As a wedding photographer, one of the most exciting elements of my job is that no two weddings are the same! If I had two couples that chose the same venue, dj and food.. the weddings would be completely different from one another and I LOVE this.
For Jocelyn and Miguel, the day was styled by Faith. Faith in God, Faith in Love and Faith in Family. On May 15th, they told the story of their journey in small and big ways and today I'm going to share that story with you.
We started this day with a first look at the Waterbury City Hall. This is a newer tradition that not everyone quiet understands yet, but I must say.. It's one of my favorites. The first look is a private moment between the bride and the groom. No bridal party, no friends or family. (well, I'm there too.. but honestly, no one even knows i'm there) This moment is full of butterflies, tears and joy. What I love most is, the bride and groom are comfortable to actually have a moment to themselves without worrying about what's happening around them. They aren't required to do anything or say anything. They can just be in the moment and enjoy each other. In my personal opinion, it doesn't take anything away from the moment for when the bride walks down the aisle either, if anything, it adds to it. At that point, the bride and groom don't have to be nervous or try and take everything in too fast, they are able to share a new emotion in the moment at hand.
I have to say, the inside of the Waterbury City Hall was BEAUTIFUL and everyone was so wonderful. So, when you allow a photographer full range of your building.... she takes full advantage! Thanks guys :)
So um, sometimes I make a fool out of myself. I mean, it happens to the best of us. My second shooter for this day, who happens to be my fabulous sister-in-law, snapped this photo. The reason Jocelyn and Miguel are laughing so hard is well.. I was falling backwards at the time. I went to sit down on a rolling chair, not realizing it reclined and then, not only did it recline but I practically fell backwards out of it. I mean it hurt a little, but more than that It scared the life out of me. So.. You are welcome.
Once we took our bridal portraits and I got up off the floor.. We invited the Bridal Party to join in on the fun.
The wedding ceremony took place at their church. The First Assembly of God in Waterbury. This is where they met and where their story really starts.
Before every wedding, I ask my couples if there are any moments that they are particularly looking forward too (besides the obvious) or something that means something special to them that the average person may not be aware of. Miguel told me that it was really important to him to have a photograph made of him with his groomsman praying around him. So just before the ceremony started, the groomsman along with the Pastor took a moment for prayer. I didn't tell anyone where to stand or move anyone around. This was the natural way they ended up. In a heart.
Our wedding day story continues on to our third and final location. Jocelyn and Miguel chose Wood Acres Farm for their wedding day reception. I absolutely LOVED this venue. It was honestly the cutest hidden spot in the woods and it was just perfect. Also, it was like ten minutes from my house and I had no idea. It was a country setting, very rustic chic and relaxed. The perfect way to end the day.
Jocelyn made the cake top and all the cupcakes! SO CUTE and YUMMY!!!
To start their new life as husband and wife, they rode off for a private horse ride with sparkling cider and rode right into their party. How cute is that?
What better way to end the evening then with a quiet moment under the stars, in a gazebo on a cool May night than with the one that you love? Jocelyn and Miguel had their first date in a gazebo, so we ended their first night as a married couple in a gazebo too. To new starts, faith and love. Congratulations Mr and Mrs LaViera.
