From our very first conversation with Michael and Manpreet, we knew these were our people. Hard working, exceptionally talented, full of love for one another, optimistic for the future, and did we mention totally real? Michael and Manpreet have magnetic personalities and huge hearts. They deserve one another and their wedding day completely celebrated that. If you've been following our work for a little while, you know that we regularly shoot in New England and the Midwest, so it was extra fun for us to venture a little further south to the Big Apple to photograph Manpreet and Michael's big day. The city has such an electric vibe, and hosting the event at the Brooklyn Winery was the perfect spot to gather together for their wedding. Manpreet and her favotire people gathered together at the couple's home to prep for the day, while Michael's crew got ready in Times Square. Michael grew up in the United Kingdom, so many of his friends and family came from overseas for the wedding. Times Square was a fitting and bustling place to get ready for the wedding, and also let many of his friends experience a slice of New York in it's glittering light. The day continued with a sweet hour of portraits where Michael couldn't stop smiling at Manpreet because their wedding day had finally arrived (I'm telling you, these two are sweethearts). Their cozy, candle lit ceremony left everyone in happy tears which was a great prelude for the rest of the evening's stories and toasts from their loved ones. The night concluded with a serious dance party and we left with a huge grin wiped across our face. I'd call that a good day at work. Congratulations Manpreet and Michael. We are over the moon for you and trust you'll share many glasses of wine from the Brooklyn Winery on your anniversary each year.
2014 - IN REVIEW
For those of you still hanging around at the end, let's start with a high-five for being able to process all those images. We are well aware that this little annual tradition of our images in a yearly review format is entirely too big. Believe it or not, this is a highly edited version of some of our favorite images for the year. I suppose that's what happens when we shoot more than 50 weddings in a year, not to mention even more portrait sessions. There is just so much LIFE and LOVE that we get to witness! It's such an honor, guys.
Now you get to read our little acceptance speech of gratitude. First of all, none of these photos would be possible without the beautiful clients we get to have in our Summer Street family. Their lives and love are our constant inspiration, and without that we'd just be taking photos of pretty things with no substance. Next up, our team of dedicated photographers. Of course Matt and I started this whole crazy business, but we've picked up Chuck and Abby along the way as our sensationally talented Associate Photographers, and much of what you see above is their talented work as well. Next up we have the privilege of working with some of the finest in the industry as our second shooters and assistants for some weddings; Ashley, Katie, Deb, Bella, Dan, Olivia, Ellie, Jean and Vina - your talent behind the lens is clearly phenomenal and we're honored to call you peers. We are hybrid shooters (film and digital) so we have to thank our talented film lab, Richard Photo Lab, for their expert work in the dark room. This year we hand-trained a new talented digital editor as well. With the influx of a new market in the Midwest, Matt and I needed back-end support to help us deliver beautiful, consistent images to our clients in a timely manner, and we knew bringing an in-house editor to help us would be just the thing. Laura is now part of our team and has been an integral part of our back-end this year and helps all our images become what you see on our site. Talk about a talented group!
We have captured love in many places this year. From sandy beaches to historic estates. Ornate houses of worship and cathedrals in the woods. Childhood homes and mountain tops. All across New England and the prairies of the Midwest, we've gotten to step back and capture lives full of love. We've been able to tell their stories through photos that they will cherish for years to come. We are completely honored to call this work, and we toast to you all for supporting us along the way. Here's to 2015!
*In the mood for more photos? Previous years in review: 2011, 2012 (part I, II, III), 2013*
The S Family
When someone asks us what we do for a living, we usually say, "We're Photogrpahers." What follows is usually in tune with, "Cool! What kind?" and we usually say, "We photograph love. Weddings, couples, babies, families....the good stuff". It's a true honor to capture love. Some people are called to be funeral directors or politicians or plumbers or doctors or tax accountants, all of which are incredibly important. But spending your working time surrounded by love? We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this. When the S family asked us to capture some photos of their life together, we were immediately on board. There is something magical about the everyday. The traditional family portrait that sits above the mantel with all parties clad in white shirts and khaki pants is important, don't get us wrong, but there is something about capturing a living, breathing family doing their thing that speaks to us. The S family has plenty of love to go around, and it was so easy capturing their love together.
Baby F
You may remember Erin and Koji from their Wedding. Or perhaps their Maternity Session a few weeks back. By now, these two are old friends on Summer Street so it was a complete honor to capture their newest addition to their lives through photos. Chuck captured this sweet session and we are officially obsessed with the results. You can feel the love, can't you? The photo of the new family sitting in the nursery literally gives me chills. It's one of those images that wraps up the experience of having a new baby in your life. The world rushes around you, but in the middle of it all there is this tiny, helpless creature that teaches us how to give sacrificial love. The look on Erin and Koji's face in that image is just *everything*. Is it dusty around here? Erin and Koji, we are thrilled to see you as parents. That baby girl is one lucky human. Congratulations!!
Sharon + Chris = Married
Sharon and Chris were married in Lakeville, Minnesota a few weeks back, wrapping up our 2014 season on a very high note. They were married on the same week that they celebrated 10 years together, which was one sweet element in a slew of meaningful contributions in their big day. They got ready at their venue and made their way down to a nearby state park for their first look and couple portraits - in the bitter cold of 17 degrees (without coats) - but once they saw each other their excitement and warmth pushed them through for some beautiful images together. A roaring fire welcomed guests as they shared a cozy and meaningful ceremony together. Cold temps didn't keep the crew of Minnesotan wedding attendants leery of popping outside for some photos (we are a tough breed) and afterward the party continued with witty toasts and some polka dancing. If there is anything we are sure of, it's that these two deserve one another and they will share a happily ever after together. Congratulations, Sharon and Chris!
Kate + Rob = Engaged
I was honored to capture Kate and Rob's Engagement Session a few weeks back in Saint Paul, MN. Engagement Sessions are much like a date with your photographer, and it's safe to say that I would want to continue dating these two after our fun time together. Even in the cold, they had bright spirits and were up for anything. We started our time in Cathedral Hill and stopped in a sweet little book store to warm up and get some photos of them reading together (something they love). We ended the session on the Mississippi River Bluff overlooking downtown, Saint Paul and those might be some of my favorite photos from our time together. We can't wait to photograph their vintage inspired wedding next August at The Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. After getting to know Kate and Rob, it's going to be a classy, laid-back affair. Pardon our humble-brag, but our clients really are the best.
Suzy + Dan = Married
Maybe it's the introverts in us, but we love weddings with small guest lists. I think it's a combination of seeing the bride and groom lavish love from each and every guest, or maybe it's because the whole wedding feels like a dinner party, but either way we're fans. Dan and Suzy celebrated their union at the DeWolf Tavern in Bristol, Rhode Island a few weeks back, and Chuck was there to capture all the action. If you've never been to Bristol, you really should add it to your travel list. It's the sweetest little costal New England town, with a sleepy old main street and beautiful historic houses that line the streets. It's no surprise that The Dewolf Tavern was equally as cozy for a wedding. We love how the late fall twilight illuminates their dark and striking features, and how Dan's pop of red on his tie and boutonnière are just the right touch of color. Beyond the aesthetic details, these two are charismatic sweethearts, and we couldn't be more grateful for their trust in our work! Congratulations Suzy and Dan, we know you have years of happiness in your future together!
Danielle + Jason = Engaged
Oh we have a treat for you today, friends. Danielle and Jason are about as sweet as they come, and if the above photo evidence isn't proof enough, let us gush just a minute about them. Danielle is the type of person whose presence feels like a warm hug. She's giggly, smart and head over heels for her love, Jason. Jason is charming, stead fast and one of the most caring people you will ever meet. They deserve one another, and it's been a blast working with them so far. Chuck is their lead shooter, so it's always fun to watch him capture the love our couples share. As a side note, we are constantly blown away by the caliber of his talent. It's not hard to make couples like Danielle and Jason shine, but while working on the images there just wasn't a single photo that was less than amazing. We hope you enjoy this session as much as we do(especially those beautiful fall colors that are now tucked away for the year) and hope you'll join us in Congratulating these two on their Engagement!
Jaime + Ben = Married
Jaime and Ben threw the most charming wedding a few weeks back in Saint Paul. Matt and Abby were there to capture it all, and the results are just so great. We love love love when our couples infuse themselves into their wedding celebration, which Jaime and Ben did with care. It's also very promising when you take two people as genuine, lovely and talented (did we mention Jaime is a florist back home in California and whipped together her wedding flowers?) as this pair and stem out a celebration as unique as they are. We've never seen such a well-executed 'autumnal' wedding so appropriately crafted for the middle of October. From the color palate of rich greens and deep plums to the textures of the farmhouse tables and soft glow of candlelight, it was all just so cozy and savory. Beside all the fantastic sensory details, what we really appreciated about this wedding was how much love was buzzing around during the reception. It's clear that these two are deserving of a long and prosperous marriage, and we couldn't be happier for them. Congratulations Jaime and Ben!
Katie + Phil = Engaged
Today we're thrilled to share a few highlights from Chuck's time with the adorable Katie and Phil during their fall Engagement Session. It's clear that their love for one another bubbles over the brim, and we love the classic, laid-back style these two share. It's no surprise that autumn in New England happens to be one of our most popular times for an Engagement Session, clearly the dewy light and fall colors serve as a perfect backdrop for a couple in love. They will be getting married in Georgia next May, so it's always fun to be able to capture couples before they tie the knot out of state so that they can always remember their time in Boston together. Katie and Phil, if this session is any indication of how your wedding images will turn out, you will have nothing to worry about! We wish you the best as you plan your beautiful wedding and beyond. Congrats!