September is a gorgeous month here in Massachusetts and Jiliane and Chris’s day did not disappoint! I started my day photographing some details while waiting for the girls to return from the salon – Jil had everything nicely set out for me and ready to go when I got there!
Jil and Chris have two little munchkins together and they are the cutest!! One of the main reasons Jil wanted me to come to the hotel early was for this shot…she wanted a picture of her daughter in HER dress….She was so happy and smiley knowing it was her moms:)!
Jil and the girls finished getting ready with the help of her sweet mom!
Jil gave the girls their necklaces that day and they were gorgeous!
Such a happy cutie pie:)!
These are some of my favorites – she was totally in the moment and determined to help her mama get on her shoes:)
This was another fun picture that Jil had hoped to get – there are quite a few versions for her to choose from but this cute one is just one:)!
When the girls were ready, we headed down to the Botanical Gardens in Roger Williams Zoo for our first look and a bit of picture time! I loved my time riding with these ladies – they are all so sweet and fun!!
Jil was SO cute during the first look – she was teasing him a little as she crept up and kept the suspense going – it was adorable:)!
After the first look, we did a couple pictures of the two of them and then we called over their little ones and they came running:)!
Jil and Chris had chosen the Botanical Gardens in case of inclement weather, but it ended up being perfect out:)! We still used the beautiful indoor space for some photos though – how can you pass up such a unique collection of plants and trees:)
We were on a tight time line for our trip down to Providence ,and making sure we were back in time for their ceremony, and we did it – with traffic and all:)!
Jil and Chris had their ceremony down by the lake and the evening sun was actually very warm…I think a few people even got a little sun burn:)!
There might have been a little betting going on for who would cry the most throughout the day and I have to say that Jil got a little choked up coming down the isle:)!
Jil and Chris wrote their own vows – one of my favorite things to hear at a wedding! It makes the ceremony so personalized and heartfelt…
After the ceremony, cocktail began on the deck and we wrapped up with a few pictures on and around the beach…
The guys requested this:)!
Their reception was in the tent down by the beach and it looked fantastic! I have photographed weddings at Lake Pearl many times, but amazingly, this was my first wedding in the tent and it is definitely my favorite new spot:)!
The reception kicked off with their first dance and some speeches….
Chris’s best man definitely had comedic timing:)!
Jil’s sister also gave a speech and she actually tied in music to different parts of it…AMAZINGLY Jil also used lyrics to tied in her vows to Chris…as they say “great minds think alike”:)!
This was my first time working with DJ Sergio and I had NO idea what was in store for us! He is a multi-talented DJ….he sang, he danced, and he got everyone involved – starting with Jil’s mom:)!
As the night was in full swing, Jil’s mom said to me, “This is exactly what we wanted…a big party where everyone is dancing and having a good time” and they definitley got it:)!
This was when Sergio’s dance moves (and flexibility) really shined:)! He may have even done a split;)
The final songs of the night included a final dance, family hug and then WHOLE group hug:)!!
Jil and Chris – thank you for choosing me to be a part of your day – and your family:)!
Vendor Info
bridesmaid dresses | Davids Bridal
hair | TigerLilly Day Spa, Foxborough, MA
make-up | Tiger Lilly Day Spa, Foxborough, MA
florist | Judy’s Villiage Flowers, Foxborough, MA
ceremony | Lake Pearl Lucianos, Beach Front, Wrentham, MA
reception venue | Lake Pearl Lucianos, Victorian Tent, Wrentham, MA
cake | Cest Bon Homestyle Bakery, Woonsocket, RI.
dj | DJ Sergio Surround Sound Entertainment
videographer | Unique Video Productions, Cranston, RI
Songs
parent’s into| Marvin Gaye- Aint No Mountain High Enough
bridal Party intro | Flo Rida – Good Felling
bride & groom intro | Michael Jackson- The Way You Make Me Feel
first dance | Bootstraps – Wanna Dance With Somebody
father/daughter | Rod Stewart- Forever Young
mother/son | Luke Higgins – I Wish You Love
cake cutting | no cake cutting ceremony
last slow| Rascal Flatts- Won’t Let Go
last fast | Lady Gaga- Marry The Night
Bride/Groom Questions
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
J:tie between cutting certain flowers out of MY BOUQUET before the ceremony! or watching EVERYONE dance around their tables to earn the centerpiece. It was such a fun moment to see everyone on their feet, laughing and having fun!
C: Tie between how perfectly everything came together and DJ Sergio getting the entire crowd on their feet during the centerpiece dance (as he promised). I was so amazed that he was pulling it off that i stayed off to the side and recorded a video of the whole thing with my phone.
What was your favorite detail?
J: having my grandmothers 50 year old clip on earrings redesigned to stud earings to wear on this day. it was amazing how well they matched with the sash for the dress. completely meant to be!
C: The venue. Spectacular weather combined with the beach front ceremony, outdoor cocktail hour, and reception in the tent (sides up for course) made for the perfect wedding day.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
J: stay true to your initial vision of your day- try not to become too consumed in the “wedding market” that you loose sight of the joy and happiness. The day should be fun and lovey 🙂
C: Let her do her thing. It’s better that way and will come out wonderful! It doesn’t mean you can’t express your opinion, or reign things in when needed, but she’s been planning this day her entire life.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
J: there were so many- the speeches by MOH & BM were amazing though and i think that was my most continuous laugh 🙂
C: I have to agree with Jill. Though some of DJ Sergio’s singing and dancing with our guests was pretty funny as well.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
J: i don’t think i would chance much, but I would definitely not wait until the last minute do some things, like i did. it added stress that was not needed.
C: I totally agree with Jill on this. I waited to the last second on a number things which left the 48 hours before the wedding very stressful.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
J: we didnt go on a honeymoon just yet. we are hoping to slip away some place warm in the middle of winter!