Featured on Style Me Pretty Massachusetts

Once upon a time, before Summer Street Photography was even a twinkle in our eyes, I was a hopeful bride to be. Let me go further. I was NOT engaged and started reading a new wedding blog called Style Me Pretty. It has just started and the editor, Abby, was the only author. It was quaint and beautiful, and suddenly I realized that weddings could be so much more than the banquet hall I worked at in high school where every weekend looked like the same wedding. Honestly, I went through a period of time after working that job that I hated weddings (not marriages, mind you) because they all seemed like a meaningless tradition that people did, "just because". I was convinced that my wedding would be very different if and when it ever happened. It was as though the stars aligned when I started reading Style Me Pretty - and I was hooked. Every day I'd visit the site and drool over all of the various types of weddings. Home grown, big and beautiful, beachy, vineyard....all types. Around the time I did end up getting engaged I had found a few more wedding blogs to add to my daily reading list and suddenly I was a blog reader. As the engagement went on, so did the list of wedding blogs. Dozens and dozens of wedding  blogs. Style Me Pretty remained my favorite since all of the weddings they featured withheld a strict standard of taste and style. The blog grew, and grew, and grew until now, where it is a huge wedding phenomena with a sizable full time staff and most all brides we work with know what it is and turn to it for wedding inspiration. Recently, they started an even more exciting adventure into having local blogs. They still have their main site, but they also have location specific blogs for areas like Massachusetts , California, Illinois, and even Australia - to name a few. You can imagine our excitement when we were featured on Style Me Pretty Massachusetts yesterday for Maggie and Seth's DIY Wedding in Maynard. Beyond words excited.

Oh, and can we just take a moment to say HOLY COMMENTS BATMAN? You guys blew us out of the water with your comment love! Thank you for showing your support! We are truly overwhelmed.

And for fun, here is the screen shot of the Style Me Pretty Network with Maggie and Seth's photo hanging out under Massachusetts:

And lastly, our mention on the Style Me Pretty's facebook page. Which we were flattered to see since not all of the local blogs get mentions!

We're not big into tooting out own horn, but we wanted to share our excitement with all of you and THANK you for making Summer Street tick. We couldn't do it without you!

September

September has been the busiest month on Summer Street yet! It's no wonder when the weather is practically perfect in every way. For those of you who do not follow us on Facebook, we thought it might be fun to see a little sneak peek of the work we've been up to the last month. Each of these weddings will have their own blog post very soon - but for now, a quick peek at all of the lovely weddings we've been working on will have to do! In other news, we are already 50% booked up for next year, so if you've been thinking about sending an inquiry our way, now is the time!

Jessica + Sean = Married

If weddings were novels, Jessica and Sean's would be The Great Gatsby. Their wedding was on Hurricane Irene Sunday, and originally the plan was to have the ceremony outside and the reception under a large tent. Mother Nature had other plans, and luckily the inside of their venue was absolutely stunning, which made for an intimate and romantic setting. Their wedding was the epitome of style and class. Even as we were editing, we were constantly fighting the urge to make the entire event black and white. It was truly timeless. We were blessed with fifteen minutes of sunshine and no rain (sunshine! During a hurricane!) right in time to capture their first look and stroll through the beautiful grounds and grape arbors of the Mansion. They personalized the day by incorporating an Armenian Crowning during their ceremony, having a giant screen printed poster as their guest book ("How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."), having a mini flash dance with their bridal party, serving Armenian desserts alongside their gorgeous cake and sending their guests home with yummy cake pops. (We took two, except I ate both of them. Sorry Matt!) We were so happy to be a part of their wedding, and will always remember it as our night living in one of our favorite novels. Also, a big thanks to fellow photographer friend, Steph Stevens, of Steph Stevens Photo for letting us borrow some extra lighting!

Val

In the midst of peak wedding season, we thought it might be nice to share some non-wedding work we've been up to. We love working with married couples. Last December, Graham approached us to purchase a holiday gift for his wife, Val. Val needed some professional head shots, and he thought it might be a fun gift to give. We had a mini session in January, since Val needed one quick shot for a project she was working on and decided to wait until the weather was a little nicer before moving forward with the rest of the session. We met up over labor day weekend to round out her head shot session, and even caught a few of Graham with her. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two. Not only have they been extremely easy to work with, they are very kind -hearted and interesting to talk with. They even came to my dance company's show last spring, which meant so much to me. Oh! And also, Val's shirt means 'happiness' in Chinese. Apparently it's the symbol they use at weddings. :)

Lauren + Jay = Engaged

We have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of getting to know Lauren and Jay. They are the type of people that everyone wants to have as friends. Fun, outgoing, relaxed and easy to talk with. They also have a mutual love of music, which we got to see in action since Jay brought along his guitar to their session and Lauren sang with him (insert collective 'awww'). Early in their relationship, they would bring along musical rhythm shakers (or 'eggs') and take photos of themselves with their shaker in place of the others absence, so it was only natural that they bring along their shakers to our shoot. (We're hoping they incorporate them into their wedding somehow too....cake topper anyone?). We had a lovely time capturing them in historic downtown Concord and the Old North Bridge. The sun was at its best, and clearly, Lauren and Jay are naturals in front of the camera. We can't wait until their December wedding at the Barn at Gibbet Hill - it's going to be gorgeous!

Sarabina + Andrew = Married

There are so many wonderful things we could say about Sarabina and Andrew's wedding. We could talk about how Andrew was a big excited goofball in anticipation to see his bride for the first time. We could talk about how Sara was calm and collected while every one of her girlfriends cried as she was getting ready. We could talk about how their first kiss (ever) was after they said, "you may now kiss your bride". We could talk about the random stranger who brought them a bottle of champagne while they were doing their portraits. We could talk about how they had a 200+ family formal shot or their photobooth or how Sarabina surprised Andrew by singing him a song at their reception. But we won't go into details on all of those things. Instead, we will tell you how these two are getting married for all the right reasons. They are made for each other and their love is radiant. We have felt incredibly blessed to have gotten the privilege of working with them, and know that their life together will be incredible.

Jen + Ed = Engaged

9/10/11 is an extremely popular date to get married this year. As our calender for the fall continued to fill up, it seemed that every Saturday except 9/10/11 was filling. We found it quite odd, since we knew almost every photographer friend who had been booked for a year in advanced for this date. We waited, and as August approached, we thought perhaps it would be a day off. Then Jen e-mailed me. She was in a panic because everyone was already booked for her wedding on 9/10/11. After a few e-mails and a phone conversation, I knew that we were meant to be. As any bride can attest, the last month of wedding planning can be extremely overwhelming. Jen and Ed were willing to schedule their engagement session just one week after signing a contract with us. I love that about them. They could have chosen not to have an engagement session since their wedding is so quickly approaching, but they agreed with our philosophy that an engagement session is like a dry run of your wedding day. It gives everyone a chance to get to know each other better before the wedding, and thus - results in a more relaxed wedding day and photos. When we met Jen and Ed, it was quickly obvious that they are made for each other. They make each other laugh and one would guess that they've been together for years when you see them interact. We are excited to shoot their wedding THIS WEEKEND on the ocean in Nahant, on the epic 9/10/11.

Making Me Birthday Party

We thought it might be fun to share a few photos from an ultra fun Birthday Party we were invited to attend a few weeks back for one of our favorite Wedding Planner/Coordinator/Stylist/Extraordinaire, Phebe, of Making Me Planning and Event Firm. Her business celebrated it's first birthday, and what a great time it was! You may remember that Phebe was our wedding day of coordinator, so we have a very dear place in our hearts for Phebe and her business.  She hand baked almost every portion of her adorable dessert table. Her peach pie was divine, and the adorable cake in a jar favors she sent home with us were equally as good. This woman has talent for days! Thanks for inviting us dear Phebe...and we know year two will be even better than the first year!  

Carolyn + Sean = Wedding

Carolyn and Sean were married on a glorious summer day in Bermuda. Yes, you heard that right. In Bermuda. We were humbled when they asked us to be a part of it, especially since destination wedding couples have umpteen million choices for wedding photographers. When we first met them, we were immediately drawn to their laid back personalities and love for one another as they told us about their plans for a relaxing wedding weekend in Bermuda for their closest family and friends. As we spent the weekend with them during the wedding, we had the honor of getting to know them even better, and following Sean's adorable twin daughters around like the paparazzi (we couldn't help it - they are just too sweet!). They were married at Tuckers Point - which is a GORGEOUS resort on the south east portion of the Island. After a relaxing day at the Spa with her ladies, and a sun showered round of golf with the guys, Carolyn and Sean began getting ready for their ceremony. We couldn't hold back our smiles when Sean's face beamed with love for Carolyn during the ceremony, and giggled while the twins stole the show at several points of the evening. We are so happy for you two, and we wish you all the best!!

Maggie + Seth = Married

Weddings are happy events. Always. I am beyond moved at each and every wedding ceremony we attend. In all their various shapes and forms, they all resonate with astounding love, and that is a beautiful thing. With that said, Maggie and Seth's wedding was one of the happiest weddings we've ever been at. They were RADIATING with love and happiness on their wedding day, and it was infectious. If all of this love fest wasn't enough, they also had an incredible party, complete with a moose head mount. From the donuts to the dress her grandmother hand-lovingly made, Maggie and Seth's wedding was a smashing handmade affair. After their epic first look and a few fun bridal party photos at a local Ice Cream Stand, they  made their way to St. Rose of Lima in Northborough for a touching Catholic Wedding Ceremony. After they said I do, we made our way to Maynard to the Rod and Gun Club for their kickin BBQ Celebration styled by the amazing Jillian of New England Vintage Rentals. While Fireflies BBQ served up some seriously awesome grub, Maggie and Seth were showered with some of the most touching speeches from their loved ones. We managed to sneak them out for a few final sunset shots, just in time to get back to the party that was stirring. Maggie and Seth, you guys are amazing. Congratulations on your beautiful marriage and we wish you the best!  

Bermuda - Off the Clock

If you follow our facebook page, you might have noticed some sneak peeks from Carolyn and Sean's amazing wedding in Bermuda. Bermuda! We were so excited to not only photograph our first Island Wedding, but also take a little mini vacation in a place we'd never visited before. While we are working on Carolyn and Sean's photos from their wedding, we thought that in the meanwhile we'd share a few photos from our time on the island when we weren't working. We stayed in St. George, which is the oldest city on the Island, so we were happy to see the sights and go snorkeling in Tobacco Bay, where there are parrot fish! Some of our highlights included visiting one of the oldest churches on the western hemisphere (as pictured), renting a scooter (the scooter man didn't trust that Matt knew how to drive and made him go around and around the parking lot before letting us leave) going snorkeling (obv.) and breathing in as much humidity as humanly possible. We enjoyed every part of this trip, and can't wait to share more of Carolyn and Sean's Wedding Photos!

Lora + Will = Engaged

Lora and Will are champs. When we met them at the beginning of their engagement session, it was raining. No wait, it was POURING. We told them that we could wait a few minutes to see if it might clear up and if it didn't we could always reschedule the shoot, so we waited. When it was showing no signs of letting up, we thought we may as well have a little fun and do some shooting in the rain, in addition to the shoot we'd reschedule. Fearlessly they agreed, and we started shooting photos in the rain. Will rolled up his pants and Lora embraced the 'wet hair look' and they danced in the rain. Literally. And wouldn't you know, that all of the sudden the rain started to lift and the most beautiful sunshine came out behind the clouds. Since they remained looking marvelous even after getting drenched, we embraced the opportunity to continue shooting in the sunshine. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two, and wish them nothing but the best as they prepare for their wedding this fall out west!

Kristin + Brian = Engaged

The moment we met Kristin and Brian, we could tell they were absolutely perfect for one another. They are both outgoing and collected....giggly yet grounded...and head over heels in love with each other. As they prepare for their wedding next June at the Turner Hill Estate we thought it would be fun to capture their engagement in Kennebunk, Maine, where Kristin's family has been spending summers for years. With Maine being one of our most favorite places in the world, we were all about photographing these two on the rocky shoreline, the cool mist of the beach and of course the signature New England Dunes. When we casually suggested bringing along some Scrabble Letters to spell 'LOVE' to incorporate into their session...they were all in, since it was one of their favorite games to play. After the session we took up the best Maine has to offer by devouring some lobster rolls (one of our favorite hobbies) and enjoying spending time together.

Marisa + Andy = Engaged

So if you know us even a little bit, you know that we love to cook, and we love to eat.  Funny thing then that we met up with Marisa and Andy, who have both worked for some of the best restaurants in Providence.  You may have also noticed that we often comment about how we often think of our clients as friends, and want to have dinner parties with them. (Maybe we're weird...) Anyway, our wildest dreams came true during Marisa and Andy's engagement session. We got to shoot them on a rooftop with a 360 view of Providence (and in the un-air conditioned 'perfect light' staircase of said building....you guys are troopers) and then in their apartment as they cooked us an amazing lunch. Talk about a treat! We are super excited to be shooting their September wedding, and even hope that the sombrero ends up making an appearance at their wedding. And finally, a huge thank you to Jamie from Jamie Marland Photography for assisting with the shoot!  

Sara + Andrew = Engaged

If we gave out client superlatives (you know....best dressed....most likely to succeed...) Sara and Andrew would win the biggest heart award. These two. I tell you. I have never meet two people with such love radiating around them. In fact, I think when we first met, we gave them hugs - not handshakes - to introduce ourselves. They are getting married in a few short weeks so in preparation for their wedding we made sure to schedule an engagement session on an overcast July day in Nantasket Beach.  It sprinkled throughout the entire session, and although they had their hearts set on a sun shiny engagement session, we got so much more. Their cheerful demeanor brushed right through the clouds and it's pretty clear that they were the ones who shone brightly during the session. We even ended our time together by getting slushies together, which of course we had to document as well.