Dreams and Stuff – Valerie and Charlie – Long Island Wedding at Three Village Inn

His hand flew up to hide his mouth that started off as a gaping hole and then spread into a gigantic smile in the matter of seconds. It was the kind of reaction that every bride hopes for. Dreams of.

Valerie spun around in a quick circle while he repeated over and over, and over how beautiful she was. He carefully cradled her face, and then her earrings as if he didn’t want to forget a thing.

***

 It was a private moment that I was fortunate enough to document. I was that fly on the wall that you always hope to some day be.

I thought to myself that if they would have seen each other down the aisle for the first time, it would have probably been a bit different. Cause let’s face it, a few hundred eyes on you when you’re up at the alter makes your expressions a bit guarded.

While I completely understand the importance of tradition, and having that “aisle moment” like previous generations did, I do have to say I enjoy this new modern route of a first look before the ceremony very much.  I like seeing the men unravel a little. I like that their guard is down and that their words and emotions can run wild a bit for their bride.

It’s one of the few moments in life when you think your heart might just explode. Annnd it’s pretty dang awesome to see such a raw moment when there is no one there to silence it with protocol.

I was thankful. I felt lucky to be there for this particular moment. I watched them soak each other up as if it was the first time they had seen each other in months. I was able to document the glances, feel the love, and see what one day they can show their grandchildren.

I can promise you that I treasure those moments almost as much as the couple. I’m so grateful to have a career that let’s me enjoy the happiest moments of a persons life. Grateful actually doesn’t even begin to describe it.

***

They were smitten with each other and it didn’t go unnoticed. The wait staff peeked out from the kitchen and huddled up together to watch them. I overheard them say that when they fall in love they want it to be jussssst like Valerie and Charlie.

Their love…is the stuff that dreams are made of.

***

I adore the Three Village Inn!

I have had the pleasure to photograph a few times there earlier this year, and each time I just fall in love with it a little bit more.  It’s wonderfully charming and intimate…

   

Like it was made for it, right?!

   

The skies opened up and poured moments before I arrived. The water was up to the bumpers of the cars in the parking lot.

   

Then the raindrops started to slow down…

   

Something blue…

   

I like it when there is a little dash of the unexpected thrown in to the mix. It adds character!

   

 Red lips are like an instant happy pill.

   

Lacing the corset…

   

Straightening the tie…

   

 Loved Valerie’s hair. So elegant.

   

Relaxed portraits…

     

So after the huge rain storm there were rain puddles and mud, and things that would make a girl in a white dress head for the safety of a sterile environment.  But what I loved about Valerie was that she lived for the moment. She chose creating memories and having the experience over worrying about her heels in the mud. My kinda bride for sure!

Their vision was to have an outdoor ceremony. And when most said it was impossible – it certainly was not.  And that’s indeed what they had.

 

 

When Valerie left the cottage to meet Charlie for the first look it was as if the clouds knew not to rain on their parade.

   

 I think anticipation is one of the best things in life…

 

 

 Seeing his love for the first time as his bride…

   

There is a huge smile under there…

   

Seeee?! What did I tell you?! He took in every detail… I love that!

   

After the 100th time of Charlie telling her over and over again how beautiful she was, she rolled her eyes as if she was tired of hearing it….

Pshhhh! As if… ; )

   

Which only made him tell her again…

   

They made my job so freakin’ easy….

   

Red…hot!

   

A quick snuggle…

   

A frame within a frame…

   

 How dramatic are those roses?! What a happy pop of color!!

   

Now…the ceremony.

I know!  There’s more….

   

Like he is seeing her for the first time…

   

The vows…

     

Hooray!

   

Just as they kissed the rain began to fall lightly…

   

A rose with a ring to it…

   

Party time!

       

Picture perfect…table setting.

     

And what would a celebration be without some dancing…

     

 Daddy’s little girl…

   

Mama’s boy…

   

This is when the wait staff said they wanted to be just like them when they fell in love….

   

Sweet dreaming…

   

Last…but not least….sweet love.

   

 Thank you Charlie and Valerie for booking me while in California without ever having met me. Thank you for placing one of the most incredible moments in your life in my hands just based on my portfolio, a phone call and a huge leap of faith.  Thank you for your kindness, for making me laugh…and being so open to all the ideas. I loved that you made sure there was ample time to take pictures…it made the day so relaxed and such fun! I want to have a ‘do-over’ of your day. That’s how much I loved documenting it! : )

May every day of your lives be as happy as this day was!