This post shows some more of my favorite formals, details and the fabulous and fun reception! There was so much dancing at this wedding, from guests of all ages. It was awesome to see everyone rocking together!

Katie + Max’s youngest daughter waves at a screen showing a photograph of her parents, about 10 years earlier.

Patrick + I at the end of the night – having a blast! Thanks again Patrick!

The forecast for the day was not the best.  Luckily for the couple (and me), the rain held off and we were able to get some fantastic shots of them outside at their gorgeous venue, The Brookside Club in Bourne, MA.  The day started out with the girls getting ready at a nearby hotel, and the boys doing likewise at a groomsmen’s home.  I must say, there’s just something awesome about being a part of the getting ready aspect of the day.  It’s intimate, emotional and full of anticipation.  The ceremony was held under a tent outside on the beautiful grounds of the Brookside Club. It was a moving and personal ceremony, one I was glad to witness

There are just too many photos for one post!  I’ve decided to split the day’s photos into 2 posts (part 2 coming to a Crabapple Photography Blog near you tomorrow). This post has the getting ready photos, the ceremony and some of my favorite formal and detail shots thrown in.  A very special thank you to my second shooter Patrick for all of this hard work and amazing photos.

Congratulations Katie + Max!

Enjoy the preview, there are more to come!  Psyched for their September wedding!

The happy couple in front of a beautiful pond, Prudential Building in the distance

LOVE!

In New England, planning a wedding in the winter can be like playing a game of Russian roulette.  Certainly the summer carries it’s own potential weather problems, but in general, in Massachusetts, most weddings occur during the warmer months.  You may get rained on, or a hurricane might whip through town, but you can be pretty certain it won’t snow.  The thing is, photos from a wedding set in a winter wonderland are gorgeous.  You can have your cake and eat it too!  Steve and Courtney got married on the beach during the summer surrounded by all of their friends and family with the warmth of the summer sun.  Then, a year and a half later, they ‘Rocked the Dress’ in a photography session on the beach in the winter, with snow!

By now, most people have heard about the “Trash the Dress” phenomenon. The thought is, you spent a lot of money on a wedding gown and you got to wear it for one, albeit glorious, day.  So why not don your dress once again and get some fabulous, fierce photos?  I like to “Rock” a Dress, rather than trash it. Trashing may occur, but it’s not always necessary. Rocking it is just so much more … well, rock star.  Besides having fun getting dressed up and wearing your gown again, a couple’s Rock the Dress session can be a reminder of why you got the dress in the first place. A few days after the shoot I received an email from Courtney saying, “Steve and I (and Bodie too) had a blast and could not stop telling all of our friends about how fun the whole experience was …  Later that night Steve and I went out for a nice dinner to celebrate our “second marriage,” and to create a perfect ending to a perfect day.  I honestly must say this really was such wonderful experience for both of us.”

Here are a few (ok a lot, I had a rough time choosing photos for this blog post, but there are a lot more!) examples from our winter Rock the Dress. Enjoy!

Love was definitely in the air. But being surrounded by snow, how can you possibly pass up a snowball fight? Dousing your hubby with snow is just too tempting!

The photography session would not have been complete without their Labrador Retriever, Bodie.  He was such a good pup and provided us with a lot of reasons to smile!  Sadly, a few months back Bodie was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a result of an irresponsible breeder.  Frustrated and angry, Courtney and Steve set out to help the cause. They’ve formed a dogs with MD support group, as well as helped to raise money for humans with MD. Please check out http://www.mdausa.org/ to see how you can help.

..:: Man and his best friend ::..

Photography is a collaboration, even if it’s just between the photographer and the subject.  However this time we had loads of help! Thanks to Ashley Brecken who did Courtney’s hair + makeup, my husband for being our “Lighting Guy,” Courtney’s family who helped dog sit and Courtney + Steve (and dog Bodie!) for being amazing and willing models! Thanks to everyone for braving the February chill, we had a fun winter wedding on the beach in New England.  Or at least we have the pictures that say we did

:.. Winer wedding on the beach ..:

There are about 500 billion more images I wanted to share but I am trying my hardest to edit down this post.  I will post a lot more on Crabapple Photography’s Facebook page, so go check it out.  Show some love for Carrie + Patrick by heading over to the 2010 Client Thank You post and voting for Carrie + Patrick (#40) so they can win some cool stuff!

:: I’m a sucker for love and these two were oozing with love for each other ::

The getting ready photos! Carrie and her team got ready at the Seven Salon in Stockbridge, MA.  Everyone there was really fantastic and did a great job with all of the ladies.

:: Patrick did his own beard grooming, while his best man helped with the tie ::

“The reveal” has been a phrase dubbed for when the bride and groom choose to see each other before the ceremony.  Historically unorthodox, the reveal has been gaining popularity.  It’s one thing to see your bride as she walks towards you down the aisle in front of all of your family and friends. It’s another thing to have an intimate moment all to yourselves – equally as full of excitement, emotion and anticipation.  Carrie + Patrick were especially adorable during their reveal.  Patrick was visibly anxious and when he finally heard Carrie coming behind him he broke out in dance and started jumping up and down- it was awesome!

:: Carrie’s brother officiated the wedding, adding yet another unique and personal touch to their already very special day ::

Mr. + Mrs.!

It’s no secret I’m somewhat obsessed with ring photos.  I’ve restrained myself and chosen one here to show you. The florist that worked on Carrie + Patrick’s tables and decor pulled together some of the most gorgeous work I’ve seen to date. There were so many props to play with for ring shots!

Carrie + Patrick share a love for dance.  That’s to say, Carrie had a passion for dance and Patrick had a passion for Carrie so he jumped in feet first!  Soon after they met they started taking dance lessons together and since then have even competed together.  I was particularly excited to see their first dance and was not let down. Champion Dance Studio is yet another thing LG + I share in common with these two. On Carrie + Patrick’s recommendation, we went their for our own wedding dance lessons.

Carrie’s brother was recently married and his wife is originally from Denmark. Carrie +  Patrick were so taken by one of her countries traditions they decided to incorporate it into their own wedding.  You know how at a wedding reception in the US, it’s popular for guests to tap their glasses with a fork or knife, signaling the bride and groom must kiss? Well this tradition calls for similar, but the bride and groom have to stand on their chairs to kiss!  There is another cue that requires the bride + groom  go under their table to kiss – it was awesome!  Here they are:

A very special thanks to Carrie + Patrick for making Geoff and I feel like guests at your wedding!  We had an absolute blast watching you two tie the knot.

Wedding Ring photo taken at Tricia + Scott’s wedding at Ski Esta earlier this October. Check out the full post for more wedding photos!

Leave it to Tricia and Scott to come up with such a great date to get hitched. And leave it to them to find an amazing, unique, beautiful and secluded venue in which to get hitched.  To my utter delight, they chose to throw aside tradition and rent a gorgeous home for their wedding weekend. This “home” (castle) is named “Ski Esta.” It’s located minutes from Sunday River in Newry Maine.  You know what they say- pictures are worth a 1,000 words so why don’t I just cut to the chase:

Yep.  This place is at the top of a mountain and during the fall season it overlooks a sea of reds, yellows and oranges.   Ski Esta is truly a picturesque venue for an autumn wedding weekend. I know I had a blast and I’m pretty sure the photos will reflect that I wasn’t the only one.

(L) The bear that greets you upon entering Ski Esta territory. (R) Tricia + Scott exchange vows as the sun sets behind them.

:: The newlyweds ::

Some background: Tricia + I go back to middle school days.  We’ve mostly stayed in contact over the years, but it wasn’t until I moved back to the Boston area that I remembered what a great friend Tricia is.  Needless to say I am over the moon happy for both her and Scott.

As I was editing the “getting ready” photos and watching Tricia, for the second time, get ready for her big day, I was overcome with emotion.  It suddenly struck me how special this moment was.  I’m known to shed a tear or two at weddings I shoot. However, I am also somewhat removed because I’m thinking about light, composition + other technical minutia.  But sitting here, at my computer, I am allowed to think for a minute.  I instantly flashed back to 7th grade picturing the laughter, the tears, the boys + the gossip.  And to suddenly fast forward to HERE.  Now.  Here is Tricia, GETTING MARRIED! And here I am taking the photos because I AM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.  If I could just go back and tell those two little adolescent girls that yes, everything would one day work itself out …

Tricia’s amazing hair + makeup done by the very talented Dana Ross of Che Bella.

Meanwhile, Scott contemplates marriage while playing checkers + shooting pool.

This is one of my favorite shots. It’s Tricia moments before she will descend the stairs and walk the aisle on her brother Jeff’s arm.  Special thanks to LG for jumping in to second shoot and getting this shot.

Tricia’s oldest brother Brian officiated the wedding and pretty much had everyone in tears. Tears of side splitting laughter, and tears of sentimental joy.

(R) Does this look like a man under pressure? This photo could have been taken at one of the many times the officiant (Tricia’s brother Brian) gently reminded Scott that Tricia had 2 older brothers.

:: Married! ::

Some detail shots: rings + Jame’s shoes. Cutest. Shoes. EVER! Tell me I’m wrong.

James is no stranger to this blog, you may have seen his baby photos, or his gorgeous face during the session that eventually became his parents Save the Date cards. Poor little dude was under the weather the day of the wedding.  Here is a rare smile he shares with Dad before the ceremony:

:: What’s a wedding reception without a little football? ::

A photo booth is usually a big hit at weddings.  Guests love them and it allows the bride + groom to capture photos they would otherwise never get.  Tricia + Scott’s however, had a line out the door! It was fantastic to see, and even better to see the resulting images.

Below is a collage of a few and below that is a slide show of even more photo booth photos!  If you’re interested in a photo booth for your next event contact Crabapple Photography today.

If you happened to be a guest at this wedding, there are a LOT more where these came. 483 or so to be precise.  Contact me kate [at] crabapplephotography [dot] com, or email the bride or groom for a link to view and order prints.

:: Congratulations! ::

:: I love the way Heather’s father is looking at her in this photo ::

:: They were really adorable during the ceremony, all smiles ::

:: Mr + Mrs ::

:: Beautiful Bride ::

:: Hotel guests received an amazing welcome bag, complete with Todd + Heather m&m’s. ::

:: Hubby stole my camera at the reception. This is the face you get! Or I’m singing to you, either way. ::

]]> http://crabapplephotography.com/blog/2010/10/york-harbor-inn-wedding/feed/ 4 http://crabapplephotography.com/blog/2010/09/newton-engagement-photos/ http://crabapplephotography.com/blog/2010/09/newton-engagement-photos/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:30:34 +0000 Kate McKenna http://crabapplephotography.com/blog/?p=805 Margie + Frank are getting married THIS Saturday and I’m stoked for the wedding!  A couple of weeks ago, we got the chance to run around the woods in Newton, MA and capture some engagement photos for them.  They were full of ideas, creativity and most importantly – love for each other.  The love was oozing out of them, it was awesome!

Margie grew up and lives in Newton, and the wedding will be in Newton so it was a no brainer to stick with Newton for the engagement shots.  There is a fantastic trail that goes along the river, so we headed in that direction:

:: Amazing suspension bridge + fun with sparklers ::

:: We found this rock in the woods with the words “Pirate Cove” engraved.  Aaand we just so happened to have a pirates hat with us ::

:: More photos! ::

First, head on over to Kara + Scott’s wedding photo sneak peek post – some of my favorite photos from their wedding day are already there!  Also, I’ve uploaded 80 photos from their wedding in a special album on the crabapplephotography.com website.  Click link then find the navigation up top and click weddings, then Kara + Scott from the drop down. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  AND, check these out:

The couple got married at Misslewood, in Beverly MA. It was a perfect, sunny day and the ceremony was amazing right on the ocean.

….:: The Wedding Party from Heaven! So much fun. ::….

Above: Kara being escorted down the aisle by her Mother. Below: Kara walking down the stairs of her childhood home before the wedding.

….:: Misslewood at night ::….

Mom having a blast!

:: There was a lot of kissing ::

:: I couldn’t resist – that’s some Mom love ::

:: Lady Killer ::

:: Misselwood was absolutely gorgeous + right on the ocean. They had a fantastic sunny day too ::

:: Scott is a graphic designer and designed everything for their wedding, including these programs ::

:: View from above ::

Have you ever heard of the Good Wife’s Guide?  If not, it’s high time you did.  The Good Wife’s Guide was supposedly printed in a 1955 issue of Housekeeping Monthly and is full of all sorts of amazing tips on what a wife can do to keep her man happy.  There is a lot of hilarity on this list, but this tip epitomizes the Guide for me:

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

What better way to celebrate upcoming nuptials than to pay homage to the 50′s housewife?! Because well, I am so far from that person (and quite frankly, there was probably never a woman alive who was this person) and also– the Mad Men craze was/is in full effect with all of it’s fabulous clothing and hair styles!

I don’t think I would have wanted a shower at all unless it included all of the following things: pink + teal, martini’s, amazing 50′s outfits, red lipstick + nail polish, curlers, aprons + a fantastic game thought up by the dream team that is my Maid of Honors.  The game was dubbed the “Housewife Relay” and it tested your skills at dust busting, beating an egg, diapering (a teddy bear) and folding a stack of clothing.  The one thing missing was a cigarette hanging out of our mouths while completing these tasks.

Oh! And I grew up in Chelmsford, MA.  It just seemed fitting to have the shower in (what used to be and I still refer to as) the Old Town Hall (what is now actually called the Chelmsford Center for the Arts).  It was the perfect location, providing plenty of space for the photo booth and stage for the housewife timed relay and fit well with the theme.

VISUALS! The centerpieces were hot pink flowers wrapped in light pink tulle, put into blue “vases” (plastic cups) tied up nicely with pink polka dotted bows.

:: (L) Tower ‘O ‘Tini Glasses (R) Yours Truly in my Grandmother’s 50′s garb I found in my attic. I’m in the photo booth here, scroll below for some more amazing shots from the photo booth that night ::

:: No party is complete without a photo booth. Setting it up below ::

:: How well do you know the Bride? A “social mixer” game ::

:: Fantastic prizes included: Tide detergent, pinup Mad Libs, Martini Shaker, broom + dust pan, dish washing gloves, etc. ::

:: Housewife timed relays! How long does it take you and 3 friends to dust bust, crack + beat an egg, diaper a teddy bear and fold a stack of clothing? ::

PHOTO BOOTH SLIDESHOW!
:: Check out a few of my favorites (there were hundreds) from the photo booth ::

As a disclaimer, I refuse to go into the real facts of the decade including the very real the oppression of women at the time, and actually how close to the truth some of those expectations may have been on wives.

.:. We headed to a park in Medford, MA for these engagement photos .:.

.:. These two have a lot of great hobbies and talents.  Dancing is one they share together and have turned LG + I on to it too .:.

.:. I think it’s a tie between the photo below, and the first photo for my favorite of the day (or possibly the photo on the left below this one, or possibly the photo on the right above …. too many! .:.

.:. One idea I had for the engagement photos was to have a picnic. Carrie + Patrick embraced it whole wholeheartedly and had a great time with it.  They were having so much fun with each other, focusing on their affection and admiration for each other that I was free to simply shoot them naturally, and felt almost undetected at times (although I’m sure they’d say otherwise with the constant clicking and flashing) .:.

.:. Football is also a very big part of their lives and they wanted to incorporate it into our Boston engagement session.  Carrie grew up in a family of football lovers who have held Patriot season passes for years.  They may not always root for the same team, however!

.:. Thanks again for a fabulous shoot. Can’t wait for the wedding in October! .:.

During the middle of May, I met up with Scott + Kara at Misselwood at Endicott College, in Beverly, MA where their North Shore wedding will take place.  The pair will get married there in early July and were doing their walk through of the venue.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day, but sticky + humid.  A reminder of the flip side of New England (I’ll take humidity over a snow storm any day, however).

Misselwood itself is an elegant and romantic mansion with grounds overlooking the ocean.  The ceremony will take place overlooking  jaw dropping, breath taking views of the ocean!

The three of us strolled down to a nearby beach and snapped engagement photos of them dancing, laughing, climbing some rather intimidating rocks, and just hanging out together.  Scott + Kara are a very relaxed, sentimental and fun couple – they’ve known each other since they were little! They even went to their 8th grade dance and junior prom together, but didn’t start their current relationship until many years later. They are absolutely adorable and I cannot wait until early July to be a part of their special day!

Meet Mike and Kerri.  I had met Mike, the owner and operator of Hunter Home Repair, a couple of years back when I was in desperate need of some wall repair to my home (I highly recommend him!).  A year or two later I would meet up with both Mike and Kerri to discuss their wedding plans.  I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful these two are.  I feel so honored to have been a part of their very special day.

On a rare, beautiful Saturday afternoon in March 2010, they were married at Stoneham’s First Baptist Church.  I got to hang out with the bride (who looked stunning) and gorgeous bridesmaids before the wedding while they got ready and supported Kerri.  The ceremony itself was very moving.  Mike’s groomsmen performed a version of Be Thou Our Vision during the ceremony (talented bunch!).  A truly unique and amazing gift to the bride and groom (a slideshow with Kerri’s brother Andrew performing the song can be seen here).

:: Some photos of getting ready and the ceremony ::

:: Kerri + her Mom get ready ::

:: Gorgeous light poured through the stained glass window ::

:: The adorable ring bearer watching the ceremony! ::

:: MARRIED! ::

:: Heading off for some photos then the reception ::

:: Uber psyched to be married! ::

After a little photo session with the newlyweds, we headed to the The Lyceum, in Salem, MA for the reception.  This bunch was fun, friendly and a blast– complete with break dancing!  A very special thank you to Korri for being my second shooter and great company all day!

:: First Dance ::

:: Father / Daughter and Mother / Son Dances ::

:: Kerri + her “Mini Me” aka adorable flower girl ::

:: All the Single Ladies! ::

:: Some amazing breakdancing occurred at this wedding reception! ::

:: Congratulations Mr & Mrs! ::

I certainly love them and was PSYCHED to hear that Kat from Rock ‘n Roll Bride thought so too! She featured us on the blog today. Go here to read it and feel free to leave comments: http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2010/02/save-the-cupcakes/.  Below are some screen shots of the post:

I submitted about 22 or so of our “out takes.” My favorite, and the most popular one being of LG holding (presenting) a pan of cupcakes, while our cat, Monsieur L’Orange chills.

Emily and Nanny tied the knot at the Saphire Manor Estate, Sharon MA on a crisp, sunny day in November. My absolute favorite, favorite photo of the day (and arguably top 10 of all time) is of Emily clicking her heels in joy moments after the ceremony. Pure, unbridled, spontaneous joy!