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Category Archives: Weddings

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Christine and Chad’s Wedding Day-Norwich and Mystic CT

November 16, 2008 – 1:04 pm

Christine and Chad celebrated their wedding day with downpours and outpours (is there such a word?).
The rains were not going to let up for anyone today, beginning when Kelly and I arrived at Christine’s home for her dressing. We shook ourselves off to find Christine already in that space that can is reserved for people who are at peace. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone calmer before their wedding. Her final makeup was being put on; Coach was peaking around corners and Mom was cracking us up. I knew we were in a good place.

Christine’s bridal gown, shoes and flowers are the secondary pieces to her Gram’s angel pin. She was with them today.

I think Christine would have been running up the church steps regardless of the weather. I never saw either Chad or Christine without a grin, or a look of complete mischief all day. There were up for anything!

After the service at the lovely Park Congregational church we stepped outside a columned porch for some really quick formals; and then later across the street from the Seaman’s Inne for more. It was a wind tunnel! So much fun! They are so expressive I had a hard time not rolling at their antics.

The Seamen’s Inne does such a fine job of welcoming their guests, and tonight was no exception.

But a party is nothing without the people; whether it was Chad’s men and new father in law roasting him hard, or the Mom’s getting into the table wines, dancing without a stop all night long. Kelly and I couldn’t get over how much fun the day was. So much laughter and love!

A deep thank you for letting us share your day.

By karen | Comments (0)

Carolyn and Adam’s Wedding Day-Harkness Park, Waterford CT

October 15, 2008 – 11:12 pm

Me: The 15th of October is a Wednesday. Is that right?

Carolyn: Yes

So my interest was piqued and they explained when we met a few months ago. They met on October 15th, 2006, Adam proposed on October 15th 2007 on the Harkness Park Beach, and they were married on October 15, 2008. At Harkness Park. So romantic!

A small, non tradtional wedding was filled with love, family and friends, from far away-California and Wisconsin! The guys all served with Adam in the Navy–Groton and New London are very nearby. Carolyn’s dress was classic-so becoming with a square neckline, beaded front and unadorned skirt. Classy! And how appropriate for Elioa-the mansion at Harkness Park . What an incredible venue, right on the Long Island sound, and the mansion really is–fully of classical columns, formal gardens and acres and acres of open space.

Being a little non-traditional, they saw each other before the ceremony and we had a few minutes for some quick portraits in one of the side rooms.

Adam’s men cracked me up–can you say “Here comes the sun”??

We had another few minutes before dinner was served in this wonderfully intimate room; chicken, ravioloi, spinach and a to die for red velvet cake. OY. Like I needed some, but I couldn’t say no!

All blessings to you both, have a great trip! and we’ll talk soon!

Thank you, again.

By karen | Comments (0)

Michelle and Evan’s Wedding Day-Brooklyn CT

October 12, 2008 – 4:02 pm

I don’t know why I am so blessed to have the most beautiful brides and handsome grooms! Michelle and Evan had an incredible fall wedding in one of the most scenic areas in Connecticut; rolling hills, peak color, warm days and cool evenings. It just doesn’t get any better than this, and Michelle and Evan celebrated in first rate style!

They are 2 incredibly talented people! Michelle got the news she passed the bar exam on Friday! CONGRATS! And Evan and his family buisness, Sigfridson Wood Products , are truly master craftsmen and builders. They WILL build my new studio — nothing else will do.
I started the day with Michelle and her sisters anda daughter while they were getting dressed at Michelle and Evan’s wonderful home. Such calm! A peacefulness surrounded Michelle as she rehearsed her vows. They were so heartfelt and unique I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house–and a fabulous house of worship it is! Built in the 1600’s it has little boxes where families sat–the structure is undergoing extensive renovation but it still a wonder–I especially appreciated all the lightbeams that came from LOTS of windows.

A few family pictures at the church left me rolling–this little one was so shy! Until the dancing started!

After the ceremony we stopped for a brief time at their home at their home for a little quiet time–and I really think they appreciated it. Evan looked at Michelle with such love! I wish I had the other camera focused on him as this was taken (and that would have been a trick) because he just let out an enourmous sigh that chilled me to the bone!

Cocktails and dinner was prepared by A Thyme to Cook was a delicious salad with a wonderul tangy vinaigrette, with salmon or pork, rice, curry dressing, cake and YUMMY YUMMY chocolate chip cookies. The cake was gorgeous–and here Michelle looks like she’s about to attack it! The flowers were arranged by Windy Acres in Woodstock, and it just reminds me how much I love the colors of fall flowers-such a range of color and saturations.

The party was held at the private barn Evan and his family just finished–the workmanship that went into this structure is remarkable. All I could think is that I wish Dad could see this. Mindboogling!

Thank you for sharing your quiet humor and grace!

By karen | Tagged Getting ready for the wedding | Comments (0)

Kim and Jared’s Wedding Day at the Salem Cross Inn

October 4, 2008 – 11:59 pm

I knew from the minute I met with Kim and Jared that I wanted to photograph their day–I was getting chills when Kim was trying to describe her dress without Jared getting the full picture, and when Jared and I started talking about going bass fishing–I was hooked!

I went to their pre-wedding party at Jared’s family home a few weeks ago and was immediately entranced — both have large, loving families who seem to have a little more room in their hearts for ’strangers’. About 4 hours later I was not a stranger, but welcomed with open arms. And so it was for their wedding day.

I get choked up frequently when a bride comes out fully dressed-but Kim knocked me back a few steps. She was alternately glowing, trying to hold her emotions in check and being her open, funny self. Her inner beauty only enhanced her fabulous gown and cathedral length veil.

The Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield is an historic inn, dating from about 1700, and is fully protected from evil spirits with the sign of the cross on the old door latch. Nancy made sure everything went according to schedule and was always looking after the family’s request with grace and humor. The weather was fully protected also–a beautiful autumn day in New England. Foliage at it’s peak with crisp cool air and blue skies with occasional clouds blowing thru.

And they were supported by such a FUN group!

Dinner and the formal dancing continued in the barn — a great salad with a yummy vinaigrette, delicious pot roast (GOOD STUFF), fish, chicken and cake and pasteries for desert.

I think the above embodies the whole day-surrounded by loving family and supportive friends, and welcoming the future.

I’m looking forward to dinner at the Courthouse, tailgating for the first Pat’s playoffs, some early spring bass fishing but most of all new friendships!

Thank you all.

By karen | Comments (4)

Erica and Marshall-Old Sea Pines Inn, Brewster MA

September 7, 2008 – 4:28 am

Kerrie Safran, www.imagesbykerrie.com asked me to work with her at a wedding on the Cape with a beautiful couple, wonderfully lively familes at an quaint old B and B-so how could I say no??
As I was driving down to the Upper Cape this morning I wondered what I would say if it was up to me to make a toast this afternoon- Hurricane (now tropical storm) Hannah was due to hit Cape Cod about 3pm-at just the time Kerrie and I were supposed to start the coverage of the day. Storms are nothing new to the area, but can cause havoic, and this storm left the outer Turks and Caicos-a fabulous dive destination-in devastation.

I was able to spend a few minutes with Marshall and his men off site and we were dodging rain drops while having some fun outside. After the guys got themselves together Marshall and Erica had some quiet time before the family formals and the signing of the Ketubah. Isn’t it a fabulous heirloom?

After the marriage ceremony, the wedding ceremony was held outside in the gardens of the Old Sea Pines Inne. One of the remarkable things the Inne accomplished was to have the gardens ready for the ceremony outside–with the threat of severe weather hanging over the whole day. Wow!

Dinner at the Inne was wonderful-starting with a fresh green salad with vinegrette then probably the best filet I’ve ever had with delicious bernaise sauce (and anyone who knows me well, knows that I try in vain to make a good meat sauce–this was fab!) One guest mentioned to me that the swordfish was exquisite-it needed no A1/butter sauce (my family cure all) but it just melted in your mouth. Desert was cake and an make your own ice cream sundae station. Perfect cool ending to the day!

The reception was LIVELY–lots and lots of dancing– and the hora was completed with laughter and hilarity. A FUN! party.

So in the end, my toast to these 2 very talented people now united would be, that I wished today would be the stormiest day of their lives together. And doubly so, for the storm passed harmlessly out to sea.

Thanks to Kerrie for offering me the opportunity to shoot with her, and Erica and Marshall and their families for being so welcoming and fun!

Coastal Weddings

August 16, 2008 – 10:18 pm

George, from Coastal Life Photography, asked me to second with him again for a wonderful wedding held at Mystic Seaport and the Seamen’s Inne. Karen and Gerry make a beautiful couple; they were so relaxed all day–which makes for great smiles for the camera!

Again, I worked with the guys while they were getting ready and their bonding time pre-ceremony. The Seaport is such a cool place–lots and lots of places to make very different photos, and it’s really hard not to get into the period of the old whaling days. The guys took a walk thru the Charles Morgan (not my grandfather!!)-a restored 19th century whaler. The guys were particulary grateful they didn’t have to spend months hunched over, sleeping in 5 foot berths head to toe belowdecks with the smell of rendering blubber!

Aren’t they a handsome bunch! And Gerry so dapper, looks like a whale boat owner, standing at ease overseeing his vessel.

Click to continue reading “Coastal Weddings”

By karen | Tagged Coastal Life Photography, Mystic Seaport wedding photographs, Seamen's Inne wedding | Comments (0)

July 12, 2008

July 13, 2008 – 5:41 pm

was made by Govenor Jodi Rell’s proclamtion Mr and Mrs Daniel Gilbert Day in Connecticut!

They were married at the dam church (sic) in Thompson CT, admitedly one of my favorite churches in the

area, with formals at the Thompson Common, and reception at the Raceway Golf Club, in Thompson . I’ve been wanting to do this shot-which is a reflection from the organist’s mirror in the balcony for about 2 years!! Knowing that I was going to be on the floor of the church I showed Kelly what I wanted and she nailed it!

Truly a ‘green’ wedding, all the details were naturally grown -the centerpieces magnificent tall green grasses surrounded by grass seedings that Beth Green and Kathy Gilbert, aunt and mother of the groom, planted themselves in pig feeders -and absolutely beautiful. Sam’s bouquet and all 8 of her maids along with the flower girl carried pastel hydrangeas. We had a quick fun ‘girls’ time when we all walked onto a green at the golfcourse and commandeered a golf cart from a 4-some who were a little amused at our request. That the girls were all ‘hawt’ made it a little easier!

Kelly and I were treated like family –which is so appreciated– and we want to thank both the Gilbert and Jackson families for welcoming us and making us feel right at home Professional DJ service by Tim at Blue Line Entertainment kept people on the dance floor until 1130pm. The food -delicious stuffed chicken, filet mignon and baked stuff shrimp-and service was excellent as always at the Golf Club-with a big well done to Justine who kept things moving and making sure everyone was taken care of.

Thank you all!

By karen | Comments (0)

A and S at Andover Country Club

June 22, 2008 – 12:33 am

I was lucky enough to shoot with Jon Hill of Picture Story Weddings (www.picturestoryweddings.com) at the Andover Country Club, and celebrate the

marriage of A and S; I got to work with the guys which was a real treat–usually I’m working with the girls. and to work with these funny and very kind gentlemen has made me vow to work with the guys alot more! Can’t you love the look they are giving each other above?? “WE DID IT!!”

The details of the day were so well thought out–and were reflective of A’s family heritage. The unique cake

–in the shape of a beehive was very cool! A’s Dad is a beekeeper and the guests gift were jars of honey!

The Andover Country Club was lovely and in full blossom, and it made a perfect setting for a spring wedding.

Very best wishes and I hope the peace you found on your wedding day follows you throughout your lives together.

By karen | Tagged Andover Country Club, outside wedding, unique wedding cake | Comments (0)

Nicole and Michael

June 14, 2008 – 11:24 pm

were married at The Inn at Mystic with a great big fat Greek Wedding!
George, from Coastal Life Photography who I met at the Digital Wedding Forum conference in Mystic last January. asked if I’d be interested in working with him-uhm yeah! Mystic (my favorite non-Vineyard sea-village) and a Greek wedding too! Memories of seeing village weddings while I was studying in Greece came flooding back.

Nicole was so beautiful! Every detail was thought out and carried to perfection.

It was HOT! One of the hottest days I can remember–in June, no less–but everyone kept cool with lots of water and other libation. It was a black and white wedding, with gorgeous spring flowers adding the perfect color splashes against the green lawns, and black and white gowns and tuxes.