So when we met at their fabulous sun-drenched NYC apartment, this most fabulous and fun-loving couple brought with them to the shoot not only their smiles, obvious mad about each other love for each other, but a real and larger than life and totally infectious joie de vivre. And of course hitting the streets of their neighborhood for our pictures was like setting us free in a fun zone. Every corner brought on a new adventure.

They’re getting married in September in Groton Long Point, on the Connecticut Shore Line(GLP to those in the know), one of Sarah’s favorite places in the world, and where she spent her summers growing up. A place where the two of them can share in all of those things that they love to do together from cooking to painting, hiking and riding bikes. A very special place to get married for a very special couple, and I can’t wait for that September day.

“Jon-Paul and I met at my first job working at a bakery in New Paltz (near where we went for some of the engagement pics). It was the summer before my junior year and his senior year of high school (we attended neighboring high schools). We never thought our summer fling would lead to us marrying 10 years later! We both attended Binghamton University and then had a long distance relationship while I was in graduate school for counseling and Jon-Paul began his career in finance in Westchester. After I received my masters degree in school counseling, I got a job as a junior high school counselor in Westchester. We got engaged in November of 2009 after dating for 9 years. He planned the perfect proposal at a lookout point on the Shawangunk Mountains that overlooks all of New Paltz and Highland (our hometowns) and the beautiful fall foliage. I was never the type of girl that had fantasized about exactly what I wanted my wedding to be, so it was fun to begin the planning. Both my mother and one of my brothers graduated from Vassar College and I had always loved the chapel and beautiful grounds. I took Jon-Paul to go see the chapel and he too loved it. We booked it for our ceremony and found a wonderful officiant, Reverend Paul Mayer. For the reception, we both loved The Grandview located overlooking the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, NY, where we had previously attended Jon-Paul’s best man’s wedding. When thinking about a bridal party, we decided to have just our two closest friends as our Maid of Honor and Best Man. Jon-Paul and I have two cousins each that are the same ages, so we asked all 4 to be flower girls and my cousin to be the ring bearer. We are very close to our families and love our cousins, so we wanted children to be involved in the whole day. After all the planning the day had arrived and we couldn’t have asked for better weather- low 70′s and sunny. Everything came together from the flowers to the band. The day went off without a hitch and we enjoyed every minute!”

Ceremony: Vassar College Chapel (mother and brother graduated from there)
Reception: The Grandview Poughkeepsie, NY
Dress: Paloma Blanca
Dress Shop: The Town Shop (a local dress shop in Poughkeepsie, NY. I actually got both my prom dresses there too, which was sweet because I went to both proms with Jon-Paul too!)
Shoes: Cole Haan (with Nike Air technology so they were extra comfy!)
Flowers: Marianne’s Floral Garden Poughkeepsie, NY
Band: Jonny Rosch and Friends
Jewelry: My mother had a special ring made for my wedding day (something new) with a pearl (something old) that belonged to my beloved Aunt Fran who passed when I was younger, set between two sapphires which is my birthstone (and something blue!). For my something borrowed, my father gave me one of his handkerchiefs, which you captured in a great shot in our album!

It’s not uncommon for me to joke that I’ve thought of starting a model agency for “wedding kids”, just because they’re so cute, and of course, make for great photo ops. And with that in mind, and as our wedding season cranks into full gear, I thought, what better time would there be to revisit some past and present wedding kids’ moments, and to celebrate the unguarded fabulousness of youth and their unique ability to really know how to party. As always, we appreciate hearing from you with your thoughts on our post, and on your own personal experiences. Enjoy!

And with Spring and weddings in the air, a small special request to all of our friends (and family, too). Our friends at Moffly Publications (Westport, Greenwich, Darien/New Canaan, the new Fairfield Living Magazines) is starting the voting for their annual “Best of the Gold Coast 2012″ issue. And well, we’d just very much like to be part of the goings on. But in order for that to happen, we need a few of you (and your friends, and everyone you’ve ever met, including your old school teachers), to vote for us through this attached quick entry form. If you really live in the area and know the local restaurants, hang out at some of our favorite or your favorites pubs (been to the Little Pub in Ridgefield?), well then put in your vote for your favorite hang outs, but either way, wind your way through the pages and you’ll find a spot to vote for your favorite local wedding photographer. And well, what can I say? If that happens to be me, I’ll be flattered, honored, and most appreciative of your support and the time that you’ve taken to fill out the entry.

Enough said. Now it’s time to Spring forward! And remember what we long-time New Englanders always say, if you don’t like the weather, wait a day, and it’ll change.

Moffly Media Best of the Gold Coast Vote here!

To celebrate their first five years of success, Julia and Tim invited me over to the Schoolhouse to take a few pictures of their amazing “team”. On what clearly was the coldest day of this winter, we popped the champagne and huddled together for our quick photo session in honor of their achievements. And to mark the occasion The Schoolhouse is holding a Fifth Anniversary Champagne and Wine Pairing Dinner Party on March 14th. Be sure to check out their website for more information on the dinner party, or to make reservations for a brunch or dinner that you simply won’t forget!

“We had similar friends but never crossed paths until my junior year, his senior year. We ran into each other at a house party, which began our friendship. We dated throughout the rest of high school and into college. We parted ways for a few years, until I graduated. Rich slowly came back into my life and it didn’t take much convincing for me to fall in love all over again. From then on we’ve been inseparable.”

And then concerning “The Proposal”, Gina writes: “If you know Rich he’s not one for productions. After a full day of moving. Oh and a quick kickball game. Rich found time to pop the question. It was the first night in our new home. We were finally alone and he says “I love you. Will you marry me?” So my reaction was, are you serious? It only took him asking me twice to realize what was actually happening and of course I said, YES!!”

And then finally, speaking of their wedding day, Gina shares with us these moving thoughts. “About the wedding itself. The day was everything I imagined, and more. When my father passed away almost 5 years ago, my idea of my dream wedding was crushed. But having Rich and our families together and celebrating our new life together reiterated what I loved about my father. He lived for his family, that’s what brought him joy. I felt his presence even though he wasn’t there.

Rich comes from the opposite background. Small family, his dad passed away when he was 4 and he was fortunate to have a wonderful step dad. After many years of attending my big Italian gatherings he began to value family just as much as me.

Overall we are truly fortunate to have such great family and friends to share our life with. It was an amazing day!”

Gina’s gorgeous gown was by the designer La Sposa from Pronovias in NYC, her shoes were, of course, by Kate Spade, her earrings were a gift from her father to her mother. The rocking band was The Dane Wright Band, courtesy of Hank Lane Music, their cake by The Cake Boutique, in Wilton, and the flowers were, of course, by our good friends and the best of the best, Elegant Effects. Thanks to Gina and Rich for sharing these words, and for including us in their perfect celebration!

“Matt and I met through a mutual friend at her birthday party. We are very similar people so we hit it off very quickly.

We chose to get married at The Longshore because my house growing up was right on the golf course. Longshore was always a big part of my life. In the summer we would hang out there and went to camp. In the winters we would go sledding on the 2nd hole. It also remains to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and having lived in Westport almost all my life I always knew I wanted to get married there and have a true New England wedding. We also wanted the decor to reflect living on ocean and my favorite color is Navy which is how we chose our wedding colors (white and Navy) and why we incorporated the Sea Stars in the flower arrangements. I was so impressed with the idea for the giant arrangements that Elegant Effects came up with. They were so beautiful.

We had so much fun at our wedding! So many people came from so far away which was probably the best part. Matt’s family is all from the West Coast so it was defintely a trip for them!
Some of our favorite moments I would say are:
*Matt’s college roommate played that bagpipes – This was really special to both of us since Matt’s family is Irish and because my family is from Scotland and my grandparents have passed away and the rest of my family over there could not come due to medical reasons so I thought this was a great way to have them there in spirit.
*Matt’s cousin playing Don’t Stop Believing with the band – It was a total surprise and that is actually one of our favorite songs.
*We had the best weather!! I had been so nervous about that for so long and it was such a relief!! I really didn’t want Matt’s family come all the way from Seattle and have it rain!
*Matt surprised me with earrings I had loved and pointed out months and months beforehand. I got really nervous when I saw his brothers waiting outside the church to give them to me (I thought something was wrong!) but it ended up being the best surprise ever and I am hard to surprise!

Wedding Gown – Judd Waddell – I loved this dress and actually bought it with money my paternal grandmother had left me because I wanted it to be from her. We were very close and that is just something she would have done if she were still here. I also wore a gold bracelet of my maternal grandmother’s and my paternal grandmother’s engagement ring.
Wedding Cake – Dale Lamberty – This was the most delicious cake we think we have ever had and we can’t wait to eat the rest of it. It is still in my mother’s freezer. I will also say that the cake tasting was probably our favorite wedding planning moment. Love cake!
Decor – Elegant Effects”

Congratulations, once again, Lindsay and Matt!