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.