Morgan + Jordan = Married

I'm not sure if we've ever worked with a couple SO EXCITED to get married. Morgan and Jordan are so well suited for one another, and their love left us with a huge grin wiped across our face. With common loves for travel, adventure, God and the outdoors, these two are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Their Wedding day was filled with 300 of their closest friends and family, lots of great stories (and songs!) and a skies that had forecasted 100% chance of rain but not a drop touched their shoulders during their wedding. It was a pretty spectacular day. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to capture their wedding story (special thanks to our talented friend and second shooter, Ellie!) and wish the happy couple so many years of great adventures. Congratulations Morgan and Jordan!

Cassandra + Dave = Engaged

Ok, we need to just take a time out for a second. If you guys are anything like us, you are swooning over all of the adorable in this blog post. First you have the beautiful setting: Plymouth, Mass illuminated by a perfectly overcast sky, then you have flawless Cassandra and Dave, all tied together neatly with Chuck's creative eye and we have ourselves a grand slam. I mean seriously. We are a little obsessed with everything about this session. In addition to*looking* good Cassie and Dave also have hearts of gold. We love the way Dave gets lost while looking at Cassie, and it's so sweet to see how Cassie giggles in his presence. Chuck will be shooting their wedding later this year at the Ocean Edge Resort, and if these photos are any indication of how things will go then, we can't wait to share more stunning images after their wedding!

Amanda + Jaco = Engaged

Chuck spent a morning photographing Amanda and Jaco in one of our favorite places, Concord, Massachusetts a few weeks back on a delightfully spring morning. They met up near the Old Manse, which was old stomping grounds for Amanda from her days as a tour guide there. While Amanda hails from the Western Suburbs of Boston, Jaco is originally from South Africa and the two of them now call Illinois home. They will be getting married at perhaps our most favorite venue on earth (where we got married, in fact) in just a few short weeks but before the wedding we had to get them in front of the camera. We love the way Jaco looks at Amanda, and how it's clear that Amanda feels right at home in his arms. We can't wait to shoot their wedding at the Codman Estate later this month but for now we're savoring their sweet e-session with Chuck!

Kimberly + Marty = Engaged

They say love blossoms in spring, but after this session I've got my money on autumn. The clean crisp air, colorful leaves and sentimental location of this shoot just does it for me! Kimberly and Marty knew they wanted their Engagement Photos on a private family residence, and when said residence includes a large white porch - we're pretty much sold. Kind-hearted and genuine, these two are about as real as it gets. Their love for one another glows and we find ourselves smiling just looking at them. Chuck hit it out of the park with this session and we're excited to be photographing their wedding next May. It's going to be a beautiful day!

Shalini + Abhinav = Engaged

I'm just going to come out and say what you're all thinking. These. Two. Are. Gorgeous. Okay, now that that's out of my system we can gush a bit about how good Shalini and Abhinav are together. They will be getting married in Texas later next year but wanted to have some Engagement Photos in the city they met and fell in love. Shalini and Abhinav met in undergrad at BU and continued their courtship through medical school (also at BU) and into their medical residencies with BU affiliated hospitals. I don't know about you but we are voting that they get a Boston Terrier named Rhett ASAP. Thank you for allowing us to photograph you during this exciting time and we wish you nothing but the best!

Erin + Andrew = Married

Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves. Every day, we feel so incredibly grateful for the people we get to photograph. Erin and Andrew are no exception. Genuine, compassionate and full of love for life and one another, they are the real deal. When we first started shooting weddings, we'd get excited about the beautiful surroundings and magical qualities weddings brought out as special events. We still love a good party - but we become desensitized to stunning florals, perfect lace and bubbly cocktails when we are surrounded by the glitz and glamour of weddings every weekend. You know what doesn't get old, though? Love. Real, honest, raw love. It's the core of why we do what we do. The inspiration behind every shutter click and group photo. Sure, wedding blogs and magazines are beautiful (and I am taken by the latest wedding trends every week) but when we get to witness two people surrendering themselves for better or for worse to be a new family and surrender themselves for another person -  it's truly touching. Erin and Andrew's wedding was full of this kind of contagious love. From the way Andrew held Erin - to the way Erin's eyes filled with tears of joy throughout their wedding day - it was a truly beautiful day. Erin and Andrew, it's been a true pleasure working with you both and we couldn't be happier that you have found one another. We know the world will be a better place because you are a team. Congratulations!

Nicole + Fernando = Married

Nicole and Fernando were married on the most glorious July day. The birds were chirping, the sun was out, and these two love birds could not have been more excited to start their lives together as husband and wife. By now you've heard us raving about our Associate Photographer, Chuck, and today we have most proof of how fantastic his work really is. From the beginning, it was clear that Nicole and Fernando were going to have a classy, intimate affair with their closest friends and family - all the while keeping the emphasis on their commitment to one another. They kept their wedding details simple and exceptionally stylish (I mean, will you look at them!?) letting their love be the pedestal for such a sweet event. Their adorable son Aiden clearly stole the show on a few occasions with his contagious smile. We couldn't resist blogging the image of him digging for gold, so hopefully he'll forgive us when he's 16. ;) Nicole and Fernando, we are so happy for you both and wish  you many years of joy together as a beautiful family of three. Congratulations!

Jackie + Matt = Engaged

Boston is so pretty. We'll never tire of photographing the contrasting cobblestone with mossy greens or the hundred year old trees canopying the even older streets. It's even more of a treat to be able to photograph two people in love in such a setting. Classy, beautiful and un-fussy, the setting fits Jackie and Matt to a T. We met up with the two of them and their adorably well behaved pup for a casual evening of chatting and photo-taking and had a great time. People like Jackie and Matt make our job so easy with their enthusiasm for life and love of one another. You'll see them on the blog again next fall when we shoot their September Wedding. It's bound to be a beautiful day!

Erica + Alex = Married

You guys. These two are seriously the sweetest ever. Erica and Alex both have hearts of gold and are the types of people who radiate happiness. Just being around them makes you smile, so you can imagine the overwhelming love and joy that poured out of them on their wedding day. Shooting their wedding left a perma-smile on our faces and a heart of gratitude to get to photograph such exceptional love stories as our living. The day started with Erica getting pretty with her ladies and Alex hanging with his guys. The excitement and anticipation was buzzing when we arrived and lasted throughout the evening. They shared an intimate first look under the largest tree in Connecticut (it's over 24 feet in diamater!) which made for some beautiful portraits and then ventured over to a nearby pedestrian bridge of flowers to meet up with their bridal party and family for more portraits. The weather couldn't have been more perfect as they exchanged vows in a vineyard on site of their wedding property, Rosedale Farm and Vineyards. After the kiss, their guests ventured over to a nearby meadow for lawn games, the Summer Street Photobooth and some amazing food (and sweets) in the breezy and whimsically styled tent. Their guests spoiled them with heartfelt toasts and well wishes and they danced the night away under the stars. It was truly a perfect day for such a deserving couple that we were so happy to have the chance of photographing. Congratulations you two! We wish you many years of happiness!

Erika + Jeffrey = Married

Erika and Jeffrey had us at hello. From the very beginning we loved their vision for a beautiful, rustic wedding with an emphasis on having a great time for everyone involved. The Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm in Peabody was the perfect backdrop for said vision that went off with out a hitch. We're becoming huge fans of what we're calling 'one-stop-shop' wedding venues that offer so many diverse and beautiful backdrops for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception (as well as the photos of course) but no one has to mess with transportation during the wedding day. It makes the entire event run smoothly and ultimately more enjoyable for everyone. You can imagine our delight with a property as rich in history and beauty as Brooksby Farm - especially when we have two adorably in-love people who are just as attractive to work with as they are to photograph. In fact, we've got a petition out with their families to get these two moved back out to the East Coast so we can hang out with them more. We loved having the honor of capturing Erika and Jeff's wedding, and know these two will have many years of happiness as they celebrate life together. Be sure to check out all of their wedding photos here. Congratulations Erika and Jeff!!

Ingrid + Kristofor = Married

Feel free to ignore me down here and just go ahead and re-load this blog post and look at the photos again. It's okay, I'll wait. Okay, you back? You still breathing? Because Iceland was literally breath taking. Many folks who don't know Ingrid and Kris but knew that we were headed to Iceland to shoot a wedding always asked us two things: 1) Are they Icelandic? and 2) Why Iceland? To clear up those two things first; Ingrid and Kris are American and they chose to have a destination wedding in Iceland for many reasons, but the primary reason being the absolutely stunning landscape and beauty of the place. We knew going into the wedding that it was going to be an amazing experience, but we really had no idea how austerely beautiful the weekend would be. It was other-worldly in many ways. As we drove three hours north from the airport in Keflavik we were quickly greeted by stunning volcano-mountains and lava rock plains. Civilization seemed to lull to a place of prehistoric proportions, and we had to laugh when we entered a stretch in the drive where the only radio station that came in clearly was an abstract fog horn musical composition. So very cool and Scandinavian.

As if the landscapes weren't enough to get us excited; when we finally pulled into Ingrid and Kris' wedding location, Hotel Budir, we were greeted by a cozy hotel on the shores of the Atlantic. In many ways it was in the middle of no where - but it felt very idyllic and community-like with roaming dogs and wedding guests arriving with hugs and excitement for the weekend to come. Ingrid and Kris welcomed their guests with a twilight dinner (the sun doesn't really go down until 11:00pm or so, and even then it doesn't get truly dark) that we were able to enjoy with the guests. On the morning of the wedding Matt and I ventured out to see some scenic views (and take photos of course) while the wedding party started to ready themselves for the big day. When we arrived to photograph Ingrid and Kris getting ready for the ceremony, excitement was high and laughter was plentiful. Despite the drizzly weather conditions we managed to take some portraits of them outside amongst the stunning landscapes. We were in photo heaven! The ceremony was held in the cutest little chapel up the road from the hotel which ended with the sweetest rendition of 'My Favorite Things' from The Sound of Music on the small church organ. The celebration continued back at the hotel with some amazing food, heartfelt toasts, an adorable first dance and all ages of guests rocking out the dance floor. We had to take the opportunity to grab a few more couple portraits at sunset (aka, 10:45pm) and were so glad we did since the rain had stopped by then and we were able to see more of the snow capped mountains. Ingrid and Kris, we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with you and capture such a special time in your lives. Til Hamingju!!!

Erika + Steve = Married

There are some weddings that just feel like a giant dinner party. Everyone hugs as though it's been years since they saw each other and the murmur of the dinner conversation buzzes with happiness. After getting to know Erika and Steve, it was no surprise to us that their wedding was such a classy, comfortable affair because they exude such an easy confidence both as a couple and as parents to their darling little girl. Erika and her ladies got ready in the bridal suite of the Willowdale Estate where sweet glances passed between them as the flower girls (Erika's daughter and niece) sort of stole the show with their sweetness. Once Erika was dressed and ready and we were taking some bridal portraits of her, she found a live ladybug in her flower bouquet  which we all took as a sign of good luck. Steve and his guys hung around and shared some laughs and food together as they waited for the ladies. Once they were both ready we photographed their first look and couple portraits on the gorgeous grounds of the Willowdale Estate. Willowdale remains one of our favorite venues because even in the early spring where the color has not popped yet, the building serves as such a stunning backdrop for photos. After more photos with family and loved ones everyone prepared for their cozy ceremony inside where Erika's grandfather officiated their wedding. After the kiss, the evening continued with two of the sweetest toasts we've ever heard and lots more hugs from their family and friends. As you can see, the party did not slow down once the dance floor opened up. We loved the range of ages rocking out to 'Shout' and had to laugh when Steve's grandparents took center stage on more than one occasion. Erika and Steve, it's been absolute pleasure working with you both and we couldn't be happier for you as you continue your relationship as husband and wife. Congratulations!

Chuck

Oh man are we excited about this blog post. To be honest, the heart behind this post has been in the works for almost a year. When Matt and I started Summer Street Photography we truly had no idea how (or if) our business would grow. We were two optimistic photographers with a lot of energy and passion for capturing people on the happiest days of their lives. After a few years of working with amazing clients who allowed us into the private and beautiful spaces of one of the most important days of their lives, and more hard work than we ever thought was possible to make a business run - we found ourselves in the shoes of those we had admired for so long. We were operating a successful business. As we became more rooted in the business and dealt with the glorious blessing of growing pains, we realized that in order to continue moving forward, we couldn't remain where we already were. We needed to take a leap of faith to best serve Summer Street Photography. Leaps into the unknown are scary. What happens if this is the straw that breaks the camels back? What will we do if this doesn't work? How do we write a book if we don't know how it ends?

Today's story is one that started almost a year ago. Chuck was introduced to us by our own dear friends (and our wedding photographers) and we instantly clicked with him. Over many meals and swims in Walden Pond, Matt and I realized something at about the same moment. We needed Chuck on our team. Chuck had a full time wedding photography business before he moved to Boston to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and was an amazing photographer. We worked with Chuck on and off last year to test how he would like dealing with the craziness of working with a married couple. Fortunately we didn't scare him off too much because after a few weddings we all realized we'd found a really great team.

We're thrilled to introduce Chuck to you today as our new Associate Photographer. In addition to working with Matt and I at weddings, Chuck is also available for his own wedding commissions through Summer Street Photography. Just like all the weddings we shoot, all of the administrational work (client communication, editing, blogging) that happens though Summer Street happens through me. In fact, many of the weddings we shoot aren't *just* shot by Matt or I. Chuck had his hand in many of last year's weddings as well, so anyone curious about how Chuck's involvement might change the look of our work can rest assured that the images you've seen over the last year have represented many different combinations of photographers. We are so excited about how Chuck's experience and artistry has already made us a better business and we can't wait to see how things will unfold with him on our team this year.

As a way to get to know Chuck better, we decided a mini Summer Street shoot was in order, along with a fun Q&A with Chuck. Something Matt and I didn't realize until this shoot was how bad we were at taking photos of *each other*. It took us a little while to get a shot that we approved of - but once Chuck stepped behind the lens we got what we needed pretty quickly. On to the interview!

So Chuck, tell us a bit about how you got into photography and why you were drawn to shoot weddings? Photography wasn't always in my life, but being artsy was. I grew up drawing, painting, playing music, and writing poetry, so I was always looking for ways of expressing myself. In college, I accidentally took a few aesthetically pleasing photographs, so I tried to figure out how to create beautiful images on purpose. However, my fatal flaw is that when I pick up a hobby, I get really really into it. This meant I quickly ran out of money to buy all the lenses and camera bodies that I wanted. Incidentally, I caught up with a college friend who was a wedding photographer and was creating some amazing pieces of work. I had never thought that weddings allowed for such creativity and beauty. I then started interning with a local wedding photographer, and I found that I not only loved the pace and excitement of weddings, but that the joy and love of the couple was really contagious. Ever since then, I've been hooked!

In addition to Photography, you're pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. How do you feel the two topics inform each other? Would you say that your training in psychology helps you while your shooting weddings? Most definitely! Like I mentioned, weddings can be pretty hectic, but I want the couple to remember what they're ultimately there for... which is each other! Sometimes, it takes someone who has seen a lot of weddings to remind them to slow down, take a breath, and relax a bit. Sometimes it also takes someone to remind them that they need to eat lunch and drink fluids or else they risk passing out in the hot sun :). I haven't had to put on my therapist hat during a wedding (knock on wood), but I like to think that I'm a supportive presence during the day.

What was the last meal you ate?  Vina (my wife) made pasta with some fresh pesto (yum). We topped it off with some almond pine-nut cookies, and I plan on having some homemade durian ice cream after I finish this interview!

Canon vs. Nikon? Canon all the way :). Really, it's a trivial thing... I honestly think they're both great cameras, but I learned to shoot on Canon so I've stuck with it. My mentor was a Nikon shooter, but he could never convince me that Nikon was better.

How would you describe your shooting style on the day of a wedding? Previous clients have told me that I'm a calming presence, which I certainly hope is true, but I see it more as being on my game yet relaxed at the same time. There's so much craziness going on during the day, the last thing I want to be is another source of stress. In fact, I actively try to stay behind the scenes as much as possible, and am somewhat of a ninja during the ceremony. However, when things need direction (especially with the family photos), trust me when I say that my game face is on and I'm all business. Ultimately, I'm a firm believer that my job is to capture the emotions of the day and the couple just as they are, and to stay out of the picture as much as I can.

Why are you excited to be a Summer Street Associate? Tons of reasons! First, Kendra and Matt are awesome, so being an associate means I get to see them more! Second, I really appreciate the work and heart that they've built into Summer Street, and how they manage to stay grounded and humble. Ultimately, the day is about the couple, so there's no need for photographer drama or ego. I really respect the values that the business is built on, as well as the beautiful work that comes out of it, and jumped on the opportunity to be a part of the team. Before being an official associate, I had lots of opportunities to shoot with them, and being out there felt like we had been doing this together for a really long time. Third, (let me be selfish for a moment here), I really love shooting and working with the couple, but I don't necessarily love the immense amount of editing and post-processing that comes after it. Being an associate means that I get to shoot more and edit less, which I'll gladly take any day!

Starbucks or Dunkin? I don't drink coffee, but I have a Dunkin next to my house, and love their pumpkin donut-holes in the fall. Mmmm.

What does an ideal day in the life of Chuck look like? That's a tough one. I could spend an entire day fishing or gardening, or spend it backpacking and camping, preferably with my wife. Ideally, there would be some really tasty food involved, whether it was the fish I caught, or veggies from the garden, or a meal cooked over hot coals. Then, after any of the aforementioned possibilities, there would be a professional massage. Mmmmmm.

I hear you had a very serious addiction collection of Transformers when you were younger. Do you still have some valuable items? Tell us about it. Guilty as charged. I had an enormous collection in middle and high school, and found some of my rare items featured in publications (uber-geek, I know). While I still have a huge amount of nostalgia for the old 80's transformers, I don't own anything that's worth very much anymore. Before selling my collection (which helped pay for a '79 Corvette and college), I kept my very first transformers I got as a kid, which are well loved but not worth very much if I were to sell them. Maybe one day, if I happen upon an unreasonably large sum of money, I might start collecting again...

You just got married in January 2013 (in Thailand no less). How has the experience of being a Groom changed your perspective of shooting weddings? You know, having done so many weddings, I knew that the day went by quickly. Even so, I was surprised at how fast it all happened. At the end of the day, when we look back on our pictures, I'm so grateful for the work of the photographer, but am also reminded that we didn't need to sweat the small stuff. We got a massage in the middle of the day (which I highly recommend!) and just tried to take things slow and enjoy the process. Now that I'm married, I think I'm going to be just a little more sentimental when I do weddings, knowing what it's like on the other side.

Thanks for tuning in! Here's to a year of amazing weddings!