Weddings and Engagements. The most exciting time of your life (well except for when the kids start coming) — full of promise, the unknown, the planning!, and happiness.

I love  textures. The physical texture of the lace on a wedding gown. The buttery smoothness of fresh roses. The fresh grass. The crunchiness of crudities. The texture of a Dad’s face when he sees his daughter in her wedding dress.  Powerful powerful stuff.

These are a few of my favorites from the past year. Some have been posted on the event blog, many have not. Some I have a deep attachment to because of the moment caught, some for the beauty in the object.

They all represent love & affection; planning, craftsmanship and artistry.

The colors were so beautiful this year. Lots of bright bold purples, reds, pinks. The gowns were gorgeous! and seemed to ‘fit’ each bride to her personality.

The receptions great fun — without fail. The PhotoBooth was a MAJOR hit with everyone who booked it, and for some reason the parents seemed to get a real charge–re-living their youth? Pete and I always had a ‘discussion’ about trading spaces cause it’s just way too much fun to working the booth.

and the food? YES! please. Beautiful plated meals, buffets, cakes.

Thank yous.

To all the couples that entrusted us to their day. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you — before and after — your day. You all make this the best ‘job’ anyone could hope for.

A shout out to local venues and coordinators: Janet at the Mansion at Bald Hill  Lara at the Woodstock Inn, Katie at the Golden Lamb. 3 local professionals that have been an incredible pleasure to work with. They treat you like family.

and finally to Pete and Norm. You guys are the best to work with. Covering my back when I get into that wedding ‘fog’; we’ve work together for so long you already know what I’m gonna do before I know it myself. And making sure that our clients have everything they need before they need it.

Thank you!

Enter to win a free

photo session with your newborn baby.

Baby must be under 1 month old.

Includes a 5×7

Session must be completed by June 30th, 2012

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How to Enter:

1.  Enter by commenting  on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

The day started at Cate and Dan’s home — full of girls getting ready, family hanging around, Christmas and weddings in the air. A home full of cheer and joy. And I love watching the makeup and hair artists doing such fine work. My hands were shaking just watching them apply beautiful natural makeup, lashes, and creating masterpieces with hair. I took at look at the makeup cases and was a little dumbfounded.  We then all laughed when I thought out loud that it’d be the same thing if they were to ever try to figure out my camera case. No different.

So convenient that their beautiful church was directly across the street.

Such beautiful and delicate white roses for the bouquets.  The fragrance carried throughout the day.

One of the Christmas trees in the house provided Cate with a seasonal background as she took a last look.

No one was hurt while getting pinned, but it did provide some comic relief.

A minor wardrobe malfunction as the girls were coming into the church and one of the girls ripped into the hem of her dress! A pocket knife to the rescue, a couple inches taken off and no one was the wiser.

2 of my favorite moments of a wedding is when the bride gets to the altar to see her groom. I love Cate’s calm when she gets to the front of the church with Mom and Step Dad supporting her. Dan’s expression is priceless as he sees Cate.

A most beautiful couple, walking down the aisle greeting their family and friends. After the formals, it was time to head to the Oliver Wright Tavern in Sturbridge.

The warmth – literally, physically and photographically –  of old Inns is always welcome in winter. and the Tavern did not disappoint. Fires, low light and an attentive staff made the evening a pleasure. The hall was decorated tastefully with winter greens arranged by Cate’s Aunt and displayed – just perfectly– on pedestals made by her stepdad. I just couldn’t get over them.

And you guys just knew the fishhooks would somehow make it into the blog, didn’t you?

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm!

A couple moments in front of the fireplace with Cate and Dan.

Thank you all for sharing your joy and laughter, your wonderfully funny families.

Check on facebook for a few more in the next couple days!

We should have known. Their Stag and Shower happened to fall on the same day Hurricane Irene landed. The area was left without power for 7+ days. But the party went on, and it was a blast.

When the weather man called for 12″ of snow, I said no way. All hype and scare tactics. Sensational sells. People are planning for Halloween. It isn’t gonna happen.  Interestingly,  I said the same thing about Irene.

Ok, so it was snowing pretty hard about 1pm when we arrived at Pete’s family home for the girl’s preps. Within the hour it was evident Candis wasn’t the only one who was going to be wearing white, today.

But none else would be wearing this beautiful Maggie Sottero dress, and no one else was as beautiful.

Pete has no sisters. No ladies in the house except Mom. And I’m glad she got to experience the onslaught of 10 females getting ready for a big day. Sitting the the bathroom sinks, shoes everywhere, more curlers than a salon. (Carrie at Moxie is AMAZING! And she’s right next door to my studio Makeup scattered. I’m so glad she could help with the primping.

Some of the boys:

Pete, the father of the groom, and Carl, the grandfather of the groom:

and the Groom with his brothers.

and the boyz wearing that white.

and Candis’ reaction coming into the church, in a cloud of white. A 15 minute trip from home to church took about 1/2 hour.

I get the question all the time. Do I need a second photographer? Without one, shots like these are not possible. You decide.

The nature of the job lets me listen to alot of wedding ceremonies. I’ve heard dry, non personal speeches. I’ve heard ceremonies that have me choking back heaving sobs. But the personal talk Past0r John from the Congregational Church in Dudley gave to both Candis and Pete and to their parents was touching and from a loving heart. He included Damian, who responded to the question ‘I DO!”

Moments later, the lights went out. For the remainder of the day. One of the most spiritual moments I’ve experienced. Pastor John did not miss a beat. Candis and Pete received communion, lit by the unity candles, their own glow, and by a presence unseen. It gave me the chills.

The images by candlelight are stunning, but when necessary we used available light. We had flashes and studio lights with heavy duty portable batteries available and we used them to capture clear moments as well as the family formals at the alter after the ceremony.  The best of both worlds.

As they exited, a bagpiper serenaded them in the blinding snow. SO very cool!

Classic colors of black and white and red. Beautiful.

First dances, and parent dances. Charlie, I could feel your emotion all day long. Pete and his mom,with 4 generations represented in this image.

Due to an accident that closed the road from the church to the KOC, we were all late back to the reception, and so did some quick fun bridal party images in the lounge.

Really didn’t know if Pete was going to resist smearing the red velvet cake!

a requested shot that cripples me for the next day

What happens when the mother of the groom’s best friend shows up in an outfit remarkably similar to her own? They dance til their shoes fall off. That’s what best friends do.

And the kids danced the night away.

Sweetest kisses to the both of you!

All the festivities were at the Inn at Woodstock Hill with every detail supervised by Lara and her gracious and wonderfully helpful staff.

I just love looking at all the details that go into making the day their couples own.

Tammy was having a time with her shoe laces. I think this was the only time all day she looked even mildly perturbed

And the dress details always fascinate me. Each is so different and lovingly crafted.

OW!! the veil is pulling at my hair!  Well worth the pain, as Nancy was radiant.

Garden Gate Florist supplied the girl’s flowers as well as the centerpieces. I do believe fall colors are my favorite. And these blended so well with the girls’ chosen colors: purple and brown.

A moment with Mom before heading down the aisle.

These kids were great all day! As flower boys they performed their jobs with great intensity, heaving and throwing their petals with great abandon

Tammy’s smile says it all.

Just cleanin’ up Mom.

Claire, the minister, was inspirational in her homily to the girls and their guests. I’ll always remember her analogy of the Vermont ‘stone fences’ that have lasted for hundreds of years by building on a solid foundation, and without mortar or cement.

Smiles to match the sunshine of the day.

A bee for David.

The Purples and the Browns. Made me laugh all day.

I would be remiss without mentioning the food. Absolutely delicious. Cleaned my plate delicious.  Fresh really ripe tomatoes with mozzarella;  fresh, moist swordfish that rivals my folks recipe, a steamship round that melted in my mouth (the red in the image is from an overhead heater, but the meat was done perfectly rare–just right!) and of course fresh warm rolls. I cleaned my plate, but I think I mentioned that

I love the Unity Candle and what it stands for.

Love!

Dancing shoes were on! Great music and dancing on the veranda!

Nancy’s Mom. Everyone becomes a kid again when the bubbles come out.

Thank you both! For your hospitality, warmth, and good nature!

Your foundations are as rock solid as a Vermont Stone Wall, and may your love last for hundreds of years.

Jillian and Joshua are married!

The day began with big rain. Lots of it. I know Jillian was set on an outdoor ceremony so my heart sank for her a little. But — as it’s been all summer, the rain stopped in the nick of time! It was wet, but it didn’t stop these guys!

The Bridal prep room at the Mansion is so elegant, and showed off Jillian’s Alfred Angelo gown perfectly. Look at those cobalt blue shoes!

As Jillian was getting laced up, I flashed back to Gone with the Wind and Scarlett being tied into her dress. The curtains of the Mansion brought evil thoughts into my head.

This is why (imho) every bride should have a veil. Jill’s beauty is not hidden, but enhanced — and her husband will be the first to see it on their wedding day.

All the guests have gone down to the gardens, and it’s almost show time. The girls so beautiful — and so much fun to be around all night.

And the guys.  Sometimes their nerves are right on the edge (but not Joshua’s) and I really really like to have a little fun with them before hand. I’ve never been disappointed. Boys will be boys!

The rain held for the most part with only a bit of mist — but look how beautifully lush the grounds are. The Mansion is such a special place.

And the circle will be unbroken.

The walk around time. Quiet Time, and a time for reflection, laughter, and quiet jubilation.

And what a great party! Under the tent, with buffet dinner, great (singing and) dancing music.

The food is ALWAYS! delicious. Fresh baked bread, whipped butter, steak tips, fresh stuffed sole, turnips and carrots with a sweet glaze, turkey. Something for everyone.

And all the details Jillian worked on. The flowers — by Glimpse of Gaia — always stunning in freshness and color and design.  As Norm said “it should be required that every wedding have their flowers from Glimpse”.

Each bouquet had it’s own little tag.

and I LOVE this cake!

LOVE THIS!

I always ask — are you gonna smash?? No, no. Hmm, I think someone was hiding something from me, too funny. Who is going to admit to being the instigator, Jill?

This represents to me a great day. The dress is dirty (but can be cleaned). Jillian had no qualms about walking thru the wet grass, the mossy steps, to have the day of her dreams. Bravo, girl!

And at the end of the night,  some quiet time for reflection.

THANK YOU!

To Janet. As always, so helpful to making sure the day goes smoothly. You are a true professional.

To Norm. For seeing the light, and if it’s not there, for making it.

And to Jillian and Joshua!  A lifetime of blessings are ahead of you. Thank you for letting us share at the beginning.

Mike and Jillian have a grand passion for each other that transcends their wedding day; what began as a friendship 10 years ago grew into a bond that is evident from the moment I met them, a year ago.

And I believe that the humor that drew them together will serve them well. Little did I know what I was in for.

“Kleaf, can we do this, KLeaf, come here for a second.” I must have signed an email like that, (usually reserved for close family and friends) and MOlson, picked right up on it. We were going to be a good match.

“KLeaf, if you need me, just yell Olson and I’ll get there a lot quicker than if you call me Mike”. Me too, Olson. Done and Done.

A really rainy late September week prior to the wedding had us a little worried. We had planned on doing the formals prior to the ceremony to let Olson and Savage join right into the party. A few days before I emailed Mike saying it wasn’t too early to start the anti-rain dance. I know he was sweating. Lots of formals, and we couldn’t get into Eolia Mansion until just before the ceremony. Then, the night before the wedding Mike emailed me saying he had done the dance (and you’ll have to ask him directly in what manner he did so, since this is a family blog), and that it was going to be all right.  Good dancing will win out every time.

Do those eyes just melt your heart?

Doing the family and bridal formals before the ceremony relieves so much pressure to get them done when all anyone wants to do is get the party going.

And what a fun bunch the bridal party and family were! And how they forgave me when I’m calling out names, and everyone is right in front of me.

Mike’s  son Jonathan is a remarkable 12 year old. He’s got his own section below. Read on.

I LOVE the girls spirit! No cars for them from the Mansion to the Amphitheater! It’s not a short walk, either.

They braved wet grass, watched where they were stepping (if you get my drift) and all with laughter and good spirits.

How Jillian managed to walk without getting her dress trashed, and carrying their son Noah, I’ll never know.

He will be 1 next month.

Jonathan, Mike’s Son, 12 years old.

Not only did he have every person in attendance in tears during the service–but when it was his turn during the reception to toast his Dad and Jillian, he nearly brought down the house.

I cry during most every ceremony. Real, wipe away tears. But Jonathan was lucky — if he didn’t stop when he did I would have been mortified–gulping for air sobbing.

Even their lovely officiant had to turn away.

Mike, you did good raising that young man.

And the reception was incredibly fun!

Some of the characters that stepped into the PhotoBooth:

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And did I mention the Grand Passion they share? Playful, respectful and full of love.

Thank you Mike Olson and Jillian Savage. May your lives together be as tremendous as the sunset on your wedding day.

On a perfect August day, friends and family came from all over —  and Kim and Brandyn live in Chicago; Kim’s family lives in the Chicago area,  Brandyn’s family from Northeast Connecticut and they all came together at Goddard State Park for the ceremony and reception at the Quidnessett Country Club.

It was hot, so the guys were excused from wearing their jackets for the ‘formals’, and I think I made 6  new friends.

That, and they really enjoyed cutting it up.

I love the moment of apprehension before the ceremony gets underway. The girls were a little nervous — they had great shoes, had to walk across the bridge at Goddard and it’s always a little scary having 140 people watching! Kim’s girls did great, and I even made them laugh a little as they processed

But the really emotional moment is when Kim is left with her Dad, and ready to meet her groom. Always get a big clutch in my throat and a tear in my eye.

“so Brandyn, why are you the only one sweating?” A big laugh from their friends and family.

and just a little hamming it up afterwards, with the girls. Thank you all for your warmth during the day.

Kim and Brandyn chose a seashore theme for the details–perfect!

And humor all day:

A quick walk along the water brought this one.

A first for me: I’ve taken gum from a bride’s mouth, pinned up hair a moment before walking down the aisle, grabbed watches and too many hair foos to count, etc etc etc. But I’ve never let anyone borrow my shoes.

As we walked around my the water, Kim looked like she was hurting a bit after taking off her shoes to make the walking down the path and grass. The gravely sidewalk and road looked like it was painful, so I took one for the team.

THESE ARE NOT HER WEDDING DAY SHOES!

What to do while waiting for dinner??

Wish I knew what they were laughing about! Lisa, I hope to be as poised and gracious as you were today, when my turn comes next year.

GOOD CHOICE! The Red Sox Garter!

And a couple big family and friends groups! Thank you all for your patience while these were being arranged. I know it wasn’t easy for you.

And a couple of my real favorites of the day:

GIRL! you Rocked it!

Thank you all for your hospitality, openess and warmth throughout the day.

It was a pleasure getting to know your friends from Chicago, and your friends from across the street.

Pete and I wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness.

It is so wonderful to work with people in love, that can laugh, and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

We used almost every inch of the fabulous Pink House grounds in Woodstock, including the wild flower fields behind the estate–incredibly beautiful grounds were just icing on the cake!

Kim and Bill are SO MUCH FUN to work with. Spontaneous laughter from everyone

I met Kim almost 5 years ago when photographing her sister’s wedding — on Kim’s recommendation!  Bill is a Customer Service Manager at my bank and I had no idea they were engaged to each other, so I was thrilled to be asked to photograph their wedding

One question I get alot is: “I don’t know what to do”.  It usually doesn’t take too long to know instinctively ‘what to do’

I was a little reluctant to ask Kim and Bill to get down on the ground, but couldn’t resist the wonderful wild flowers.

Shouldn’t have even hesitated!

Hoping the Courthouse didn’t mind if they came in a little worse for the wear

Part of the fun of these sessions is acting a little crazy, role playing and hamming it up at little.

You’ll just have to ask Bill what was going on here

(And a huge shout out to Norm for his usual brilliant, and twisted mind !)

LOVE THIS! Friends of Kim had painted a heart on her car window — perfect!

THANK YOU! More than I can say.

I’m not sure I can wait til the wedding!

xoxxoxo