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. Kim Aubin and her staff were excellent, and I was particularly impressed with the staff attached to Chris and Chad. Everything they needed was provided instantly.

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. Rip Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night–and Christine and her Mom didn’t get off once that I saw. Scott Dery from Worner Bros Video was a pleasure to work with-very aware of the photographer’s need to roam. I hope I didn’t walk thru the scene too many times. 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.

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.

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 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 and 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! I don’t remember seeing the dance floor empty as Flat Rock played and sang everything from the 50’s, 60’s and more. Jazz, R&R, Blues-they did it all. Except the chicken dance. (Just a little private joke between Evan and me :))

Thank you for asking me to share your quiet humor and grace!

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.

Wow-what a day-it started with severe thunderstorms that let up about 2pm. So bad that both Michelle and I were about to call each other to cancel. It was perfect from about 2pm until I started off to the new barn when again it was blowing and pouring rain.

I think these guys are living under the lucky stars since it cleared immediately after I arrived — to find them both arranging their tables and setting up for the wedding!

The barn is incredible and I can’t wait to work it–and since Evan and his family are the builders it’s an really special place. The grounds are incredible–fields 3x the size of a football field–and all I could think of was that I hope they had a riding mower

Here are a few from the walk around :

Thanks guys! It’s going to be a great day!

Started out Friday night dancing the night away at Indian Ranch at the monthly dance party DJ’d by 98.8 with all the old songs

Saturday afternoon being welcomed into Kim and Jared’s families and celebrated their engagement with a pre-wedding party that was SO much fun–great families and the food was incredible! Pics coming shortly, I hope! Then stopped at the Labby’s for some detail shots of the new landscaping so Dad can get some ideas for the Vineyard.

Sunday afternoon with Barney. Sara, Jen, and a special treat with #1 (and only!) son Oliver and his girlfriend Caitlyn. And of course the variety of animals that control the Seney household. Lousy football game, but again the food was outstanding. I’m seeing a trend here with the food. Might have to do something about that!

A couple from the weekend: The Lion King

The Rat Patrol

Landscapes

and my favorite, Oliver and Caitlyn after watching our boys have a bad day.

We started out early-about 815am to get to the stadium for some quality tailgating time, and were rewarded with little traffic and good parking. Met up with Oliver and Caitlyn and we shared bounty and brews. (No brews for me since I was working on 3 hours sleep, after a 4 hour drive from the Cape Saturday night)
Pre-game ceremonies included men and women from the New England area national guard who re-upped, even after serving in either Operation Enduring Freedom or the ITO; When Lee Greenwood’s Proud to be an American was played I well and truly lost it, as it’s one of Morgan’s very favorite songs, and all I could think about what she is going thru in Iraq now. A special flyover of 3 F15’s almost made me fall over–being so high in the stadium the sound was immediate and amplified beyond imagination.

One second later, they were directly overhead!

Our seats are at the VERY top–the above image shows there’s not much protection from sun, snow, rain, or planes! Thankfully it remained sunny–very sunny all day. And the concrete behind us made for a make-shift pillow a couple times. Below is the opposite view of the beautiful stadium. Start from the left, count 4 sections, and those guys at the top row would be us.

The extent of Tom Brady’s injury won’t be determined until Wednesday–and would be a blow to the organization, but Matt Cassel pulled us thru a nail-biter!

Thank you Sara and Barney and Bill for making it a great day!

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!

Woodstock Fair, always Labor Day weekend.

For kids of all ages–A kid’s area for the littlest kids; the midway for those who can beat the Whack a Mole; the rides for those who can beat their fear of heights and fears of being strapped in so tight almost restricting breath, and then tossed around like a rag doll; crafters and craftsmen; the Concerts; the Ag displays - for that’s what the Fair is really all about, with the animals, baked goods, and of course the food– Italian Sausage, fried dough, Souvlaki with tetziki sauce, Potato Heaven, Pulled Pork……………….. (and no, I didn’t really eat all that. Really…. really…………

Come to the fair and be a kid again.

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