Kevin and Kate knew they wanted beach engagement shots. But they are also avid campers, hikers, and generally way more familiar with how to setup a tent or build a fire than I am. So, I suggested we combine the two. They were willing to setup camp if I was willing to wait and wait and wait for the fire to be juuuuust right for some smores shots. But we got them! I’ll admit that I’m really falling in love with CT the more I do engagement shoots. It *makes* me go to this awesome places and have fun. I have discovered more about my new home state just by having couples speak up and say ‘Well- what about here? Or we love here!’ So little by little, I’m making my way across the state. And Rocky Neck Pavilion is now high on my list of ‘must revisit’ places.

I tend to surprise people a lot because I’m pretty active when it comes to getting images I want. I’ll climb things, move things, do a dance- whatever it takes to get the image I want. This tends to surprise people- particularly guests at weddings.

So Natalie and I just went up to VT to do a carnival theme wedding. Natalie and I had discussed how I was going to capture the brides on the swing carnival ride best. My first thought, “Uh…go up with them and ride the thing!”. A guest overheard this and quickly said “Oh no, that’s not possible. You can’t take photos doing that! It’s not doable.”

Fast forward an hour to when the ride was opening. I saw the brides get on the ride out the corner of my eye (I was doing cake shots) and ran to get on. Natalie was busy moving some equipment from me and didn’t even see me go. That’s when she heard “Holy sh*t, is that the photographer on the swing?? Is she taking photos??” Cue Natalie to turn around, realize I’m on the swing taking photos. So she grabs my third camera and takes a few photos of me on the swing with all my camera gear.

I’ll admit that I was semi nervous. Me, in a carnival ride, swinging around, high above the ground, with all my equipment. But that thought lasted a moment because I knew I wanted the shot. Did I mention I’m terrified of heights? And get motion sick really easily? I got off the ride pretty wobbly and in my rush to get on the ride had basically spotted a guest watching and said “Hey, could-you-hold-my-second-camera-k-thanks-bye” and ran onto the ride. As I got off, I went to fetch my camera and thank the guest and the first thing out of her mouth was “Wow, that was badass.” Looking at the photos of me on the swing I look more ‘Uhhh…crap. I’m doing this.” than badass. But I’ll take it.

Part two: Here we go!

D’Alizza and Lonny are exactly the kind of couple I adore. They met salsa dancing in Miami and struck up a relationship. D’Alizza made the decision to convert to Orthodox Judaism and have an Orthodox wedding. Their synagogue rallied behind them to pull together this community focused wedding with emphasis on family, love, and religion. Sixth and I Historic Synagogue is a place I really adore. Natalie worked there for a year and the staff is just a-mazing. When I first saw the bimah and the preserved architecture of the synagogue, I waited for a wedding inquiry. I wished for one. And boy did I get one! Pure 100% joy just streamed from D’Alizza and Lonny all day. Literally. Nothing mattered but the commitment those two made that day. They were excited for THAT more than anything else. And THAT is why I adore them. Oh, and the fact that they are the most warm and funny people…little things like that The couple shots and reception images to come tomorrow. And big thanks to Lara Swanson for helping me really capture the ceremony.

Getting Ready Hotel: The Donovan House
Makeup: Ana Merces
Flowers: Sidra Forman
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Sixth and I Historic Synagogue
Kosher Caterer: Dahan Catering

Johanna and Kamran wanted something slightly different for their engagement shoot. Not too pretty. Not too broken down. So they discovered Collinsville CT. It was so cold that day, Johanna’s lips turned blue. Like, for reals blue. She assured me this happens all the time. Still. Freaked me out.

But Arthur, their labrador, kept tugging us along and the wind made for some great photos. Arthur even braved the bridge (with a lot of sweet words from Kamran). And Johanna’s vintage green polka dot dress, ribbon shoes, and hat made me swoon. We then broke out the picnic and they helped me lay out the blanket for our last minute pictures. After about 10 minutes of the picnic pictures by the river, my hands were so cold I was having trouble adjusting my camera settings. So it was a wrap. Somehow Kamran had enough dexterity to drive us all back to New Haven. I’m sooo excited about their wedding in August!