This 5th of December certainly did not feel like the 5th of December. When I met with Claudia and Pat last summer I was excited about the idea of an outdoor winter wedding and even had my fingers crossed that there might be a nice little blanket of snow to make everything look clean and sparkly. When the December wedding day finally arrived I packed up my gear and headed south under clear, balmy, blue skies.

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.