I received an email inquiry and it was long. Very, very long. Quite possibly the longest I’d ever received. Kimberly introduced herself as the newly engaged fiance of Daniel and then she began talking. Not about her wedding, not about being a princess for a day, not about a beautiful white dress. She talked about him, and about how he changed her life. She told me that, more than anything, she just could not wait to be a Mrs. Not just any Mrs. but his. Mrs. She bragged about what he’s accomplished, and she beamed with pride over the man that was soon to be hers forever. I don’t know at what point it happened but somewhere in between periods and exclamation points, I fell in love with Kimberly.
We had a Skype meeting (they live in VA) to see if we were a good fit for each other. When the computer screen lit up, I could see a spark in his eyes. A distinct, masculine fire burning from the depth of his soul. And every time he turned to look at her, the fire raged even stronger. He talked to me about how much she meant to him. He softened his voiced as he looked over his left shoulder and told me she was the most beautiful woman he has ever met, both inside and out. He told me that, more that anything, he just couldn’t wait to become her Mr…. forever. And somewhere between fiery endearing looks and smiles that would make any heart melt, I fell in love with Daniel.
But more than falling in love with them individually it was about falling in love with them together. As a team. As a partnership. They are, in every way, my “ideal” couple and client. Their love for each other is so very, very evident. And their wedding day? Probably the most emotionally-charged, sincere, love-filled wedding I have been to all year. Their families just beamed with excitement. At the end of the day Kimberly’s father stood up to give a toast at their wedding reception at the Heritage Hotel and, in between tears and laughter made a statement that I will never forget. “One of the hardest things a dad will ever have to do is let go of his baby girl and give her to another man. I have been first in Kimberly’s life for a long time but today I step down to second. And there is no other man I’d rather take second to than Daniel”.
You two….oh you two…it really, honestly, truly was such an honor to share in your wedding day. I hope and pray that your love story continues to inspire so many others around you. Love you both from the bottom of my heart!
Kimberly’s dress from Watters suited her perfectly. I also love when brides get a custom hanger designed because it adds a special touch….and looks much better than the traditional plastic hangers. 🙂 You know it’s bound to be a good when you show up and there are a pair of shoes by a pair named Badgley and Mischka. Ohhh yes….and these Badgley Mischka’s did not disappoint. Jocelyn of Jocelyn Tonne Makeup was on site to get the girls looking their best. To all my future brides: HIRE HER! She is thebomb.com (ok, not really…no idea if that website even exists). And she happens to be getting married herself this week! There is absolutely no question where Kimberly and her 3 gorgeous sister get their drop dead gorgeous looks from! Kimberly had her 3 sister and her mother help her get dressed. It was such a sweet thing to see 4 sisters who really, honestly loved each other so much and got along so well. Kimberly, oh Kimberly….you are breathaking!That shot on the left is one of my favorites from this year 🙂Love these reactions to seeing Kimberly walk down to meet her dad.While Rachel and I spent the morning with the girls, Adam headed over to hang out with the guys while they got ready.Daniel got his guys custom engraved Swiss Army knives as their groomsmen gifts…prettty sweet, if you ask me! Kimberly enjoys sewing so she hand-sewed a cover for every ceremony program. That, my friends, is major DIY-dedication. on their wedding day, but this one was especially sweet because Kimberly has always had a love for vintage skeleton keys.” title=”Wedding at the heritage hotel in southbury CT | Connecticut wedding photographer | need wedding photographer_022″ /> Right before Kimberly walked down the aisle she was given a gift from Daniel (whom she hadn’t seen yet). Pretty sure every girl deserved a little blue box on their wedding day, but this one was especially sweet because Kimberly has always had a love for vintage skeleton keys. Annnnd, here we go!Kimberly and Daniel’s wedding ceremony was such a heartfelt one, performed by her childhood priest. Kimberly also made streamers with bells attached for the guests to wave as they exited the church.Best.bridal.party.ever!I kinda adored Kimberly’s bridesmaids. If I could, I would have put them all in my pocket and taken them home with me. And let’s talk for just one second about how gorgeous they all are!!For Kimberly and Daniel’s wedding portraits we headed over the Fairfield Hills in Newtown, CT. The structures and grounds of Fairfield Hills made a perfect backdrop for wedding photos, even though we had to stay 15 feet away from the buildings. Love these two!While I was photographing their portraits with Rachel, Adam made is way over to the Heritage Hotel in Southbury to photograph their wedding details.For the escort cards Kimberly and Daniel collected skeleton keys and hung them on wooden shutters. Love this idea!Ok. Let’s just pause for one second and nod in agreement that I seriously have the best clients in the world! In lieu of favors, Kimberly and Daniel gave each guest a pebble which they had to place in one of three jars. Each of the three jars represented a different charity that they support. One of the charities was Thirst Relief!!! I was ELATED to see this! I loved the simple table decor Kimberly and Daniel had of vintage glassware with single blooms in them.The speeches by the maid of honor and best man were some of the most touching I have ever heard.One of the things I loved about shooting Kimberly and Daniel’s wedding at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury was that there was a large window in the back that illuminated the head table during the speeches.
Huuuge thanks to Jim Aldridge of Romantic Entertainment for effortlessly entertaining the guests during their wedding reception at the Heritage Hotel.
I don’t think I could be any happier! The day was so emotion filled – with love and laughter. You captured it perfectly. Thank you just seems to fall flat. You and your team was phenomenal. THANK YOU!
your wedding was so beautiful!! I’m so glad there are so many gorgeous pictures, it’s like I was there 🙂
These pictures are amazing! Your depiction of the day is spot on. All the emotion and love felt on that day can clearly been seen through these photos. They are truly beautiful and thank you so much!
Alicia – You and your team did a phenomenal job on the day of my sister’s wedding! You caught stunning shots and never once during the day did I feel like we were overpowered by your presence. I’ve been to many a wedding where all you noticed was the photographers and by no means was that your team. Truly professional. Thank you for capturing these memories of my (growing!) family.
WOW (kimberly I am doing that thing with my hands when I make Ws with my hands and hold them up to my jaw dropping mouth – I do this when no words come out)
These photos are beautiful! You did a great job capturing all the candid moments. Those are always my favorite!
These photos are absolutely “AWW INSPIRING”!! Congratulations Kimberly and Daniel, you are a gorgeous couple!
The photos you took are wonderful! Through the photos, all can remember Daniel & Kimberly’s perfect wedding day! Thank you for doing such a good job!
Oh MY LORD! I am A. so mad I was unable to make it. B. Was in a ball of tears reading and looking at the photos, that I’m pretty sure I would have been hysterical at the wedding. You both are so amazing and glad that we have met and will hopefully continue to be apart of each others lives! Miss you both! Congrats Again!
These are beautiful and classic. The simple color scheme let the beauty of the bridal party shine. Gorgeous photos, congratulations!
These are all beautiful pictures!! Great job capturing so many great moments from such a special day!
The pictures turned out awesome, it was the best weekend and a great day!
To my cousin Daniel and new cousin Kimberly,
What a lovely celebration. These pictures capture each breathtaking moment of laughter and love. I especially adore the ones where the men in your life (Kimberly) see you in your wedding attire for the first time- the emotions of both your father and of Daniel’s unforgettable! Looks like the day was enjoyed by all and I wish I could have been there to celebrate with everyone. May each day be a renewal of those vows and may you continue to learn new things about one another and see your love grow. Should you ever visit Alaska, you always have a place to stay! Lovingly, The Van Dam/Larson Family
Dean, Jeanne, Rhiley, Keely, & Logan
Very beautiful! Makes me wish we could have made it, if the pictures are this stunning I can only imagine what it was like in real life. So happy for you both! We love you very much!
Kimberly, could you be any more photogenic?! Goodness girl… you are beautiful and so it seems was your day. So excited for you guys.
Man these pics are pro. Just like West to go 100% all out.
What a beautifull couple Kimberly & Daniel make !! They are a great example of what marriage should be all about!! They have made a life time committment and are so happy together. The happiness comes through in the photos that we have seen and also when seeing them in person”Love shines thru”.
All the happiness to you,Mr.& Mrs West!!
Gorgeous photos! I love all the personal touches. Looks like it was an amazing day!
Daniel looks so handsome, especially when he at Kimberly!
Thanks Alicia! I love my wife and these pictures are perfect.
Beautiful photos! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. West!!
So gorgeous! What a great couple! The pictures are beautiful!
I think most brides are striving to look half as good as you do in these pictures. Absolutely beautiful!
Beautiful wedding!
These absolutely amazing photos brought tears to my eyes. You and your team were so professional. As I scrolled through, I just kept repeating – oh, I remember that or I missed seeing that. So glad you caught it all. A lifetime of love and memories. We finally have a son!! Janis Solheim
What a beautiful wedding! Kimberly, you looked stunning! Love all of the details! So happy for you both!! 🙂
Love them all…great photos
Epic photography. Everyone looks amazing. Congrats bro!
Nice pictures !!!!!
Great pictures of a great day!!
Beautiful photos! Congrats again, Kimberly and Daniel. Lots of love to you! XO Audrey, Jay and Lucy
Wonderful wedding and awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing the big day with me! Congrats!
These may just be the most beautiful wedding pictures I’ve ever seen! I love the pictures and your comments about the couple- You definitely did an incredible job of capturing the two of them & this beautiful day!
Simply wonderful! Such love and joy!
Aunt Annette and Uncle Chuck
These are such wonderful pictures! Everything…all through the weeding! Lovely gown and bride…also such a handsome groom! Loved your colors! Everything! Thank you for sharing! Love!
Amazing!! I wish you both the amazing marriage that your wedding day portrays. Bless you both in your journey and union 🙂
Beautiful pictures!! Congratulations Kimberly & Daniel!
The photos are GORGEOUS! Kimberly, you look beautiful – no surprise! Congratulations!!
Gorgeous! These photos capture it all!
I absolutely love the photographer’s eye in these photos. She captured so many emotions on Kimberly’s special day! From the photos of her shoes to the letter Kimberly wrote to her almost Husband, are so authentic! Gorgeous photos and gorgeous bride and groom!
Pictures are beautiful, bride was beautiful, wedding was beautiful.
I was in tears looking at these beautiful photos. The mixture of black and white as well as color photos was great! I also loved how the photographer gave the viewer a view of all the little extras that Kimberly and Daniel had at their wedding, such as the vitage keys and wine bottle vases. Absolutely beautiful photography!
These pictures are absolutely gorgeous!! The attention to detail is fabulous and the photographer really captured the bride’s beauty 🙂
What an absolutely stunning wedding! Congratulations to you both!
Congratulions Kimberly! I hope the new job is going well!
These pictures are beautiful!! Congratulations!!
Loved the pictures Kimberly & West!! You both looked amazing 🙂 Congrats Congrats Congrats!!
You were such a beautiful bride Kimberly! Congrats again to you and Daniel!!! The pictures are amazing!
Congratulations Kimberly! The pictures are amazing!
Stunning Pictures! Best Wishes to the happy couple!