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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Katie and Bruce had the perfect intimate wedding in New Hampshire. After spending a decade together, they decided to celebrate their journey and union with an intimate wedding, focusing on the bond they shared and the joy of uniting their families. The picturesque setting of Bird Dog Farm Cider, Bruce’s daughter’s cidery, provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt celebration.
Beautiful wedding party & ceremony
The wedding party was a beautiful blend of their lives, consisting of their daughters and grandchildren. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Katie and Bruce exchanged vows in a touching ceremony that highlighted their deep connection and the strength of their family ties.
Post-ceremony, the couple extended an invitation to their friends for an extended cocktail hour. This relaxed and joyful time allowed everyone to mingle and enjoy each other’s company while indulging in a variety of delicious heavy appetizers. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, love, and a sense of togetherness that perfectly encapsulated Katie and Bruce’s relationship.
The celebration continued in the barn, where an intimate reception awaited. The space was alive with warmth and joy as two of Katie and Bruce’s closest friends took the stage. Performing songs that got everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating. The most special moment of the evening came when Katie’s daughter’s boyfriend played the piano and sang the newlyweds a beautiful song. It was a touching tribute to their love, leaving not a single dry eye in the room.
Katie and Bruce’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their journey together, filled with meaningful moments and surrounded by those they hold dear. The celebration at Bird Dog Farm Cider was not just a wedding. It was a heartfelt gathering of love, family, and lifelong friendships.
See more for Katie & Bruce’s wedding here!
Contact me here to chat about your upcoming wedding!
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Amanda and Bobby truly had a stunning wedding at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA. It was nothing short of spectacular. The couple shared their first look in front of the stunning venue, capturing a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. The backdrop of the estate’s elegant architecture added a touch of timeless beauty to their intimate exchange.
Before Amanda and Bobby shared their intimate first look in front of the stunning Saphire Estate, Amanda had a touching first look with her dad and brothers. These heartfelt moments set the tone for a day filled with love and joy.
Following these special moments, the family and wedding party gathered for photos. Despite the impressive size of the wedding party, totaling 25, the atmosphere was anything but overwhelming. The group was incredibly kind and organized, making the photos breeze. The wedding party was so supportive of the couple, it was beautiful to be part of that.
Favorite detail
Amanda and Bobby left was the personal notes each guest’s seat at the table. These heartfelt messages were a true testament to Amanda and Bobby’s thoughtfulness and the depth of their connections with each guest. Each note was carefully crafted, reflecting the couple’s genuine appreciation and love for the friends and family who came to celebrate their special day.
This personal touch not only added a unique and intimate element to the reception but also showed Amanda and Bobby’s personalities. Warm, considerate, and deeply caring. These notes brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears, creating a memorable and cherished experience for everyone present.
It was a perfect day, and I’m so happy I was able to capture it for them. From the beautiful setting at Saphire Estate to the personal touches and emotional moments, it was truly a joy to document Amanda and Bobby’s special day.
See more photos from Amanda & Bobby’s perfect day!
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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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As a wedding photographer, it is crucial to be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise on the big day. Over the years, I have learned the importance of having an emergency kit on hand, as there have been numerous instances where someone needed something urgently, and no one else had it. Read below to check out what I have in my emergency kit and what I’d recommend.
1. Shoe Horn:
A shoe horn might seem like an odd item to include in an emergency kit, but it can be a lifesaver for both the bride and groom. Oftentimes, wedding shoes can be tight and uncomfortable, which can cause unnecessary stress. A shoe horn helps ease the process of putting on and taking off shoes without damaging them or hurting the feet. Here is the link to the shoe horn I keep on me.
2. Tide Pen and Shout:
Having a tide pen and shout stain remover in your emergency kit can be a quick solution to tackle unexpected stains on wedding attire. These handy stain removers can save the day by ensuring that the couple looks their best throughout the entire event. I’ve seen them work magic on wedding dresses!
3. Hair Accessories:
Hair emergencies can be a nightmare, especially for brides. Having a collection of hair accessories in your emergency kit can help you assist the bride or bridesmaids in fixing any hair mishaps that may occur. I keep bobby pins, comb, hair spray and hair ties in my kit.
4. Sewing Kit:
A sewing kit is an essential component of any wedding day emergency kit. I’ve had to sew on bottoms on suit jacket multiple times for the groom and groomsmen. This is a must for your kit.
5. Deodorant:
Including a travel-sized deodorant in your emergency kit can help the couple, and even yourself, feel fresh and confident throughout the long day of capturing precious moments.
6. Sanitary Products:
It’s essential to be considerate of the needs of the bride and her bridal party. Including sanitary products such as tampons or pads in your emergency kit can provide comfort and relief during unexpected situations.
7. Tums:
Wedding day jitters can sometimes lead to an upset stomach. Having Tums or other antacid tablets in your kit can help alleviate any discomfort the couple may experience, ensuring they can enjoy their special day to the fullest. I’ve been to a few weddings where no one has had tums so adding these to my kit was a must.
9. Safety Pins:
Safety pins are versatile tools that can fix a wide range of issues. From securing loose hems to temporarily fixing broken accessories, safety pins are a handy item to have in your emergency kit.
10. Scissors:
A small pair of scissors can come in handy for various purposes. Whether it’s cutting loose threads, opening packages, or assisting with minor wardrobe adjustments, having scissors readily available is essential. I keep two on me because someone always needs scissors!
11. Advil:
Wedding days can be long and tiring, both physically and mentally. Including a few packets of Advil or other pain relievers in your emergency kit can provide quick relief for headaches or any other minor aches and pains.
12. Cliff Bar:
Lastly, it’s important to have a quick source of energy on hand. Including a nutritious snack like a Cliff Bar or any other energy bar can help keep you fueled throughout the day, ensuring you have the stamina to capture all the magical moments. These are my favorite and I always have a few on me during weddings.
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Read about my latest blog post here.
What do you carry in your emergency kit?
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If you’ve ever wondered what the wedding keepsake box that comes with all my packages, then check out the photos below!
Each keepsake box is custom made in the Ukraine. They come with a custom engraving with your names and wedding date, a few photos from your wedding day and a USB with all your wedding images. The wedding keepsake boxes are so beautiful and couples love receiving them. The boxes typically get sent 4-6 months after your wedding so it’s a nice little surprise!
It’s so important to me that you have a back-up of your photos. I always will have back-ups of your wedding photos, but I also want you to have that as well!
The wedding keepsake boxes are one of my favorite parts of my packages!
