wedding planning

Branden + Ashley

StoneHurst at Hampton Valley

Hampton, Connecticut

Amidst the rolling hills of Connecticut, Branden and Ashley's wedding at StoneHurst at Hampton Valley was a magical celebration, weaving together romance, enchantment, and the promise of forever.

StoneHurst at Hampton Valley, with its fairy-tale charm and picturesque landscapes, set the stage for Branden and Ashley's dream wedding—a place where love blossomed in the enchanting embrace of nature.

The couple exchanged vows underneath a natural canopy, surrounded by the lush greenery and the soft whispers of the wind—a ceremony that felt like a magical spell, sealing their love in the heart of Connecticut's beauty.

Every detail of the wedding was infused with whimsy, from the delicate floral arrangements that seemed to have been plucked from a woodland garden to the twinkling lights that transformed the venue into a starlit wonderland.

As the sun set, the celebration continued with dancing underneath the moonlit sky, creating a magical atmosphere where Branden and Ashley, along with their guests, became characters in a love story brought to life.

The skilled photographer immortalized the enchantment of Branden and Ashley's wedding day, freezing in time the moments that sparkled with love, joy, and the undeniable magic of StoneHurst at Hampton Valley.

Branden and Ashley's wedding at StoneHurst was a journey into enchantment—a celebration where love, nature, and whimsy intertwined to create a magical tapestry. As they stepped into married life, the memories of this dreamlike day at StoneHurst at Hampton Valley became the foundation for their happily ever after.

Photo Look: MMC 4
Package: The Deluxe +

Vendors:

Caterer: StoneHurst at Hampton Valley

Venue: StoneHurst at Hampton Valley

Hair: Smudge

Makeup: Smudge

DJ/Band: DJ Marty & Co

Invitations: Minted

Dress: New York Lace


Tanner + Hannah

Wychmere Beach Club

Harwich Port, Massachusetts

Tanner and Hannah's wedding at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, MA, seamlessly blended the charm of Cape Cod with the elegance of true love, set against the Atlantic's gentle waves. The venue's New England style, with its sprawling beaches and panoramic views, served as the perfect setting, reflecting the couple's love for the sea and their taste for sophistication. Personal touches throughout the celebration, such as bespoke floral arrangements and a locally-sourced seafood menu, highlighted their attention to detail and commitment to creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.

The celebration came alive with laughter, music, and an air of joy as the evening progressed. Tanner and Hannah, along with their guests, danced under the stars, creating lasting memories on the dance floor. Their wedding was more than a union of two hearts; it was a testament to the beauty of gathering loved ones in such an enchanting venue.

Tanner and Hannah's special day served as a powerful reminder of love's ability to unite people, celebrating it in the spectacular setting of Harwich Port. It marked the beginning of their journey together, promising a future filled with beautiful explorations side by side. Their wedding wasn't just an event; it was the start of a lifelong adventure, rich in love and shared experiences.

Matthew + Hannah

The Wyndham Hotel

Newport, Rhode Island

In the picturesque setting of The Wyndham Hotel in Newport, RI, Matthew and Hannah celebrated their union in a way that beautifully intertwined the scenic charm of Newport with their own unique and creative touch. Their wedding was not just a testament to their love, but also to their creativity and the joy of crafting a day that was truly their own.

From the moment guests arrived, it was evident that this was a celebration where every detail had been touched by the couple’s creativity and love. Matthew and Hannah took the DIY route to a new level, beautifully crafting much of their decor themselves. From painting and staining wood flowers that seemed to bloom with their affection, to handcrafting invitations that served as a heartfelt welcome to their loved ones, their personal touch was present in every corner.

The reception was a marvel of their artistic efforts, featuring candle vases crafted from repurposed wine bottles, each telling a story of the evenings spent together in preparation for this day. These vases, glowing warmly as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, not only illuminated the venue but also the couple's dedication to sustainability and personalization. The result was a warm, inviting atmosphere that felt deeply personal and wonderfully unique.

Matthew and Hannah’s wedding at The Wyndham Hotel was a celebration of love, creativity, and the beauty of personal touch. It was a day that not only united them in marriage but also showcased their talents and dedication to creating a day that reflected their journey together. Their wedding stood as a beautiful reminder that at the heart of every celebration is the love and effort we are willing to invest, making every moment unforgettable.

Photo Look: MMC 4
Package:
Deluxe Too

Vendors:

Caterer: Wyndham Atlantic Resort Newport

Venue: Wyndham Atlantic Resort Newport

Planner: Heather Smith - Wyndham Resort

Florist: Sola Wood Flowers (hand painted/stained by OpalEyeDesigns)

Hair: Lockstar Beauty

Makeup: Lockstar Beauty

Music: Dance Floor DJs (Jeremy)

Invites: Zola & OpalEyeDesigns

Alexander + Amanda

Bedford Village Inn

Bedford, New Hampshire

In the enchanting winter setting of Bedford, New Hampshire, Alexander and Amanda's wedding at the Bedford Village Inn was a celebration of love, set against the inn's rustic charm and the serene beauty of a snowy landscape. Guests were welcomed into a warm, anticipation-filled atmosphere, enhanced by the inn's cozy interiors and the joyous gathering of family and friends. The ceremony, illuminated by candlelight and adorned with rich, warm décor and deep-hued floral arrangements, encapsulated the couple's deep bond and the romantic mood of the occasion.

The reception echoed this sentiment, with the inn's gourmet cuisine and the comforting crackle of the fireplace creating an inviting space for laughter, dancing, and the creation of unforgettable memories. Alexander and Amanda's union was not just a testament to their love but a homage to the enduring warmth love brings, even amid the chill of winter. Their journey together began on a day filled with moments of tenderness and the magic of a winter landscape, leaving an indelible mark of beauty and transformation akin to the changing seasons. The Bedford Village Inn, with its captivating winter backdrop, provided the perfect canvas for their love story, forever remembered as a day where love and beauty intertwined under the spell of winter's touch.

Photo Look: MMC 4
Package: The Luxe

Vendors:

Caterer: Bedford Village Inn

Venue: Bedford Village Inn

Planner: Olivia Schadlick (venue coordinator)

Florist: In Bloom Weddings & Events

Hair: Tre Noi Salon (Krissy)

Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Lord

Music: DJ Anthony Arone

Invites: Artifact Uprising

Dress: BHLDN

10 Things to Consider When Making a Timeline for Your Photographer

Planning a wedding is an exciting and, at times, overwhelming experience. One crucial aspect of wedding planning is creating a timeline that ensures your photographer captures all the special moments and details of your big day. A well-thought-out timeline can make a significant difference in the quality of your wedding photos. Here are 10 important things to consider when making a timeline for your photographer:

  1. Timely Communication: Don't wait until the last minute to provide your photographer with the timeline. Involve them in the conversation early on, ideally 30-60 days before the wedding. Maintain open communication about essential details.

2. Location Planning: Keep the locations simple. While having a variety of photo locations can be appealing, it can also lead to logistical challenges and stress. Stick to a few well-chosen locations to streamline the day.

3. Start Time: Determine when you want your photographer or videographer to arrive. A general guideline is 1-1.5 hours before the bride puts on her dress, and they should stay for about an hour into the dancing. Adjust this based on your specific photography needs, such as capturing more dancing shots or planning unique exit moments like a sparkler send-off or vintage car departure.

4. Detail Shots: Ensure there's time for your photographer to capture detail shots, such as your dress, rings, and venue decor. If you don't have a second shooter available to handle this separately, plan to allocate time before the guests arrive at the ceremony location for these shots.

5. First Look: If you want to attend your cocktail hour, consider doing a first look before the ceremony. Family photos, bridal party shots, and portraits should be scheduled with enough time. Add extra time if you plan on shooting at multiple locations or want extensive bridal portraits.

6. Ceremony Length: Consider the length of your ceremony. If you're having a Catholic ceremony or a full mass, you may need to allocate more time for photography. A typical 8-hour coverage may need to be extended to 10 hours to accommodate a longer ceremony.

7. Sunset Portraits: Schedule 10-15 minutes for sunset portraits. Be mindful not to overlap this with other events like speeches to ensure you don't miss this golden hour opportunity.

8. Vendor Meals: Suggest to your venue that vendors (including your photographer) eat at the same time as your guests. This ensures that your photographer is well-fed and energized to capture all the key moments without interruptions.

9. Trust Your Photographer: Trust the professional you've hired. Provide any necessary direction and preferences during the planning process, but on the wedding day, let them work their magic. Trust their judgment on locations and lighting, as they're experts in creating stunning images.

10. Winter Weddings: If you're having a winter wedding, plan accordingly for the earlier sunset. Daylight is limited, so ensure you allocate enough time for your photos before it gets dark. Otherwise, you may end up with all your photos taken with artificial flash lighting.

In conclusion, creating a well-considered timeline for your photographer is crucial for capturing the essence of your wedding day. By taking these ten factors into account, you can help ensure that your wedding photos are a beautiful and lasting memory of your special day.