For the past few years there has been this trend of couples seeing each other prior to the "walking down the aisle" called first looks. In my consultations I get asked often about whether its a good idea.

This day at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse with AnneMarie and Larry had my favorite details and lighting of the year! I arrived at the salon where the bride was getting the finishing touches on her hair and make-up. I got to meet her mother and maid of honor and enjoyed some hot cider and breakfast items...

There are some beautiful *bonus* weddings I got to witness this year from so many talented photographers. It is so fun to be able to be an associate for the day! In a way it's more relaxing. I get to take the time for more creative shots and to be more observant. This year most of my experiences was shooting with Courtney Lynn (who my couples have seen). We got into a great rhythm this year and when you find a great professional working relationship you hold on to it. Thank you so much to all the leads I've met and worked with old and new! Enjoy!

Wedding are what really drives Mariel O. Photo! Don't get me wrong I do fill in my year with family and other projects but these images have my heart. Looking back at my favorites of course bring me back to each day and how special and unique each wedding is. A friend of mine always asks if I get sick of weddings, and truth is I don't. There is such excitement all around and to be honest that energy is contagious.

So I am a little behind with this blog post but this wedding in early October was so spectacular! The day started pretty cool and cloudy but really turned around with amazing light. I showed up at Powder Ridge Park in Middlefield, Connecticut to start with the bride. Mary, her girls, and both mothers were there - pretty calm and collected, just as I suspected. The hair and make up team just had a few more touch ups.

Well I thought I would do something a bit different -- blog MY own wedding! It has been 5 years since Michael and I got married and this milestone deserves something special. After we go married that is when I transitioned from taking portraits and kids to love, couples and weddings. It has been such a ride these years and looking at these photos bring back those priceless memories of the best day ever 10.18.14!!

Super happy to have the chance to go back to the Lodge at Maneely's in South Windsor, Connecticut. The laid back nature of Sam and Chris are what they loved most about the lodge and the day reflected the fun and relaxing atmosphere.

The Riverview in Simsbury was a perfect setting to my last wedding of the year. The weather the week previous was a bitter cold but on the day of was a pleasant 50 degrees with a light snowfall and rain. I hit a bucket list photo stop - the Drake Hill Flower Bridge minus the flowers was great for the wedding party portraits.

This Riverview wedding in Simsbury, Connecticut had a packed dance floor all night long with Xiomara & Michael's family and friends. You could feel the love all day from the start at Simsbury Inn with the bridesmaids cozy together around the bride to the congregation erupting with applause and woo's at the first kiss at St. Catherine of Siena, and the party I did not want to leave! It was great fun to bop around the quaint town of Simsbury stopping at a bucket list location Drake Hill Flower Bridge.Congratulations again Mr. & Mrs. Urbinati!

Each wedding is unique and I really enjoy the personal touches each of my couples puts on their day. Alyssa & Sean are avid beer drinkers and chose The Hops Company brewery in Derby, CT to exchange their vows and become Mr. & Mrs! You can't beat autumn vibes in New England and you can check out their epic Castle engagement session here. I loved visited this brewery and the beer garden made for a unique location to get married.