2018 was another amazing year for me! This year brought continued business growth, beautiful detailed weddings, and spirited couples & families. I also had a variety of opportunities to photograph with repeat local photographers at their weddings and it affirms that I am doing good work and I thank them for the chance to practice and grow. My weddings took me to new and different venues from beach side to brewery and made my rustic heart happy.

My first first look of the year was in April by the water at John & Victoria's Pavilion on Crystal Lake day. Victoria's engagement set was stunning to photograph, it really helped that she worked for the jewler and I loved that a family member made their cake. The bridal party was helpful and goofy giving me tons of posing ideas for portraits. The staff at Pavilion was accomodating to their vendors and it wasmuch appreciated!

Teresa and Ryan's Lodge of Maneely's wedding in July was such a sweet day filled with my most favorite detail shots I've done so far. Teresa's dress was out a boho dream thanks to Everthine Bridal and the flower headband made her look. Ryan was as joyful to see his bride coming down the aisle and his grandfather performed the ceremony (how cute is that?!)

During the summer months of participated in a styled shoot put on by the amazing Heather Benge of Styled Shoots Across America which is exactly how it sounds. Traveling around the United States hosting these events are such a fun way to look at some very pretty and curated wedding themes to expand my portfolio.

My least traditional couple was the laid back wedding of Christy and Jason in Norfolk, Connecticut. We drove up to Daniel Hill State Park where 30 of their closest family and friends watched them exchange vows. This park is a special place for Jason because of his late friend's ashes are scattered and it was magic to witness this honest love and families coming together. Its those moments to live for. After the vows came the reception at home with a special "family" dance occurred.

Kathy and Aaron's Crystal Ballroom event was almost a rain out but the garden was in full bloom and amazing! The first dance was complimented by the crystal chandeliers and love between the couple and their daughter, Analiese. The dance floor was packed and one of my most favorite moments was Kathy and her Dad's first look. You could just feel the pride of a father during this moment.

The Hops Company brewery in Derby, Connecticut was my most interesting venue. Alyssa and Sean chose an intimate ceremony of 15 family members to witness their vows and then about 60 more came for the party and celebrate. I loved photographing in the beer garden and the stunning bouqets from my hometown shop The Green Petal in Wallingford.

The last wedding of 2018 was Xiomara and Mike's Riverview party! The day felt like love and family -- even myself and my associate were included in the merriment and they made us feel so welcomed. The congregation erupted at the first kiss and Xiomara was so excited to greet every guest with a big hug. Mike's groomsmen were fun and the couple's son Cameron take the cutest kid title this year.

Towards the end of the year I put on my second Holiday mini sessions at Herzig Tree Farm. What a success!! I really enjoyed getting some new families and kiddos in front of my lens after a long wedding season as well as some old clients too. All these snowflake smiles wrapped up my year perfectly.

Thank you for a great year!

All smiles,
Mariel