Memorial Day weekend can be many things in New England. It is a weekend of cautiously optimistic planning for those of us hoping to host parties and BBQs. It can be sweltering hot and humid. It can be rainy, and chilly. Occasionally we find ourselves being buffeted by the tendrils of an early season Atlantic hurricane. In short, Memorial Day weekend is a total toss up which is why Hillary and Gabe's wedding was so spectacular. 

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!