Hayley and Paul were married two weeks ago and it is hard to believe it was a warm and perfectly gorgeous day with how absolutely freezing and end of fall like it is right now. That is Connecticut, one day it is summer the next it is sweater and boot wearing weather.

Hayley and her family opened their home and hearts to me to capture their sweet family moments all morning, while our second photographer, Joel was photographing Paul and his friends down the street. From Hayley’s dad helping with every thing while in a tux, to Hayley’s mom making sure everyone was taken care of right down to their parking vouchers, the vibe made you feel right at home. Hayley’s sisters were so thrilled to help while having fun taking those precious mimosa photos and dress fluffing.

The first time I met Hayley I instantly got that feeling that we could talk forever. She makes everyone feel like an old friend. So photographing her was like photographing a friend. We whisked off to the church as fast as we could, if you are a photographer you know what it is like to run into a church right before the bride arrives and I was so in awe of the light! The light poured from the stained glass windows and spilled on particular spots on the floor creating all the inspiration any photographer could ever need.

After the ceremony it was time to party at Lakota Oaks! Finally, Hayley got to see Paul and spend some time taking photos on their beautiful grounds while drinking a cocktail. The reception was a packed dance floor! At one point someone even created the limbo with a tie and everyone joined, even their grandfather. I hope you enjoy seeing this little sneak peek of a beautiful day that begins this chapter for Hayley and Paul! Congratulations you two!

xo

Erica

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Sarah and Ray got married on the most beautiful day in Hartford, Connecticut and celebrated with an gorgeous reception at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club. It’s so clear when you meet Sarah and Ray, these two were meant for each other. The way that Ray looks at Sarah and Sarah at Ray, I can tell they are not only the perfect couple but best friends and each other’s home.

It was one of those perfect September days, the kind you only get a few of in Connecticut. Sarah is always beautiful but she looked especially radiant. Let me tell you a little about Sarah, she is one of those people who is not only beautiful but a hard worker, smart and a good friend. You could tell how much she is adored by her friends and that’s because Sarah is that person who you feel good just being around. Ray makes Sarah smile from ear to ear! She is organized and detail oriented and Ray brings out the laughs and smile in her. They had a church ceremony in Hartford that was stunning and celebrated at the gorgeous Glastonbury Hills country club by dancing into the night. I loved watching these two let their hair down and enjoy their family and friends in the most spectacular day ever. Sarah and Ray it was a pleasure to walk beside you and capture all of your moments on your best day yet! Here is a sneak preview of their dream day!

xo

Erica

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Lauren and Kevin got married two short weeks ago in the most beautiful Connecticut shoreline celebration. It was a typically hot July summer day at the beach, but by the time we got to the family’s farm, the breeze came in and set the stage for the most meaningful and gorgeous ceremony.

We started the day at their home on the water because the ocean means so much to these two. Lauren’s dad is a vintage car buff and had a collection for Lauren to choose from for her wedding. Her favorite yellow car of her dad’s complimented her color palette perfectly. I am so happy to see color in these summer weddings! Their planner Jen of Jen Strunk Events had the honor and challenge of creating the FIRST wedding on this new and amazing wedding venue at Deans Mill Farm. Their family farm is a dream venue. Every bit of the main house was restored back to it’s 1700’s glory with all the updates you would expect for a modern wedding venue. It was done with love and care by her father for this moment of his only daughter’s wedding.

When you meet Lauren and Kevin, you can see right away that they are the most welcoming and laid back couple. They knew their vision and enjoyed every minute of their day. You can tell they are the kind of couple that squeezes the fun out of every moment and everyone wants to be around that energy. The crowded dance floor is just one example of how they bring people together. Every one of their family and friends will be talking about this wedding for years to come, the vows that brought even their photographer to tears, and the genuine love and care that pours out from these two made this wedding everything.

Cheers to you and your first couple of weeks as husband and wife, your first sneak peek of your awesome wedding day, and all that’s to come Kevin and Lauren! I can’t wait to share the whole day with you!

Scroll down to see all the awesome vendors that made this dream wedding.

Lauren and Kevin’s Dream Team

Wedding Planner | Jen Strunk Events

Photographer | Stella Blue Photography

Beauty | Dana Bartone & Co

Catering | Coastal Gourmet

Entertainment | Beth Bee Art

Entertainment | Power Posse Productions

Florist | Pot of Green

Officiant | Weddings by Wanda

Decor | WT Rentals

Rentals | Pretty Potties

Transportation | Joshua’s Worldwide

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This spring weekend was anticipated for 2 years and lived up to every dream. As with all days that are magic, we couldn’t even have dreamed up THIS perfect of a day. You always have to leave room for the magic and they did! Chris and Merrill rolled with all the events of this past year and remembered what getting married is all about, each other. You can see every time he takes her hand or she glances at him, these photos will be enjoyed for 200 years. Their love is unshakeable.

All of the perfection and beauty of the day would have hardly been missed because they were so excited to get married, but it was the ICING on the cake and these two reveled in it. Every wedding has a moment that chokes me up. It is when I feel the heart and soul of the day. With these two, it was their first dance. I felt like they could’ve been dancing in their living room with the same emotion, they choreographed it and it absolutely took my breath away. Days are only as good as the moments that are enjoyed and this day was enjoyed every step of the way. Between the special gifts, and speech from mom, or the bride finding the most meaningful note from her grandmother years earlier and reading it to her mom on the wedding day, every moment was soaked up. We all knew we would come back from this year stronger but little did we know we would come back happier and with more soul and meaning in each little gesture. Thank you Chris and Merrill for letting me capture all of your moments and there are sooo many of them. I have no idea how I was able to narrow them down for the blog. So much to come on at your wedding reveal when we have another moment to celebrate your love, patience with this past year, and look at all of the gorgeous photos! I am so beyond thrilled with this journey captured of Chris and Merrill. Congratulations you two!

Vendor Love

Venue | The Wadsworth Mansion http://www.wadsworthmansion.com

Photographer | Stella Blue Photography

Second Photographer | Dave Dellinger

Florist | Cynthia’s Flower Shop located in Brandford CT https://cynthiasflowershop.com

Bridal Bouquet | Handmade by Groom

Catering | David Allen Catering https://www.dahospitalitygroup.com

DJ | Go! Event Group https://thegoeventgroup.com

Ring | Hannoush Jewelers https://hannoush.com

Paper | Carlson Crafts/ Proforma https://carlsoncraft.com

Beauty | Marianne Showers from REFeyeANCE Makeup and Hair https://www.bestweddinghairandmakeup.com

Catering: David Alan Hospitality Group https://www.dahospitalitygroup.com

Gown | David’s Bridal

Bridal Over Skirt | Handmade by Bride and Mother of the Brid

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal https://www.davidsbridal.com

Suit | Jos A Bank https://www.josbank.com

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from the moment of I Do

joyfully captured