Ann & Rick ~ Images

It's Official!

2011-03-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

The new website is up and running!
Rick and I are excited to move forward with the newly designed site. If you happen onto this one, it is "retired" but we'll leave it out there for now...it does represent our first two years of shooting weddings together...kinda neat!! So goodbye old blog!

Rick and I look forward to sharing our lives and photography with you at:
www.rickscanlan.com

Please stop in and say hello!

Ann and Rick Scanlan

Goodbye Old Blog!

2011-01-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our exciting news to start off 2011 is that Rick and I are currently working on a new website/blog. Thanks to ProPhotoBlogs templates, we're customizing a ProPhoto3 WordPress theme that we think will be a little more reflective of who we are and that will become more a part of our weekly routine to update! We're not quite ready to share it with you yet but our last post here is a little sneak peak of what our first blogpost will be about!

As I write this, Rick and I are gearing up for our first destination wedding. Next week we're off to Orlando, Florida for Mary and Anthony's wedding! We covered their Boston engagement session in a blogpost earlier in the year. This wedding will be getting full weekend coverage including the rehearsal dinner the night before!

Also coming up on the new site will be Haldan and Gina's outdoor wedding at a breathtaking location in Hadlyme, and Paul and Shirley's gorgeous Central Park Boathouse wedding! Our couples have just been amazing this year!

As for the Sneak Peak...
This summer we photographed the incredibly lovely wedding of Rebecca and Jered at The Mansion at Bald Hill. What an amazing location for a wedding and what a delightful couple we had the honor of photographing! Rebecca and Jered's first date was walking their dogs together at Hammonasset Beach State Park. That first date tells you a lot about them...they are such an amazing down-to-earth, sincere, awesome couple! We can't wait to share their whole blogpost with you. Also, I have to say, the dancing was just plain crazy fun!

I'll soon be back with the link to the new site!! In the meantime, stay well and if you would like to contact us, just shoot over an email or give us a call. We are ALWAYS ready to talk to you about your wedding plans!

Maggie and Andrew - Part II

2010-12-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

Part II of Maggie and Andrew's fabulous wedding day.

From The Old State House we moved on to The Hartford Club, and the evening just got better and better!

The toasts...

Maggie and Andrew had two cakes.

The band, Prelude, was AMAZING and kept everybody on the dance floor.

Rick and I went outside to get a few more photos of Maggie and Andrew as the light was going down.

Sweet!

Maggie and Andrew, congratualtions!! Thanks again for selecting us to photograph your wedding!

Maggie and Andrew's Wedding at The Old State House (Part 1)

2010-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is one long overdue wedding post! There were so many great images from Maggie and Andrew's amazing day that it was tough narrowing them down.

Maggie and Andrew were married at The Old State House in Hartford and their reception was at The Hartford Club. Rick and I were recommended to them by the venue (thank you!) and we actually didn't have an opportunity to meet them until just a few days before their wedding as they were both living in Ohio...my home state. What was clear from just moments after meeting them was that these two were really special...not just because of their chosen careers but they also had that special quality together that immediately draws you to them. This is one of the reasons that Rick and I love photographing weddings. We meet the most amazing people!

Maggie and Andrew, your wedding day was very special...from start to finish, with so much laughter, love and joy throughout! We know you will have many laughs and good times together. Thank you so much for letting us share in your day!

In the yellow room at The Old State House. There are so many great places to photograph here!

Maggie, you're stunning.

Maggie made these one-of-a-kind cufflinks!

Love this room. It's an authentic re-creation of Joseph Steward's "Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities" that occupied the building in 1798.

Is this guy in love or what...!

We love to do some of the formal group photos on the steps of The Old State House and this was such a fun group to photograph!

Proof...these two know how to have fun!

And it's on to Maggie and Andrew's reception at The Hartford Club! Please check back next week to see Part 2 of Maggie and Andrew's wedding day!

Married: Amy and Darren - The Spa at Norwich Inn

2010-10-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

Amy was so incredibly bubbly when Rick and I first met her that we knew her wedding would be something special! All I could think of after seeing the pink bouquets and dresses was the movie "Pretty in Pink" because that's what her wedding was...so very very pretty and awesome. She and Darren were high school sweethearts, and it took a little bit of time for them to get together again after high school, but the wait must have been worth it because they now know they are so very right for each other!

Their August wedding was at The Spa at Norwich Inn. It was our first time photographing at that gorgeous resort and Rick and I can't wait to return!

Amy was so adorable trying to see spot Darren when he arrived at the Inn!

"First look" coming up!

One of the most touching moments was when Amy's maid of honor performed sign language during the ceremony for Darren's mother who is deaf.

LOVE this shot!

Amy and Darren, we so enjoyed photographing the two of you. It was such a pleasure sharing in your day!

Married: Elizabeth and Jeff - Wickham Park, Manchester

2010-10-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and Jeff were married on possibly what was the hottest day this summer! Their ceremony was in the Cabin Garden of Wickham Park with a view of Hartford in the distance. It was a beautiful setting for a wedding. It was the first time that Rick and I had the pleasure of photographing there and we wished we had more time to explore the gardens with these two as there are actually six themed gardens!

The first few photos are right before leaving for the park. The light was beautiful in Elizabeth's hotel room!

Elizabeth with her gorgeous sisters and mother shortly before the ceremony.

Of course, no one could take their eyes off these three!

After the family and group photos, we quickly made our way over to the Oriental Garden to the moon bridge for photos of just Jeff and Elizabeth.

They made a beautiful entrance...and continued to look stunning despite the 96 degree heat!

This was pretty great...the bouquet split apart and almost everyone managed to get a flower...lots of upcoming brides from this group!

The evening ended with a 4th of July sparkler send-off!

Elizabeth and Jeff, thank you so much... we so enjoyed being present on your awesome day and documenting it for you!

Shirley and Paul: Stockbridge, MA

2010-09-23T20:09:00.001-07:00

Every year Rick and I seem to photograph the wedding of a couple who we're already friends with and this year is no exception. I met Paul back when Rick and I lived in New York City and I was working for a photography company that sold innovative photo products. Paul imports a very unique lighting system from Germany (the dedolights) and I'll never forget his patience in answering endless questions at the photo shows that we did together.

Rick and I were so incredibly delighted to hear from Paul again and to learn that he and Shirley were getting married. It's a second chance at love for both of them! Rick and I met Shirley for the first time when we all got together a few weeks ago for a get acquainted/engagement photo session in Stockbridge, MA, and were immediately smitten by her! We can't wait to photograph their wedding on Sunday at the Central Park Boathouse.

Beautiful light!

Okay...yes there's four of them. The daiquiri's looked too amazing not to join them...and yes, they were awesome!

Shirley and Paul, we're really honored to be photographing your wedding!

Jessica and Brian: Yale campus

2010-09-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Wow...another great engagement session!! We photographed Jessica and Brian at Yale in the spring, and now their wedding is just around the corner! These two are so in sinc... great smiles, great laughs, and it's so obvious they are loving every minute of being together! It was a joy to photograph them. Rick and I are really loving these engagement sessions. It gives us a chance to get to know our couples and to have some camera time with them before the wedding.

Hey guys...do you think you might want to run? These two were up for anything!

LOVE this next series of photos!

Jessica and Brian, it was amazing getting to know you better! We're really looking forward to your celebration in October!

Mary Lou and Anthony - Boston, MA

2010-08-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

We photographed this stunning couple in Boston in June. Mary Lou and Anthony are our first wedding scheduled in February of 2011. It was exciting for us to have the opportunity to photograph their engagement session there because Rick is originally from Boston and we love visiting the city. Anthony is a history buff and was really excited to finally have the opportunity to visit Boston. He and Mary Lou flew up from Orlando, Florida, for the session. I have to admit, it was all so additionally awesome because Mary Lou is Rick's niece and I've known her since she was about three years old...even before we were married!! We are so thrilled at what an amazing adult she has turned into...I could go on and on but I'll save that for their wedding blogpost in February!!

Their wedding will be at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando. Check out the website.

Rick said..."go out to the end of that platform, you'll know what to do!" They definitely knew what to do!

It wouldn't be a trip to the north end without a stop at Mike's Pastry for cannoli's. We of course all stocked up!

Mary Lou and Anthony, spending time with you in Boston was so much fun! Rick and I are so looking forward to your wedding in February!

Married: Catherine and Brian - Heritage Hotel in Southbury

2010-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Catherine and Brian were one of our June weddings. Their ceremony was at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown with a reception following at Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT. I don't know how Catherine and Brian had time to plan this wedding...she's been studying hard working on the second half of her MD and Brian's already working as a researcher at Yale! With everything going on, they both were enjoying every moment before the wedding!

Sharyn Scully of A Touch of Color Make-Up made sure everyone looked perfect and the gorgeous flowers were provided by Flore Fine Flowers of Southbury.

These photos were all taken at the Heritage Hotel of Southbury. It was a very sunny day and luckily they had an area behind the Hotel with great open shade!

These gals just wanted to have fun!

Catherine's mother made the place cards and many of the other special details of the day.

Catherine had a certain glint in her eye...

It was all in good fun...hugs came next!

Gotta love a guy who works so hard to reattach a bustle!

LOVED their last dance!

Catherine and Brian, what a wonderful day...we so enjoyed documenting your wedding!

Married: Anna and EJ - Part 2

2010-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd part to Anna & Ej's wedding post. Photographers don't often post family group shots on their blog. They usually keep it to photos of the bride and groom, bridal party and events as they happen throughout the day because the formal family photographs are usually thought of as less creative. You tend to want to shoot them quickly so the parents and relatives can move onto the cocktail hour and mingle with the guests. I wanted to include this first photo of Anna and EJ with her family as it was just a quick shot outside the church. I loved how they all grabbed an arm of each other...their happiness just radiated out!

The next photos are at The Williamsville Inn (1797) in Stockbridge, MA. Kandy and Erhard Wendt are the Innkeepers and Erhard is also a Certified Master Chef and Culinary Instructor. His specialty is Classic French and German cuisine. To sum up, the food was amazing!!

Loved these lemonade dispensers from Pottery Barn!

The siblings! This was the first time in many years that all of Anna's mother's siblings were able to be together. After hearing this, we quickly got them together for a photo outside.

Anna & EJ, we really were honored to photograph your wedding day!

Married: Anna and EJ - Williamsville Inn, Stockbridge, MA

2010-07-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Anna and EJ were married early in June in Stockbridge, MA, which is in the Berkshires. It's a fabulous place for a wedding, it's so pretty there, and it was so nice to see a lot of familiar faces...in May we had photographed Anna's cousin's wedding!

We joined Anna at the SEVEN salon.spa which is a really fabulous hair salon and day spa in Stockbridge. Anna was already looking amazing and from there we followed her to the The Williamsville Inn where she finished getting ready. The inn is set on 10 acres and it's known for it's amazing food by chef-owners Kandy and Erhard Wendt. More about their reception at that amazing inn in the Part 2 segment.

Crocus Hale provided the flowers and Anna's lovely dress was from Pronuptia Bridals in Worcester, MA.

Anna's sister carefully applied the finishing touches back at The Williamsville Inn.

EJ and Anna had an impromptu receiving line after the ceremony...there were so many congratulatory hugs! The grounds of St. Joseph's provided a great location for some of the bridal party photos. We were JUST finishing when the rain came. I have to say, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits!!

Next up...photos from the Williamsville Inn!

Married: Mae and Adam - The Waterview

2010-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mae and Adam were married in May at The Waterview in Monroe, CT. This is a large post for us as Rick and I were with them from the start of the day and it was really hard to narrow down the images! There were many magical moments, but most importantly, they enjoyed every moment of their day!

Passing out the bouquets!

It's time!

Just one of the many things that Mae and Adam did to make their day unique was when they honored each of their grandparents with a rose during the ceremony. It was a lovely moment and everyone was surprised.

Before the introductions, Adam and Mae practiced for the first dance in private ...except for Rick and I that is!

This was a serious dance! Adam, not known for his dancing skills practiced in secret with Mae for the wedding...many spins and twirls later...they took everyone by surprise!

Pure happiness!!

If time allows, Rick and I like to head outside for a short five to ten minute session at the end of the day with the newlyweds.

Mae and Adam, we really enjoyed your wonderful day! Thank you for selecting us to document it!

Leslie and Kevin - Harkness State Park

2010-06-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

We just photographed the wedding of Leslie and Kevin a little over a week ago. As a little preview...here's a selection of photos from our Get To Know You session with them at Harkness State Park last fall. We like these sessions because we love getting to know our couples better before their wedding day. Leslie and Kevin were really into it...they brought their new puppy along who thought it was all about him! It started out a little rainy but I think their happiness chased away the rain. Even more fun than the session was photographing their wedding at St. Clements Castle last week!

Leslie and Kevin, you'll see those images soon!!

Anna and EJ - Elizabeth Park

2010-06-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

EJ and Anna are getting married tomorrow in Stockbridge, Massachusetts! We photographed their engagement session in May at Elizabeth Park. We met them because Anna is the cousin of Mae whose wedding we photographed in May. We love these kind of connections... it's so great meeting up again with the couples you photograph at their other family member's (or friend's) weddings!

EJ and Anna said they weren't used to being photographed...you wouldn't know it by looking at the photos!

Anna and EJ, we're really looking forward to your big day tomorrow!

Sneak Peek: Mae and Adam

2010-05-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a little preview of our first wedding this year. It took place two weeks ago at The Waterview in Monroe, CT. Everything was perfect! We photographed a great couple who adore each other. They were surrounded by their wonderful families and friends. There was much laughter, some tears, moving tributes, and gorgeous flowers. We know their honeymoon will be blissful. Mae and Adam, can't wait to show you your photos when you return!!

Last shot of the day...the light was beautiful and they were still glowing!

Kasey & Taren: Elizabeth Park

2010-05-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature was on our side when we photographed Kasey and Taren's engagement session at Elizabeth Park two weeks ago. Their wedding is only a few weeks away! Rick and I photographed Kasey's brother's wedding last August (see our double post of Joshua and Melissa's wedding). Taren and Kasey suggested Elizabeth Park as a place where they would love to be photographed. It was a delight spending time with them. We especially loved how their joy in being together came though in every photo!

Taren and Kasey, can't wait for your wedding!

Married: Joe and Marisa ~ The Old State House

2010-04-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

A long overdue post! The ceremony and reception of Joe and Marisa's wedding was at The Old State House in Hartford in September. Marisa looked amazing in the dress that Joe's grandmother made...WOW! They were surrounded by an awesome group of family and friends who really loved to dance!

Loved to see how happy Marisa's mother was.

That was some dip!!

Congratulations Joe and Marisa, and thank you for choosing us to document your day!

Mae & Adam - Southford Falls

2010-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

Rick and I are so looking forward to our weddings coming up this year. Our first will be the wedding of Mae and Adam.

Our "get acquainted engagement session" took place at Southford Falls State Park. We love these sessions because it gives couples a chance to relax and have fun with us before the wedding and to feel what it's like to be in the spotlight. We've discovered that it creates a very comfortable atmosphere on the wedding day for photography. It was so obvious that these two really have it together. They could hardly take their eyes off each other. It was a beautiful fall day and perfect for photography.

Mae and Adam, you two are so natural together. We know your day is going to be amazing!

Stella's 1st Birthday ~ The Guilford Super Bowl

2010-01-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

This super fun party invitation was based on a game ticket. It should not come as a surprise that it was designed by the amazingly talented Christine Toner of Stonington Design + Paperie. Christine asked Rick to document her daughter Stella's 1st birthday party. The theme was football. The beautiful fall day started with a tailgate party, lots of great food and camaraderie! The adorable kids were friends of Stella's sister and as you'll see, they took this game very seriously!

The gifts were for a charity!

Meet the birthday girl!!

TOO ADORABLE!

Stella's big sister.

A serious strategy session.

GAME OVER!

These beautiful cupcakes were by made by Sugarbelle Cakes.

Could a little frosting covered face get any cuter?

The beautiful family...Happy Birthday Stella!

Update and Part 2 of Josh and Melissa

2010-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Wow...it's been a long time since my last post. We have been so busy with traveling, photographing, organizing, computer issues (resolved!), and editing images, that I have gotten quite behind with the blog posts. I'll try to catch up over the next few weeks posting some of the exciting events and engagement sessions that we covered this fall.

By the time I have it all posted, I'm sure there will be a bunch of new stuff to post!

Finally, Part 2 - Josh and Melissa, Saybrook Point Inn!

Right after the ceremony there was champagne inside the inn and congratulatory hugs.

Melissa and Josh made this wedding their own with a lot of personal touches! Josh proposed to Melissa when they were collecting sea glass on the beach. They incorporated the theme of the ocean by using sea glass and shells on the table displays and centerpieces, and note their awesome cake a little further down.

Melissa, always looked amazing...even when taken by surprise by the unexpected dip!! We love capturing the heartfelt moments and there were so many of them...

There was such a feeling of warmth and happiness throughout their day. It was obvious that everyone was having an amazing time!

I think everyone fell in love with these two!

Josh and Melissa, it was such a lovely wedding! Thank you for choosing us to photograph your day!

Married: Josh & Melissa, Saybrook Point Inn - Part 1

2009-12-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

Josh and Melissa were married on an overcast day in August. Melissa's mother rented a beach house in Old Saybrook for the family and wedding party to get ready at. These first photos were taken there. Rick and I moved the dress to photograph it blowing in the breeze outside on the clothesline and to take a few shots of Melissa before moving on to Saybrook Point Inn and Spa where the ceremony was to take place.

This is the first time that we'll be dividing our wedding images into two separate posts. Part 2 to follow shortly.

Why do I love this shot? Melissa may be the calmest bride ever. She's so in the moment, having fun, and this shot just captured her very easy going spirit.

Last second adjustments outside the inn.

A very very radiant Melissa!

Waiting for Melissa.

First sighting of Josh.

There were great faces in the crowd.

Love this shot!

Congratulatory hand-squeeze from mom.

Right after the ceremony we took the family formals and then headed to the dock to photograph just Josh and Melissa.

These two were relaxed, natural and a delight to photograph!

The staff at Saybrook Point Inn was always attentive and kept things flowing smoothly!

This is just Part 1. Stay tuned to see the reception photos!

Follow-up to Wee Faerie Village post

2009-11-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

I received this thank you from David Rau, director of education and outreach, at the Florence Griswold Museum and just wanted say thanks David right back. I really appreciated the experience of working with someone as creative, funny and talented as you! I enjoyed documenting the Faerie project and meeting the creative group of individuals who were involved. Your vision for the project drew the right people to you to make it succeed. Bravo David!

Married: David & Melanie, Clinton Country Club

2009-11-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

Each wedding always has a story to tell and this one was touching, romantic, emotional and full of very amusing moments. David's daughter was the maid of honor and Melanie's daughter was the flower girl.

One of the most moving ceremonies we've photographed.

David had a surprise for Melanie and he was letting friends and family in on the secret!

We had a little time before the reception to take photos of just Melanie and David. There were some beautiful places to photograph on the Clinton Country Club grounds.

You could tell how happy David was even from the way he walked.

A die-hard Red Sox fan, David surprised Melanie with his suspenders! Not a Red Sox fan (Yankees of course), Melanie thought it was a riot that he wore them to the wedding.

Left: Melanie's emotional toast to David, Right: Sarah felt she had waited long enough...time to sample the cake!

LOVE this shot!

David and Melanie, it was so wonderful being a part of your day!

Lyme Art Colony's Wee Faerie Village ~ Florence Griswold Museum

2009-10-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

Ann and I have been so busy lately that we haven't been able to keep up with posting to our blog! We have many new engagement sessions and weddings to add, which we can't wait to post, but we didn’t want this month to slip away without mentioning the Wee Faerie Village exhibit on display right now at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT. Thirty-three artists and designers were selected to create faerie dwellings on the museum grounds. David Rau, director of education and outreach for the museum, was the mastermind behind this incredibly enchanting exhibit.

When I first heard about the project (from wee faerie architect Sandy Garvin), I knew it was something I wanted to photograph. David Rau put me in touch with the artists and designers who were creating the faerie dwellings, and I had the pleasure of documenting them as they were being built. Some of my early photographs appeared in this month’s issue of INK publications. I think I must have easily taken over 2,000 photos altogether. I was also present for opening weekend...over 900 visitors on Columbus Day! If you haven’t visited the museum yet, there’s still time to see it. Below are my photographs that appeared in INK and also some from the opening weekend. Enjoy!

The following photos were taken the weekend the exhibit opened.

Inside the door...

This exhibit is up until November 1st. The self-guided walking tour features 25 faerie dwellings. Bring your cell phone to hear the faeries' stories and be ready to be delighted by these wonderful works of art.

Where Joe Met Marisa

2009-09-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Last month Rick and I met Joe and Marisa in Middletown for a photography session...a combination of let's get acquainted and let's have fun. That's what it was...a lot of fun because it became obvious that these two know how to make each minute count. The location of the session was important to them because Middletown is where they first met. We decided to just head up the street and keep our eyes open for any sort of backdrop that looked interesting. Their wedding is tomorrow!

By the way the Hummer is not theirs...or ours but just the first thing we encountered on our walk.

Kidcity was next...

This is not a camera shy couple! It happens that Joe is a photographer for ESPN, and I think their joy in having found each other was apparent in every frame that we shot.

It was one of those nights where everywhere you looked held possibilities for more great photos...and check out these clouds!

Rick and I love the next series of photos. The sun was going down, the light was awesome and Joe and Marisa oozed radiance. I think that's why we always feel so privileged whenever we're selected to document couples in love. We love when these moments happen!

Joe & Marisa, we've been waiting patiently (OR should I say impatiently!) for your wedding day and are so excited that it's almost here! We'll see you Saturday!

Married: Barry & Gentian, August 1st

2009-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Barry and Gentian were married in the Congregational Church in Old Lyme. The day started at Gentian's family home photographing the bouquets that Gentian created and grabbing a few getting ready photographs (while trying not to be in the way!) of Gentian, her bridesmaids, and her brother who was having quite a time figuring out the bow tie.

Gentian applying the finishing touches.

Moments before walking down the aisle. Gentian just looked so beautiful and natural in this light.

We first met Gentian over a year ago in our gallery. She was attending one of our openings that her mother (Angie, below) was a featured artist in. We're a little in awe of this family. Angie Falstrom is an international prize winning watercolorist, and John, her father, used his own printing press for all the wedding invitations and other graphic design work in the wedding (see previous blog post). Gentian was working up until the last minute making their wedding cake and putting all the flowers arrangements together for the church ceremony and reception venue. Right after the wedding she and Barry were moving to Nashville where Barry is then going back to school for his MBA...whew!

One of us always tries to capture the groom's face when he sees his bride for the first time. We loved the look of delight on Barry's face.

The reception followed at Mystic Aquarium! It was our first time photographing there. Cocktails were outside and there were plenty of surprises!

Gentian and Barry's wedding party was a super fun group of friends who kept us all laughing.

Gentian's father taking it all in.

I have to smile every time I look at this next series of photos. Honestly, the beluga whale must have a sense of humor. It broke up Gentian and Barry every time it made a pass.

Rick doesn't usually ask people to jump for us...I think this may have been a first, but this group as you can see was clearly up for it!

Toasts can be very moving. Rick and I always seem to learn something about our couples that we never knew before and this time was no exception. It was a treat to hear about Gentian's funny seal bark and it was even better when we actually did hear it!

Gentian's father's moves surprised everybody!

Barry with his very happy mother.

Rick always takes the best dancing photos. Even in a low light situation, his work always looks amazing!

This is the cake that Gentian made! Note the blue color of the cake to go with her aquatic theme and the little coral and fish designs. It could not have been more perfect for their day!

Barry and Gentian, it was an honor to photograph your wedding day! Best wishes in your new life together in Tennessee.

Gentian's Cake

2009-09-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is not just any cake. More care went into the making of this cake than any ordinary cake. Gentian, who has made many wedding cakes for friends, was making her own wedding cake this time, and that's just part of Gentian and Barry's story. Not only did Gentian make their wedding cake, but she also made all their floral arrangements, and her father printed their wedding invitations on his own printing press. Because Gentian is from a family of artists, it just kind of makes sense that her own creativity would find an outlet.

Their wedding was our first August wedding, and Rick took these photos a couple days before their ceremony. Talk about working up until the last second!

Putting on the details must be the best part of making any cake.

Gentian's father printed the logos for the candy boxes and also the invitations.

Gentian's father demonstrating his printing technique for Rick.

Gentian and Barry, there are many more photos to follow. Stay tuned to see the final touches on their wedding cake and for photos from their most unusual reception site that totally made their aquatic theme.

Married: Louis & Nicole, July 25th

2009-08-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Louis and Nicole were married in the beautiful St. Lawrence Church in West Haven. The reception was at Barcelona SoNo, a fabulous restaurant in South Norwalk...and also the location of their first date! In between the ceremony and reception we had just enough time to take some of the more formal portraits in the courtyard of the Sterling Memorial Library on the Yale campus.

Their first dance.

The toasts began with laughter....

and then tears....

...and hugs.

Girlfriends.

There was so much energy, love and emotion on Louis and Nicole's wedding day and you could feel it spilling over into even the more posed situations.

Louis and the guys.

Did you notice the beautiful suits the men have on? The label for Louis' company is LUIGI BIANCHI MANTOVA... check out the parent company Lubiam.

THE WINNERS!!!

Barcelona SoNo has such great atmosphere. With brick and steel walls (it's housed in a former factory building), and a really great looking kitchen and bar, delicious food, and a staff that is always there to assist, it was the perfect place for a wedding reception!

Their amazing event coordinator Maggie Brucker always had a smile for everyone and kept the whole day flowing smoothly.

Louis and Nicole, it was such a beautiful day and you both were a joy to be with. Congratulations and thank you for having us photograph your wedding day!

Jen & James: Engagement Session

2009-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Rick and I photographed the engagement shots of Jen and James in the vicinity of the Essex Steam Train Station. We were looking for a location not too far away from a few of James' favorite fishing spots. James took time out for photos, and we found some interesting backdrops for a quick get acquainted session!

Jen and James, we'll see you this Saturday, and thank you so much for choosing us to photograph your wedding!

Meet David, Melanie & Sarah - Clinton Harbor

2009-08-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

In three more days Rick and I will have the pleasure of photographing the wedding of David and Melanie at the Clinton Country Club. Melanie's gorgeous daughter Sarah joined us for our "get acquainted" photoshoot. We loved photographing the interaction between the three of them.

Sarah found this cool thing to sit on. What is it?

Love this series.

One of my favorites.

A lucky guy.

Captured the next series of shots while Sarah was beachcombing.

Look what I found.

David, Melanie and Sarah, you guys are so natural and happy together! We really enjoyed spending time with you and can't wait for Saturday to photograph your celebration.

Gentian and Barry - A Walk Through Mystic

2009-07-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Gentian and Barry's wedding is in TWO days at the Mystic Aquarium! We met up with them for a stroll down beautiful Main Street in Mystic to get better acquainted before the wedding. Gentian's mother, Angie Falstrom, is one of the extremely talented artists that Rick and I represent in the art gallery we own in Clinton. Gentian and Barry met freshman year at Middlebury College in Vermont and were best friends for the next seven years before they started dating.

Did I mention that Gentian loves making wedding cakes for friends and is somehow finding time to make their own four layer wedding cake!

They are just too cute!

Always prepared for the unexpected, where did he come from?

We wandered into our favorite antique store, The Hollow. Another great place for a photo op.

A treasure under glass.

Hello little fella.

Romance is alive and well in Mystic. Gentian and Barry, we are so excited to be a part of your celebration and we can't wait to capture it!

Louis and Nicole - Love in New Haven

2009-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

In one more week we'll be shooting the wedding of Louis and Nicole. We'll be taking formals after the ceremony on the Yale campus, so we decided to explore the campus a little early with them and have fun at the same time by taking lots of photos! Of course it was a grey day. I think we had sun for about two seconds, but Nicole just glowed.

Rick's favorite shot of mine.

My favorite shot of Rick's.

One white shirt can look so much like any other white shirt, but Louis had on a really awesome shirt. He works for an Italian clothing designer...stay tuned, I'll see if I can post the name of his firm!

How cute are they?

Louis and Nicole, it was really fun spending time with you. We'll see you in a week, and we are so delighted to be photographing your wedding!

Joshua and Melissa: Engagement Session

2009-07-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

We really can’t say enough about how much fun it was to photograph Josh and Melissa. With their wedding coming up in August at the Old Saybrook Point Inn, we decided to shoot their engagement photographs at the marina. Well...they both were so relaxed in front of the camera, and combine that natural ease with perfect features and a sweetness that comes across in every photograph, you have one awesome photo session!

We loved their clasped hands in these shots.

Almost every photographer has a few suggestions to make, but for Melissa and Josh, Rick’s main comment was “just keep doing what you’re doing!”.

This is my favorite shot that Rick took. He has a way of framing a shot that I believe distinguishes his work. I love the way he included the flag, the distant blue of water and of course Melissa's dress was just adorable.

Melissa's stunning smile lit up every shot.

We moved on to a field of poppies that provided beautiful splashes of RED. This is Rick's favorite shot of mine. What could be more picturesque than shooting through a field of poppies?

Who needs to use words when a look can express so much?

Josh & Melissa, we are so looking forward to photographing your wedding!

An Intimate Gathering at the Copper Beach Inn, Ivoryton

2009-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

When Ann and I met Jesse and Genevieve, they explained they were having a very small wedding ceremony with just close family present and hadn't yet decided if they needed professional photographic coverage. I think our enthusiasm and the beautiful work we had to show them, convinced them that they did want their wedding documented. The ceremony and reception were to be held at the magical Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton, CT. Not enough great things can be said about the Copper Beech Inn... it's a four-star country inn full of beautiful antiques,spectacular food, and plenty of atmosphere and romance.

Genevieve and Jesse.

There was time before the ceremony for portraits.

What's better than photographing people in love?

Everyone enjoyed ice tea and lemonade before the ceremony.

And what could be more relaxing than having family gathered around and an uncle who presided as justice of the peace.

And there was humor.

We love hand shots. They tell so much of the story.

Congratulatory hugs.

Can't you feel the love.

The very atmospheric and beautiful Comstock Room.

There were beautiful details.

I found a reflective surface that was great for the rings.

Love this shot. Yes, those are tears on Genevieve's cheek.

The father-daughter dance.

A very proud and happy father.

There were so many touching moments on this beautiful day.

Every wedding has a story to tell, and this one was about the closeness of family and how wonderful that is.

A quiet moment and an exciting new life together begins.

A May Wedding ~ Harkness

2009-06-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm playing catch up right now. I have three new weddings to add and an incredible engagement shoot from yesterday that Ann and I photographed together. I’ll start with a wedding from two weeks ago where I had the honor of photographing with Erik Johnson of Scandinavian Photography of Chester, CT. Erik’s been photographing weddings for almost 20 years and doesn’t usually use a 2nd photographer, so it was really such a privilege shooting with him and getting to know him better. Erik’s bride and groom looked like they stepped out of a Dutch Renaissance painting! Seriously, check out some of Ruben’s portraits. The following are some of the photographs that I took during the course of the day.

I loved the look of concentration.

Easy does it.

The final moments before walking down the aisle. The light coming in on Megan and her bridesmaids was just gorgeous. The ceremony was at St. Mary's in New Haven.

Each wedding is so different, and it really shows up in the details.

I know couples always wish for a blue sky day for their wedding, but overcast days are just great for photography. There's an old world quality to the color, there’s more atmosphere and everything just kind of sings. The portraits and reception were at the beautiful Harkness mansion in Waterford.

Definitely a Renaissance portrait.

A distant view of Erik capturing the couple.

Along came the speedy little one.

Megan and Brad, best wishes to you both!

Memorial Day Parade, Clinton

2009-05-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves a small town parade and Clinton's is really special. Since Rick and I moved here in 2000, it's become our tradition on Memorial Day to pick our spot early on the parade route and to take in the sights, to meet friends and to appreciate everything about this day.

It wouldn't be a parade without hot dogs! The Arbor Garden Club of Clinton setting up to to sell hot dogs. It's one of the many ways in which they raise money for a scholarship for a deserving high school senior majoring in one of the sciences. And it's the only time that the husbands get in on the act!

The hard working ladies of the Arbor Garden Club

And the husbands of the Arbor Garden Club

On the parade route, the Stanton house, ca.1790, is maintained as a museum of American antiques with almost all the furnishings being original. It is open to the public on Memorial Day.

They know how to dress the part!

A still life Rick photographed from inside the Stanton House

A face from the past (actually...one of the docents)

A Daffodil Brunch at the Hay House

2009-05-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Every year Ann and I look forward to David Brown's annual daffodil party at the Hay House farm in Old Saybrook. This year was no exception...it was a perfect weekend with gorgeous daffodils, great food and awesome people. It's a special place where one can meet artists, environmentalists, and the local Tibetan community. David's farm is aptly named as he lives in a one room cottage made of hay bales that are 18" thick. Also on the farm is his artist studio and Connecticut's first Buddhist Stupa. The farm is “off the grid” and David lives a Thoreauean existence.

This past April 26th, surrounded by thousands of daffodils, David's friends joined together to also celebrate the birthday of the Stupa (dedicated on Earth Day 2007) a Buddhist shrine of peace and good intention.

Do they come any cuter than this?

David sells vegetables, eggs, jam, cut flowers and in addition, he’s a full time painter. He was the subject of a documentary, "David Brown and the Hay House," by Jeannie Newman of SamDog Films, in 2004. David offers tours of his farm for individuals and groups by arrangement.

Lisa and Scott ~ An April Wedding, Avon, CT

2009-04-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Rick had the pleasure of working as an associate photographer for the amazingly talented Matthew J. Wagner of Farmington, CT, this past weekend. These are some of the photographs he shot for Matthew at the wedding of Lisa and Scott.

Simply beautiful!

Scott and his best man.

The ceremony was at St. Ann's in Avon.

And introducing the new Mr. and Mrs....

Let the dancing begin!

I just grabbed this shot of Matt as he was setting up a formal portrait. Matt and his charming wife Theresa are awesome to work with. We had so much fun photographing Lisa and Scott who were just the sweetest bride and groom...it was a joy capturing them!

Lizzie and Fern ~ A March Wedding, Acton, MA

2009-04-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

A justice of the peace ceremony, and a short break for photos before a small celebration with the family. A big party planned for July. What could be simpler? These two seemed destined for happiness. Congratulations Lizzie & Fern!

The White Dress by the Shore: Be Engaged

2009-04-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rick recently photographed the second in the Be Engaged: series of conversations with wedding experts hosted by the amazing Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore and the immensely talented Christine Toner of Stonington Design + Paperie in Beth's beautifully renovated upstairs salon space. The panel included experts Michelle Rago - fabulous New York event designer and author, along with Anne Chertoff - senior editor of Brides.com who just came out with a Wedding Planner from Russell+Hazell - a great tool to assist with the planning process. For more info on this event and upcoming ones, visit Chic by the Shore.

The lovely ladies of the panel: Christine, Michelle, Beth, Allison Salvati of Something Blue Special Events, and Anne.

The cocktail party of industry experts the night before the event featured not only awesomely talented and interesting people, but also these delectable creations provided by Linda Sample of A Thyme to Cook. Don’t miss the radish and artichoke hats!

Book signing and socializing followed and everyone was quickly absorbed by the ideas of Michelle Rago and Anne Chertoff. Michelle, signing her book Signature Weddings, was named by Modern Bride as one of the industry's top twenty-five trendsetters.

Anne Chertoff created the informative wedding blog "from-i-will-to-i-do". It's filled with greating wedding planning tips, vendor recommendations, and much more!

Left to right: The ultra sweet and talented photographer Maggie Conley with her good friend, Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral Design, and Ann Nyberg who moderated the previous panel at The White Dress by the Shore. Maggie is one of those people you've felt that you've known for a long time. The stylish bouquets seen throughout these photographs were created by Yumiko.

Rick and I have met so many nice and incredibly talented people at The White Dress events. For the brides out there who are about to look for their ideal wedding dress, The White Dress by the Shore is a very SPECIAL boutique in Clinton, featuring chic couture for brides, mothers, and maids. Beth Chapman has a created an intimate setting with a relaxed atmosphere, and she and her knowledgeable staff are so informative and nice that you just wish that you could spend the day and chat with them!

Linnea Rufo (center) of Bee and Thistle Inn wearing one of her stunning vintage dresses.

Right: Josie (center) of Beneath the Gown also located at The White Dress by the Shore.

These amazingly delicious and beautiful cakes were sponsered by Ana Parzych Custom Cakes.

Jake Shimabukuro Concert, Clinton, CT

2009-03-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Wow...this is it. We're finally starting a blog! To get it off to a good start we’re first posting events that we photographed in March. This first series of photographs is of Hawaiian native, Jake Shimabukuro, a ukulele virtuoso who played at Andrews Memorial Town Hall in Clinton, CT, for the George Flynn Classical Concerts. Our good friends Jim and Liz Beloff introduced us to Jake’s work last year, but this was our first time seeing him live. He is simply mind-blowing on his instrument and an awesome performer!!!

Jake after the concert in front of Andrews Memorial Town Hall. After 1 1/2 hours of autograph signing and meeting fans, he was still up for additional photos. He has an incredibly kind and generous spirit and we are so looking forward to seeing him perform again!

For uke enthusiasts, Clinton’s very own Jim and Liz Beloff (center, with family) have been involved in “all things ukulele” for seventeen years! Check out Fleamarket Music for Jim’s songbooks, CDs, DVDs and amazing Flea and Fluke ukes!

This video of Jake's version of George Harrison's While My Guitar Gently Weeps, filmed in Central Park four years ago started it all for him!