Elizabeth & Ryan’s Wedding – The DETAILS

Not only was Elizabeth & Ryan‘s wedding joyous and emotional, it was incredibly lovely as well! They got married at Elizabeth’s parents’ home in Marion, down on Buzzard’s Bay, and did a wonderful job making it a classy and beautiful event! They had 3 separate tents for the ceremony, dinner and reception and the flow of the day around the property created an air of anticipation and excitement. From the flowers, to the cake, and the setting – the whole thing came together perfectly. It’s amazing to me how the combination of little details can make such a big impact on the feel of an event…

The back of the house, where the ceremony was held.

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Here’s a taste of some of the details in the house

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The patio for cocktails and the view of the back yard

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The dinner tent was set up over their pool. I’ve never seen that before, doesn’t it create such a cool ambiance?!

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The tables were lavish and interesting, with big candelabras and antiqued vases of all shapes and sizes full of flowers lining the whole table. It was beautiful!

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In these photos you can see the house, the ceremony tent, the cocktail patio, and the reception tent, and just barely the dinner tent in the back. It was so neat to have everything in one location, but they were able to give each piece of the day it’s own space with it’s own feel.

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It’s so great to see all the planning and dreaming and designing come together and give a wedding such a wonderful feel!

Special thanks to:

Gregory’s in Wakefield, MA for the amazing flowers

La Fete Catering in Natick, MA

Elizabeth & Ryan’s Wedding – Black & White FILM

If you follow my blog, or have been to my website, or if you know me at all, you know that I love to shoot black & white film! My first job in photography was working in an all film studio and while I’ve made the transition to digital, I still think film is the best! It’s gotten wicked expensive, and it definitely has limitations, but it also has character and an archival quality that I love. So, I tend to shoot at least a little bit of film at almost every wedding these days. Just a few rolls splashed in throughout the day. Of course, if any brides out there wants me to shoot a wedding entirely in black & white film – I would love to do it again!! :)

Here are some of my favorite film images from Elizabeth & Ryan‘s wedding…

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Buzzard's Bay Wedding

Taken with my Widelux

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The next 2 were taken with my Holga

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Taken with the Widelux

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Do you see why I love it so much?!

Elizabeth & Ryan’s Perfect Wedding – Marion, MA

Elizabeth & Ryan‘s wedding was absolutely perfect! Seriously. As I walked around throughout the day, I heard people say that word again and again… perfect! Perfect weather, the perfect location, the perfect dress, a perfect couple… the perfect day!There’s a gazillion photos I want to share, but here are a few of my absolute favorites….

A champagne toast for the ladies while getting ready

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And cigars on the porch for the gentlemen

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I love how it takes a team of women to put on a wedding dress!

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My assistant, Elizabeth Hannah got this awesome shot

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Isn’t she gorgeous?!?!

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Mark Higgins came to second shoot with me, and got this shot during portraits with the bride, of Elizabeth’s sister. The poor girl had a heck of a time keeping her makeup on with all the happy tears she was shedding!

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The anticipation builds as Elizabeth watches the guests begin to arrive through the window…

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The wedding was all held at Elizabeth’s parents’ home in Marion. Many little girls imagine walking down aisle on their wedding day, but I wonder if Elizabeth ever imagined it’d be the stone path she’d walked on so many times?

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I love the moment right after the ceremony when the Bride & Groom get to talk for the first time and be “alone” for a moment before the bridal party gets down the aisle! It’s always so emotional and exciting.

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After the ceremony we headed down to the dock for some portraits in the last bit of sunlight. It was beautiful!

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I love the movement and the body language in the next few.

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Mark grabbed this shot of me taking the photo above. He rented a 200mm f/2.0 lens from LensProToGo and got some fabulous results with it… and probably some permanent back damage as well – that lens is HUGE!

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Elizabeth (assistant, not bride) caught Mark & the lens. This is him taking a picture of me taking a picture….

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I remember quite specifically Elizabeth telling me the first time we spoke on the phone that she wanted some unique bridal party shots. She almost sent them all off to the cocktail hour before we could do it, but I’m soooooo glad we called them back! These were definitely more fun than the usual :)

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Elizabeth’s take on the bridal party shots was pretty cool too!

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After portraits, we headed back up to the house for the reception. Elizabeth’s Dad gave a wonderfully touching toast. Here, he’s thanking his wife for all her hard work on the wedding and for being a wonderful wife & mother. It’s so nice to see families where the parents love each other this much!

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Ryan’s toast to his bride was equally moving.

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One of my favorite images that Mark shot…

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I love grandpas :)

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Ryan’s parents with their arms around Elizabeth. American culture has stereotyped in-laws to be just awful (a la Everybody Loves Raymond), so I really appreciate how special it is when parents-in-law love their new daughter or son like their own. My parents both have that, and so does my sister and it makes such a difference in the life of a new family!

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Last shot of the night!

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There were so many more images that I just loved. If you’d like to see more of my favs, you can check them out on Facebook. And come back tomorrow to check out my favorite details and film shots from Elizabeth & Ryan’s wedding!

Elizabeth & Ryan – I enjoyed your wedding so much!! It was a wonderful day and witnessing how much your friends and family love you two was an extra blessing. Thank you for welcoming us in – I hope you love the photos!!

Britt & Mike’s Wedding – Black & White FILM

Ok, ok, for real, this is my last post for Britt & Mike’s wedding!! I shot a few rolls of black & white film that day and just got the film back last night :) I just had to share a few!!

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

This one was shot with my Widelux panoramic camera

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And this one was shot with my Holga, which is a toy camera :)

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Another widelux shot

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

This was shot in 35mm film, and is meant to be printed all as one image. Unfortunately, my lab cut the film right in between two of these images (which is why I’ll be cutting all my own film from now on). There’s still a few ways we can print it and get the same effect, but this is how it was originally intended. Thank goodness for film scanners :)

(there should be 5 in a row, so if you can’t see all 5 expand your browser or click on the image)

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Another Holga shot

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Are they cute, or what?

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Cape Cod Wedding - Black & White Film

Ok, that ought to just about do it! I hope you’ve enjoyed the many many images! I’ll be moving on now, I promise… :)

Britt & Mike’s Cape Cod Wedding – Details

Britt spent so much time planning and working on the little details to make everything special for her and Mike’s wedding day, that I think they deserve a post all their own. Take a look at some of the fabulousness!

Her shoes were awesome – even though she went barefoot or in flip-flops more than half the day ;) Her rings are beautiful, and the dress was breathtaking!

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Britt’s necklace was just the right amount of bling to top off the simplicity of the dress. And do you love the peonies in the bouquet, or what?!

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This collage is a taste of all the lovely touches I spied while Britt was getting ready. The bridesmaids each chose a pair of hot pink shoes, while Britt’s were gold. The flowers were straight out of an english garden – kind of wild, but so beautiful you know it was planned. And the flip-flops that Britt spent hours and hours making for each of her girls! Buckets of goodies for the guests, not to mention champagne in a can, complete with straws!

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One of my favorite details was the antique post-cards incorporated into the day. Britt found antique cards from towns all over the Cape and used them in the invitations as well as for place cards and table numbers. It gave the wedding a very cool feel!

Cape Cod Wedding - Cape Cod Postcard Placecards

I also really liked how she accented the pink flowers in the bouquets with blue hydrangeas for the rest of the day. It all just went together so nicely, and was so very Cape Cod!

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Some of the vendors who made the whole thing possible…

Catering – Sumptuous Catering in Orleans, MA (Shannon Mahoney)

Flowers – Fancy Flowers (by Meredith Fancy)

Bride’s Dress – Nicole Miller (Britt’s Mom had a Nicole Miller dress too!)

Bridesmaids’ Dresses – J. Crew – they each picked whichever they wanted in navy

D.J. – Cape Cod DJs (Rob Cushing)

Cake – Cottage Street Bakery

Tent and lanterns – Undercover Tent Company

Britt did all the table numbers/menus/placecards/decor herself with help from her dad and bridesmaids! She did an amazing job planning this wedding! She put so much thought into each and every detail, and it really showed. Martha Stewart, eat your heart out!

Britt & Mike’s Cape Cod Wedding – Chatham, MA

I am so excited to share the rest of Britt & Mike’s wedding with you! I’ve been excited for this one since the first time I met Britt & Mike last summer. I’ve really had a chance to get to know them over the last year or so as we’ve done two engagement sessions. It is fun to get to know a couple during shoots and meetings and phone calls, but then to meet their friends and family and see them through that lens is doubly wonderful. These two people are dearly loved! The whole crowd was warm and genuine, and certainly fun! It was a truly wonderful day…Britt & the girls got ready at the house where the reception would later be held.

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Cape Cod Wedding

I love this emotional shot Elizabeth captured of Britt’s parents watching her get ready!

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Britt’s dress was AH-mazing! I literally gasped when she pulled it out of the closet. Not the most professional moment of the day. But it was gorgeous – the color, the material, the cut were all perfect!

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Britt’s reaction to seeing herself in her dress brought us all to tears! I think that can be one of the most overwhelming moments for a bride – when it really sinks in that she’s getting married today.

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Cape Cod Wedding

Meanwhile, down the road, James Federico of The Feds Studio was helping me out by photographing Mike and the guys getting ready. I always laugh because there’s really nothing much to guys getting ready. Just tie their tie and hit the road!

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Once everyone was ready, we headed down to the beach for the ceremony. After all the rain we’d been having, we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day! :)

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James captured this image of Britt’s parents and grandmother laughing – love it.

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Cape Cod Wedding

Don’t worry, he got the ring on her finger!

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James’ shots of the kiss were my favorites

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Happy tears!

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A few minutes alone with Britt & Mike at the beach…

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Elizabeth caught this shot of me during the portraits. In case you want to know what you should expect on your wedding day… You should expect me, hiding in the grass, or laying on the ground, and basically doing whatever I can to get a cool shot and to make sure I can’t wear really nice pants… ;)

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Cape Cod Wedding

Cape Cod Wedding

Cape Cod Wedding

Then we headed back to the house and grabbed some group shots and a few more portraits of the happy couple. I had to jump off the dock and onto the muddy shore to capture the next two, but it was worth it.

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Cape Cod Wedding

After portraits it was time for the fun to begin! The evening started with some wonderful toasts. First up, Britt’s Dad…

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Cape Cod Wedding

The Best Man

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Then Britt’s sister and Maid of Honor, Devon gave a very touching and tearful toast

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Cutting the Cake

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Their first dance

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And then the fun really began! I’m leaving out some crazy dance moves, a keg stand, and more – but you get the idea! This party was rockin’!

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The most dedicated and dramatic catching-a-fish dance move I’ve ever witnessed…

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and the last dance

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Britt & Mike – thank you so much for having me there to document your day!! Your wedding was so much fun, and I felt so welcomed in, like one of your guests. Heck, your cousin Kerry practically inducted me into the family ;) I hope you love the photos!!! I can’t wait to get going on your album….

Britt & Mike’s Wedding – SNEAK PEAK

I’m not quite finished editing the images from Britt & Mike’s fabulous wedding on Cape Cod, but I thought I’d share a couple from the day as a little appetizer :) They’re such a fabulous couple and I LOVED their wedding so much! Lots and lots more images to follow after vacation…

Could they be any happier??

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A few moments alone after the ceremony

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Um, this is my FAVORITE!

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They had an awesome bridal party, I’m glad they were willing to put up with some of my crazy ideas for portraits :)

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Britt & Mike – I can’t wait to show you the rest! As soon as I get back in town… :D

Shoshana & Andy’s Wedding – Newton, MA

My first wedding of this year was the wedding of Shoshana & Andy. Not only was it the first, but it was also the biggest wedding of the year, and has been the most arduous to edit! I ended up with THREE second shooters, so there were 4 photographers covering the wedding, and we had over 6,000 images between us when the day was done! My interns and I have gone through the images at least 4 or 5 times, and we’ve finally got it down to a manageable size for sharing with the world. In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, that ought to explain it :)

This was my first Orthodox Jewish wedding as the primary photographer, and it was so much fun! The energy and excitement throughout the day was contagious, and the details and traditions were so meaningful and touching. I’m excited to share some of my favorites at last!

Shoshana’s father looking on as her veil is placed. She looked so beautiful :)

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Her necklace was gorgeous, and a family heirloom, I believe

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The happy bride

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I love these next two shots that Ben of Avenna Studios captured while photographing Andy getting ready and during the Tisch.

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The Ketubah, hand-made by a member of the family

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Shoshana, her mother Teri, and Andy’s mother waiting for the guests to come greet them during the Kabbalat Panim. I love the excitement between Shoshana & Teri!

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After the Tisch, the groom is escorted by family and friends, singing and dancing, to where the bride is waiting for him. I love the moment as the bride is blessed by the fathers. In this photo, Shoshana is being blessed by Andy’s father.

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And this is the highlight of the Bedeken, the moment when Shoshana & Andy see each other for the first time and Andy lowers the veil over his bride. Vince from Avenna Studios caught this moment beautifully.

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It’s such an emotional part of the day!

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waiting for the ceremony to begin

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Giving her away

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As Shoshana reached the chuppah, she circled Andy seven times

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Andy placing the ring on her finger. (Another great shot from Ben, who got the prime spot on the bema during the ceremony)

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The sanctuary at Congregation Mishkan Tefila is so beautiful!

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Shortly after the cermony, we were able to take Shoshana & Andy outside for a few portraits. We were so lucky that the rain held off for us! (in case you’re not from around here, it’s been raining in Boston for like 6 weeks now…)

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Orthodox Jewish Wedding

They’re totally cute together :)

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Vince captured this one, which I love

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Their rings were totally unique (but the same as each other’s). Andy’s grandfather made them! Such a talented family!!

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And this is what it looked like during portraits… I’d normally have more of the other photographers inside capturing the cocktail hour, but Shoshana’s mother really wanted to make sure we got plenty of portraits of the two of them together. Apparently Teri’s photographer forgot to get a single portrait of Shoshana’s parents together on the day of their wedding. Can you imagine?!

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We took a few inside the lovely sanctuary as well. The light was just so nice, and the stained glass so interesting and colorful!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Once we were done with portraits, the party really began! One of my favorite things about Orthodox weddings is that they REALLY know how to celebrate! Nobody else dances with so much enthusiasm and energy :) I love this shot Vince caught during the Horah.

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Shoshana up in the chair

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Gorgeous flowers by Sarah’s Garden

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During some parts of the reception, friends and family perform for the Bride & Groom. These ladies were dancing maniacs!

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Shoshana’s sisters tap danced for them

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Andy singing for his bride

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Cynthia captured this embrace after the song was finished. I love the faces of the guests cheering for them :)

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Shoshana & Andy, thank you so much for having us as part of your day! We had a fabulous time, as you and your guests clearly did as well. Congratulations to you both! I hope you’re getting settled and enjoying some better weather down there in Atlanta. I look forward to working with you on your album after you’ve had some time to look through all the photos! :)

If you’d like to see more of my favorites, check out the album on my Facebook Page :)

Many thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who worked on this wedding…

Catering & Coordination – Andrew Wiener of Catering by Andrew
Flowers – Sarah Burkstein of Sarah’s Garden
Music – The Nafshenu Orchestra
Venue – Congregation Mishkan Tefilla
2nd Shooting – Cynthia Hauk

And a special thanks to Ben & Vince from Avenna Studios for all your help with the day! It was great working with you guys!

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