Every time we photograph a wedding, I leave feeling like we’ve made new friends, or even become part of a new family! Years ago I photographed Ashley’s friend’s wedding, and as a bridesmaid, Ashley got to know us! When Will proposed, she remembered us for her New England wedding. Because of those connections I make at each wedding, I am alway so excited to see familiar faces again, reconnect and formnew relationships with yet another family. Ashley and Will’s wedding was no exception.

I arrived at the Delamar Southport hotel, which is the cutest hotel I have ever been in. The suite of rooms comfortably fit 11 girls getting ready, plus the most picturesque bedroom for Ashley to get dressed in. Ashley had told me that her color scheme was navy and cream and the bedroom couldn’t have been a more perfect background (and totally unplanned) to fit in with the decor of the day! The Anne Barge dress elegantly perched on the mirror just before Ashley’s Mom and sister helped her into it. The joy from all three people in this room and Ashley as a most beautiful bride could have kept me taking pictures here all day!

Downstairs, two very important guys in Ashley’s life waited for her. Ashley’s father waited in the foyer, while her grandfather waited in front of the hotel in his classic car. If I could make a guess, I would say that Ashley takes after her father. When her Dad first saw her coming out of the elevator, he immediately looked away and up to keep his emotions at bay. Ashley did the same exact thing. Once we all laughed about it, her parents helped her gather her dress up and help her into Grandpa’s car.

Of course, while I thought I was out of reach from the hurrricane climbing up the southern coast, the rain managed to settle on this little New England town where Brooklawn Country Club nestled in. I made sure to arrive extra early to figure out our rain plan. Brooklawn is surrounded by a wrap around porch, which if I’m being honest, I would have used regardless of the weather! I just love how clean and picturesque the porches on this venue are!

Sheltered from the mist, under the awning Will waited for Ashley for their first look. We took every picture of Ashley and Will within 25 yards of this very spot! It was absolutely beautiful!

Fortunately, the rain held off for one part of the day, the ceremony. Brooklawn was very flexible in how they set up the ceremony site, since it was still misting when they were setting up. While not traditional, Ashley and Will were outside of the venue, and all their guests sat under the porch to witness the ceremony. Since there was no center aisle, I had to be sure to forewarn Ashley’s parents that I would likely be sitting at their feet for the ring exchange and the first kiss! I have to say, I loved being able to see all the smiling faces from the guests from this untraditional perspective of the ceremony!

After the ceremony, it was cocktails, catching up with old friends and family, and then finally time to party! I think I had heard a thing or two about Will and his dance moves, but it was another thing to be able to catch him on the dance floor all night long. The energy never stopped and it was so fun to capture! There are just some weddings where it’s actually hard to say goodbye because you’re having so much fun and this was one of them!

Congratulations, Ashley and Will! We loved being part of your beautiful wedding day!

Venue: Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield, CT

Wedding planner: Mary Thornton, Party Party

Makeup Artists: Alexa Rae Makeup

Hair: Andria Tobey

Wedding dress: Anne Barge

Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale

Florist: Lemon Dahlia Flowers

Invitations: Mary Thornton – Party Party

Transportation: DATTCO

Rentals: Smith Party Rentals and House of Hough

Videographer: First Day Films

Entertainment: Hank Lane – Jeff Lubin Band