<>

Kim and Dalal planned their wedding day for over two years. It was well worth the wait to have the celebration of a lifetime! The day was not only about Dalal and Kim promising their love to each other, it was also about coming together with their beloved children. There is absolutely nothing that touches me more deeply than a mother and child bond. Witnessing their vows to each other, I felt as though I was in the most important, beautiful room in the world. They made their promises to each while putting their children first and foremost. It was a moment which every mom and dad in the room could connect to deeply.

Their day was celebrated at the gorgeous Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut. While approaching the theater one could see two marquees hanging outside the entrance doors along with a deep red carpet stretched forward welcoming all of their guests. I immediately became emotional. Hiding behind my camera (aka choking back tears) I said to myself the “stage is set”. I was ready for all the stunning moments that were about to take place.

After their First Look, Dalal and Kim took a few moments, just the two of them (and their photographers of course) to read their heartfelt vows to each other. After exchanging their personal vows, my second photographer and I dashed off to photograph the actual stage at the Bushnell where the reception was to be held. We wanted to capture the setting in it’s full untouched glory before the guests arrived.

The ceremony was planned by Kim and Dalal for years and now here they were, descending down separate staircases, each escorted by their own child. This was no easy feat to photograph, two photographers, who needed to perform with exact timing, focus, lighting all in sync, (shout out my amazing second photographer Mimi Zhou!) They exchanged their public vows witnessed by their closest people.

Kim’s daughter, Dakota, sang as the guest took their seats in the theater. Her outstanding vocals and choice of music added to the magic of the day. Fun fact; Dakota was my former art student back in the day and one of my favorites I may add. I have long since left teaching art but I always remembered Dakota. I knew Dakota as a wonderful visual art student however I had no idea she was an amazing vocalist. (Off the record; this may have been the 3rd time I cried that day).

After Dakota’s performance, the curtains rose, there stood Dalal and Kim. ALL were ready to party!!!!

We are All immensely inspired by Dalal and Kim’s story. They fill our lives with such warmth, love and they focus on what really matters most: family and friends.

Seeing their wedding day come to life made this wedding journey complete.

Dream Team

Venue | The Bushnell Theater

Planner | Alyssa Jean Signature Events

Florist | Moscarillos

Officiant | Mary Coburn

Beauty | Upstyle

Catering | Max Catering

Cake | Taste by Spellbound

Entertainment | Mass-Conn-Fusion

Cecilia and Ryan were so excited to get married that not even a little (or a lot) of rain could dampen their day. If you are going to have a rainy day wedding in Connecticut make sure you have it at Hartford City Hall. City Hall is one of the most gorgeous spaces in Connecticut with three stories of open ceiling in the Atrium, marble and glass floors and beautiful details like carved railings and custom iron work at every turn. The most spectacular part of City Hall is the giant gold doors. Cecilia and Ryan chose the Pond House as their reception venue. The Pond House had the fire blazing and had a warm welcome for their family and friends.

One of my favorite parts of the day was the ceremony in the atrium of City Hall. The space was filled with family and friends from near and far. Cecilia’s father was especially emotional and it made us all think about the moments that lead up to this walk. How fast does not only this wedding day go, but every day before. I am often thinking about weddings from a parents perspective. Ryan and Cecilia are meant to be together and as a parent that is all you want for your children. The way that Ryan looks at Cecilia and the way that Cecilia gives him a smile in response is a beautiful thing to witness. They are so perfect together and it is such a joy to capture, especially their little candid moments together. Their families all looked on as they exchanged vows, rings and a kiss. The support and love could be felt by all. Their Aunt is an opera singer and filled the Atrium with beautiful music during the ceremony and it was the most moving moment. The music filled every corner of the space but more importantly our hearts. What a gift to be able to give to your family!

Speaking of families, Cecilia and Ryan’s families might’ve just met, but it seemed like they knew each other forever. At one point each side of the room was singing back and forth at the reception, completely impromptu! They welcomed me into their family so I could get up close and take photos right in their moments. Their families left it all on the dance floor. From breakdancing to using a tie for limbo, dancing is one of my favorite parts of the wedding! I had such a wonderful time photographing them and their families.

Cecilia and Ryan your day was exactly how you dreamed it would be, connected, calm, fun, and completely you. Right down to the tables labeled with special mountains you climbed with your dog, little personal touches made it all so memorable.

Cecilia and Ryan enjoy this next chapter with all the joy and love that it started with on your amazing wedding day!

Venue | Hartford City Hall and The Pond House

Photographer | Stella Blue Photography

Planner | Alyssa Jean Signature Events

Flowers | Amberworks Floral Designs

Beauty | Dana Bartone Salons

Entertainment | Power Station Events

Officiant | David Lang

Transportation | Elite Limo

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.