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I love this shot. It's a classic "Vanity Fair" style capture, with an ease and a glamour that the bride and groom will treasure for years to come.  It's also exactly the kind of wedding photo that I wish I had from my own wedding day. 

The wedding was in Newburyport and the day was a little raw.  The venue was a private residence with an amazing garden leading down to the river. We were only able to get outside for a few minutes (14 to be precise.) As laid back as the couple was, we'd all felt a little bit of a pressure to grab some photos outside before the threatening deluge.

But here, in this photograph,the pressure is over.

The bride and groom's family is downstairs, waiting to celebrate with them. It was a small, intimate gathering that happened to have a wedding ceremony in the middle of it. Evening is gathering, the sky crowning the river in shades of lavender.  

The couple, relieved of their "modeling" duties, relax together for a quick moment, enjoying a quick glass of champagne (and a private joke). 

In a moment or two, he will stand and offer her his hand (again).  They will pause briefly to whisper a few words to each other (I got that shot too, and will share it in another post), and then head downstairs to join their loved ones, to share an incredible meal (Essential Chefs Catering), and to begin their new life together as husband and wife.

But this shot?  I love this shot. One moment. A moment to let it all "sink" in (in the tub).  No rules, just fun!

Weddings in Newburyport benefit from a tremendous number of options for backdrops.  Wedding photos on the Newburyport boardwalk.  Bridal party photos on Plum Island beach. Engagement photos on Inn Street.

There are so many Newburyport, MA wedding venues and possibilities that a destination wedding in Newburyport is easy to plan!
 

Opening Night came along with some blustery rain- but no matter!  These theatre pros never forget the greatest rule of all:  the show must go on. Other than that?  Rules are only possibilities-- did I mention that the bride wore a matte silver dress?

Here's a window into their day:

Great Groomsmen (and Woman) Gifts"Axe Me What is Happening Here"

Hair and Makeup by Kevin Hadfield.  "He was awesome," said the bride- and I have to agree! Look at this pretty perfection:

Scenic backdrop?  Yes, the Italian Garden at the Crane Estate is spectacular!

This couple marches to their own drum- or DONUT, that is- with apple cider donuts taking the place of a cake.  De-LUMMY!

This is A., toward the end of her shoot.  The surfboard is more than just a mere prop-- she's the real deal.  It was clear to me that her athleticism is even more impressive than her jaw-dropping good looks-- although the college guys that thought they'd discovered a secret Sports Illustrated model shoot would probably disagree with me ("Best.Day.Ever.")

She reminds me of a younger Heidi Klum:

We started that day with a senior session.  Predictably, those shots were beautiful too:

I am so thrilled to have been there for A., capturing this spectacular moment in her young life.  She is such a great girl. Beautiful and kind, sweet and smart. I can only speculate what is around the corner for her, all wonderful things is my wish.  I can see her as the teacher/engineer/entrepreneur that inspires everyone around her, and I can also see her on the cover of Sports Illustrated.  Who knows what she will choose to do?

It turns out that I love shooting senior photos...but of course, that is not all I do.

Sarah, I know you are only 17--but please remember me when you get engaged (many years from now)- I'm your gal for wedding photos too!

JUST KIDDING! 

Yes, he is very handsome.  But his personality is so charming that it overshadows his looks. I don't believe myself either, but it happens to be true.

We shot in Newburyport for a brick and stone sort of urban thing, and then moved to Spencer Pierce Little Farm for a corn-fed, wholesome thing.  When we got to Plum Island a passing stranger exhorted Adam to "Stay Good Lookin', Kid.  Go Succeed!" Not thinking that will be a problem.

Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait

Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait

Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait

Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait Newburyport Senior Boy Portrait

The story is charming: Karen and Katie are mother and daughter who always dreamed of starting a business together.  That's what made me want to photograph them- their connection.  As a mother of three daughters myself, I am a SUCKER for this story!

Great Makeup by Nancy DiClemente Gorman of http://makeupbynancy.com