wedding

Sophia & Chris, married (extended version)

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My working method while photographing a wedding is deliberately documentary: observe a scene—its action, subjects, background—compose, make some frames, wait, make more, repeat. A wedding has many ‘peak’ moments, but I’ve always found more interest and joy in making photographs of ‘in-between’ moments, when (seemingly) nothing of importance is occurring. But catching an expression, a glance, a gesture—these are the moments I seek.

Because a wedding day’s activities are ordered by a schedule, however, my ability to enter deeply into such a practice is limited. Furthermore, such photographs are usually relegated to the genre of ‘street’ photography (in quotes because Garry Winogrand despised the term). But this wedding, as I discovered during the editing process, was full of these moments. Some I saw as I made them; others were a surprise seen later. They comprised a large enough set to be given their own space and are presented below. They are truly some of my favorites of the day.

Emily & Jake, married

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I’ve known Emily and Jake since their time as undergraduates at Saint Anselm College, where they were both involved in the college’s Abbey Players theater group—of which I am the photographer. I was thriled when they asked me to photograph their summer wedding. The Catholic ceremony took place in the Abbey Church, and the reception was held at LaBelle Winery, complete with fireworks and plenty of dancing.

Sarah & Ryan, married

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When Ryan contacted me a couple years ago, he mentioned that he had originally seen my documentary work about Catholic hospitals in NH in Dappled Things. Certainly a pleasant surprise! Fast forward to last month, when I photographed he and Sarah marry in a Catholic ceremony at Saint Stanislaus Basilica—but not before beginning the festivities at the Hotel Northampton’s pub for the rehearsal dinner. We returned there after the ceremony for the reception, as well.

Sarah and Ryan are wonderful, loving couple with welcoming friends and family. I was so glad to have ended 2018 with their joyful wedding.

Sophia & Andrew, married

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I’ve made photographs for Northeast Catholic College for many years now, so I know many of the students (and the grounds) fairly well. Sophia and Andrew, both alumni, asked me to photograph their wedding ceremony, performed by the college chaplain and accompanied by the school choir. They were married in the campus chapel last month on a chilly spring morning.

Ashley & Mark, married

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Ashley and Mark began and ended their wedding day at the Bedford Village Inn; in between, they were married at Saint Anselm College's Abbey Church. I know the latter especially well,  being an alumnus (like the bride and groom) of the college, having photographed there many times, and having been married there.

The fall weather was perfect for these two lovely people and their family and friends to celebrate—which they did well into the night, indoors and out. The day couldn't have been better.

Hannah & Jim, married

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These two enjoyed a rather perfect summer wedding day. After a traditional Catholic marriage ceremony and Mass at Saint Patrick Church, we returned to Dexter's Inn for the reception and frivolity. The entire grounds were available to guests, so I could wander around freely to create photographic moments in a variety of settings and activities. 

Usually, once the formal reception begins, I remain focused on speeches, reactions, faces, dancing, et al. Imagine my surprise when, after I finished my time for the day, I found a group of guests who couldn't be confined by a tent and decided to enjoy the pool. Brilliant! A visual feast at the end of an already wonderful day.

Megan & Rob, married

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Megan and her girls got ready at her soon-to-be-husband Rob's family's centuries-old farmhouse, which offered a tremendous variety of new and unique rooms and backgrounds (a boon for documentary wedding photographers!). She and Rob had a traditional Latin Rite Catholic wedding Mass at Saint John the Evangelist Church with beautiful choral music. (I'm admittedly partial to the latter, having known and sung with the music director for years.)

For the reception, we returned to Rob's family property for a relaxed and informal evening. Family and friends were scattered throughout: from the wide, green lawns to the barn, tucked behind buildings and under ancient trees. Children of all ages wandered the property. Beer flowed freely, cigarette smoke filled the air, and the barbeque portions were generous. Smiles and laughter abounded.

As a photographer, I couldn't ask for much more. Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Madeline & Gerin, married

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Madeline and Gerin were married on a beautiful summer day at The Abbey Church of Saint Anselm College. Their reception at the Stonebridge Country Club was slightly delayed by a wicked yet brief rainstorm: once it ended, however, the festivities commenced. 

The day was filled was families and friends celebrating this wonderful, genuine couple.

Kaz & Jon, married

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Kaz and Jon were married earlier this summer on Cape Cod. The day was relaxed and fun, allowing me plenty of opportunities to explore the nuances and subtler moments. They were married at Our Lady of Hope Chapel, an intimate, seasonal Catholic church. The reception was located the beautiful Cape Cod Museum of Art. Following dinner outdoors, everyone danced and lingered in the museum among some compelling artworks.

Kathryn & Sam, married

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I met Kathryn a few years ago, when I photographed her sister Kristen’s wedding. I was honored when she asked me to photograph hers, too. (All of us happen to be Saint Anselm alumni, which was our initial connection.) So for me, this wedding was a bit of a family reunion!

Kathryn got ready at The Vanderbilt in Newport, RI. The Catholic wedding ceremony was held at Salve Regina University’s Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, where it was officiated by Rev. Jonathan DeFelice, OSB, the former president of Saint Anselm. Family and friends enjoyed the rest of the day at The Kinney Bungalow in Narragansett.

The day was truly a wonderful, relaxed, and joyous one for Kathryn and Sam. I was truly grateful to be a part of it.

Erika + Jacob: part I

In May, I went to Houston, Texas to photograph a friend's wedding.  The entire wedding day was held at the University of Saint Thomas.  Now I lived for five years in Houston, and most of it was spent on this campus, but I hadn't photographed there professionally.  The campus was designed by famed architect Philip Johnson and is noted for its strong, simple lines and Chapel of St. Basil (more coming on that).

Here a few photographs made while Erika and Jacob were preparing for their wedding day.






wedding portfolio, updated

My wedding portfolio has now been fully updated. While it's common to add or a delete a few throughout the year, this was a major overhaul, highlighting much of my work from 2009. Thank you to all of the brides and grooms who asked me to witness and make art on their wedding day.

The photographs found there are the product of a documentary technique to photography. As much as I enjoy the wedding celebration, I never consider myself a guest but rather an observer with a camera. While always inclined to that approach, in 2009 it became a conscious goal and better integrated throughout the wedding day. I hope the portfolio reflects that.