Before Lauren & Colin were engaged, when their relationship was relatively new, Lauren attended a wedding with her family. Caught up in all the romance and emotion of the day, she leaned over and asked her sister a question. "What kind of person do you see me marrying?" she asked. Her sister didn't even have to think about the answer. It was obvious. "Colin, " she responded and the rest of the family agreed. It wasn't even a question. It wasn't "someone like Colin," it was him, without a doubt. Even in the short time Lauren & Colin had been together, it had become pretty clear to all the people closest to her that she had found something truly rare in Colin. They fit one another, they complimented one another and they brought out the best in each other.
Never was that more obvious that on their own wedding day. Even before they saw each other at the ceremony, Lauren and Colin both had the same infectious energy that morning - neither one of them could wait for the day to really begin. Because until they were both in the same place, holding hands and exchanging vows the day wouldn't truly begin. And once Colin saw Lauren walk down the aisle to him and the two of them locked eyes, the energy changed once again. It was as if everyone in attendance new they were witnessing something truly special. As Lauren & Colin officially became husband and wife, it was clear to everyone what had become so obvious to Lauren's family long before. In one another, Lauren and Colin had found the one person that was made for them. No question about it.
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It's not often we have two weddings in the same location on back to back weekends, but we actually enjoy it since it gives us the unique opportunity to see how differently each bride and groom plan their day. It's one of the many perks about our job since no two weddings are even remotely the same. So it was a familiar ride up to the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa and we were greeted by the staff like old friends before heading up to the suite where Lauren & her girls were getting ready.
The ladies from Beauty Entourage had already started working their magic on Lauren and her bridesmaids. While they were finishing up, we took some time photographing Lauren's beautiful Jenny Yoo gown that she had found at The White Dress by the Shore and her flowers from Flowers on the Green.
The ceremony took place out on the patio of Inn, with the water in the distance and guests of the hotel gathered around to sneak a peek of the happy couple. It was a sweet ceremony with a special personal touch since Lauren's grandfather officiated. After the exchange of vows, Lauren and Colin had their closest friends and family come up to take part in a "rose ceremony" where they each placed a rose into a heirloom vase, a nod to the special role they had each played in their lives.
Lauren & Colin had decorated the ballroom in shades of silver, pink, ivory and blue with vintage touches that Lauren had found on Etsy. After a lively introduction and romantic first dance, the crew from Tasteful Productions got the party started - packing the dance floor for the rest of the night.
We are always looking for unique and fun ways to capture the wedding gown, this time we played up the stripe wallpaper at the Saybrook Point Inn. A great way to play up Lauren's simple and elegant Jenny Yoo gown from The White Dress by the Shore.
Like her dress, Lauren selected accessories that were simple and elegant and chose to wear a flower in her hair.
A gift to her bridesmaids, Lauren got them all these beautiful pearl necklaces with ribbon closures.
Lauren tied together her color scheme for the day with her silver flats and pink bouquet made by Flowers on the Green.
Rachel from Beauty Entourage was on hand to make sure Lauren's hair was perfect.
Once her hair and make-up were complete, Lauren's bridesmaids helped her with her accessories. Then, she got one last hug from Dad before putting on her dress.
Lauren's sister had the honor of zippering her into her gown.
When everyone was all ready to go, we headed out to the docks at the Inn for some relaxed portraits of Lauren and her ladies.
Lauren had thought of so many details, even with her bridesmaids attire - from their necklaces to the flowers in their hair and their bouquets.
Colin's niece was the flower girl and very excited to have such an important role in their day. She also happened to love the camera.
Lauren was so excited she was simply glowing with happiness.
Once all the ladies were safely back inside awaiting the ceremony, we grabbed Colin for a few quick shots.
The setting at the Inn is the quintessential New England shore town - tons of boats, blue water and a gentle breeze to keep you from getting too hot.
One of Lauren & Colin's friends happens to be a violinist and provided the music during the ceremony.
Lauren's thoughtful details were in the ceremony as well, where they had bundles of lavender passed out to the guests to toss at Lauren & Colin when they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
The adorable flower girl took her petal dropping duties very seriously, making sure to drop some every couple of feet.
It's hard to tell who's the most excited - Lauren, Colin or Lauren's father...he was so happy for his daughter.
Moments like these are always amazing to capture. This is Colin's first reaction after he shook Lauren's father's hand and finally took her hand into his own. He's just so proud to be standing up there with her.
We always feel it's important to capture not only the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, but their guests too. After all, these are the types of reactions the couple doesn't always get to see since they're so into one another.
The patio at the Inn is a beautiful location for the ceremony, with the water in the distance and room for every guest to have a good view of the couple while they exchange vows.
Lauren's grandfather was the officiate of the ceremony, making for a very personal and sweet touch.
Lauren and Colin wrote their own vows and left nearly everyone in tears hearing the incredible promises they made to one another.
Lauren could barely keep the tears in while she listened to Colin's vows.
They each had a laugh as they slid the rings onto one another's fingers...
Colin's face is especially priceless.
The very first kiss as husband and wife!!
Lauren very much wanted to incorporate the docks into her bridal party pictures, and we were more than happy to oblige - especially since the wedding party was willing to sit down near the water for us!
The small lighthouse on the dock of the Inn is actually a private hotel suite, but the Inn staff let us hang out on the stairs for a bit anyway.
You can really tell that Lauren & Colin put a lot of thought into their day - their attire and laid back attitude were the perfect match for the nautical vibe.
Just look at how happy the two of the them are together! They just make you smile.
We headed back to the main area of the Inn so Lauren and Colin could spend the end of cocktail hour with their guests...
...but not before a few more shots of them getting super close....
and one more kiss doesn't hurt!
Lauren and Colin's vintage ivory, pink, silver and blue color scheme blending in perfectly with the decor of the ballroom with the Inn. It's always a great idea to make sure your color scheme with coordinate with the existing colors in the room where your reception is going to be held.
Lauren had so many cute little details - from the pale wooden blocks at the centerpieces of the table to the sparklers and vintage-inspired votives for the many candles in the room.
The heirloom vase that Lauren & Colin used as part of the ceremony then served as the centerpiece for their sweetheart table.
Lauren incorporated the blue used in the bridesmaids dresses for her bar accessories, table menus....
and the candy table, overflowing with all-blue candies. They were a huge hit with the guests.
In place of a traditional guest book, Lauren & Colin opted for a "Wishing Tree" where each guest wrote their own wish for the bride and groom and then hung it from the branches of the tree.
Lauren and Colin couldn't wait to get the party started - bringing their infectious energy right away when they were introduced into the reception.
Colin's best man had a hat made especially for the day, a nod to one of his and Colin's favorite movies, "You, Me and Dupree." While the best man had a toast filled with humor and a touch of sweetness, Lauren's sister (and maid of honor) went straight to the heart with a moving speech about her big sister.
Lauren and Colin opted to do their first dance after dinner, choosing to have their guests eat and relax before the dance floor was opened officially.
After her first dance with her husband, Lauren danced with the first man in her life - her father. Colin, in turn, took to the floor with his mother. Then, it was time for cake!
Toward the end of the evening, Lauren & Colin joined their friends on the patio for some fun with the sparklers...and of course, one more big kiss!!
Lauren & Colin, thank you so much for choosing us to capture your beautiful day! It was wonderful to see how happy you make one another and to get to celebrate with you and your families! We hope you have an amazing time on your honeymoon in July!
