VERMONT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Vermont Wedding Photography

On Saturday the 22nd of June our morning started as any other wedding day, checking the forecast. The last four weddings we did were outside and it rained on all of them. We remind ourselves that a wet knot never comes untied. The forecast was for rain sometime in the afternoon (why would it be any different), on the bright side the wedding this day was our first wedding in a church (a Catholic Church) and the reception was scheduled to be indoors. Lucky for us we were familiar with the area and knew of some great places to shoot the formals besides the church in the event of rain. Our plan for the day was to meet Rebecca in her suite to get some photos of her dress. As we enter the capitol plaza we were shown to the Governor’s Ballroom where the reception was to take place as final touches were put in place. We took this opportunity to get detail shots of the room before heading up to see Rebecca.

When we entered the suite where Rebecca was staying, her bridesmaids were ready to go, Rebecca was helping to get her flower girl Ella Margaret ready before finishing her makeup and putting on her dress. We quickly got to work and set up the dress and the other accessories we were photographing. When we were finished we had about 30 minutes to get to the church to set up and get ready for the brides arrival.

When we arrived at St. Monica’s Church we met with Father Leo who explained the rules of the church, he informed us we could use flash and basically go where we needed just not onto the alter. As the guests were seated and the groom to his place at the altar, we knew it was time for the big arrival. The processional began down the aisle two by two, except for Daniel’s brother Ben who had the pleasure of walking with two Bridesmaids, then appeared the beautiful bride Rebecca on her Father’s arm to meet her Groom Daniel.

In the Catholic Church marriage is a sacrament and a Wedding Mass is performed, which is approximately one hour long. This gave us time to be more creative with our shots. However, the first kiss taking place in the middle of the mass caught us off guard.

Following the ceremony Rebecca and Daniel received their guests while we set up for formal pictures at the altar. Father Leo approached us and asked how long we would be, as confession began at 3:30pm, we assured him we would be done by then and then checked the time, we had 15, 20 minutes maximum to get these shots done. With everyone’s cooperation we were able to get the shots that Rebecca and Daniel had requested and packed up for the drive to Capitol Plaza for the reception. The rain had begun, we went to our trusty bag of umbrella’s and proceeded to photograph Rebecca and Daniel’s exit from the ceremony site in his Grandfather’s 1967 Cougar.

To our surprise we actually arrived at Capitol Plaza ahead of schedule and were greeted by the marquee of the Capitol Theater across the street congratulating Rebecca and Daniel. The bridal party took a break with hors d’oeuvres and champagne and we headed across the street to the pavilion to scout a location for their photographs. The pavilion had a nice long covered porch and great perspectives so we chose this to stay dry. Once the bridal party arrived we set up some shots of them as a group and some of just the beautiful couple before they were to be announced at the reception.

The reception began with the couples parents and bridal party being announced, followed by a standing ovation for the new Mr. & Mrs. Somaini. There was a heart felt toast by the brides Maid of Honor, and a rather brief, unscripted (as he pointed out) toast by the Best Man who was sure to thank Rebecca for allowing Daniel to go on crazy car trips and even giving their son a name with car in it, Carter Julian.

While dinner was served we took time to do detail shots of the rings and Rebecca’s bouquet which had her Memeres necklace attached to it. Following dinner all the traditional dances took place. As we photographed Dan dancing with his Mother and Rebecca dancing with her Father we couldn’t help but see the pride in their eyes for this wonderful couple.

As the evening progress there was the bouquet toss, the garter toss and a lot of dancing, especially by Riley who had a move for every song played by Green Mountain DJ, Riley had some great moves. The couple’s son Carter also sung a beautiful rendition of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” for his parents.

Then came one of our favorite parts of a wedding, the cake cutting, not just because we enjoy a good cake smash now and then, but because we always sneak a piece or in Scott case 2 pieces ;).

As we packed up and the party continued and we reflected on the day, one thing in particular came to mind, this is a family that will give this couple love and support in the marriage for many, many years to come.

Congratulations Rebecca and Daniel, (Becky and Dan), all the best in your future!

VERMONT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY – SOMAINI