Washington D.C. Fall Wedding :: Portraits at the Lincoln Memorial :: Destination City Wedding :: Sneak Peek :: Rebecca and Ruth Elizabeth

The Lincoln Memorial is a place that is special to Rebecca and Ruth Elizabeth. It's the place that they first watched a sunrise together. It's a place they visit every Summer to play Trivial Pursuit on the Mall. And it's where Rebecca proposed to Ruth Elizabeth. And now we can add one more connection to that list. It's a place that they visited on their wedding day. Saturday was a sunshiney kind of day so, of course, the Mall was bustling. We made our way up the steps of the memorial, people making way as Ruth Elizabeth led our ascent in her pink gown, and found some quiet-ish corners at the top for photos. When we were done we hopped a ride to 14th Street (Thank you for driving Jeff!) for an intimate ceremony and celebration at G by Mike Isabella. 

It was a low key ceremony, their friends and family sitting and standing around the restaurant, with a huge emotional impact. They playfully started their vows with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who would go first. Ruth Elizabeth won that one so she opted for Rebecca to start. It should be noted, when two writers decide to word their own vows, expect to cry! That ceremony had huge laughs, happy tears, a giant kiss at the end, and so much love. It was a a beautiful night and a perfect way to celebrate these two beautiful people. 

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at G by Mike Isabella in Washington D.C.
Portraits at the Lincoln Memorial
Officiant: Jenny Call
Hair by U.Defining Hair Moments in Silver Spring, MD
Rebecca's dress by BHLDN
Ruth Elizabeth's Dress by Vera Wang from David's Bridal
Wedding bands custom made at Atlantic Gems in Silver Spring, MD

Saint Clement's Castle Fall Wedding Reception :: South United Methodist Church Ceremony in Manchester, CT :: Sneak Peak :: Amanda and Joe

Amanda and Joe entered their wedding reception, everyone clapping and cheering, as they went to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. It wasn't the first time these two had danced to this song though. Not even the first time they had danced to it all done up in their formal attire. Ten years ago, when Amanda and Joe went to their high school prom together, "I'll be" by Edwin McCain also played and they slow danced to it together. This time though, Joe's father was the one singing it with their friends and families all there with them. It was a beautiful moment to witness.

In order for Joe to be able to ask Amanda to prom all that time ago, Amanda's father was enlisted to help. He had to completely clear (and dry!) their driveway of snow so that Joe could follow through on his plan to use chalk on that driveway to write her a message. And this past Saturday, Amanda's dad chalked their driveway again, writing "Prom to Wedding" to celebrate Amanda and Joe's journey and history. 

Amanda couldn't have been more excited to tell me about where their ceremony was being held. It was at the same church that her parents were married at thirty years before. Amanda and Joe were married on Saturday but they were already family. Their families were already family. Hearing each toast and more about their story made that clear. They have a world of support around them and connections that they truly value. Each aspect of their wedding was meaningful and a testament to their connection. It was a beautiful day for two beautiful people.

Wedding Ceremony at the South United Methodist Church in Manchester, CT
Wedding Reception at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, CT in the Prince Edward Ballroom
Wedding Photography by Michelle Girard Photography and Design, LLC
Officiated by Pastor John Marshall
Floral Arrangements by The Flower District
Stationary from Wedding Paper Divas
Videography by Nick Rezendes Videography
Cake by Chimirri's Italian Pastry Shop
DJed by Steve G Productions
Hair and Makeup by Naomi's Salon
Wedding Gown by Pronovias from Mariella Creations
Bridesmaid Dresses by Bill Levkoff from Mariella Creations
Menswear from Men's Wearhouse
Wedding Rings from Baribault Jewelers

Lord Jeffery Inn Wedding :: September Amherst, Ma Wedding :: Grace Episcopal Church Ceremony :: Sneak Peek :: Danielle and Bryan

Danielle and Bryan's wedding day was vibrant. It's the word that I keep coming back to. It truly describes the setting, the decor, and the energy throughout the day. After Danielle and Bryan said 'I do' in the church next to the Lord Jeffery Inn, their wedding party, family, and friends lined up outside the church's entrance. As they stepped out, the cheers could probably be heard across town! Rose petals flew through the air. Their dog, Tenney, led the way. And these two newly weds walked together from the church back to the inn. 

That energy only increased as the day went on. When Danielle and Bryan were introduced at their reception the excitement was palpable. As they hit the dance floor, Bryan grabbed the microphone for a rousing game day speech that would've made Bill Belichick proud, and then they took each other's hands and went into their first dance together as husband and wife. Tenney even joined them for the last few moments of that dance as everyone in the tent laughed and clapped. As soon as dinner was over, that same dance floor was packed for the rest of the night! It was a beautiful and vibrant celebration!

Wedding Ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, Ma
Wedding Officiated by Rev. Thomas Synan
Wedding Reception at The Lord Jeffery Inn in Amherst, Ma
Wedding Photography by Michelle Girard Photography and Design, LLC
Florals Arrangements by Badgers Flowers & Co.
Wedding Invitations by Hobart and Haven
Cake by Atkins Farms
Videography by JayNandez Films
Cocktail Hour Acoustic Music by Jack and His Guitar
Reception DJed by TSG Weddings
Hair and Makeup by Pretty Bar by Danielle Keefe Artistry
Wedding Gown by Liancarlo from Vows in Boston, Ma
Shoes by Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid's Dresses by Jenny Yoo with Kate Spade jewelry and JCrew clutches
Groom and Groomsmen attire from Men's Wearhouse Tux Rentals
Wedding Rings from Amoroso Jewelers in Boston, MA
Wedding Favors were Cider Donuts from Atkins Farm

September Wedding at the Red Barn at Hampshire College :: Amherst, Ma :: Joanne and Alex :: Sneak Peek

I feel so honored to have been able to be a part of Joanne and Alex's journey. It all started with a phone call from Alex two years ago where he described proposing to Joanne on a beautiful hilltop in Amherst surrounded by tons of pumpkins and jack o' lanterns. There was also a hay bale to sit on, a bottle of bubbly to pop open, and an incredible sunset. Oh, and a heartfelt marriage proposal of course! He had it all planned out and it came together perfectly when Joanne said 'Yes'.

Since then, I've gotten to know Joanne and Alex. And these two are such sweet, considerate, and positive people to be around. Their wedding day was such a great reflection of who they are too.. precisely planned yet laid back with fun, go-with-the-flow moments. They handle issues easily and together, like the moment midway into their ceremony where they realized their hand fasting cord was left in the barn down the hill (don't worry, we retrieved it!). Even their sense of levity was on display.. check out their first dance photo below with one of the two giant cat heads stationed in the window of the barn visible in the background. After all, their cats had to be there with them in some way!

I love when a wedding day really celebrates who two people are together and Joanne and Alex's wedding did just that. It was beautiful!