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!

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.

Christine’s bridal gown, shoes and flowers are the secondary pieces to her Gram’s angel pin. She was with them today.

I think Christine would have been running up the church steps regardless of the weather. I never saw either Chad or Christine without a grin, or a look of complete mischief all day. There were up for anything!

After the service at the lovely Park Congregational church we stepped outside a columned porch for some really quick formals; and then later across the street from the Seaman’s Inne for more. It was a wind tunnel! So much fun! They are so expressive I had a hard time not rolling at their antics.

The Seamen’s Inne does such a fine job of welcoming their guests, and tonight was no exception. Kim Aubin and her staff were excellent, and I was particularly impressed with the staff attached to Chris and Chad. Everything they needed was provided instantly.

But a party is nothing without the people; whether it was Chad’s men and new father in law roasting him hard, or the Mom’s getting into the table wines, dancing without a stop all night long. Rip Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night–and Christine and her Mom didn’t get off once that I saw. Scott Dery from Worner Bros Video was a pleasure to work with-very aware of the photographer’s need to roam. I hope I didn’t walk thru the scene too many times. Kelly and I couldn’t get over how much fun the day was. So much laughter and love!

A deep thank you for letting us share your day.

I went to their pre-wedding party at Jared’s family home a few weeks ago and was immediately entranced — both have large, loving families who seem to have a little more room in their hearts for ‘strangers’. About 4 hours later I was not a stranger, but welcomed with open arms. And so it was for their wedding day.

I get choked up frequently when a bride comes out fully dressed-but Kim knocked me back a few steps. She was alternately glowing, trying to hold her emotions in check and being her open, funny self. Her inner beauty only enhanced her fabulous gown and cathedral length veil.

The Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield is an historic inn, dating from about 1700, and is fully protected from evil spirits with the sign of the cross on the old door latch. Nancy made sure everything went according to schedule and was always looking after the family’s request with grace and humor. The weather was fully protected also–a beautiful autumn day in New England. Foliage at it’s peak with crisp cool air and blue skies with occasional clouds blowing thru.

And they were supported by such a FUN group!

Dinner and the formal dancing continued in the barn — a great salad with a yummy vinaigrette, delicious pot roast (GOOD STUFF), fish, chicken and cake and pasteries for desert.

I think the above embodies the whole day-surrounded by loving family and supportive friends, and welcoming the future.

I’m looking forward to dinner at the Courthouse, tailgating for the first Pat’s playoffs, some early spring bass fishing but most of all new friendships!Thank you all.