I have been dying to share this wedding…not only is the entire wedding gorgeous, but it is also near and dear to me….I have known the groom since he was about 14 years old! He is the “little” brother of one of my best friends from college. His sister Becca and I were roommates since our freshman year and I was maid-of-honor in her wedding! When Ryan and Kerah (pronounced Kara!) got engaged and Ryan contacted me, I was ridiculously excited! I couldn’t wait to meet Kerah, and get to participate in their day!
When the actual day arrived, I was welcomed in the warmest way from the moment I walked in! I had hugs and kisses from Ryan’s family, and Kerah’s familywas the most welcoming and happy family that I have ever worked with! They are so full of happiness and love! Trully amazing! The girls (and guys) were getting ready at the Water’s Edge Resort (where the reception would later be). The forecast of the day was originally calling for rain for almost the whole day, but amazingly, not a drop fell on us! 
Adorable Hailey was so excited to have her turn, she stood there perfectly still the entire time!
The girls all had matching bathrobes and Kerah’s was a special one that said “bride” on the back! Becca (my college roommate, and sister of the groom, is the one on the far right!)!
Kerah’s side of the family was talking to me just moments before these photographs were taken…Her grandparents were a little nervous about walking up the isle, but they did a great job!
Ryan has four nieces (from Becca)…three of them were in the wedding party and this adorable cutie pie was a guest! She is only 2, so they didn’t attempt to have her in it! Just look at those eyes!!
This was the first time that I spotted THE SHOES…That would be Yankee symbols on the bottom of Ryan’s shoes…Kerah is a Massachusetts native, Ryan is originally from New York – ready their story below!
On our way back to Water’s Edge, we took a quick detour to this property for just a few minutes…It was a perfect spot to get a little “fall-feel” before using the beach property back at Water’s Edge!
We took just a couple pictures out front on our way to do the family and bridal party pictures out back! Ryan and Kerah allotted a fantastic amount of time for their pictures – it was heavenly for me :)!
Normally, I don’t blog the family formals, but I just couldn’t resist this one! Kerah’s mom gave me a little bag to bring to this part of the day, and I had no idea what was going to be inside!! I should have known that it was going to be something fun!
The girls got a kick out of them too!
This was TOTALLY impromptu!! We had just reached the beach and I asked them to just walk away from us quickly before we did some more bridal party pictures…Ryan unexpectedly grabbed Kerah and lifted her up – everyone was cheering – even me behind the camera!
After cocktail hour, the reception began…here are just a few from their first dance…
Ryan’s best man and Kerah’s two sisters gave amazing speeches!
The rivalry continues!!
Both of the parent dances were emotional…you can see Kerah’s Dad wiping away a tear…
If the camera had been turned on me, you would have seen me wiping away a tear too! Ryan’s dance with his mom really got me!
The retaliation for the surprise Yankee shoes, was a surprise when Ryan pulled out the fully decked out Red Sox garter! You can read it in their words below!
Dancing with the grandparents!
Ryan and Kerah – I was honored to be asked to photograph your wedding and even more thrilled that I got to be such an important part of your day. I wish you both the best and can’t wait to see your family grow in the future!
Vendor Info
bridesmaid dresses | Alfred Angelo
hair | Ochoa For Hair
make-up | Ochoa For Hair
florist | Stylish Blooms
ceremony | St. Agnes Catholic Church
reception venue | Water’s Edge Resort & Spa
dj | CT Party Pros
Songs
first dance | Then, Brad Paisley
father/daughter | Unforgettable, Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
mother/son| My Wish, Rascal Flatts
cake cutting | How Sweet It Is, James Taylor
last dance| Save The Last Dance For Me, Michael Buble
Ryan & Kerah
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
The second the doors of the church opened and we saw each other for the first time that day.
What was your favorite detail?
Reading everyone’s comments in our guest book and “Well Wishes” the next day. If you are reading this you didn’t win the raffle – you know who you are.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Don’t sweat the small stuff because in the end it all comes together anyway and the stuff that you typically will worry about isn’t what everyone is going to remember the most.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Ryan’s family is primarily die hard Yankees fans and Kerah’s family is primarily die hard Red Sox fans. Unknowingly to Kerah and both families, Ryan had put Yankees emblems on the bottom of his shoes so that when he was kneeling in church everyone could see them. To get back at him, Kerah’s family plotted a rapid counter attack in the time between the ceremony and reception and raided stores in the Westbrook, CT area for Red Sox gear to attach to Kerah’s garter. Ryan had no idea until he pulled the garter off Kerah and saw it and the crowd erupted in laughter!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Not a thing!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Aruba