Jenni and Justin have been working with me for over a year planning this perfect fall day and it was so much more than we all could’ve imagined. The minute I sat down with these two at the studio, I knew they were a Stella Blue Couple. It was the way they respected each other for their work and passions and loved on their little fur baby, Nate that made me connect instantly with them. Give me a couple that loves their fur babies this much and I know we have so much in common. Jenni and Justin are not only amazing people and a power couple, but also best friends ( if you scroll down you can see they even have a secret handshake.) This is the type of love that will keep them laughing and enjoying this adventure of life.

On their wedding day, I arrived at the Baldhill Mansion and it was one of the best Connecticut Autumn days! It was warm and the leaves were reaching their peek. If you haven’t been to Baldhill Mansion, you need to go! It’s in Woodstock, CT (we call it the quiet corner) on the most beautiful property, with a modern reception area, bed and breakfast, full restaurant, but the best part is the stunning outdoor ceremony garden where the light is always amazing.

The couple’s dog Nate was there at the mansion for some family photos. (Yes they even allow dogs there!) He was as cute as ever in his little green bowtie! We had very high hopes of him walking down the aisle too, but he decided to take a detour to romp in the grass instead of walking down the aisle. Dogs are like kids, they do what feels right and since there was no bacon at the end of that aisle, the open field looked more inviting. It was so cute to see him detour to say hello to a tree!

Every minute of the day was filled with love, beauty and excitement. Jenni and Justin are the most gracious hosts making everyone feel loved and honored. Their tea ceremony for their parents was such a special way to honor them. I loved seeing Jenni and Justin have a minute to connect with their parents at the beginning of the ceremony by giving tea to their parents while their parents gave their blessings. Jenni meticulously planned everything herself. She is in the design industry so the small details mattered. Even the wax seals that adorned the envelops and escort cards represented each family and was a keepsake. The couple decided to bring in lion dancers to wish them well on their wedding day and it was the most memorable experience I’ve ever photographed at a wedding. Between the drums, and the fiery red and yellow lions, I was completely engrossed in every moment of the ritual. It was transportive. First they awakened the lions by painting them, at the end they fed lions a head of cabbage to satisfy them. The lions made their way around the room dancing for all the guests who waved red envelops filled with money in front of them! What an amazing tradition!

In the end, I am so happy this day happened but sad it’s over because I feel really close with this couple. I loved seeing Jenni plan her wedding details and their engagement session adventure was so much fun. I feel so fortunate to have these photos from my perspective so we can all remember the day from a front row seat! Congratulations Jenni and Justin, your wedding and this past year has been one for the books. You wedding story will always be written on my heart.

I have actually been writing this post in my head for a while now. What little special touch would I feature? How would I describe to you this amazing couple (who is a dream Stella Blue couple)? First I want you to know how intelligent, beautiful, kind and hard working Kristen is and Dan is that guy who thinks of everyone before himself and is equally intelligent and fun loving. When they are together you just know this is not just a couple in love, but best friends who invite everyone into their fun. After being married 13 years I can tell you that’s what it takes to build a beautiful life.

Their wedding day started with the sweetest gift from the groom, Dan. We all sat down as Kristen’s sister, Kelly set up a computer to share a gift Dan had for his wife-to-be. Dan had asked the singer of their first dance song to record a message for Kristen. We all knew how much thought he put into that awesome present. It was such a cool moment to have the singer of their first dance song in the room with all of us wishing her the best.

The Church was stunning. Light was flowing through the massive church windows and it was a photographer’s dream. Dan was so excited to see Kristen come down the aisle that by the time he got to her he spontaneously kissed her. Honestly it was THE BEST first kiss moment I have ever witnessed because it was so genuine and candid. I actually caught it (thank you God) I am so glad we were able to save that sweet and candid moment forever. That is their relationship. There is nothing held back with these two. Speaking of nothing held back, the dance floor did not disappoint! All of their friends and family also brought the fun. The live band, Silver Arrow was brought in from New York and made me pinch myself to remember this is really my job! I was having as much fun photographing the shenanigans as the guests were dancing and partying. This day was everything, because Kristen and Dan have a way of touching everyone they meet. I know this wedding will be talked about by friends and family for many many years to come. I hope these photos help them relive this best day ever. It was an honor to capture all these moments as they unfolded Kristen and Dan. Congratulations my friends!

DREAM TEAM

Venue: The Inn at Longshore

Photographer: Stella Blue Photography

Music: Silver Arrow Band

Florist: Flowers by Danielle

Lighting: Vivid Events, LLC

Beauty: Dana Bartone & Company

Transportation: Limousines of CT & First Student Charter

Meghan and Bobby I can’t believe I’m writing this blog post already. I didn’t want this day to end almost as much as you didn’t and writing the blog makes me feel sad it’s over but happy it happened. Every single minute of your day was lived and enjoyed and that’s all you can ask for from a wedding. More important is that every single minute after this day you will be by each other’s side, making each other laugh, being a support system, and walking through life together, that I’m sure of.

For everyone who doesn’t know the bride and groom, you only need to be with Meghan and Bobby for a moment to see how in love they are with each other. They share the same love for life. I got to know these two over the past year and love how they take every chance they get to be there for each other. They are each other’s rock. Meghan has a joy that is contagious and brings everyone into the fun especially Bobby. These two are adored by their friends and always make memories that will be talked about long after the day.

During the wedding I got to know these two even more. The speech that one of the groom’s best friends gave described him best. In elementary school the kids weren’t including his now friend (the best man) so Bobby went and asked if he played football. He said, “no.” Instead of walking away like any other kid would do, Bobby said “I will teach you.” Bobby is the kind of person who puts himself out there to be kind and do what’s right. He is a beloved police officer in his community for this reason, he takes every opportunity to do what’s right and put himself out there for people who can’t. This is just one of the many things that Meghan (and everyone) loves and respects about him, he puts his life on the line everyday to do these seemingly simple acts of looking out for others.

Meghan is much the same and loves and is loved fiercely by her friends. Her Maid of Honors described her best as a person who loves with her whole heart. She is a true and loyal friend and I have enjoyed every minute of this journey with her as she prepared for this amazing day. Instead of just a photographer she welcomed me as a friend to capture her most special and cherished moments.

At the end of the night Meghan did one last thing to let her Groom know how much she cares. She TRULY surprised Bobby with a Rolls Royce getaway car. He had thought his day was perfect and then she went and made it even better.

Watching these two care for each other just during this day made me so happy to know they get to spend their forever with each other. Congratulations you two! You have no idea what a pleasure it has been capturing your love story.

Natalie and Tyler’s wedding was one of those weddings that left you wanting to do it all over again. Maybe it was the packed dance floor, the band that you couldn’t sit down for, the gorgeous venue, the amazing family (if I do say so myself), the fact that these two want everyone around them to have the best day ever, or the perfect summer day, this day was everything Natalie and Tyler. I have watched Natalie grow from a little girl I used to help decorate dollhouses with, to an amazing mom who is head over heels for her husband and son. It was such an honor to capture all of these moments.

We started the day at Natalie’s parent’s house. I think the most endearing part of this beginning was watching her dad continue to decorate the house out of sheer nervousness. And yes I got a photo of that because it was such a moment. Watching her mom help her with dress and sister help her with her shoes is something I imagined from the minute I was asked to photograph her wedding, but it was surreal none-the-less.

After the first look at the bride’s Aunt’s house (who happens to be the hostess with the mostess, thank you!) we headed to the venue for the sweetest ceremony ever. By this time their little boy had gotten used to the big white dress and was ready to walk his daddy down the aisle. Natalie and Tyler’s dear friend married them making it even more meaningful.

Now the best part – the dance floor. The band did not give the guests a reason to sit down, it was that amazing. It was actually impossible to sit down if you ask me. I was dancing along with my camera. The only time we took a break from the amazing music was during the speeches. I don’t always remember speeches, but I do remember the MOH and sister Nicole’s speech. I don’t remember the words but the feeling behind it was fierce, powerful and a speech only a close sister could write. The whole day was filled with family, friends and a perfect moment in time. We love you Natalie and Tyler!

Congratulations you two. It was a day that will always be written on our hearts.