We love this job for so many reasons, but one of the best is the diversity we see in how couples choose to celebrate their big day. Our biggest advice for couples planning their wedding (besides hiring a photographer you love, of course) is to stay true to personalizations throughout the venue and vendor choices. Ultimately, it's a day to kick off your marriage in whatever way you hope, and when couples stay true to this, magic happens. Monica and Stephen nailed this one on the head for their summer camp wedding in New Hampshire. They kept the gathering fun and interesting by hosting the wedding at North Woods Summer Camp and honored their values by selecting strictly vegan accompaniments. The food and attire were all vegan, and they used sustainable and renewable products whenever possible. The results were fantastic, and we're very jealous that Chuck got to capture this one without us. Congratulations to Monica and Stephen, and a job well done (as always) to Chuck!
Krystal + Patrick = Married
Krystal and Patrick were married on a beautiful September day in the state capitol of Minnesota (ten points if you're not from MN and know what city that is!) at the James J Hill Library downtown Saint Paul. These two, who currently call Chicago home, were set on hosting a classy yet laid back wedding that their friends and family could celebrate together after their long courtship leading up to their wedding. Our Midwest Associate Photographer Abby was there to capture all the action and clearly had a great time working with Krystal and Patrick and their kind crew of friends and family. We are so happy for you, Krystal and Patrick, and we wish you nothing but the best in your new adventure; marriage! Congratulations!
Jennifer + Dylan = Married
These two. This wedding. If I could have a mini Jen and Dylan to carry around in my pocket all day, I would. That sounds silly, but everyone who knows Jen and Dylan can attest to their ability to make you feel loved, cared for and encouraged. I daresay that these two together are going to make the world a better place. I started the day with Jennifer as she prepared to see Dylan for the first time at her parents home on the Portsmouth waterfront surrounded by her loving family and girlfriends. She was cool as a cucumber, and clearly beaming with excitement for what the day would hold. When she met up with Dylan, his adorable reaction to her bridal beauty literally brought tears of happiness to my eyes. They took me to some of their favorite spots in Portsmouth, where I was in photo heaven with these two stunners in front of the camera and the amazing scenery surrounding them (as evidence to the large number of couple portraits I just couldn't narrow down). Their ceremony was held at a stunning old church, where instead of a unity candle they poured ocean water from their respective coasts into a peach tree that they'll plant at their favorite place to relax. After the ceremony they had popcorn and lemonade for their guests to enjoy on the lawn of the church and then had a "popcorn parade" where all the guests walked over to the stunning Portsmouth Harbor Events Center for an evening of delicious food and dancing. It was a marvelous evening filled with loving toasts and a jam-packed dance floor where Jen and her best friends (and mom and grandma) showed off their dance moved to a Celine Dion song that they may have had an unhealthy relationship with. ;) Congratulations Jen and Dylan. We are so happy for you!
Jacqueline + Matt = Married
Jacqueline and Matt were married on a beautiful September day. The kind that make tourists flock to visiting autumn in New England. It's no secret that Jacqueline and Matt are two of the most gracious, warm and charismatic souls out there, so having the stage set for a perfect wedding day was easy. Our talented friend Jean joined Summer Street for the day, so while Jean and Matt captured some getting ready photos, Matt (the groom) waited patiently to see his exquisite bride for the first time. After a darling first look and a few portraits of the two of them together, their wedding entourage joined them for some photos on the crest of Quincy where the entire skyline of Boston was visible. Despite the middle of the afternoon timeline, the light for their photos before the ceremony was divine, wasn't it? Their ceremony brought tears to everyone's eyes and the rest of the evening was a laid-back, classy time for all involved. Jacqueline and Matt, we are so happy for you and wish you nothing but the best in your new adventure. Congratulations!
Kerry + Matteo = Married
Doesn't this wedding just make you so happy? Kerry and Matteo are the types of people who bring positivity into the world. Chuck was our lead shooter at this wedding and the moment he left the wedding he texted us to share what amazing people Kerry and Matteo are, and how their connection gave everyone at the wedding the (good) chills. It's clear from the photos how much they love and deserve one another, but it just makes us so happy to know people like Kerry and Matteo are teaming up for a great life together. Throw in some wood fired pizza, a drizzly backyard farm in New Hampshire and a loving crew of guests and you have yourself a perfect wedding. Congratulations Kerry and Matteo, it's been our pleasure!
Mandy + Zach = Married
There is just something about a backyard wedding that we really dig. The emotions seem higher when a couple says 'I do' on territory that is woven into their lives. Mandy and Zach did just this and the results were a smashing success. Mandy's childhood home sits right on the Saint Croix river, which separates Minnesota and Wisconsin, in a sleepy little town called Marine on Saint Croix. There are about 600 people in this outer-ring suburb of the Twin Cities and, Mandy, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe about half the town attended your wedding, is that right? Zach's cheerful friends and family completed a fun group of wedding guests that surrounded these two as they committed themselves to a lifetime of joy worth fighting for. It was a great party. We may also be newly committed fans of the post-ceremony wedding party 'booze cruise'. Mandy and Zach are loved by so many, and after we've gotten to know them it's no surprise why. Special thanks to our gal Abby who second shoot with us for this wedding, and Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Cerridwen + Nic = Married
You know when a couple tells you their wedding will be held in the backyard of the bride's ancestral home (which just got electricity) on the coast of Maine that it is going to be a unique and fantastic day. Cerridwen and Nic threw a party to kick start their marriage that did not disappoint. Gathered in the cathedral of evergreens, they said their vows amongst a crowd of their closest loved ones and planted an oak tree in lieu of a unity candle that will grow beyond their years together. After the ceremony they dodged the rain and settled into a delicious meal with their friends and family as they cozied up in the warmth of their newlywed glow. We had to sneak them away for a few minutes on the foggy, brisk waterfront for some portraits which we are just a *little* obsessed with. Cerri and Nic, you have both been such a pleasure to get to know. We are so grateful for your trust in Summer Street to capture your beautiful and thoughtful wedding day. Congratultaions!
Lindsay + Chris = Married
Lindsay and Chris' wedding was a dream. Between the ocean breezes, fantastic food, lively entertainment, heartfelt toasts and all around laid back fun, it was everything a Cape Cod wedding should be. It comes as no surprise since these two are some of the most relaxed, loving people ever. There are times that we *really* wish we were guests at a wedding instead of the photographers, and Lindsay and Chris' wedding was one of them. It doesn't hurt that we had so many past clients (now, friends) attending their wedding. Lindsay and Chris' friends are part of a large college alum group (Go Bulldogs!) whom we've had the honor of working with a few times. Lindsay and Chris also surprised their guests with a late night Good Humor Ice Cream truck, in which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Special thanks to our friend Bella for second shooting with us, and Congratulations to Lindsay and Chris on the start of a beautiful marriage!
Cassie + Dave = Married
Cassie and Dave were married at Ocean Edge Resort (literally on the ocean's edge..) in Brewster, Mass a few weeks back and Chuck was there to capture it all. Cassie and Dave are a kind, playful pair that know how to slow down and enjoy life together. Their wedding was a celebration of their special union and filled with love and beautiful sea breezes. We are loving the photos Chuck captured of the two of them on the beach with their newlywed glow. Doesn't Cassie rock her full A-line dress so well? We don't see many brides daring to go big in the dress department, but Cassie knows how to work it. Dave also looks very dapper in his suit, so paired together on the beach during sunset is about as good as it gets from a photographer's point of view. In addition to being easy to photograph, Cassie and Dave are a joy to be around so once again we bask in the glow of gratitude for the incredible folks we get to have in our Summer Street family. Congratulations Cassie and Dave. We wish you all the best!
Molly + Jason = Married
Molly and Jason were married a few weeks back at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. We love weddings in every form, but there is something magical about the Boston Skyline twinkling it's city charm as the back ground for a wedding. Loving guests came from near and far to celebrate, as the couple currently resides in New York City, but call Massachusetts home. Molly and Jason are the total package. Charismatic, happy, graceful and humble; they are truly a joy to be around. Also, the song a couple chooses to share their first dance to says a lot about them. Molly and Jason chose "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid, which their band played live and left everyone smiling and laughing. That tells you how sweet and fun they are. Molly and Jason, it's been a true pleasure working with you and we are elated for your future together. Special thanks to our girl Katie for second shooting with Summer Street, and Congratulations to the Newlyweds!
Debra + Tyler = Married
What do you get when you put together two outgoing thespians, one crew of fun friends, a slew of loving and joyful relatives, a farm and a quaint small-town American storefront wedding venue? Deb and Tyler's wedding. That's what. Abby had the privilege of photographing Deb and Tyler's big day in Manvel, North Dakota and we're loving the images she captured. How beautiful does Deb look? And how sweet is Tyler? Seriously. These two are the complete package and we've had such a great time getting to know them as new friends. In lieu of the traditional Bridal Party, Deb and Tyler decided to personalize their wedding by having a "menagerie" of friends, each representing an animal that matched their personality (now you know whey they are wearing ears in some of the photos). They also made their day extra special by having Tyler's father officiate the ceremony. The celebration continued downtown Manvel with their cozy dinner reception and adorable woodland centerpieces to accompany their menagerie theme. Congratulations Tyler and Deb! We wish you an eternity of happiness together.
Jodi + Warren = Married
There is something about this wedding, isn't there? From the perfectly preppy Cape Cod details to the ceremony on the sand, Jodi and Warren left nothing to be spared with their backyard wedding in Falmouth, Mass. We love the laid back, yet elegant vibe they have going on and the open air dance floor with something cold to drink are all recipes for a great time. Chuck had the honor of photographing Jodi and Warren's Wedding day, and once again: we're jealous. These two have been so fun and easy to work with, and clearly their wedding turned out just as they hoped; awesome. Jodi and Warren, we wish you years of happiness together, Congratulations!
Elizabeth + Oliver = Married
We loved Elizabeth and Oliver's Wedding at The Farm at Pokanoket in Westport, MA for a number of reasons. First, these two left no detail unattended. From the long farmhouse tables guests enjoyed at dinner to the warm sea breezes off the ocean, it was an exquisite day. Of course we love photographing pretty things, but it's way more fun to capture the love shared by a community of people coming together to celebrate a new family. It shows us that they will have a successful marriage because they have strong role models that have brought them up in a way that showcases what it means to be selfless in the name of love. Oliver's family is Swedish, so they took on a few fun Swedish traditions in their reception. For example, there were many heartfelt toasts (and songs) wishing the newlyweds their best throughout their meal. Traditionally, a bell would ring to call the guests' attention to the next toaster, but Elizabeth and Oliver had a fun twist where their friend played the saxophone to serenade guests to the next toaster. We were honored to have the privilege of working with this lovely couple, and we hope you enjoy their wedding photos as much as we do! Special thanks to our girl Deb for second shooting with us. Always a pleasure to have you on board, Deb! Congratulations Elizabeth and Oliver!
Sarah + Matt = Married
It's hard to believe this weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of the fall season. While we still have plenty of weddings this fall, it always amazes us how quickly the summer months blaze by. Once winter sets in, we find ourselves savoring the colors of summer as we work on albums and off-season duties that have us filing through summer weddings. Sarah and Matt's Wedding in Beverly, MA at the stunning Misselwood Mansion is one for the books. These two have been an absolute joy to work with, and their loveliness was clearly infused into every aspect of their classy wedding. Delicate florals, calm, ocean cove waters and a guest list filled with loving family and friends, Sarah and Matt's big day was just as every wedding should be. We were delighted to have the opportunity to tell their love story, and know this is the beginning of a very happily-ever-after for these two. Congratulations Sarah and Matt, it's been a pleasure!
Jacqueline + Matt = Married
Having two Associate Photographers here on Summer Street has proved to be mostly a beautiful thing. There are multiple eyes on the most important days in our clients' lives, which means that we're focused and rested when it comes time for us to work, the team mentality proves over and over again to strengthen our product and experience, an so on. The one thing that has been tough, if we are being honest, is that Matt and I get a little jealous when Chuck or Abby get to shoot a wedding and we don't. When our Associate Shooters work with our couples, Matt and I do all the pre (and post) administrational work with our couples which means we get the full vision before the wedding day. We cherish the relationships we build during this season in our couples lives and getting to hug and toast to them on their wedding day is a huge high. Jacqueline and Matt are a perfect example of this. They are well suited for one another in many ways. Matt is loyal, strong and gentle. Jacqueline is warm, bubbly and steadfast. They have an easy flow to their relationship that puts people at ease. Chuck had the privilege of shooting their Nahant, Mass wedding earlier this month and the first thing he said to us after working with them was, "these two are SO nice!" And it's true. Jacqueline and Matt, we have such big hearts for you. Congratulations on this new chapter in your lives. We know your marriage will be even more beautiful than your wedding, and that's what it's all about.