When I met Mary and Ryan, I felt like I was meant to be their photographer! They had originally found me on the recommended list at the beautiful Charter Oak Country Club, but once Mary spoke to her friend and bridesmaid Jamie, she found out I was also photographing Jamie’s brothers upcoming wedding too, she scheduled a meeting! At that meeting all of our stars aligned:) As we were talking, I found out that Mary graduated from Sacred Heart University, where I also went! It is a small school and I haven’t met anyone else yet from there! Then as we were wrapping up our conversation, Ryan tells me that his nickname is actually “Chick” (taken from the beginning of his last name)! I knew right there, that it was a perfect match already:)
When their day arrived, it was a gorgeous day – a bit hot for the beginning of June, but we were used to it (their engagement session ended up on the hottest day of last year too:)!
The ring box that Mary’s nephew held up the isle was made by her father and the pillow inside is actually an extra piece of her dress…love, love, love! They guys and girls were getting ready one floor apart – the girls were directly above the guys! Ryan’s dad gave a helping hand with the jacket.
Ryan opened a gift from Mary on that day, and Mary was already wearing her gift from Ryan – a beautiful set of earrings.
My first sighting of this little guy – Mary’s nephew and the best little ring bearer I have seen:) My girl Jamie is on the far right:)! Mary knew that she wanted a picture of all the girls in their matching PJ’s – the jumping on the bed was totally unplanned and hysterical – yet so cute:)
Mary and her “Moms” – Ryan’s mother is on the left and Mary’s is on the right – two of the kindest mothers that I have met! Our view of the guys on the deck below us! They came out in just vests… an unexpected look – haha:)And the girls were off…Mary decided to get her dress on at Charter Oaks. There is a long beautiful drive up the Charter Oaks driveway… Once the girls were ready, the day was in full swing, starting with some photos of the lovely ladies! When the guys arrived, they created this impromptu tunnel – it was a fun group of bridesmaids and groomsmen! We did a really quick no-look-first-look before some pictures of the guys. Just so handsome:) The guests began to arrive and the ceremony began… This group of guys and girls were just fantastic:)! Toasts by their fabulous parents! I absolutely loved their card box! Instax guestbook – such a cute idea!! Some crazy dancing even kicked off before dinner was over – I told you they were a fun bunch:)! We snuck out for just a few night shots during dinner and it was totally worth it:) We came back in to parent dances and then the partying began!
Mary and Ryan – Thank you again for choosing me to be a part of your day. You two are fantastic and you are surrounded by a fantastic group of friends and family too! Congrats!!
A huge thank you to Joanne Duganiero for helping to make the day run so smoothly too:)!
Vendors
flowers | Danielson Flowers
bride’s dress | La Reine Bridal
bridesmaid dresses | Bella Bridesmaids
hair stylist | Taglio Salon
make-up | Taglio Salon
cake | Kathy Mahoney
dj | Boston DJ – Dan McCarthy
videographer | Lexus Studios
officiant | Rev. Jon Strand
reception coordinator | Joanne Duganiero
Songs
introductions | “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
first Dance | “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
father/Daughter | “I Loved Her First” – Heartland
mother/son | “Forever Young” – Bob Dylan
cake cutting | “You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
last dance | “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
Bride & Groom Questions
Q. What was the most memorable moment of your day?
A. Dancing the night away with all of our friends and family.
Q. Funniest memory from your wedding day?
A. Mary saying “I Ryan” during her vows.
Q. What was your favorite detail?
A. We can’t pick one! From the uplighting in the ballroom, to addition of gold chairs and flowers, everything came together so perfectly.
Q. Any advice for future brides/grooms?
A. Enjoy every moment, the night flies by so quickly. Take the time to enjoy the wedding and be happy together.
Q. If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
A. No, it was perfect! If anything make the time dancing longer.
Q. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
A. Sandals Grande Resort in St. Lucia. I would highly recommend!