Every bride hopes for a perfect weather day.Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.  What I have learned is that the attitude of the bride and groom makes all the difference.  No matter what the weather, some determine that they’re going to have a great day.  Take Stephanie and Peter for example.  We shot their wedding this past Saturday.  It may have been raining and chilly, but that didn’t dampen their spirits or stop them from having the time of their lives.

The day began with George and I getting lost in the Wellesley/Natick area.  We rarely get lost, but Google maps lied to us.  Fortunately, we travel with backup and made it to Stephanie’s parents’ house with little delay.  We were greeted by several lovely ladies wearing purple cocktail dresses and the family dog, Monty, wearing a tuxedo and top hat.  We immediately knew that it was going to be a fun day!

After taking some photos at the house with Stephanie, her lovely attendants and Stephanie’s parents, we all headed to the church.  Stephanie and Peter would tie the knot at the United Parish of Auburndale, her family’s church.  I found Peter pacing back-and-forth in a room behind the sanctuary.   I asked him how he was doing.  "Nervous!" was his response. 

The organist began to play – the processional was underway.  Stephanie walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her incredibly proud father who was grinning ear to ear.  Peter’s nervousness had subsided (at least visibly) and joy was the expression he now wore.  

Following the ceremony, our formal pictures started with an all-inclusive family picture with both Stephanie and Peter’s families.  We planned ahead of time to shoot the photo from the balcony with everyone looking up.  This would ensure we would be able to see everyone in the large group.  George prepared for the shot on the balcony while I got everyone organized.  "1-2-3" and done!  Due to the weather, we finished the formals with the family and wedding party in the sanctuary.  

The drive to Sandy Burr Country Club was quite direct.  We still had a good amount of daylight and the rain had subsided for the most part.  Stephanie and Peter opted to take some photos at the gazebo by the 6th green.  Debbie, the Director of Social Events at Sandy Burr, graciously prepared two golf carts for us so we could head that way.  It was a fun ride to the gazebo and George was able to snap a few pictures as we bounced along the gravel path.  

The last item on the list for formal photos was an "everyone" picture on the deck of the clubhouse.  In spite of the cold weather, everyone made their way outside for a quick click of the shutter before retreating back to a spot in front of the fireplace.  

The band, Bigtime, was the entertainment for the evening.   They were an incredibly professional group and easily covered many party classics.  It didn’t take long at all for the dance floor to fill with enthusiastic revelers.  The one moment that won’t soon be forgotten was when Stephanie surprised her parents and walked into the room wearing a traditional Chinese red dress.  Her family was overwhelmed with joy.

 

What we learned at this wedding:

• Just because you’re legally blind doesn’t mean you can’t "cut a rug" or at least put all the other guys on the dance floor to shame.  Bruce – you’re inspirational!
• Some gazebos are easier to get into than others…
• Jeff shouldn’t tell jokes
• Rain doesn’t ruin plans – only alters them
• Good surprises at a wedding are a great way to make the day memorable

Stephanie and Peter – thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your wedding day.  We truly enjoyed celebrating with you and your guests!

See more of their photos here.

 

Their Vendors:

Church:  United Parish of Auburndale

Reception Venue:  Sandy Burr Country Club

Band:  Bigtime

 

Here’s some feedback we received:

To Jeff and George – Meeting with you prior to the wedding, we knew Stephanie and Peter picked the right guy for the job. Your passion and love for photography was very apparent. You put us at ease the minute we met you.

The day of the wedding was a cold and cloudy day, but it didn’t matter. You got the entire wedding party laughing while standing in the freezing cold. This in fact turned out to be a very memorable and fun day for all. We enjoyed the many different and unique photographic shots you set up such as the girls huddling together and you on the floor taking a shot of their faces.

The twilight shot at dusk was absolutely precious. We also appreciated you taking pictures of our dog, Monty, with his tux and top hat on. You captured so many more memories of the day that we will cherish forever!

Thank you for loving your work and providing us with a day we will always remember.   – Bruce and Shirley Wong (Stephanie’s parents)