Contagious – Kate + Jimmy's Long Island Wedding at the Three Village Inn

I heard their laughter before I reached the door of their cottage at the Three Village Inn. When the door opened, I was greeted by the sight of a gaggle of girls primping and prepping for the happy day.

Kate looked up at me while her make-up was being applied, and her infamous smile said hello before she did.

***

Like a yawn, a mood or an attitude – those heartfelt, big (“smile until your cheeks hurt”) grins are highly contagious.  They are something you don’t see too much of these days. A rare commodity. Perhaps even under-estimated.

Its value is far greater than I think most would give it credit for. A shared smile comes with the added benefit of happiness.

I can’t think of anything more powerful then the ability to change a moment with nothing more than a big grin. What’s even cooler is that we all have that ‘gift’ to give someone. Sometimes though as contagious as it is…we are often looking to catch it from someone rather then be the ‘carriers’.

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It’s one of the first things you notice about Kate & Jimmy.  They have the gift of giving their infectious smiles. Their grins seem to reach from ear to ear, and a smile is never far away from their lips. Especially when they look at one another. It’s almost like magic really. I swear when they smiled the whole room smiled with them.

Happiness is not from being in a great moment – it’s about creating the great moment. I find a smile is the key to getting us there.

***

Here’s hoping we can all carry, catch and spread a little more happiness everyday like Kate and Jimmy do.

Smile BIG…and pass it on! The world needs a happy epidemic. How great would it be if it ‘catches’ on?!

   

The lovely Kate, and that smile…

   

Gettin’ dolled up…

   

 The make-up bags were a gift from Kate to her bridesmaids.

   

  Each one was a bit different…

   

Coral (my favorite) was the color of the day, which made me extra happy!

     

 Kate’s Mom and sister helping with the last minute prep…

   

This was a sweet moment. The bridesmaids were holding on to each other for support in awe of Kate…

   

The gorgeous earrings were an Etsy find…and speaking of gorgeous…hellooooo Kate!!

   

While on the walk from the cottages to the Inn I grabbed a quick shot…

   

Seeing some friendly faces through the window before the ceremony as they scooted by…

   

*swoon*

The kraft paper and buttons – LOVE a bit of whimsy!

   

Annnd you have no idea what a welcoming sight this is when it’s super hot outside.

The guests loved it, and I thought it totally added to the ambiance of the day.

     

Jimmy waiting patiently for the first glimpse of his bride…

   

and the moment he saw her….

     

I seriously couldn’t get enough – it seems, neither could he! : )

   

loveliness…

   

The support system…was well, supporting each other in between wiping away happy tears!

       

Yay!

   

and right before their first kiss as husband and wife…

     

 The new Mr. & Mrs.

         

The favors for the guests were personalized bottles of amber ale beer that was brewed in their hometown of Northport…

   

The charming centerpieces were the perfect fit for their day, and looked lovely at the  Three Village Inn.

     

Now, this is a family that has a sense of humor!

Bernie is Kate’s Uncle, who for some reason is never in any pictures.

SO, they made a life size cut-out version of him so they could be sure he was included this time around. It was the hit of the night…and it even made it to the dance floor to body surf over the crowd a few times!

To the left is the fabulous seating chart. The guests names and table numbers were strung from a line on an old wooden door. Once the guests took their seating tag, they left in its place a polaroid picture of themselves.

   

  Contagious I tell you…

   

See?!

     

Jimmy and his Mom…

 

 

 ‘Mud (Dirt) Cups’…remember them from when you were a kid?

Jimmy  is not a cake eater. I know…I hear you all gasping. : )

Kate’s Mom made him a thoughtful special treat –  which he was super happy about!

   

 In Kate’s family it’s a tradition to have a seven layer cake at family events. So they brought along a mini one to make this special occasion complete.

   

 When all is said and done, all we are left with is the sweetest memory, and the tangible evidence in a photograph…

   

 It’s because of clients like you that I go to ‘work’ with a smile on my face.

Thank you Kate and Jimmy for making me feel as if I’m the luckiest girl in the world for getting the opportunity to document one of the most precious times in your life.

I hope Italy is treating you both well!

p.s

A special thank you to Toni, (my up-coming July 2013 bride) for referring Kate & Jimmy to me!

p.p.s

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