple. Cheers to Lyndsay and Will!

From the very first email, Leila was sweet, funny, and wonderful. We chatted about common interests, their hopes for the wedding, and of course, their pup, the magnificent Huckleberry. When I opened the next email from Leila, there was an adorable photo of the three of them. I knew, right then, that I wanted to work with them. 

Leila and Tim were everything I could ever hope for in a couple. We met in Dummerston, VT at Grandma's house to see the wedding site and take some engagement photos. The charming, old Vermont farmhouse, surrounded by rolling hills and tall conifers, brought back memories of my childhood and my grandparents' house. The house, such a significant part of Tim's childhood, had become a refuge for Tim and Leila; a quiet place away from the bustling city that they now call home. 

We caravanned around the area stopping to take photos at the river and the Grafton Cheese barn. We ended the day drinking wine on my lawn, chatting and laughing. The best days are days when work doesn't feel like work. 

In September I returned to Grandma's house. It was full of people and excitement. Friends and family from all over the world had converged at a farmhouse, in the middle of rural Vermont, to celebrate Leila and Tim. Amazing.

I entered the bridal suite to find Leila, already dressed and radiant, amidst of group of beautiful women, some family, some soon to be family, drinking champagne and laughing. After a lot more laughter and bunch of photos I ventured out to find the gents, drinking scotch and beer on the lawn, ready for the festivities to begin.

The ceremony was beautiful. A table, laden with symbolic Persian foods and traditions sat atop the hill behind the house. Leila and Tim stood together at the table and family circled around them. Vows were spoken, rings were exchanged and honey was eaten as part of a tradition symbolizing the sweetness of life.

During the reception, Leila and Tim's love of good food and beer took center stage as Chef Tristan and the Rigani catering team filled the table with grilled kabobs, persian rice and veggies. 

More photos with cousins, aunts, uncles and friends and then...epic dance party. One of my moments of the day was watching Tim's grandma and Leila's grandma sitting together, lovingly watching over their family and sharing the day like the best of old friends. I took my leave after the grandmas were called onto the dance floor, accepted the challenge and were affectionately swarmed by the entire group of family and friends. It was a beautiful day with a beautiful couple. 

After I dropped Mike off with the boys, I arrived at a large, beautiful house where the girls were staying. Monica greeted me, glowing, with a huge smile on her face. Her hair and makeup were already impeccable so we went upstairs to find the dress and the rings. The dress was gorgeous with a simple, classic silhouette, a beautiful sash, and, my favorite feature, pockets. After a few detail photos, Monica's ladies gathered while Maid of Honor and best friend Darlene helped Monica into her dress. There were laughs and a few tears as the zipper was zipped, the sash was tied and everyone stepped back to see their beautiful bride. From that point on, for the rest of the day, the smile did not leave Monica's face. After a quick dab with the favorite perfume, gifted by a lovely bridesmaid, and a lipgloss touch up, the ladies were ready to go.

Typically this is the point in the day when a switch is flipped and the ladies go from lazy mimosa drinking to warp speed, frantic rushing around to be ready in time so I asked Monica how she was feeling. With a serene look on her face she turned to me, smiled, and said "I'm ready to go meet my groom". 

A well planned first look can be a wonderful thing. It can be a few moments for just the bride and groom or an entire hour with the bride, groom, wedding party and family. This was the latter and it was awesome.

Monica and Matt chose a sweet little covered bridge for their meeting. It was off the beaten path with no traffic and lots of room for photos. The gents came down the road on one side and the ladies came down the road from the other side (think Sharks and Jets). Matt entered the bridge alone and turned toward the groomsmen as Monica approached from the other end. It was suspenseful, sweet and perfect. After the first look the bride and groom were enveloped by family and friends and we spent the next hour taking photos on the bridge, on a beautiful porch and then a quick but worthwhile stop at Bromley for a little mountain view photo op.

The ceremony was gorgeous and the cocktail hour and reception were perfect. The floral arrangements were absolute perfection and Monica put together the most amazing, hand-crafted, pinterest worthy decorations I have ever seen. 

I could write all day about this meticulously planned event and this amazing couple but I would rather leave room for the images. 

To Monica and Matt, I wish you a long and happy marriage. Thank you for being so gracious, easy going and fun to work with. Your love and friendship are inspiring and you are an incredible example for your very sweet son. You two are the real deal. 

Thanks to Lily of the Valley for the incredibly beautiful florals. You made the venue absolutely stunning! Thanks to the Perfect Wife Restaurant for the beautiful venue, friendly staff and delicious food!

Allison and Jonathan were married in one of the most picturesque locations I have ever seen. There wedding was pure Vermont, from the little maple syrup favors to the cows looking on in the background while they said "I do". Family and friends stood to form an aisle for the wedding party to pass through and the ceremony took place under a large shade tree atop an expansive field with an amazing view.

Allison was a photographer's dream; effortlessly beautiful in a long, breezy dress with simple curls and a crown of flowers, her groom a perfect counterpart in a handsome gray suit. 

I met the girls at the house while they were getting ready. While they were hunkered down in the bathroom, doing hair and makeup, I photographed the dress, the rings, and Allison's riding boots. When the bride was done she threw on her dress, put on some lipgloss and we headed down the street to meet her groom at the stables for some first look photos.

The wedding was beautiful. I am always amazed when I see something completely different than I have ever seen before. In this case, the aisle created by guests in the middle of the field and the fact that everyone remained standing, surrounding and supporting the couple, was absolutely perfect. The hundred or so guests seemed like a much smaller and more intimate group.

The reception took place under and around a tent outside the new, beautiful barn. Kids and dogs bounded through the field while the adults talked, drank, laughed and danced. 

This wedding was the definition of "Vermont fancy". There were suits and suspenders, boots and bowties, kids, cows and tractors amidst mason jars full of flowers, torches lit at dusk and an incredible view. I think if Mike and I had been married in Vermont instead of Mexico, this would have been the wedding I wanted. It was perfect.

Lauren and Chance were married at the Red Fox Inn in Bondville VT; the same place where Chance's parents met. The Inn's proprietors and family friends, Cindy and Tom Logan, were on the move all day long. From the moment we arrived they were busy setting up, moving things around, manning the BBQ, giving toasts and greeting friends. They truly made Lauren and Chance's wedding extraordinary. 

While I photographed the stunning bride and her ladies getting ready, Mike was out and about, photographing tables, flowers and other details. The grounds were bustling with staff, friends and family moving chairs, arranging flowers, and locking down the final touches on the decorations. In just two hours, the entire scene had morphed into one of the most beautiful wedding venues I have ever seen.

The bride and groom, the guests and the wedding were all so photogenic I'm just going to let the photos tell the story. Cheers to the lovely, cool, suave, magnetic couple. Lauren and Chance are, first and foremost, an amazing team and I wish them a life-long, epic romance.

*Special thanks to Cindy and Tom Logan and the staff at the Red Fox Inn for their hard work, friendliness and general awesomeness. Thanks to the Bondville Bloomist for the floral arrangements, bouquets and boutineers. Their flowers were beautiful, fresh, and the arrangements were gorgeous! I highly recommend these ladies to anyone looking for flowers for any occasion whatsoever. A special shoutout also goes to the band The Shifters for their amazing talent. It would have been hard not to dance to this fun, upbeat, brass band.