tented reception

June 25, 2014 Puerto Rico, Weddings

Lisa and Jordans Culebra Puerto Rico Wedding

Destination Weddings are always and will forever be, a huge honor. The fact the couples want us to be with them for their wedding is already honor enough but add the detail that they want you at their destination wedding location just blows our minds. Lisa Ann and Jordan invited us to photograph their wedding on the tiny island of Culebra, just off the coast of Puerto Rico. If you have never been, or never hear of it, google it now. You should add it to your short list of places to visit. Trust us. BEST. BEACHES. EVER.

They told us to wear flip flops and to come have a good time, which is exactly what we did. Dan hung out with Jordan and best man at the ceremony location (aka: voted one of the best beaches in the world by Trip Advisor… no kidding). I went over to the house Lisa Ann was getting ready in and got to meet her family and closest friends. Once she was ready, we headed across the island for their ceremony. While the guys shared a traditional whisky toast, the ladies clinked champagne… then it was time. Lisa Ann and Jordan’s vows were all kinds of precious as they went back and forth with promises and cute messages of love. It was a heart-felt and sincere ceremony, where the guests (and the photographers) could feel just how much they love one another. After the kiss, and the breaking of the glass, it was party time. Now if you know me, you know I’m a closet Disney-fan, so you can imagine that seeing a wedding reception with hidden Mickey’s all over the place spoke to me. Magic!

This Friday the 13th, full moon, destination wedding was nothing is not a blast.

PS: Don’t miss how much Jordan makes Lisa Ann laugh. It was a JOY to watch.

Venue: Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

Catering: Homeless Dog Cafe Hair and Make-up: Lizzie Ibarra Hair & Make-up Artist

Gown: Maggie Sottero Flowers: M&M Flower Market

September 26, 2013 Mid-Coast Maine, Weddings

Mara and Will’s North Haven Island, Maine Wedding

Sometimes there are those weddings where you know from the moment you take the first image, its going to be epic. Mara and Will’s was one of them. On his own, Will demanded that everyone got ready outside on the porch for the best light. So he and his best man donned their tuxedos out in the open. Mara on the other hand was having her hair and makeup done at the Nebo Lodge, with her mother and maid of honor . When I saw the dress, I nearly fainted with excitement. It was calm and quiet and relaxed and honestly what every bride pictures her getting ready to be like. Her mom even cried a little bit and kept telling her how beautiful she looked and how much she loved her. It was so so sweet.

Right before the ceremony, Mara found out that her sister, who lives on Nantucket, flew in that morning… after having a baby 4 days prior.

The ceremony was held at a tiny catholic church on the island. One of their friends played quite possible the most amazing violin performance I have ever heard in my life, or ever will. Later I found out that this friend of theirs is Ryu Goto. Yeah. They kissed and walked back down the aisle to the front steps of the newly painted church and basked in the awesomeness that was their newly married life!

We took a few portraits at his parents property and then we all headed to the reception overlooking the Penobscot Bay. As the speeches of love and friendship continued from the evening before, we learned more and more how special these two are. Â They danced their first dance to another Ryu Goto song, and then they received a very unique gift. It was the only gift on the gift table, as per the couples request… but it was an unforgettable one. Two shot glasses were epoxyed to a canoe paddle, side by side. In order to sign this “guestbook of sorts” you had to take a shot of tequila from the shot paddle. It. was. a. huge. hit. AND since we sign every guestbook at every wedding, this was the first time ever we drank at a wedding. First and last… and I promised we were officially done working when we did so.

It’s weddings like this that I have to pinch myself when I realized that this is our job. Thanks Mara and Will and ALL your family and friends for making an unforgettable weekend for us.

Church: Our lady of Peace Catholic Church of North Haven Maine

Officiant: Father Robert Henry | Reception Venue: Private Property

Catering: Nebo Lodge | Tent Rental: Wallace Tent and Party Rentals

DJ: Eric of JTD Productions | Violinist: Ryu Goto

Make-up: Brenda from Adore Rouge | Hair: Colleen from Aphrodite Salon

Dress: Jenny Packham | Bride’s Shoes: Chanel

Rings: Anna Tucker of A & O Jewelry | Calligraphy: Everly Calligraphy

More from Mara and Will: Rehearsal Dinner

November 26, 2012 Maryland, Weddings

Jess and Eric’s Baltimore Maryland Wedding

It was a perfect weather day, with autumn colors in the trees. Eric wasÂ preparingÂ on the second floor of the Elkridge Furnace Inn while Jess and all her bridesmaids were up on the third floor. After the ladies were all ready for the ceremony, they took a few moments for prayer and prayed for Jess and her new role as a wife to Eric. It wasÂ beautifulÂ and my hands were shaking as I photographed these moments. One of the bridesmaids was one of our brides from last year! You can even see Jess and Eric in Natalie and Thad’s wedding blog post. Gotta love seeing your friends at a wedding right? The ceremony was stunning as she walked down the aisle withÂ ethereal light behind her. They sang and prayed and promised one another they’d be together forever. After the kiss, the party was on. During the reception there were four musical performances, one being a performance of “Swept Away,” by the Avett Brothers, sung by Eric and their friends.Â TheirÂ enchanted tea party themed reception closed with a final dance of the bride and groom before the left for the night. We were so thankful to be there for their wedding.

Venue: Elkridge Furnace InnÂ Â | Â Florist:Â Floriography Boutique Â | Â Make-up:Â Vivid Salon Â | Â DJ:Â Classic DJs Â | Â Gown:Â Church Street Bridal

October 18, 2012 North Carolina, Weddings

Chatham and Charlie’s Winston-Salem, NC Wedding

When Chatham told us she was getting married in her mother’s backyard, we had NO concept of the awesomeness that was in store. Don’t get me wrong, we knew it was going to be sweet and lovely and fun, but we did not know the scale of this “backyard wedding.” To give you an idea, we arrived on scene and saw a deer jump across the wooded driveway as we approached the house. That little bit of magic was just a prelude to the days events and the tone was set. Hugs and hellos greeted us as we came in the house, which was oozing style and southern grace. From the moment we got there to the moment we left, the day was seamless. We started with Chatham and Charlie’s first look followed by a few portraits of the two of them. It was really important to them that they had this special time together just before the craziness of the wedding day happened and we couldn’t have agreed more. They were able to be alone and really soak up their day together. The ceremony was held in the back yard and was followed by a poolside cocktail hour. They raised aÂ monogrammedÂ flag and the party officially started. Guests made their way to the tent and enjoyed mouth-watering cuisine and dancing into the night. They finished up the reception with warm Krispy Kreme donuts. What more could you ask for?

Coordinator and Catering: Joe Curran with Assistant Lisa Stocklin of 1703 RestaurantÂ Â | Â Tent: Premier Special Event Services

Dress: NY Bride and Groom Â | Â Florist: Randy McManus Designs Inc.

Ceremony Music: NC School of the Arts Students Â | Â Reception Music:Â The Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters

October 1, 2012 Interior Maine, Weddings

Abbie and Javi’s Maine Summer Camp Wedding

Abbie and Javi were married at Camp Wohelo, making her the fourth generation in her family to wed there. Javi and his family are Cuban and brought the party to Maine! I remember skyping with them the first time and when we closed the call, I looked at Dan and said “O MY GOD I love them!!! We have to do their wedding!!!” It was love at first skype for us! They are our very own Lucy and Ricky…

The wedding was at a local Catholic church and was followed by the reception at the camp, with a dinner of Lobsters caught and cooked by Abbie’s Dad. All the details were made with love by Abbie herself and the cake was made by her mother and decorated by her sister. The guests, although they were from great distances and did not know one another very well in the beginning, it really started to feel like two families coming together, rather than just Abbie and Javi. The weather was undeniably perfect, with a sunset that was a stunning capstone to the day. I was wondering why no one was really dancing after dinner and then Dan let me know that nature was stealing the show with its closing sunset. Once the stars came out, the dancing began and it was all smiles all night!