Our last wedding of 2018 happened to take place across the street from our new abode! Just a walk away, Loradona & Nick’s wedding day at Union Station in Northampton was a fitting end of our season as we gradually transitioned our photography focus from Cape Cod to Western Mass. We started the day knowing that we would be working with the most laid-back of bride and grooms, and the ease with which this couple approached their day made everyone around them relax and rejoice.
Nick and his groomsmen spent the morning and early afternoon enjoying each other’s company, listening to music, and taking celebratory swigs of their favorite beverages. Loradona and her ladies met at a stylish salon where they began their glam adventures and soon-after shifted over to her childhood home for some continued, cozy ‘getting ready’ atmosphere. Songs played over the speakers with special reminders and sparked memories. Hugs followed. Orange juice mixed with champagne. Bride and groom portraits from generations past adorned the fireplace mantle. Dress time. Sweet, sisterly help. Hopping into busy cars. Shuttling our way to the Station. Things tend to quicken during this part of the day.
A suite, upstairs in the venue, awaited our arrival. ‘Love mantras’ all over the walls reminded the bridal party what we were all there to celebrate. The ring bearers peeked out at the ceremony below just to make sure everything looked perfect for their aunt. Softly glowing candles lined the ceremony space. Florals with Fall colors invited guests to their seats. Portraits around the venue with classic Northampton scenery lined the exposed brick. This space needed so little because it said so much. (Click image below to activate Carousel of images.)
Original, and beautifully written, vows were shared. The silent support of family and friends was tangible. Smiles and tears filled the row of bridesmaids. Groomsmen surprised the bride and groom with a quick, celebratory drink from their pocket flasks after Loradona & Nick said ‘I do’! (Click image below to activate Carousel of images.)
While we took family and friends on an outdoor photo adventure, the ceremony space was swiftly swapped for dining and dancing. The Northampton rail trail invited us to take a few newlywed portraits by the remaining yellow leaves of Fall. Romance and hand-holding and railroad track hopping through the sunset left us with just enough time to make it back for their newlywed entrance.
After greeting their nearest and dearest, and twirling around romantically for their first dance, Nick’s twin brother and Loradona’s older sister gave speeches featuring real, heartfelt anecdotes that set the joyful mood for the rest of the evening. Everchanging uplighting and finely picked music kept the party going. The bride danced with her cousins and grandmother as The Irish Rovers’ “Unicorn Song” gave everyone reason to dance, even if just from their seat. Friends Irish-step danced, cornhole partners battled, & friends clinked their glasses to memories new and old- the whole evening was a perfect snapshot of the kind of life and love Loradona & Nick found in each other. (Click image below to activate Carousel of images.)
Lake Love,
Jen