Awesome couple + a dash of rain = lots of good luck!
A little rain only adds to the drama as Chris and Alisa exit St. James Church in Watertown.
I photographed a stellar engagement session in the Arnold Arboretum with Alisa and Chris almost a year ago (see their fairytale of a session) and when we were ramping up for their wedding at the Willowdale Estate in Topsfield north of Boston, Chris had this to say, “We really have some incredible engagement shots and now you’ve set the bar very high so we gotta knock this one outta the park!” Well what Boston-based wedding photographer doesn’t like a challenge especially when its in a beautiful venue like the Willowdale and with an equally beautiful and fun couple. I was psyched and certainly ready to swing for the fence–only problem was Mother Nature had other plans. The blue lights on the baby Hancock were flashing–rain delay or possible rain out.
I’ve got a rain dance I’ve learned from my Mayan shaman amigo in Guatemala mixed with the Chicken Dance. It involves the blood of a very spoiled beet, some pinole and one very sharp cactus needle–ouch! It takes so much out of me that I very rarely call upon this timeless ritual but Chris’ call-to-action inspired me to twist and shout. It worked–save for one very intense, thunderous, electrical storm just at the end of the ceremony at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Grand salami, well, maybe just a nice solo home run to the deepest part of the stadium but we nailed it. All the thanks in the world go out to the staff at the Willowdale for their hospitality, Fino Fresh Design for their incredibly eye-popping table settngs, bouquets and more, my steady-as-a-rock second photographer, Chris Gagne and über assistant/intern, Meghan Taylor. This is how a wedding should go off!
The girls! From Alisa's backyard in Burlington.
Alisa pre-ceremony looking perfect in black and white.
A little like a Greek ceremony this was my second Armenian wedding and little St. James was so richly appointed.
Ooops! They spotted me shooting from the door behind the altar.
A little post ceremony respect being paid. Candle light, gotta love it.
An antique Oldsmobile, champaigne and love.
And more love.
Is was a great slow ride from Watertown to Topsfield and our heros had lots of time to chill and unwind.
The guests were awaiting their arrival with signature mojito cocktails in hand. Oh, and that rain--gone!
Some very necessary shots with the car, the estate and Alisa and Chris--easy.
This image screamed black and white to us.
Love her body language--just such a sweet moment among many that day.
Alisa and her sister posing for Chris' camera as I grabbed this side shot.
Taking advantage of that beautiful, after-storm, late-day, light.
Flower girl comes to see us on the lawn (notice cookie in hand).
Details: Flowers and table settings by Fino Fresh Designs and the gorgeous cake by Konditor Meister.
The entrance into the grand tent on the back lawn--notice the perfect weather out the open flaps.
Their first dance--so in love. Stay that way forever, guys!
She couldn't resist but who blames her?
A father's love--I hope I have the same shot of me some day when I dance with my girls, Dharma and Sarada.
A little late night portait session on the antique sofa in the estate (notice expert light from my super assistant, Meghan Taylor).
Perhaps it is better in color.
Gotta love a bride who says, "Whatever you want, Glen, we trust you."
What night isn't complete without a fine cigar...
...and your boyz.