wedding journal
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The coziest little spot on the Internet for inspiration, advice, and ideas for weddings in Boston and across New England.
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It’s Here – My 2024 Recap!
Wow, what a year 2024 has been! As I sit back and reflect on the incredible experiences I’ve had, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. This year has been nothing short of amazing for my business, and I’m beyond excited to share the highlights with you. Read more about my 2024 Recap!
1. Working with the Most Amazing Couples, Families, & Vendors
First and foremost, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with the most wonderful couples and families. Each one of them was so down-to-earth, kind, and fun to be around. They truly made my job a joy, and I’m beyond grateful for the trust they placed in me to be part of their special moments. From intimate celebrations to larger weddings, each story was unique, and I cherished every second.
What made this year even more special was the incredible vendors I had the privilege of collaborating with. Working alongside such talented and passionate people has been a game changer. We were all on the same page, working together as a team to make sure every couple had the best day possible.
2. Learned My Limit
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in 2024 was understanding my limits. As someone who’s always eager to say “yes” and take on every opportunity that comes my way, I realized this year that balance is key. I’ve always wanted to give my all to my couples and clients, and while it hasn’t been perfect, I can confidently say I did a much better job this year of managing my workload and making time for the things that truly matter.
For the first time, I really committed to blocking off weekends to recharge and give my family the quality time they deserve. I took the entire month of July and September off, which allowed me to truly unplug and catch up on galleries. This not only helped me be a better partner and parent, but it also allowed me to come back to my work with a renewed sense of energy and creativity.
To ensure I could continue this healthier balance, I also capped the number of weddings I take on each year. My ideal number is 15 weddings, but no more than 18. This cap allows me to focus on delivering the best experience for each couple while still having weekends to escape with my family.
It’s not always easy to say no, but it’s something I’m proud to have prioritized in 2024. By honoring my personal limits, I’ve been able to show up fully for the amazing couples I work. Here’s to more balance and boundaries in 2025!
3. Found My Style
2024 was the year I truly found my style, both in terms of editing and my approach to a wedding day. It’s such a huge milestone for me, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve discovered.
When it comes to my editing style, I’ve learned to embrace my love for color. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, bold hues, and I made it a point this year to let that shine through in my images. My focus is on keeping the colors true and bright, ensuring that the beauty of each moment comes alive in every photo. I want the images to feel vibrant and full of life, exactly like the days they represent.
Beyond editing, I’ve also honed in on how I approach a wedding day. For me, it’s all about capturing those moments that often go unnoticed — the little in-betweens, the quiet smiles, the unspoken glances. These are the moments that tell the true story of a wedding day. While I still capture posed images when needed (because I know some people feel more comfortable with direction), my goal is always to make sure you feel the photos, not just see them. I want the photos to evoke the emotion, the laughter, and the love that were there in that very moment.
Finding this style has made such a difference in my work, and I’m so grateful to have reached this point. It’s about telling a story that’s authentic and full of color, and I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025, capturing even more beautiful moments in the years ahead.
4. Awesome Venues I Worked at in 2024
One of the most exciting parts of my job is getting to work at some truly stunning venues, and 2024 did not disappoint! I had the privilege of capturing weddings at a diverse range of locations, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Here are some of the amazing venues I had the chance to work at this year:
- Turner Hill in Ipswich – A gorgeous, classic venue with breathtaking views and impeccable service.
- Willowdale Estate – This historic venue with its rustic elegance and stunning grounds is always a favorite!
- Waverly Oaks in Plymouth – A picturesque location, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
- Saphire Estate in Sharon – A beautiful, all-inclusive venue with a grand ballroom and stunning outdoor ceremony space.
- The Villa in Bridgewater – A timeless venue with classic charm and sophisticated elegance.
- Publick House in Sturbridge – A rustic New England venue with a cozy, intimate feel and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Grand View in Mendon – A venue that lives up to its name, offering sweeping views and a warm, inviting vibe.
- Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton – A hidden gem with panoramic views of New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains.
- The Margate at Lake Winnipesaukee – A lakeside venue with a relaxed, yet stunning atmosphere.
- Bird Dog Cidery – A charming, rustic venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, nature-filled celebration.
- LaBelle Winery in Derry – A beautiful vineyard setting that combines romance and elegance with a touch of rustic charm.
- Beauport in Gloucester – A scenic venue with incredible coastal views and a truly special ambiance.
- Bedford Village Inn in Bedford – An elegant venue that blends modern luxury with timeless New England charm.
- Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead – A stunning waterfront venue that offers an elegant, nautical vibe.
Each of these venues provided a unique and unforgettable setting for the weddings I captured, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at such incredible places. Whether it was an elegant ballroom, a serene lakeside, or a rustic vineyard, these venues made each wedding day feel extraordinary.
Thanks for reading my 2024 recap! I can’t wait to see where 2025 will take me, but I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful spaces I got to experience in 2024!
Interested in working together? Let’s chat!
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One of my favorites parts of editing is seeing the image come to life. Enhancing and making the colors pop, removing any unwanted items from the image and creating a beautiful final image. In this blog post Before and After: Engagement Photos, you’ll see how I transformed these RAW images to the final edit.
It all begins with the raw, unfiltered beauty of your original engagement photos. The Seaport District provides a stunning canvas, with its iconic cityscape and waterfront views. Each photo is a snapshot of a special moment frozen in time, but there’s always room for enhancement.
Process:
- Color Correction: The first step is to enhance the colors to make your photos pop. I carefully adjust the saturation, contrast, and brightness to ensure that every detail shines through, creating a vibrant and visually appealing image. My signature editing is true to color so rather than change the color, I want to give them more life!
- Background Enhancements: While the Seaport District is beautiful, there are objects in the background that I don’t want in the final image. Those might be trash cans, other people, umbrellas, a street sign or my sister holding an umbrella over the couple (check out the last photo.) The goal is to accentuate the romantic ambiance without losing the authenticity of the location.
- Skin Retouching: Everyone wants to look their best in their engagement photos. My retouching ensures that blemishes are smoothed, skin tones are evened out, and any imperfections are gently corrected, while still preserving the natural beauty of your unique features.
Your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love. The Seaport District provides the perfect backdrop for your images. With a sprinkle of digital magic, I bring out the best in your photos, ensuring that each image reflects the beauty of your love story.
When you hire me as your photographer, I take the time to make sure your images are the best they can be! If that’s what your looking for, let’s chat!
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Sarah and Nick’s wedding at the Publick House in Sturbridge was a beautiful celebration of love and commitment.
I first met Sarah & Nick for their engagement photos (you can read about that here), and I knew from the moment we met that we were meant to work together.
If you haven’t been to the Publick House, you are missing out! It’s charming colonial architecture and scenic location in the heart of Sturbridge, was the perfect venue for their spring wedding. Stepping outside to the grounds, the lush greenery and blooming flowers in May provided a stunning backdrop for the ceremony and reception.
The ceremony was held outside, with the sun shining down on the couple and their guests. The vows were heartfelt and emotional, it was clear they were meant to be together.
Following the ceremony the reception was held under the tent which is beautiful and the decorations were spot on.
Afterward they had a hot dog/sausage cart brought out around 9PM. And let me tell you, it was the perfect snack for my drive home!
The amazing vendors!
Photographer – Danielle Littles Photography
Venue – The Publick House
DJ – Jeff Fowler
Invitations – Truly Engaging
Dress – Marianne’s Bridal
Suits – Men’s Wearhouse
Make-up – Beauty by Jillian
Hair – Hair By Stephanie Marie
Thanks for reading Publick House Wedding in Sturbridge: A Dreamy Spring Wedding
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Kim and Matt had a beautiful spring wedding in Connecticut at Stony Creek Brewery. Having previously worked with them for their engagement photos, I had a feeling that this wedding would be incredibly fun. And it certainly was! We shared so many laughs throughout the day, making it one of my favorites.
Wedding Day
While the weather wasn’t ideal, as we’ve been seeing this season, it didn’t dampen their spirits or hinder their perfect wedding day. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, we managed to capture stunning photos in front of the brewery and even inside the brewer itself. The unique setting added an extra touch of charm to their special day.
The love and joy that filled the air was obvious as Kim and Matt exchanged their vows in front of their closest family and friends. The couple’s genuine love for each other was evident in every glance and touch, and it was an honor to document their love story.
The couple’s choice of venue perfectly reflected their fun-loving personalities and their appreciation for good beer.
Unlimited beer and wood-fired pizza was the perfect dinner for the reception, I mean who doesn’t love unlimited pizza?!
As a photographer, it was a pleasure to capture the love, laughter, and joy that surrounded Kim and Matt on their special day.
Their wedding was a true reflection of their personalities, and it was an honor to be a part of it. The photos we captured will serve as cherished memories for years to come, reminding them of the love and happiness they shared on their wedding day.
Kim and Matt’s spring wedding at Stony Creek Brewery was a truly unforgettable event. Despite the unpredictable weather, their love and excitement shone through, creating a perfect day filled with laughter and celebration. It was an absolute joy to be a part of their journey, and I wish them and their family a lifetime of happiness together.
Are you looking to have a Spring wedding in Connecticut? Let’s chat!
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Driving down the road, passing horses and cute farms, I would have never guessed that at the end of a dead end road would be the prettiest trail. Tom & Emily picked this spot for their engagement photos in Connecticut as it’s a trail they visit quite often.
Tom & Emily love the outdoors and hiking so when we were thinking of a place to do their engagement photos, a local trail that they frequent was the perfect place.
Side note: I always recommend doing your engagement photos at a place of significance. Maybe it was where you met, had your first dates, got engaged or love to visit. I believe it creates more beautiful photos.
One of the things I loved about them picking this place is it is also somewhere they walk with their dog (who will be part of weddings photos!)
When we first got there, I had on sandals and then realized that we would be doing more than walking a trail and a bit more of hiking so thankfully I brought my sneakers (always be prepared!)
Would you get your engagement photos in Connecticut? If so where?!
Did you know I travel to Connecticut for weddings? Let’s chat!
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Over the years first looks have become very popular but why?
So what is a first look?
The first look is when the soon-to-be married couple see each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony.
When I got married 5 years ago, I wish I had known more about the first look. We weren’t able to capture all of the photos we wanted and 5 years later, I am still bummed out. I believe if we had done a first look, we would have been able to get all of our must-have photos!
Ok, so you know what the first look is. Let’s talk about why you should do it!
1. Private moment with your significant other.
You’ll realize at the end of your wedding day, that you’ve barely had any time with your spouse. Yes, you’ll be with them during the ceremony, photos and reception but there is so much going on during that time that you won’t have had a moment to yourselves. The first look creates that moment.
2. You can get the majority of your photos taken before the ceremony.
I believe that this is one of the biggest perks to having the first look. As I mentioned before, I believe if my husband and I had done a first look for our wedding, we would have all the images we wanted.
Cocktail hours usually aren’t long enough for family, wedding party and the new married couple to all have the photos done. You may not be able to mingle with your guests during cocktail hour.
Ask any photographer, we hate to feel like we don’t have enough time for your must-have photos!
3. Calms the nerves.
I don’t think it matters who, you’re going to have some nerves on your wedding day, I know I did! Seeing your soon-to-be husband or wife beforehand can make the nerves disappear. All of my couples have felt less nervous after!
Sounds great, right?!
You’re probably wondering what the downside to the first look is, and although there are things to consider, I still think the first look is a must! But let’s talk a little about what to consider.
1. You’ll need to get ready earlier.
Ideally, you’ll want the first look to take place 1.5-2 hours before the ceremony. This means you’ll need to get ready earlier. Depending on your ceremony start time, this tricky.
During your wedding consultation, let’s chat about this to see how we can fit the first look in your timeline (if that’s what you want!)
2. Possible challenges with lighting.
The best time for lighting is about an hour after sunrise and before sunset. Most people aren’t getting married at 7/8PM at night so most first looks are happening around 1/2PM. The lighting isn’t the best, but that shouldn’t stop you!
