The Weishar Wedding: A Day of Quick Falmouth Drives, Closeness, & Happy Spirits / August 7, 2018 by Jennifer Walts

The getting ready merriment began with just a few quintessential Cape houses, right down the road from each other, just a quick walk, or a very quick drive. The bridesmaids continued to check in on Aysha as she got glammed up for her bridal moments; mom and future mother in law stopped in for a quick cheers and a few meaningful hugs before they got back to the day’s to-do items. The bridesmaids were lounging comfortably while the World Cup games distracted anyone from any wedding day nerves or helped extend the excitement of the day. The gentlemen laughed all morning and afternoon, surrounded by maps on the walls and friends with which some of the best memories have already been made. All of the fine details of this day filled both ‘getting ready’ spaces with photo-opportunistic moments. As the finishing touches were tied and zipped, bridal portraits were snapped surrounded by natural greenery.

Soon after, family and friends were ready to usher the bride and groom to the ceremony space just down the street, another quick drive, to the Falmouth Museums on the Green. Everyone cooled off in the museum where we awaited the start of the ceremony. There was time to pause from clicking behind the camera, and we witnessed deep breaths, some time for the bride and groom alone with their personal reflections. A stillness and confidence was present within each person, knowing that their partner awaited the same romantic fate. The ceremony began when dramatic, green doors opened to let the groom and his men walk to the beautiful, garden space where a small crowd of family and friends patiently sat in the mid-day sun to celebrate the love of Aysha & Zach. Prayers and pause set the scene. Sincere glances and sweet, sappy tears filled the eyes of both of our soon-to-be newly weds. Vows were personal and trusting, the kind you frame, or the kind that seemed to start a gorgeous, new chapter in their love story that has many pages to come. The support of those witnessing this marriage, both present and spiritually present, could be felt within the garden space that day. Surrounding smiles of all were contagious and plenty. The pride and relief with which the bride and groom walked away from that memorable ceremony gave us both such a strong belief that these two people will have a truly lasting partnership. (Click on the images below to see a carousel of images.)

After taking some timeless portraits of the newlyweds and their family members, we snuck away with the bride and groom for some seaside portraits that might be some of our favorite images from the day. The beauty that the weather graced us with certainly matched the level of love that Aysha & Zach share with one another.

Then, a quick drive back to Zach’s childhood home for the elegant, backyard reception of their dreams! This reception location was a first for Lake Love, and all future backyard-styled wedding receptions have quite a bit to live up to: a well-kept, home garden and healthy, chickens dawned the outskirts of the reception tent that was filled with classy decor, inviting dance floor, layered wedding cake, bar and cocktail tables. With all of these details, it was easy to forget that we were at someone’s home! The amount of love and effort that went into creating this day was present in every moment of the evening. The night continued with heartfelt speeches that solidified so much support for Aysha & Zach’s new adventure as a married couple. It was incredible to hear how much each person meant to each other’s family. It felt like Aysha & Zach were not only meant to be in each other’s lives, but meant to be accepted and loved by each other’s family members, a true gift. Dancing, cake-cutting, bouquet toss, fancy garter dance performed by Zach: the list of traditions continues! Aysha & Zach really embraced the traditions that are typically a part of the reception time, and they did such a fantastic job of having fun while doing them! This is not always the case with brides and grooms who choose to incorporate tradition into their weddings. If you’re going to go for it...go for it!!! And this bride and groom did just that. Wedding guests had such a wonderful time celebrating their love because the bride and groom were having such a great time together on their wedding day.
(Click on the images below to see a carousel of images.)

As we said our goodbyes to the happy couple, I felt all teary-eyed for their genuine love. And on our drive home, we couldn’t help but think about how Aysha & Zach felt so at home in each other’s presence. Their love reminded us of that friend that lives down the road, just a quick drive away, always there, always welcoming, a hug when you need it, a laugh when you think you can’t get by, a love that is constant and close. Their love seems like it was there all along, and we can’t wait to see where it takes them next. There are some weddings that will stay in our minds and hearts for a very long time. We hope this story and these images bring Aysha & Zach back to this special celebration of their love, just a quick drive down the road, to all of the memories created that day.

The Brennan Wedding: Golf Carts, Full Hearts, & A Day by the Ocean / May 10, 2018 by Jennifer Walts

Cape Cod is a special place for so many couples and families, filled with childhood memories and love stories. Our first Lake Love couple of the season, Alex and Erik, had been counting down the days ‘til their Cape Cod nuptials, just as we were all counting down the days 'til it truly felt like Spring. We had our fingers and toes crossed for the weather on April 14th to be filled with the sunshine that we had all been waiting for, the sunshine that Alex and Erik deserved! And on the Cape's first true day of Spring, the sun WAS shining, and Alex Kelleher and Erik Brennan said their “I do’s” with the brightest of smiles.

The crisp, cool morning celebrations started at the Razmatazz Salon in Mashpee, a stylist’s gem, camouflaged in its classic, Cape shingles. As the bridesmaids and mothers arrived, a sea of fun, pink robes came strolling in. Laughter was everywhere you looked. Bridesmaids were editing speeches, some finishing touches for the deserved bride, as hair and makeup were also fine-tuned until all ladies were feeling their best for the bride. Snacks made their way into the waiting area, nerves and laughter mixed and mingled, and every few minutes, bridesmaids and mothers took turns hugging and smiling with their bride-to-be.

Meanwhile, the gentlemen relaxed at a nearby Cape house to the tunes of beers clinking and dude-laughter. Man, guys really do get a bit more leisure time on the morning of their wedding! Something that always gets me when I’m reviewing photos from the day is how relaxed the groom and his groomsmen get to be, or should I say ‘choose’ to be, on the morning of the big day. We all know they don’t have to put their hair and makeup together, but maybe there can be more relaxing on the morning of the big day for all! Kudos to the groomsmen for inspiring me to get outside and play Kan Jam on my upcoming wedding day.

The father of the bride doubled as a chauffeur all morning and afternoon, and he was ready to help out with anything he could to make the day run smoothly! An excellent reminder that family just rocks, especially Alex and Erik’s family. Everyone hopped onto a school bus, very fitting for our teacher-couple, and headed over to the New Seabury Country Club where the getting ready would continue and speed up!

We entered locker rooms which were fit for a king and a queen, or a bride and groom looking for a place to get ready for their ceremony, only hours away! White walls, floral carpet, and plenty of space for relatives and loved ones to check in from time to time. I was blown away by the support that Alex and Erik received throughout the morning. There really was such a selfless, ‘what can I do for you’, energy that permeated the room. This doesn't always happen!

The gentlemen moved their relaxation-station to their locker room with some card games (and believe-it-or-not, more laughter!) and soon-after began to suit-up, while the ladies jumped into their bridesmaid dresses and gathered up their gorgeously color-coordinated bouquets. Alex gave herself some space to enjoy a special moment with her mother, Anne, during which she put on her meant-to-be bridal gown. The mother of the bride took caution with all of the intricate lace and buttons, and continued with care as she fanned out the cathedral veil and train. The bride requested to have a special reveal with her team of bridesmaids and future mother-in-law. Happy tears filled the room and continued when Alex and her mother took some time to sit in front of a mirror for a special mother-daughter moment that is also beautifully captured in a keepsake photo with Alex's grandmother and great grandmother dawning the same pose.

All of this attention to detail is most certainly the mark of a teacher-bride: the pearls, the lace clutch, the multiple pairs of bridal shoes, a nautical touch on the invitations. As we wrapped up our photoshoot downstairs, the groomsmen worked upstairs with photographer-Alex to fasten their boutonnieres. (At this point in our wedding photography careers, I will say that I think photographer-Alex has become a semi-expert on this skill.) As guests coming into the venue caught a glimpse of the groomsmen’s matching socks and spirits, Erik was daydreaming of his bride (and I’m pretty sure he was also daydreaming about the golf cart adventure after the ceremony).

Alex followed her glowing parents up the stairs to join her bridesmaids, lined up for the ceremony. Music started to play, and the bride and her parents, one on each arm, entered the sunlit room to see guests also aglow with excitement. It’s always fun to see the groom waiting patiently for his partner, and boy, are we glad we snagged some images of the first look he had of his bride. Erik was beaming! Alex looked so ready! The ceremony began as the mother of the bride greeted all of the guests and started to share her hand-crafted, heartfelt ceremony.

Family and friends were invited to sing special songs dedicated to the bride and groom. Family members, who live on in the hearts of the bride and groom, were honored with memorable items, an item or two, unique to each individual, sparking joy and remembrance. Family members gave blessings and shared readings. Thematically appropriate, family was certainly at the center of this couple’s ceremony, and it made the exchanging of the rings and the vows even more special than we imagined! The love, from the bride and groom’s family members, that built-up over that ceremony felt like it was practically lifting Alex and Erik out of the ceremony space and into their new chapter together as wife and husband!

Alright, TIME FOR THE GOLF CARTS!! We were lucky enough to head straight to an army of forest green golf carts that would caravan us down to the (rather chilly) beach for wedding party and family photos. I have to admit that this was probably my most thrilling photography adventure yet. Since there wasn’t enough room for me to sit in one of the golf carts, I had the fortunate and adventurous chance to cling (for dear life) to the back of photographer-Alex’s golf cart while shooting photos of the entire wedding party that trailed close behind! IT WAS AWESOME. I would have photographed their wedding just to experience this hilarious moment.

The cold and windy weather had us all questioning our drive to the beach. Extreme golf-cart joy quickly shifted to, “How much longer do we have to stay down here for photos?!” But…let me tell you folks, it was worth it. I kept claiming to all of our photo models that they “didn’t look cold at all!”, and I think these photos prove that ambitious statement. I’d also like to take a moment to give a personal shout-out to the bride’s cousin, Megan, who has successfully assisted us (as a bridesmaid) for TWO Lake Love weddings. She made our day easier, and she is a personal rockstar. Thanks, Megan!

When I announced that we were all set with beach photos, I have never seen people run so quickly to golf carts! We zipped back up to cocktail hour to snag some photos of the decor in the reception space and reception intros were nearly minutes later!

The first dance as newlyweds was danced to their romantic tune of choice, surrounded by their wedding party on the dance floor. Shortly after, guests took their seats and listened to heartfelt toasts from family, friends, and the sweetest cousins that had us all teary-eyed. Three parent dances ensued and I was crying quite a bit, behind my camera lens, during the mother-daughter dance. There is something so special about a mother-daughter bond that is inexplicable and truly beautiful. It was one of my favorite moments of the day. (Shout out to Anne, mother of the bride! Happy Mother’s Day!) With a tall order of family photos, we were extremely impressed with this group’s ability to gather for photos on the dance floor. The coordination required to get this next photo is noteworthy- a tribute to Alex's grandfather, Grandpa McDowell, who used to carry around these infamous red noses to brighten everybody's day!

Everyone was eager to dance as the reception continued, and the DJ began mixing all of the bride and groom’s favorite tunes, old and new. Cookies with nautical shapes of sharks, lighthouses, sailboats, and more were spread across the dessert table, while coffee and assorted specialty cupcakes just seemed to appear out of nowhere to keep the party going! I admit to following Alex around for the last thirty minutes of her wedding day in an effort to round up some family for a few last minute photos before we headed home, and it seemed like all the guests had the same idea! I always love to see the bride and groom become instant celebrities on the day of their wedding and the pictures that result are just fantastic. I personally think teachers should be treated like celebrities on a regular basis, but Alex and Erik know that!

The new, Mr. & Mrs. Brennan provided a Spring-time, Cape escape for all of their family and friends. We witnessed the smiles, the kind you can't quite wipe off your face, when the guests reluctantly walked away from the evening of celebration. If I had to guess, I'd say that Alex and Erik will be smiling for a long time...maybe they're even smiling right now reminiscing about their special day. I think these two newlyweds would tell you that their wedding day was everything they wanted and so much more, and I bet they'd say the same about their love for each other, too.

The DeFabio Wedding: Love and the Ocean State / December 1, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

If we knew then what we know now, how would it all change? Would it? Would we want it to?

On the big days, in the big moments, I often think back on the children and teenagers we all once were, with whom we still share names and birthdates.

On wedding days, in those morning moments, I often think of how proud they’d be seeing us now, how disheartened they might be with the wait that still lies ahead of them. Still, it offers me some comfort and reassurance, some sense of pride and confidence to know that those grand, late-night desires are coming true. The wait would be worth it, I think that my inner child would believe. To him I want to say, “Cheer up, little guy!” “Can’t you see her? Here she comes!”

White dresses and flowers, sunshine and guests. Glittering blue waves bounded with green and clouds. True companionship. Acceptance in another’s eyes. The moments that still lie ahead of us and the ones that got us here.

At Lake Love Photography, I’ve been fortunate enough to intimately witness those big days and moments as others have experienced them. Each shoot I tear up with joy and envy and excitement and a unique sense of relief at the culmination of a monumental journey.

One weekend in September, we witnessed two people who had found each other and were going for it hand in hand, headed off into the sunset: the DeFabios. Here is the story of their day...

The languid morning unfolded with a slow-swung tempo, emotions and laughter rising like the folds of the bridesmaids’ dresses laid out on the hotel bed. Jen and I arrived early, as always, to a celebration already underway; mimosas and fruit, muffins and coffee, tea and tears passed around and shared and cherished. Hairspray and anticipation comprised the atmosphere, lipstick and beaming smiles painted the ladies’ faces.

In the gentlemen’s room, the actions of the men created a different song, one of pride and camaraderie and fellowship. Mike, his groomsmen, and I chatted about craft breweries we all liked as I snapped photos of brown leather shoes and metal water bottles, snapback hats and pomade tins. The gentlemen started to trade their basketball shorts and t-shirts for grey suits and soft lavender ties; deep belly laughs were the currency exchanged, and everyone that morning was rich and swank.

As you travel through the Ocean State, the Bay is always on your mind and around you, constantly determining your route as you travel along its many shores. The state’s roughly 400 miles of coastline have offered ample shelter to travelers and mariners throughout history. Rhode Island’s inlets and coves carve the land into arms that envelop and protect you.

After finishing the groomsmen portraits and group shots, I flicked through the map on my phone, figuring out how far it’d be to the Warwick Country Club. I’d never realized it before, but the shape of the Ocean State and Narragansett Bay resembles the arms of a father, reaching out to embrace his daughter, the Atlantic. The shapes and significance we lend to geography help us establish our connection with the land and our kinship with the sea.

Upstairs, Roxanne and Jen were finishing taking bridal portraits on the balcony, while awaiting the embrace of father and daughter. We’d never photographed or even heard about a “Father-Daughter First Look” before, and Jen was animated, enlivened and excited. The tough part about hugs is that at some point you must let go; I’m sure someday, if I’m fortunate enough, I’ll know the sweet pain of trusting my daughter to another, of watching her set out on her own journey into another’s arms. The moment was everything and the smiles were outstanding.

I brought perhaps the only cloud in the sky that day, a dark strange thundering blob that hung over me and struck me with lightning several times. We’d had 3 weddings IN A ROW where the grooms were named Chris; eventually hilariously, I kept calling Mike by the wrong name over and over again. I felt zapped with embarrassment every time, but eventually it became a funny inside joke.

Tempus pro Primo Conspectu (Time for the First Look). The backdrop couldn’t have been anything else; the bright rich azure of the sky mirrored in the Bay. A sharp green lawn set the stage, flowers and onlookers the chorus and the audience. In position, Mike was positively beaming with anticipation and excitement. Separating all the many moments of buildup were these breaths of calm, when all of the many months of planning faded into the here and now. Mike turned around to see Roxanne, radiant in white, a jewel sparkling while the light of the day danced on the Bay.

Moments come when they’re meant to; I’ve always believed in certain fated things, chanced, preordained meetings and things working out the way they were alway supposed to. Sometimes things go missing and are forgotten so that you can find and remember the important things, the reason for the occasion.

When it was time, Roxanne and Mike’s seaside ceremony started. Basking in the warm warm sun of late summer, their guests were eager to see the union of these special two on the banks of the Bay. The processionals proceeded, and all the while, Mike kept beaming, eagerly anticipating the arrival of his bride.

The crescendo to the ceremony had swelled throughout the day, and at last the apex was here. Surrounded by pinks and greens, whites and blues, Roxanne and Mike stood confidently, proudly, trustingly. The looks they exchanged as they held the hands of their person, their partner, were what its all for. I always love (and I know Jen does too) seeing those looks through the viewfinder, witnessing this most sacred of ceremonies, this joining of two souls, two lives, two beings into one everlasting partnership.

And just like that, they were married and the festivities began! Cocktail hour kicked off on the deck overlooking ‘Gansett Bay. The sun was bright and warming, gently melting the ice-cubes from a distance. All around us, old friends and far-flung family members smiled and laughed, reunited and drank merrily. As we bobbed throughout the sea of celebrations, we caught candids and the details while the sun began to sink, reclined to allow the moon to take over, to light her portion of the party.

But Roxanne and Mike’s wedding day still had one last surprise for them: the sunset. I’ll let the pictures do the narrating from here; they’re some of our favorites we’ve ever taken.

Night proceeded as a denouement of the day, the dinner and drinks and the dancing, all divine.

Before we knew it, we were packing up our equipment and saying our goodbyes (which were really “we’ll see you later”s). The DeFabios started the first night of the rest of their lives with a zest and fervor for each other, for this life that they had chosen to begin. We are so thankful to have been the documentarians on their wedding day and we couldn’t wish them anything else but the happiest of lives together.

The journeys we take define us. The places we see, the people we meet, the moments we share. Take pride in your present, and get excited about where you’re off to next.

Lake Love,
Jen + Alex

The Delude Wedding: Lace, Lobsters & the Way Life Should Be / July 28, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

(Jen)
Walking into Room 123, at the Colony Hotel, on the morning of Kathleen and Chris’s wedding was like walking into a fresh, nautical garden. The walls were adorned with blush and sage florals: the couple’s wedding color scheme. Beautiful light was coming in through the doorway that led to an enormous deck with blue lounge chairs. The cozy space allowed for all of the bridesmaids to sit in on the ‘getting ready’ fun or escape out to the deck where the aroma of the coast of Maine competed with hairspray and “Love Story” perfume. Ladies wore white robes decorated with beautiful hydrangea florals as they prepped for the big day. With an unbelievably gorgeous ivory dress with jeweled sash hanging by ethereal water-colored bridesmaid gowns, capturing beautiful images was a breeze.

Kathleen’s excitement was infectious to all bustling in and out of the room. Her hair was neatly bobby-pinned with thick curls, and she completed the look with sassy sunglasses and multiple bottles of champagne. She was so excited about everything bridal: the arrival of sandwiches with a piece of tape reading “Bride 11:00”, waving at family members from the balcony, pausing for hugs and reminiscing with old photos from grade school, opening her Tiffany’s jewelry gift from, Chris...Kathleen was a glowing bride all morning long. She was even fine with me standing in a bathtub to get some photos of the finishing touches of her bridal hair-do.

Down the hall, Alex had to close the blinds of the groomsmen’s getting ready spot...not because they were celebrating too wildly, but because they could see the bridal suite from their window! No peeking ‘til the first look, Chris! Their room was filled laughter, whiskey, and colorful golf-themed socks. The groom was smiling every which way as his groomsmen ironed out the details of the sage ties and light gray, summer wedding suits. Since the groomsmen were ready a bit before our leading ladies, Alex took the gentlemen on a field trip around the grounds while photographing fun group shots and rounding out the venture with a quick stop at the Colony Hotel bar.

Ladies left Room 123 to put on their flowy gowns, while maid of honor, Steph, and mother of the bride, Eilene, took some deep breaths and sweet pauses while helping the lovely into her perfectly-Kathleen bridal gown. Her lace embroidered veil, her pearls, her jeweled sash, her satin Kate Spade shoes...my goodness, this bride took my breath away. Just look at how stunning she looked! As we all worked together in shakily clasping necklaces and bracelets and pinning a special memory charm from Kathleen’s father, we all gathered ourselves and hid in the bathroom (not what you were thinking would come next?!). The bridesmaids snuck through the room and onto the balcony where they’d await their ‘first look’ of the beautiful bride. Check out the faces on these bridesmaids as they were all so moved by Kathleen’s show-stopping bridal look!

Time for another first look, but this time, more emotional and with her soulmate and future husband! Alex found the perfect spot right near some classic coastal Maine views. I’m almost certain that Chris waited for about 30-45 minutes for us to get down there (thanks, Chris!), but you can totally tell it was worth the wait. The reunion between these two soon-to-be-weds on their wedding day was beautiful. I fogged up my lens with tears during this first look, and then I quickly got it together to go climbing on some very jagged rocks that somehow looked so inviting with camera in hand! After a few bride and groom portraits, we headed back up to the grounds of the hotel for bridal party and family photographs where a very small shady spot became our oasis from the hot June sun. (Shout out to Steph for getting me water when I needed it most!) Katheen and Chris were such troopers in the hot sun. You can’t even tell that we were all sweating and looking for ice water! And this bridal party portrait scenery...photography heaven!

We all scurried inside to an air-conditioned pre-ceremony waiting room, after Alex called “That’s a wrap!” And when I gently suggested that Alex take a seat with me in this glorious ice lounge boardroom I heard the sound of his pants ripping, “OH! That’s a rip!” I think Alex can take it from the part where he visited the hotel desk and stapled his pants together merely moments before our bride and groom walked down the aisle!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Alex)
I’d ripped my pants before, but never quite like this… a gorge, a chasm, the Grand Canyon of pant-rips, and right before the ceremony! I did what any sensible guy in his 20s would do: tried stapling my pants together, because, let’s be honest, who’s got time for needlework under a time crunch like that? Unfortunately, the staples didn’t hold, and so, bravely out into the open I went, slacks torn asunder…

Photographing the ceremony with torn khaki’s actually wasn’t as bad as I thought! I quickly remembered that I was not the focus of everyone’s attention, and so, like a true photo ninja, I kept to my mission despite my pantaloon problem. Thankfully, Kathleen, Chris, and their friends and family decided to look exceedingly beautiful and handsome!

During the processional, my favorite spot to snag photos is right in the aisle, one or two rows from the front. Knelt down, this is a great vantage point to see the bridal party’s smiling faces as they stride toward the ceremony site. Intermittently, I turn around to capture some of the rarest expressions of the day: the sight of the bride’s arrival.

Kathleen’s dress, even from a distance, and especially in the gleaming Maine sun, shone like a beacon against the Colony’s green grass and slate walkway. Escorted by her brother and her grandfather, Kathleen walked toward her future confidently, with grace and conviction (even when they all had to take a comedic pause to unravel their grandfather from the wind-sept cathedral veil!).

The sky and the sea: something old, something blue. Timeless and radiant that day, prosperous signals of a bright, glimmering future for Kathleen and Chris. Their ceremony instilled yet another layer of confidence and belief in me of the timelessness of the bond between two people.

With the ceremony and the recessional completed and photographed, I dashed back to the Fontenay Terrace Motel to change into a fresh pair of slacks (ok, the ones I wore the night before). That story will definitely be one to add to the ever-growing “Wacky Things That’ve Happened While Photographing Weddings” file.

I rejoined Jen on the veranda for cocktail hour. The libations and laughter were already flowing when I arrived. Sea air, fresh from the Atlantic, wafted up to the Colony Hotel and clung, as dew drops do, to the drinks of the Delude’s guests, to the chilled bottles and glasses. I hung close to Kathleen and Chris, to photograph details of their outfits: the bride’s wavy blonde hair spilling over her shoulder, the groom’s hand resting debonairly on his waist, wearing its new wedding band. As we continued to make our rounds, we kept seeing the unposed, candid smiles that accompany the reunions of familiar friends and family; we couldn’t help but smile to ourselves at all the joy that Kathleen and Chris’s special day had occasioned.

At the speed of a summer afternoon, the celebration moved inside into the reception space, a large and bright, wood-paneled room. Grand windows looked out onto the ocean. Colony blue plates hung from the walls. White and pink flowers topped the tables. A sign by the entryway read, “Best Day Ever” in cursive capitals.

As the guests filed in and found their seats, a buzz started to build in the room. The bridal party entries were about to begin, the kickoff to the festivities everyone was anticipating. Not to be outdone by the scenic beauty of the Colony Hotel, Kathleen and Chris’s bridal party came in with a bang! Fists were pumped, bridesmaids were picked up and carried in, even Sevi, a groomsman we knew from another wedding we photographed, was piggybacked in by his wife, Courtney. Last, but certainly not least, the Mr. and Mrs. themselves, Kathleen and Chris entered, with fists raised triumphantly.

To really kick off the party, the entire wedding gathered on the dance floor for the opening number. We knew, at that moment, that we were in for a raucous celebration! These were friends and family who loved to dance!

Kathleen and Chris then transitioned into their dance, set to a Dave Matthews song, reminiscent of the band’s concert where they met. The look in Chris’s eyes in that moment was singular, his gaze solely on his bride. The dance concluded with a classic Delude dip, Chris’s impressive, signature move.

The night continued on, with speeches and dances, cake cutting and big group photos. Jen and I continued to weave our way around the room, snagging candids of dancing guests and reminiscing relatives. As the sun started to set, we managed to pull Kathleen and Chris out of their dance trance for some newlywed shots. With golden light bathing the grounds of the Colony, and with the glittering ocean in the background, Chris and Kathleen kissed, gazed at, and held each other with the binding, pure joy that had been the theme of the weekend.

A day like the Delude’s deserved a fitting conclusion: a sparkler sendoff! Our first sparkler sendoff as photographers, Jen and I spent a few minutes calibrating our cameras, and testing the lighting, mustering up the last reserves of our photog energy to ensure we got the shot. The anticipation outside built, and, like a powder keg, erupted into showers of golden flames when Kathleen and Chris appeared on the Colony veranda. Arms raised and to the tune of the shouts of hundreds, they made their way through the fiery tunnel and back, towards the trolley that would take them into town, where the party was to continue.

As we prepared to leave, we said our goodbyes to the happy couple, and gave them big hugs. Kathleen and Chris’s wedding day will have a special place in our Lake Love hearts, and we couldn’t be happier for them. We wish them nothing but the best in life, and we hope that everyday they find a moment or two to live in the present and to dance like they did on that summer night in Maine. Kathleen and Chris’s wedding day, the way life should be...

The Miedema Wedding: Classic New England / July 11, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

In Greek mythology, the peacock was sacred to Hera, wife of Zeus and goddess of marriage. The distinct feathers of the bird were said to have come from her loyal attendant, Argus, a giant with a hundred eyes. This divine couple’s color was purple, the color of royalty, rare and precious in ancient times.

It’s fitting then, almost poetic, that these ancient symbols and colors were reworked into Sara and Chris’s special day (at least they were to me, full time Latin teacher!), as they celebrated their wedding at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, MA. The classic feeling of a wedding resonated throughout the day, as two people and two families became one in style.

The ladies spent the morning primping and preparing, while the gentlemen got ready. Royal, deep purple dresses and black and white tuxedos. An air of timelessness, tradition, and class exuded each room.

In the time we spend with our clients in the morning while they get ready, some of our favorite moments of the day happen. Easy, carefree laughter rings through the air. Hearty salvos of hellos and shrieks of joy accompany each bridesmaid when they enter. Big bro hugs and back slaps as each groomsman shows up.

In these preparatory hours, we, as photographers, get our most authentic glimpse into the character of our clients, their friends, and the joy that so often is overlooked on these (at times) stressful wedding days.

There’s another reason I love the wedding mornings: ring shots. Much easier to direct and more obedient to instructions, the rings are some of our best clients. Whether perched on an rustic window-frame or nestled in a bed of peacock feathers and flowers, the rings on Sara and Chris’s wedding day were among the shining stars of the morning.

Soon, it was time for the big reveal, the first look. The grounds of the Publick House provided the perfect backdrop in keeping with the rustic New England feel of the day. Set against a black and white barn-side, Sara and Chris stood back to back, eagerly anticipating the turn-around that had been building for months. They turned, stepped back, and took in the sight of their future. Hugs, kisses, and laughter ensued, our favorites to photograph.

When all were ready, Sara and Chris’s closest friends gathered for bridal party portraits. The gentlemen looked suave in their tuxedos, strutting around the grounds of the Publick House, alternating between smoldering serious faces and boyish, bashful smiles. The ladies dazzled in purple floor-length dresses, each one a different cut (which we love!) to match their personalities. Bridal party members, along with parents and two adorable flower-girls, then joined the jovial couple. Group photos by the gazebo and up on the hill, check!

The bridal party then retired to the Library, a (fortunately) air-conditioned room lined with old books and paintings, in order to rest up and get ready for the big moment.

It was time.

Hundreds of eyes, just like old Argus, were on Sara and Chris as they entered the bucolic reception space in Paige Hall. The sun streamed through the windows, illuminating the worn wood walls, adorned with ancient - ok, maybe not that old - farm tools. Peacock feathers and flowers lined the aisle chairs, as the tables waited in the corners to be decorated and plated for the reception.

The ceremony kept to the classic feel of the day. Meaningful readings brought even a tear to my eye. I’ll be honest; photographing ceremonies is always special for me. Whenever I look at the groom, I imagine how I’ll feel when Jen and I get married next summer. I bet we’ll both be bawling babies, crying and laughing, with big smiles on our faces.

Having been pronounced man and wife, Sara and Chris kissed a deep, long kiss to the applause and cheers of their friends and family.

The excitement of the day had only started as cocktail hour got going. The entryway to Paige Hall served double duty as a country tavern bar, with shiplap walls stained a dark brown. Golden light flowed down on the wedding guests, as old friends and family reunited with drinks in hand. Laughter resounded in the cozy space and spilled out into the courtyard. As Sara and Chris made their rounds, Jen and I made ours, capturing candids of guests enjoying the evening.

In a feat of wedding-day magic, Paige Hall transformed from ceremony space to reception hall, with each table adorned with peacock feathers, glittering jars, and shining silverware. The guests reentered and took their seats, eager for the night to continue.

After salads and a pair of memorable speeches, it was time for dinner! A full buffet waited in the Paige Hall entry way, salmon, chicken, roasted potatoes, and a carving station! The meal was the perfect fuel for all the dancing that would ensue.

Almost instantly after Sara and Chris’s guests finished their food, they were up on their feet, dancing to jazzed-up covers of pop hits old and new. The father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance followed, sweet traditions that spread smiles to all in Paige Hall. The evening had crescendoed into a full-on dance party, and Jen and I were dancing around ourselves, snapping candids as we circled the crowd.

And just like that, the day was done! After sneaking a few quick peaks at our work on our cameras’ LCD screens, we said our goodbyes to the newlywed Miedemas and started packing up our equipment. We took one last glimpse around Paige Hall, where the dance party was still going strong, and knew that this night would be remembered as a legendary, almost mythic one.

Congratulations to Sara and Chris! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your special day; we had a blast!

Lake Love,
Alex & Jen

The Geoffroy Wedding: Family, Friends, & Fireworks / June 7, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

On a perfectly cloudy Saturday morning, Angelina welcomed us into her childhood home in Feeding Hills. The mailbox and front entrance railings were decorated with purple balloons in the shades of bridesmaids’ dresses. Steam rose from curling irons, and monogrammed mason jars were scattered about the busy kitchen.

Meanwhile, Chris and his groomsmen were lounging in comfy living room chairs at his childhood home in Chicopee. Alex gladly helped the gentlemen tie some ties and pin some boutonnieres, but he still managed to snag some beautiful images of the wedding bands and engagement ring.

The bride gave her maid of honor, Chrissy, a lovely photo book filled with sentimental notes and memories that only sisters could share. Tears were flowing from the “Bride Tribe” just ten minutes into my arrival. That’s when I knew it was going to be a very special day for the family and friends of the bride and groom.

While makeup artist and hair stylists were working their cosmetic magic, I heard tales of other wedding wizardry related to our bride’s beautiful gown. As the bride found a place on the curtain rod to hang up her gown, Angie explained how she had found a seamstress that altered this once-too-large sample gown (from the mannequin) down to the perfect fit! Voila! dress alteration magic! Everywhere I turned in the Barbarisi home, there were smiles and laughter.

Equal joy was on display as the groomsmen started to get ready around the early afternoon. To one of the groomsmen's surprise, he had ordered pants that were about 10 numbers off his original size! Then followed some appropriate ‘well, nothing we can do now!’ laughter as the guys continued to suit-up.

Back at the Barbarisi home, details continued to sparkle through the afternoon: silver sandals, floral, pastel, an antique handkerchief, dangling earrings, and a bracelet gifted from the groom himself. In addition to all of these beautiful accessories, the bride’s aunt made a gorgeous woven basket where the bridal and bridesmaid’s bouquets could be displayed in a natural, rustic space. The ladies’ dresses of lavender, dark purple, navy, and gray, hung above the windows.

The groomsmen had already arrived at Our Lady of Mount Saint Carmel Church, in Springfield, MA, to escort guests to pews on either side of the long, carpeted aisle adorned with white satin and chiffon ribbons. Adorably spunky ring-bearer, Tyler, bee-bopped up and down the aisle as he waited for his shining moment of the day. Guests walking into the church couldn’t help but look up at the beautiful paintings on the ceiling. Really, there was just floor-to-ceiling golden glory. The sun had brightened by the time of the ceremony, and the stained glass window panes were a sight that kept guests in awe only until the bride herself walked arm-in-arm with her father down the aisle.

We had caught a few meaningful glimpses of the groom as his bride got closer and closer to the altar. Chris gulped back joyful tears, and we don’t think he ever took his eyes off of his leading lady. Angie stepped up to the altar, joined her hands with Chris’s, and the ceremony began. All nerves subsided as the two finally stood side by side. I could feel their sighs of relief and gratitude when they sat at the altar. Members of the congregation were encouraged to send prayers for Chris and Angelina’s marriage and growth as a couple and as individuals. Sneaking behind the altar, and peaking through a stained glass window, I saw the bride looked right into her groom’s eyes, as he proudly stared at his new wedding band.

Besides ogling over their new bling, they kept smirking adorably at each other through the whole ceremony. The bride’s train rested gently to the side, and directly to the left sat her maid of honor, beaming for her big sister bride; we also caught the groom winking and smiling at his best man. The bond the bride and groom shared with their principal witnesses was on genuine display. The exchanging of rings was filled with eagerness and excitement. After they drew each other in for their first kiss as newlyweds, Angelina and Chris proudly turned toward their loved ones with the greatest of smiles. During the recessional, the bride stopped for a momentous hug and kiss to her grandfather, beaming with pride.

The guests then followed the newlywed caravan to their rustic, Colonial-style reception destination, the Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House, in West Springfield, MA. The doors to the Carriage House opened to a purple uplit room. Guests shuffled toward the bar during cocktail hour, contemplating the option of ‘his’ and ‘her’ specialty drinks. Wedding guests admired the display that read “In lieu of favors, we donated to the rescues that have impacted our lives”, a unique canine/feline twist on an old tradition.

Photos at the gazebo served as cocktail hour for the bridal party and family members. The maid of honor even brought a “Best Day Ever” sign and some purple flower petals for some special group shots. When we told the group that we only had one opportunity to get a photo of everyone throwing celebratory flower petals, nerves rose, then so did the petals, and we think the bride and groom will be more than happy with this fun capture!

As all of the guests got settled at their tables, decorated with mason jars, wood, flowers, and wine bottle corks, the best man got ready to deliver his speech. His words were so thoughtful, and the most memorable note was the compliment he gave to the parents of the bride and groom pointing out that they did an “amazing job” raising Chris & Angelina.

Up next, we saw a maid of honor speech like we’ve never seen before. Chrissy started by reminiscing about a moment at the hockey rink, where Chris asked for her permission to marry her sister Angelina. She even quoted Chris stating that he said he “never wanted to get married until he met” Angelina. Most of us thought that the speech was over at this point, but Chrissy suggested to her sister that she “would regret giving the microphone to her”. Needless to say, the speech morphed into a five song and dance performance, the maid of honor singing to prerecorded tracks, followed by a personal delivery of a CD that the bride and groom would have to remember this wild moment of the evening!

Once this entertainment came to a close, familiar "The Voice" contestant, Noah Lis, provided some killer crooning while dinner was served. Covering songs from Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” to Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E”, this musician had people up and dancing, forgetting that their food had just been plated at their table.

The rest of the evening unfolded with more laughter, eating, and dancing. A sunflower and purple decorated cake was cut with a family cake cutter that Angelina mentioned had been in her family for almost a century. Ladies and gentleman danced the night away, then took a fun break to watch the bride and groom play the ‘shoe game’ for all their friends and family.

Guests filed outside when they caught wind of a special surprise. Fireworks! We all waited patiently outside for the display right over the Big E fairgrounds, and it was well worth the wait.

We thought the party was coming to a close after the fireworks, but just then Angie's party REALLY started when DJ dropped “Wobble Baby” by V.I.C. We were about to wrap up our camera equipment and call it a night, but the dancing just kept getting better. We unpacked one of our cameras and speed-lights and hopped on the dance floor to capture some last minute newly-wed bliss. The ‘thank you’ hugs that we received from the bride, groom, and bride’s parents really told us so much about what great people we got to work with on May 27th, 2017.

This venue has special sentiment to me. My parents AND my brother & sister-in-law had their reception at this same venue! It was so special to capture new memories in a place so connected to my own family members’ love stories. We wish the Geoffroy’s an unforgettable love story! Cheers to Angelina and Chris! May you live a happy, healthy life. May you keep holding hands and pause to appreciate the friendship and partnership you share. Thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding day!!

Lake Love,
Jen & Alex

**(To request any photo prints, please send us an inquiry form on our website or e-mail jenandalex@lakelovephoto.com)**

How Our "Weekly Wedding Meeting" has Changed Our Wedding Planning Dynamic / April 22, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

It would be very difficult for us to say that we have observed couples experience a full wedding day without any stressful factors, but what we are sure of is that it is really important for us to be mindful of our energy on your special day in an effort to calm others who might be stressed...in particular, the couple that’s getting married!!

As wedding photographers, AND as an engaged couple, we want all engaged couples to know that we empathize with the stress that wedding planning brings to you as individuals and as partners starting a new (yet somehow stressful) chapter! We really don’t want you to minimize the stress you are experiencing, but we suggest you take some time to think about how you want to spend your engagement. We’re hoping that this personal anecdote will benefit others on their engagement journey:

Maybe you or your partner imagined wedding planning to be a very special part of your relationship, filled with fun flower arrangements and cheery dress or tux fittings. Maybe you once envisioned a post-it filled binder and smiles all around you. Or maybe...the real wedding planning experience is just really not what you pictured it to be. That’s where I’m at. Here’s our dynamic: I think about our wedding constantly. Alex, although his wedding ideas are bright and meaningful, thinks about the wedding maybe…every few days. I admire his laid-back approach, and magical ability to have everything work out in his favor (One time we were driving through an unfamiliar town, and he happened to accidentally drive by a caterer he’d been looking into. We walk in, meet the caterer, fall in love, and BOOM...we have a caterer. Seriously, I think he is a wizard or something.)

My special wedding notebook provided by my sweet Matron of Honor.

Then, there’s me: "Yes, commercial! I can get back to organizing my Pinterest board, like the actual pins I really need. Yay! Dinner time! I finally get to share all of my glorious wedding visions with my fiance at the dinner table! Omg! It’s Saturday at 7:30am, and the first thing I want to do is just look at that wedding guest list one more time because my nightmare just confirmed my worry about Anonymous Guest #76!"

Honestly...if I were a fictional bride character, I’d want to shake myself. Something had to be done-- a jolt to the bride system, if you will. Bride-brain aside, there’s certainly a lot to think about. Even if you are a detail-oriented person, there are too many moving pieces to juggle at one time.

This is where partnership and compromise come to the forefront. I became aware that my wedding-talk was a bit overwhelming for Alex very early on in our engagement. Let’s be honest...before our engagement! Oopsiez! Despite his body language and uneasy facial expressions, I pressed to get my wedding ideas in at any time of the day...or night. He is a good listener, but I think there comes a point when I’m the only one hearing my bride-babble. Sometimes I just like to get the ideas out of my head!

So, herein lies the problem:
-I have a ton of ideas constantly spinning in my head. I need a place to put them, and I’m super excited to plan an awesome party with all of our favorite people to celebrate our life partnership. (Not a bad problem to have!)
-My fiance, who pulled off the most ridiculously magical proposal/ is the most hopeless romantic I’ve ever met, is also very excited about our wedding. However, he would like to talk and think about it when he has the brain space to do so. (Also, a very legitimate concern! I’d rather have him be focused when I’m sharing exciting idea-thoughts. Am I right, people?)

Spent some 'free time' painting these cool crates in our wedding color scheme. Do I know what I'll use them for yet?...Nope!

And, here’s a potential solution:
-Discuss boundaries/needs...AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. (Can we talk about it at dinner? When should we be reading emails from wedding vendors? What should we share with family and friends?)
-Ask your partner questions about how they envision the wedding planning process and compromise.
-Delegate specific tasks that each partner are actually excited about!! I was NOT excited about finding a DJ and a caterer...and perhaps, by fate or the wedding gods, Alex was interested in both. Bingo! Tasks delegated.
-Set up a weekly meeting time. (Just once a week for only one hour is what works for us!)

"Weekly Wedding Meeting" in our Creativity Room. Still in my pajamas at 1pm: check. Note super cool woodsy art of our 'just engaged' faces (gift from one of our lovely bridesmaids!). Kind of looks like I'm making sure he doesn't steal my tea...

At our first ‘weekly meeting’ (which we may or may not have made up a theme song to just to add an element of quirky us), I pulled out my ‘list’ on my phone where I’d been keeping track of all the ideas I managed to muster up the previous week. I needed a place to put them! This list became our ‘agenda’ of sorts. We spent one hour going down the list, filling each other in on ideas and contact updates. All was going smoothly with my updates, mainly because I’m extremely over prepared for most meetings.

Then...we got to the section of the ‘agenda’ that read “DJ Updates”. I was so nervous to ask Alex what his updates were, but to my surprise, he had created an awesome Google Doc with updates, showed me some videos of his favorite DJ options, and then initiated discussion about what next steps he would take. I was SO pumped at this point. An hour had passed, and I wasn’t sure when he would take the next steps in contacting the DJ we decided to go with (I’d been asking him to do this for a few months at this point...he confirmed this). Two days later, he not only got in touch with the production company, but he had an awesome phone call with the DJ himself, FaceTimed with my parents to make sure that they approved before we officially booked, AND booked the DJ. First wedding meeting, and two days later...DJ booked. Why did we not think of this sooner!?!

I have noticed a new excitement in his approach to wedding planning, and I had MUCH more fun having a conversation with him when he gave his attention to my enthusiasm and ideas. I also recognize that it will most likely be important to up the weekly meetings once we get into the final month of planning, but I’m going to try to not even think about that quite yet (even though I probably am thinking about it right now)! This new approach has really helped me just put some thoughts on hold until they are necessary...this is a very challenging skill for anxious people! However, I know it will benefit both of us if I acknowledge a thought and then maybe just send it away until it needs to be addressed on the ‘weekly wedding meeting’ agenda.

We don't spend the whole meeting staring at each other with googley-love-eyes, but the smiles say a lot here.

When it comes to wedding planning, I think that many people are afraid to claim how stressful it really is because of how joyful it is presented to us everywhere else (wedding magazines, Instagram, Facebook). I have tried my best to embrace the mantra of “remembering what the day is all about”, but that message only goes so far! There are some communication skills that can be used here to make a stressful event planning experience into something much more meaningful, shared, and memorable.

I think this communication skill could really be used for any big moment or stressor in your life: work, transitions, kiddos, cars, packing, lost socks...It can wait, and reminding yourself to pause, breathe, write it down, or talk it out at a time that’s good for both of you is so important. Giving each other that brain space is what might create more joyful moments in a partnership and this very special time in your life.

We would love to hear what is working or has worked for you to make this wedding planning process run smoothly! Feel free to send us a message to jenandalex@lakelovephoto.com. We hope to share your ideas with our current and future clients!

Lake Love,
Jen Walts

Kicking Off with a Carousel / March 18, 2017 by Jennifer Walts

We received a client e-mail from one of our May 2016 wedding couples that read, “I’m not looking for a typical, traditional photographer, as our wedding venue is quite unique (it houses a working carousel that was built in 1916).” I immediately shrieked a pretty vibrant, “ALEX! EEEE!!! Oh my goodness. Come in here, and look at this e-mail!” Of course, I was more than excited about this carousel situation (I’m slightly in love with carousels!), but I have to admit I was even more pumped about the words “not looking for a typical, traditional photographer”. THIS IS SO TOTALLY US!

Thinking back on all of our work last season, we are so grateful for so many memories. Our first wedding of the season kicked off with this seaside, housed carousel (including gorgeous lighthouse, beachside rocks, and a well-lit reception space!). From the moment we arrived, we were not short of scenic landscape to choose from for any portrait photos. And the ceremony!! Ocean views for days! It was so fun to see “Cake By the Ocean” in real life!

The weddings we worked last season were all so unique. From that seaside carousel in New Haven to a historic Rhode Island mansion in Portsmouth, and from a rooftop garden in Springfield to an oceanside resort on Martha’s Vineyard, we loved where our work took us: some of the most beautiful places we’ve experienced in New England. Our 2017 wedding season will bring us to Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts!

Such a diversity of venues excites us (and challenges us!) as we are so fortunate to witness couples showcasing and celebrating their relationship in a creative way that at the end of the day says, “This is us.” We LOVE this part about our work with clients. You are unique, and we love telling the story of your most special day.

For us, this year is all about new beginnings. This blog, on our brand new website, is just the beginning of a fresh opportunity for us to tell our stories through words, as well as photographs. We can’t wait to start creating some new artwork for you, your family, and loved ones, because we just love love.