I was so happy to meet Anna Sawin last year and have an invitation extended to second shoot for one of her New England weddings. I haven’t second shot since I can remember so I was really excited to play the role of assisting and capturing the angles that a main photographer wouldn’t always pick. I myself shoot with second shooters, so putting myself in this role was also a good refresher for what other areas I can learn in my own business would be helpful. Anna was full of great tips! I don’t think we stopped talking about photography the entire weekend! Fun!
Meet Matt & Shay. The beautiful couple I was honored to capture this past July. They chose a special place for their First Look session. This is behind the restaurant where they had their first kiss! For those who are wondering, what is a first look session… This session typically takes place 2-3 hours before the ceremony and is a time that is very private for the bride & groom to see each other for the first time and connect. It’s practically the ONLY time a bride & groom will have alone for their day. It’s a very intimate and special moment just for them! These expressions can’t always be captured in the ceremony so most traditional couples that love the spontaneous approach to photography are starting to make this the new tradition in wedding photography.
It was sweltering hot and humid so we took a short break inside to cool down! Matt & Shay didn’t stop being cute though so I kept shooting!
Having a first look session 2-3 hours prior to the ceremony also allows ALL the wedding party and sometimes even family portraits to be taken before the ceremony. The day is EXTREMELY relaxing when planned out this way and photos can be taken in yummy natural light! You wouldn’t believe how much faster portraits are when done prior to the ceremony. Then directly after the ceremony only :15-:20 minutes is needed for a few shots and it’s party party party time!
Shay’s dog, Riley, is getting dressed up to be the flower girl!
This dress fit Shay perfectly!!!
An hour before the ceremony, Shay’s dad took the girls out for a harbor cruise. Shay was checking the weather every 30 seconds!! 🙂 Right when we all boarded it started raining…
….the sun came out just in time!!! Good thing because the venue was set up outside overlooking the harbor!
Ahhh… the ceremony. My favorite!!
I was able to hang out in the back and get some amazing shots!
The ceremony & reception took place at the Essex Yacht Club on the Connecticut River. Each table number was named for a special moment in time shared by the couple and the story behind them.
The first dance…
Matt & Shay have a sweet story! Matt is a doctor and Shay was his patient. Matt called Shay as her doctor after the treatment/procedure with the accustomed follow-up call. After he hung up, he then called her right back but this time as just Matt… wanting to meet Shay.
Their first date just so happened to be a few days before Thanksgiving where a friend/family get together was taking place for the holiday so Shay met most of her new extended family and wedding party!
Anna & I agree… this was one of THE BEST parties we’ve been to… lost of dancing and fun entertainment with The Amish Outlaws!
Congrats to Matt & Shay! Thank you Anna for having me second shoot for the weekend! I loved every minute… 🙂