This year has been one wild ride for every business owner. In addition to the last year reschedules I had a pregnancy to handle while giving my couples the best experience! I think I managed pretty well and have some beautiful moments to share with you all during my End of Year Review. There was so many kind families and deserving couples and thrilled everyone got their dream days!

Engagements weren't really much of what I photographed this year because I did them all pre-pandemic but its all good because weddings were magic and the dance floors were packed! All my couples were fantastic and gracious showering me with congratulations and cooperative wedding parties as well!

The season kicked off in June with Timmy and Kathryn and their Northampton, MA downtown wedding. It was intimate and their venue was an old train station which was super unique. We got to sneak away for some amazing portraits near Smith College in a secret garden! Maid of honor award goes to Kathryn's bestie Ellen who made the veil toss epic! Ariana and Stephen also had a really amazing venue at Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT- the ceremony courtyard was perfect and the lighting was just right. They faced some challenges since Steve is from the UK and his family travelling internationally with Covid but they managed to throw a great party! I loved the travel theme!

Courtney and Matt's day was laid back, relaxed and at their home they just renovated. It was a family affair to put it all together! Courtney is a vendor friend and I was so honored she wanted me to be there to capture it. It also meant hiring a different second shooter, Zack (who got some great candid shots for me). Best dance moves did go to Matt who really whirled and twirled Courtney around the floor.

The wildest weather wedding went to Megan and Cole and their backyard Vernon day. I love spending time in couple's homes and their style was up my ally. There was storm clouds were brewing on the drive up and I hoped for the best but mother nature didn't care. The first look needed a bit of a delay as it starting pouring but we made it happen with umbrellas and some tree cover. It didn't deter them from enjoying the moment together and I had to make some quick portrait magic. The ceremony was tented and for good measure because the thunder was so loud we could barely hear the vows but come on - they were so excited to be announced as married!

Christa and Ryan get the award for sweetest couple being together since high school. They got married at a quaint church in Vernon and reception at
Truly a photographer dream scenario. I also got to work with someone new, Margit of Full of Whimsy Photography. She delivered another round of great candid photos and that is why a second person is key to getting some great images for your galleries.

When it came to Jamilee and Rich's day at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford the party just didn't stop. The FOB took the cake for most entertaining and was checking in on me all night making sure I was feeling good. What I also enjoyed most about their love story is that they dated in the past went their own ways and came back together and completed their family. Jamilee was also true to herself, ditching the wedding dress for athletic wear so she could really dance!

Molly and Dylan's day was relaxed and hands down had amazing florals from Barn Door Blooms that matched the venue and fall perfectly! Two Roads Brewery is such a great space for a wedding and the vendor team worked together so well. My favorite veil fly was in front of the hops wall which has graced my homepage!

Closing off the year was Jill and Tim with their classy Middletown wedding at the Wadsworth Mansion. Really loved the florals, the vintage car of Tim's uncle, her structured dress, ceremony love circle, and defiantly the party atmosphere. Shooting this day very pregnant and being a later night affair I was able to get so many portraits that I love because how photogenic they are- it made the day much easier!

There are some new images you probably haven't seen before and I really loved looking back through this year. Thank you to everyone of my couples, their friends, their families and all the vendors I got to work with --to many more adventures and love for 2022!

All Smiles,

Mariel