Connecticut Weddings

There are few things in our wedding-filled world we love more than a nautical-themed soiree in a quaint, seaside town. And when it’s done beautifully on a tight budget? Swoon. Held at the historical Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park, the bride and her crafty mom infused the fête with navy + white stripes, burlap runners and sweet seaside touches. Alison Lassiter Photography captured the day perfectly, and you can see it all here!

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From the Bride… When John and I met on a warm September night in Mystic, Connecticut, I knew instantly that he was the man I would marry. He asked me out to dinner, and the rest is history. Over the next several years, we spent as much time as possible in this laid-back seaside area where John spent his summers as a kid. It was clear that there was no other place for our wedding.

Our intention was to create a heartfelt celebration with the easy elegance and warmth of a party at someone’s home. To that end, we infused the many neutral spaces of Eolia Mansion with our own style. Our aesthetic was casual elegance with a classic, preppy vibe, inspired by a piece of navy blue and white striped grosgrain ribbon, which we incorporated into everything from the cake to the galvanized tins filled with fresh potted herbs as part of the handcrafted centerpieces. The décor was 100% DIY, as traditional floral centerpieces did not fit our budget or the clean look that I envisioned. My very talented and patient mother signed on as decorator and made even my vaguest DIY idea a reality. We scoured vintage and discount stores for lanterns, candles and understated nautical touches. When we couldn’t find something that we liked, we found a way to make it. One example is the oversized chalkboard and several smaller chalkboards that my mom and her friends made using chalkboard paint and inexpensive molding on a budget of just a few dollars. Among my favorite DIY touches were the table runners of classic seersucker sewn by my aunts, alternated with burlap runners and table toppers on round and long tables of different sizes. I aimed for simplicity in everything from the lack of embellishment on my gown to the simple bridesmaid bouquets wrapped in burlap and tied with ribbon. Some aspects of wedding planning took a ton of time, while others were surprisingly effortless. When I couldn’t find jewelry that felt right for the big day, I found the perfect vintage necklace and earrings within moments of walking into an antiques shop in my hometown.

My advice to any bride is to have fun with wedding planning and to make it your own, which can be done without spending a fortune. Two purely fun details that I am happy that we included were our pink Razzle Dazzle champagne cocktails and a big wire basket filled to the brim with ’80s-style sunglasses for our guests to rock on the dance floor. There was not a single leftover pair! One of my favorite moments of the day was sneaking away to exchange a pre-wedding love note with John. This “first look without the look” was the sweet suggestion of our incredible photographer, Alison Lassiter, because we were adamant about not seeing each other prior to walking down the aisle. Sharing that moment with my soon-to-be husband and holding his hand in the last hour before we were married was incredibly special. We were married in the same little town where we had met five years earlier, and it was every bit as magical as we hoped it would be.

Wedding Photography: Alison Lassiter Photography / Reception: Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut / Bouquets + Boutonnières: Green Dahlia / Centerpieces + Mansion Décor: DIY / Catering: Culinary Concerts / Wedding Invitations + Programs: Minted + Programs Designed by a Bridesmaid / Cocktail Hour Music: Jerrod Cattey Trio / Lanterns + Galvanized Tins: IKEA + Home Goods / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Alterations: Lucy Tailors / Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage via Remember When / Hair + Makeup: Red Door Spa Groton / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Maid of Honor’s Sash: Etsy / Groom’s Suit, Groom’s Shoes + Groomsmen Ties: Macy’s

Here at SMP we focus on the pretty, pretty weddings that girls are going to swoon over. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the guys. So when a shoot so perfectly masculine – beer included – yet still upholding the SMP fab factor comes along, I die. And honestly, I expect nothing less from this team. Carla Ten Eyck, Hartford Prints!, Whim Events… all pros in the industry whom we adore. Click here for the whole gorgeous shoot!

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From the lovely ladies at Hartford Prints! and Whim Events … The original inspiration for this “Industrial Revolution” shoot came after a trip Callie (from Hartford Prints!) took to L.A. this past summer. She was walking around some pretty gritty areas and envisioned a wedding that would be for lovers of urban, untouched, and overlooked spaces. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but sometimes it is just around the corner!

As we began imagining a wedding that was post-industrial, masculine, urban, rustic, and minimalist we knew we needed the entire shoot to be revolutionary. We knew we wanted to style it as a gay wedding, conceptualizing our grooms as lovers of the place where raw space, design, and style all meet. We envisioned our two grooms, Jonathan & Noel, as urban hipsters, rocking handmade denim and made-to-measure suits at their wedding, while rocking out to Black Star on the dance floor! We planned a two-location inspiration shoot – an engagement session inside the studios of Hartford Denim Company and a ceremony + reception inside an old factory space.

Jonathan & Noel’s letterpress invitation reads “Cocktail attire, tattoos, bow ties, cigars, skateboards, and flasks are all welcome.” This wedding is a laid back affair, centered around five themes, “Fancy, Flight, Fete, Fed, and Footloose.” The colors are blood orange, sea blue, steel grey, and charcoal.

Guests arrive and are greeted with cocktails, polaroids, place cards, and bow ties. Their place cards are hanging from a geometric bulletin board, where a sign reads “Fancy! Leave a picture, take your name!” We loved the idea that guests are encouraged to put on a bow tie, take a polaroid, write a note, and replace their photo with their place card, organically transforming the seating chart into a wedding guest book! The bow ties then become a favor for guests to take home and remember the day.

A metal chain suspended from the ceiling, clipped with colored lights and grounded by a cinderblock full of greenery, sets the industrial landscape of the ceremony site. We loved the idea that metallic and cement everyday objects (that anyone could find at their local Home Depot) work together to create a dramatic and layered effect. We envisioned a ceremony sprinkled with laughter and a lot of love.

After the ceremony, we imagined guests mingling at the bar and lounge area. The bar tablescape echoes the industrial style of the ceremony site. Two ladders, linked by metal sheeting and decorated with green moss, orange florals, and glass lightbulbs, set up a bar offering a “Flight” of beer from a local brewery, Back East Brewing Company. The lounge area, is a “Fete” offering guests a place to relax, enjoy their drinks, and get rowdy with vintage board games.

Dinner is set on rustic wooden tables and guests are seated on vintage metal stools.The tablescape is inspired by our couples’ geometric, minimalist, and thoughtful taste. Each place setting is slightly different and unique, just as we imagine their guests to be. The light gray napkins and angular plates mimic the shapes of the invitation suite, and the orange menu pops against the black and white tones. The letterpress table number sits in a metal stand made from an everyday coat hanger. Keeping the florals to a minimum, bright hues and artistic touches create impactful centerpieces. Each flower blooms from a light bulb vase, made from real light bulbs and metal piping. Bulbs are stacked at varying heights, some lit from underneath to create a teal and orange glow. The flowers themselves – pincushion protea, thistle, orchids, and leonotis – are simple, masculine, and unique.

Jonathan & Noel are both wearing custom suits, shirts, and ties by Brooklyn Tailors, a bespoke tailor in Williamsburg, dedicated to producing artisinal cloth of the highest quality. The suits not only reflect our grooms’ love of handmade craft, but also fit them both like a glove! They each wore a boutonniere made from orange florals, with metal filament from the inside of a lightbulb adding a playful, masculine twist.

More and more couples are steering away from the “expected” and truly want their wedding to reflect their personal and unique style. We encourage every bride or groom to do something at their wedding that “revolutionizes” the norm and captures who they are. We loved working on every single moment of this inspiration shoot. From all the vendors we used, to our awesome models – Roberto and Noel, to the singular talents of Carla Ten Eyck behind the camera, to DD Nickel’s eye for beauty, everyone involved was enthusiastic, and, most importantly, had an awesome time! We hope that the fabulous readers of Style Me Pretty are as inspired and excited by our vision as we are!

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck / Venue: 30 Arbor Street, Contact William Howard at 860-202-6460 / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: Whim Events / Wardrobe Styling: Callie Heilmann from Hartford Prints! / Paper + Event Design: Hartford Prints! / China & Glassware Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Bow-ties: OoO Tie / Beer Selection: Back East Brewing Company / Men’s Apparel Denim: Hartford Denim Company / Suiting: Brooklyn Tailors / Shirts: Brooklyn Tailors + Hartford Denim Company / Ties: Brooklyn Tailors / Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger + Model’s Own / Leather Tote Bags: Lenworth Apparel by Lenworth Williams / Women’s Apparel: Stylist’s Own / Hair + Makeup: ddNickel / Models: Roberto Franco and Noel Keating

You know what is always the beginning of a fabulous day at SMP? A beautiful French Countryside inspired soiree. Especially if said soiree is planned and perfected by Sixpence For Your Shoe and captured by Katie Slater of Carla Ten Eyck Photography. There is no better pairing to your favorite coffee when it comes to starting the day out perfect. Especially if you save a danish or two for the gallery perusing!

PJ and I met in college and had been together almost nine years prior to our wedding so our wedding was a long time in the making. It was completely fortuitous that almost nine years to the day that we began our relationship, and on the birthday of PJ’s late grandmother that we were married. We wanted our wedding to be intimate, personal, and to reflect our laid back fun loving personalities. We wanted our guests to feel like they were at an intimate dinner party and mostly just to have a blast.

Our venue was a natural choice. We fell in love with it when we first saw it and knew immediately it was the place. It has incredible vistas of the Long Island Sound, beautiful gardens, and fabulous architectural details. The separate rooms equipped with fireplaces, old paintings, antique chandeliers and moldings captured the romantic intimate dinner party feeling that we wanted to create.

We incorporated a ton of personal elements to give our wedding more of that intimate feel from the ceremony to the décor. Our ceremony, which was officiated by a close friend, was very non-traditional and included some of our favorite stories and memories that PJ and I shared in our relationship. Our incredible DJ actually found a softer version of one of our favorite punk band songs that we used to listen to constantly when we first met to play as our processional.

When it came to the décor I wanted a romantic feel with tons of candlelight along with a smattering of French inspired vintage elements. Talia and Lindsay of Sixpence for Your Shoe made that vision come to life and the result was more beautiful than I could ever imagine. From the toile linens to the old books and teacups filled with roses, every detail was incredible. The floral arrangements were the perfect shades of pink and peach and were elegant without being too over done to take away from the beauty of the mansion. Interspersed among the shelves, mantles, and nooks of the mansion were family photographs and photographs of our beloved Boston terrier, Chloe that added the personal touch that was so important to us.

Our family played a big role in our day. My mother in-law distressed the shutters and affixed vintage keys to the escort cards that we hung on the shutters. My mother made toss bags of lavender for the guests to throw at end of the ceremony. PJ’s sister and my nephew provided readings of inspirational poetry during the ceremony. To pay homage to PJ’s grandmother I carried one of her handkerchiefs she had given to his mother before she passed away.

It was also really important that we had some fun unexpected elements for our guests. We had a photo booth stocked with fun props which the guests frequented all night. The photos were absolutely hysterical and were some of our favorites from the day. We also had a Brazilian style barbeque which added an unexpected twist to our wedding and reflected our love of ethnic food.

One of my favorite memories from the wedding was when PJ and I managed to sneak off alone and share a private moment just the two of us. While everyone was happily dining and as we were heading back from snapping some sunset photographs we passed the empty dance floor. The song Heart of Gold was playing by Neil Young which happens to be one our favorites and we thought, what the heck we might as well dance. It turned out to be an awesome secret little moment that the two of us were able to share.

Overall, our day was perfect and I could not ask for more. We had incredible vendors that brought our vision to life and gave us a wedding day that surpassed our expectations. The food was fantastic, the music was great, and thanks to Talia and Lindsay we never had to worry about a thing. We could just enjoy ourselves and celebrate with our friends and family which was what we truly wanted. We had such a memorable day and are truly blessed that we were able to share it with our incredible friends and family.

Photography: Katie Slater for Carla Ten Eyck Photography / Event Design, Coordination, and Day-of Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe / Venue: Eolia, The Mansion at Harkness State Park / Caterer: Cloud Nine Catering / Flowers: Sharon Elizabeth Flowers / Musicians: Mike Connolly Sound Productions / Bridal Styling: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library / Cupcake Favors: Sugarbelle / Linens: Party Rental, LTD + Cloth Connection / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Dress: Lea Ann Belter purchased at the Plumed Serpent Bridal

Carla Ten Eyck, one of the most talented photographers around, sent us this next little gem. This wedding has a dash of classic mixed with a tad of rock n’ roll and a stylish bride rocking an amazingly ruffled Betsy Johnson number. Swoon, swoon, swoon. And as if the dress weren’t enough to get your motor running, you should take a gander at those gorgeous blue velvet shoes. Not only is the attire fantastic, but this style savvy couple is also incredibly in love and it shows. Beautiful couple, beautiful day. We love that around here.

{click here for the FULL wedding gallery}

Alicia and Jack got married at the Gershon Fox Room in Hartford, Connecticut. All of the images were taken in and around Hartford using the major city landmarks including the Bushnell Park Carousel, the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Arch, and Bushnell Park.

From the Bride:

The necklace was my great-grandmother’s actually, from the 20s or 30s. My dad’s grandmother, that was my “something borrowed,” and I guess my something old as well.  The shoes are Moschino Cheap & Chic, obviously my “something blue”… I lusted after them for quite some time, and for a while I was way more excited about them than the dress itself, or anything else Bridey for that matter. In the end, the dress did have a special place in my heart though. It is Betsey Johnson. I’ve been obsessed with her work since the first time I had to get a dress for a Bat Mitzvah when I was thirteen. I tried to go thru the motions of going to the bridal shop and trying the dresses and veils but getting married in Betsey was what I secretly pictured all along and the petticoat underneath was my “something old” from a cool vintage shop in LA.

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck / Venue: Gershon Fox Room / Flowers:Lane and Lenge / Dress: Betsy Johnson / Shoes: Moschino Cheap & Chic / Makeup and Hair: Anna Briggs / Bracelet: Tarina Tarantino /

Spring has arrived my dears and it is, by far, my most favorite season. But what is this glorious time of year without insanely gorgeous flowers? They do make for the most stunning wedding accoutrements, don’t you think? Jubilee Events thinks so as well and sent over this brilliant tablescape inspired by all things Spring. The florals by Datura are in abundance, as are girly shades of pink and sweet, little pastries. I’m smitten already.

{Click here for more floral delights in the gallery}

With all the warm weather, we couldn’t wait to put together an inspiring spring tablescape! Our color story was varying shades of pink, gold, ivory and white. We pinned escort cards with calligraphy by Elizabeth Porcher Jones to a vintage white frame, lined with moss. Our tablescape had an enormous umbrella centerpiece by Datura: A Modern Garden, that rained orchids down onto our table, which was decorated in the prettiest pink chargers and gold-rimmed plates. We had delicious cucumber water and meringue cookies on the table that doubled as place cards. Our sweet table had a gorgeous, swiss dot white butter cream cake and lot’s of tea party goodies: french macrons, lemon bars, raspberry tea cookies, and yellow lemonade! Datura: A Modern Garden created a variety of spring inspired pink bouquets. Our favorite was the gorgeous tulip bouquet!

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck / Flowers: Datura: A Modern Garden / Event Design: Jubilee Events / Location: The Society Room, Hartford, Connecticut  / Invitations: Posh Paperie / Linens: Gala Cloths / Cake & Confections: Kim’s Cottage Confections / Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones

What do you get when you put an insanely talented event planner together with the daunting task of designing her OWN wedding. Well, you get this next featured wedding. A purely gorgeous, unbelievably romantic, hugely personal day with a bride that is literally glowing. Candice Dowling of Jubilee Events is one of our most loved Little Black Book members, planning and designing some of the most incredible New England affairs you’ve ever seen. And although I am sure that it was insanely challenging to design her own wedding style, the result was complete magic.

Being in the industry was both a blessing and a burden for me while Michael and I set out to plan our amazing wedding. As you can imagine, being constantly immersed in the loveliness of the wedding world posed unique challenges for me when it came to the look and feel for our wedding. Our color story rose out of my muse – my shoes – and my love for purple. Purple, gold, with pops of red and white. Another source of inspiration was the song my parents danced to at their wedding, Frank Sinatra’s “The Best is Yet to Come”. With these bits as our inspiration, we set out to plan the big day.

We met while living in Hartford, Connecticut – so it seemed only fitting to travel back there to be married. Hartford holds so many great memories for us and was the place where we fell in love. I wore a custom Modern Trousseau gown and was outfitted with all my lovely accessories by the girls at the White Dress. I wanted to walk down the aisle with something meaningful and secret sewn into my dress… “Live the life you’ve imagined.” There were special touches with me – a vintage hanky, my grandmothers pearl bracelet, and of course, my muse for our entire wedding. My Natalie Portman shoes.

Our ceremony was so incredible – our favorite part of the entire day. Our officiant was a close family friend who we’ve known for many, many years. She wrote the most beautiful ceremony that was partially inspired by the lovely writings of our photographers who had posted our engagement session with our love story on their website.

My shoes and the location of our reception really inspired the wedding. The G. Fox Department store was a major brand in New England and its headquarters were in Hartford. In fact, our bridesmaids dressed in little black dresses as that was what the women who worked for G. Fox wore to the department store. Our wedding reception was literally held in an old department store. While there were no more beauty counters or cash registers you can certainly feel the building buzzing with shoppers, smell vintage Chanel, or ride the original escalators. Our guests enjoyed vintage style cocktails in the mezzanine area which overlooks the large atrium we reserved for dancing. Our escort cards, with designs by Lilah Paper and calligraphy by Lisa Ridgely, where pinned to vintage black frames I ensconced with purple fabric. Guests left us notes and words of wisdom on vintage Hartford post cards, too.

Our florist, Jessica, created varying centerpieces and arrangements for dinning, using a variety of purple and white flowers. Our head table had flowers in eclectic containers down the center. It was absolutely stunning. We had over 50 tapper candles burning on the table as well. We chose to do a long, family style head table which I always recommend to our clients. On each table were bottles of Francis Ford Coppola wine – our favorite for obvious reasons! I can’t tell you how amazing it was to imbibe our favorite wine with our closest friends and celebrate our marriage!

We had the most delicious cake – chocolate and raspberry. I love wedding cakes, but for myself, I knew that I didn’t want anything traditional. I wanted something rich, architectural, and just plan delicious. Our four-tiered chocolate masterpiece, by Modern Pastry, was topped with handmade gold painted banners that Lisa calligraphed our inspiration… the best is yet to come. Our first dance was to Van Morrison’s Someone Like You, with a special line in the last verse…. “and lately I have realized, the best is yet to come.” After dinner we danced the night away and ended the evening on a high kicking note.

Planning by Jubilee Events / Wedding gown, accessories and attire by Modern Trousseau from The White Dress by the Shore, Clinton Connecticut  / Makeup & Hair by Dana Bartone & Co.  / Floral Décor by Jessica’s Country Flowers / Photography by Robert and Kathleen Photographers / Cinematography by Vantage Point Films / Ceremony Location by The Old State House, Hartford Connecticut / Reception Location by The Old G. Fox Department Store / Caterer by Marquee Events & Catering / Bridesmaids Gowns by White House Black Market / Cake & Confections by Modern Pastry, Hartford / Invitations & Paper by Lilah Paper / Calligraphy by Lisa Ridgely

Continuing on with our call for Award-Winning Wedding Photography from our LBB photographers … today’s gorgeous images are from the equally gorgeous Steve DePino …

These images haven’t officially won any awards (yet), but in our books, they should!  Steve took part in this terrific Holiday Photo Shoot that Abby featured a few days ago on SMP. He was there as the dashing groom! However, when he wasn’t in front of the camera, he couldn’t resist taking a few shots of his own!

That would be Steve (below) as the dashing groom ~ sorry Steve, but you’ve gotta’ admit, you did a great job! If anyone missed it, here are the links to Abby’s features:  Connecticut Holiday Wedding Photo Shoot. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 !

However, in addition to his talents in front of the camera, Steve is even more awesome behind the lens!

We asked our LBB photographers to send us either their favorite award-winning images … or a few photos that they believe ought-to-be (or will-be) contest winners! These first two photos (above) are two of Steve’s favorite new images.

The next two ARE already award winners!

from Steve …

This type of photograph asks the client to have a lot of confidence in their photographer. The couple picked their wedding venue primarily because of it’s beautiful river views so the idea of shooting some of their portraits against an on-site retaining wall might NOT have been their first choice of shooting locations! AWARD

Again from Steve …

This was a ‘right place at the right time’ type of photo. As the bride and groom were leaving the church (after a few quick formals), a lone light shaft came peaking though a window at the far end the church. I was so excited about the light that I rushed the bride over to do a few shots before the light disappeared. After rattling 10 or so frames off, the groom walked over and was amazed at the shots. In all the excitement about the light I had almost forgottem about the groom! Once I placed him into the scene, the image really became much more complete. I just love the way the light points to and rims both of their heads. I really couldn’t have placed the light in a better location myself. It was truly divine light.” Grand Prize

Gorgeous, Steve. Simply gorgeous.

* * *

We absolutely encourage you to take a look at more of Steve’s work on his blog and website. Hands-down … one of the best!

Themed Engagement Shoot (from Steve’s blog)

Kathy and Adam’s Wedding, Hartford CT (from Steve’s blog)

We’ve been on an absolute roll lately with the gorgeous fall weddings… but how can you blame us!?!? With stunning affairs like this how can we go wrong?! Sent to us by the always fabulous Carla Ten Eyck, this vintage inspired Connecticut wedding is full of sophistication, classic touches, and a whole lot of romance…

From the beautiful bride, Marissa…

Michael and I got married at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, CT by Rev. Gary Miller.  I walked down the extremely long isle in a gorgeous dress by Anne Barge and a cathedral length veil with 4 inches of antique lace.  My dress has pockets… need I say more?!?!  I wanted a very vintage look as you’ll see in our choice of the 1956 Cadillac from Black Swam Limousine and my antique fur stole.  The ceremony was beautiful but flew by so quickly, which is why we are so happy we chose the BEST photographer in all of CT and we’re 99% sure she’s the best in the world…Carla Ten Eyck and her crew took some amazing pictures that will remind us of just how happy and loved we are.

I’m completely enamored with the bride’s accessories. The fur stole and the antique jewelry are sensible but still so elegant and add just the right amount of vintage-glam to her classic style.

We went to the City Hall in Hartford to take some unbelievable pictures (I’d like to take credit for how truly unbelievable they are but it was the work of Carla and her photographers along with a building that takes your breath away).  Next stop was the reception at The Hartford Society Room.  The food was amazing, the building is exquisite, and the band (Clarke Eno Orchestra) had everyone dancing the night away with their mix of the old (Sinatra) and new (Black Eyed Peas).

Michael and I could not have asked for a better way to begin our lives together. Everything ran smoothly and there is not one thing either of us would change except to do it all over again! A special thanks to Carla Ten Eyck and her photographers, Clarke Eno Orchestra, Dana Montanari at The Society Room, and Shear Artistry in Avon for an awesome job styling the bridal party!

Carla’s style really adds to the vintage quality of the whole day. She completely captured the drama of each location and the pure joy of the couple. Congratulations to Marissa and Michael and a big thank you to Carla Ten Eyck for sending her always beautiful photographs our way!

This wedding season has seen a profusion of purples and the loveliest shades of lavenders on the floral scene. Dramatic reception lighting, fabulous candy buffets, fun photo booths … well, today’s wedding, sent to us by the ever-so-talented Jessica at Jessica’s Country Flowers, has all that and more!

Kyoko & Han’s wedding took place in Hartford, Connecticut this past June. The beautiful bride prepares …

Kyoko and Han were married at Christ Church Cathedral with a reception following at the Hartford Society Room.

Jessica sent us some info about the amazing floral decor …

Her bouquets were hand-tied bouquets of lady slipper orchids, ivory and lavender roses, lavender cymbidium orchids and purple mokara orchids. For the reception, we created several different “tree” centerpieces. Curly willow, birch branches and manzanita branches. All decorated with lavender roses, lavender cymbidium orchids, purple mokara orchids and purple vanda orchids. With detailing of moss and black river rocks.

And the results? Well … see for yourself!

Other wedding vendors who made this whole beautiful day come together … Troy Photography, Cakes by Donna, The Greeting Shoppe, Cloth Connections, After Hours DJ (Springfield), Fran Gagnon Films, Details Wedding & Party Planning, Keri Shea(Hair), Janice of Naomi’s Studio & Salon (Make-Up), New England Photo Booth (Springfield).

All photographs courtesy of Troy Photography

Congratulation to Kyoko & Han on a beautiful, beautiful wedding! And a huge thank-you to Jessica’s Country Flowers for sharing!

Everyone likes great wedding shoe-shots … right? Well, I feel that way about Wedding RING-SHOTS.

Maybe it’s because I love gorgeous rings … or maybe it’s because of the unbelievable creativity of wedding photographers. I just think ring-shots are so artistic.

So … when we posted yesterday’s LBB Blog with the cute-cute little man RING bearers … it just seemed natural to follow-up with our first Little Black Book Ring-Shot Gallery.

Wait, though. There’s more to the story. About two weeks ago, I saw a post on Carla Ten Eyk’s blog that made me realize I wasn’t alone. There’s an entire website devoted to amazing photographs of wedding rings. And Carla has twenty-one (*21!) featured on it. Take a look at just a few of hers …

Carla rocks the ring shots! And you should hear what her brides (& fellow-photo buffs) say about her {inspiring, generous, awesome, genuine, creative, passionate, encouraging, amazingly talented … just a few of their words}. Carla’s studio is based in Hartford CT, but she’ll travel anywhere! We can’t recommend her highly enough.

Now, back to the ring-shots. The site is ROCKTOGRAPHERS … and I seriously spent a couple of hours mesmerized by the beauty in these images. I found more of Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book members featured and started ‘snipping’ photos left & right. I was on a roll! Once again, I turned back to the LBB photography blogs, and voila’ … a virtual smorgasbord of fabulous ring-shots …

Ring-shots (above) by Little Black Book photographers StudioFoto, Hollye Schumacher, Daria Bishop, Mark Garber, and another by Hollye.

Ring-shots (above) by Jeremy Hess, Justin Marantz, Orchard Cove, StudioFoto and Daria Bishop.

Ring-shots by StudioFoto, Walters and Walters, StudioFoto, and two more from Daria Bishop. I LOVE Daria’s Ring/Ant-Shot!!

This last shot from Hollye Schumacher has a great story behind it. We’ll save that for another feature!