Taylor & Chris | Waters Edge Resort & Spa Wedding | Connecticut Wedding Photographer

Taylor and Chris were married at the beautiful Connecticut shoreline Waters Edge Resort & Spa on September 12, 2021. Although autumn was approaching fast, it was a beautiful and hot late summer’s day on the shore. Beachgoers sun bathed and swam on the golden sand and sailboats sailed by the view from the balcony as Taylor and her bridesmaids got ready for the big moment.

The ceremony took place at sunset as the sun turned from yellow to orange to a vibrant red as it reached the horizon. Their dog, Tucker, was a guest of honor, being walked by their friend Murray ahead of the bride’s grand entrance. I have had the honor of getting to know Taylor and Chris over the past couple years and  it was a special day to celebrate with them. This is the story of their wedding day.

 

A family member gave these special photo remembrance charms to Taylor and her sister MacKenzie to tie to their bouquets as they walked down the aisle.

Some comfy kicks for the dance floor.

On the balcony Taylor read a special letter written by Chris at the start of the day.

Special memories and photos in the letter brought joy to Taylor and her bridesmaids. Personal letters are special moments from a wedding day that can be kept and cherished for a lifetime. I love when my couples get to experience the love of a letter or hand written note from their bride or groom.

Proud aunt, Amber, looks on as Taylor has her makeup applied.

Sis with the assist:

Every bride deserves bridesmaids like Taylor’s.

As Taylor was buttoned into her gown, her bridesmaids waited patiently with their backs turned for her to be ready.

And turned around for a lovely surprise!

Bridesmaids first looks are always the sweetest. The love these ladies have for Taylor is so lovely.

Taylor hid in the room as her uncles arrived to the suite so that she could surprise them.

After a few adventures, Chris and his groomsmen arrived at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa. They spent the morning skeet shooting and had an unexpected visit to the Emergency Room for a groomsman injury (not related to the skeet shooting). Chris and his guys never leave a man behind. Thankfully, all men arrived with time to spare before the ceremony.

Getting those “puff folds” takes teamwork.

The groomsmen are always fun to photograph. You’ll see why.

I let each groomsman come up with their own pose before giving me the traditional portrait smile. If I only had more room to share them all. This is one creative and funny group.

Best man Jeff helped Chris with his pocket square…

… and got a surprise of his own. This might just be one of my top five moments of the day.

Their dog Tucker was a handsome “best dog” with his blue bandana.

Moments before sunset the ceremony was ready to begin in front of the beach.

Before the processional began, Chris turned his back until Taylor was walking down the aisle. He wanted his first glimpse of Taylor on their wedding day to be her walking towards him for the ceremony.

Taylor’s Uncle Bobby and Uncle Ron waited for her to approach the stairs with their dog Tucker and Tucker’s guide Murray.

Murray was the injured bridal party member earlier in the day and he showed up spectacularly for this moment to make sure Tucker made it down the aisle for Tucker’s big wedding debut.

That first look.

The justice of the peace for Taylor and Chris’s ceremony was Dick Bauer, a friend of Chris’s as well as a good friend of Taylor’s father. He began the ceremony with a beautiful tribute to Taylor’s father.

The ceremony ended just as the sunset reached the horizon.

For family and group portraits, I took too many to share here on this post. If you do not see the photo you are looking for, Taylor and Chris will be receiving the entire collection of their wedding day portraits and they will be happy to share them.

The crescent moon came out just as we began taking Chris and Taylor’s portraits.

After the cake cutting it was time for the first dance.

I spy a couple of cuties whose weddings I have photographed before! It is always a blessing to see my friends and past brides and grooms at new weddings. I met Taylor when she was a bridesmaid a few years ago and now these lovely ladies stood by Taylor on her wedding day.

Two of my previous brides were in Taylor’s bridal party and it was a treat to see my beloved friends. I am so fortunate to meet so many incredible people while photographing weddings and it is always an honor getting to know my couples better and developing friendships with the amazing couples I photograph. Ian also officiated at my wedding day.

At the ceremony, Taylor’s family played a beautiful slideshow tribute to her father. At the end of the slideshow, she shared a special dance with each of her uncles and other family members and close friends lined up to share a special dance and hug with Taylor. As a wedding photographer, I have seen many moments that brought me to tears. This is one I will always remember. There was so much love in this room.

There is something (or I should say someone) unexpected under the dress for the garter!

Congratulations, Taylor and Chris! It was such an honor being a part of your special day. Wishing you every happiness in the years ahead.

 

These are the wedding vendors and people who made Chris and Taylor’s wedding so special. I have included the links to their websites or social media pages. Please support their businesses with a follow and leave a comment with love for Taylor and Chris in the comments below.

 

Photography: Courtney of Live Lovely Photography

Drone Photography and video: Matthew of Worlds of Discovery

Venue: Waters Edge Resort & Spa

Makeup Artist: Brittany of Larissa Lake & Co

Hair Stylist: Kristyn of Larissa Lake & Co

Gown: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique

Bridal Shoes: Jewel Bradley Mischka & Kate Spade Keds

Suits: Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Zales Jewelers

Flowers: Stop & Shop

DJ/MC: Greg Shovak

 

 

Maid of Honor: MacKenzie Miller, sister of the bride

Bridesmaids: Best friends Anna Curry, Kate O’Brien, Mary Catherine Karcich, Ava Zamecnik, Nicki Flynn, Kassondra Mangione, Amber Vibert (bride’s aunt), and Wendy Milhomme.

Best Man: Jeff Dills, best friend

Best Dog: Tucker

Best Dog’s Guide: Brendan Murray

Groomsmen: Best friends; Chet Crocco, Brian Manware, Mike Neff, Jeff Roblee, Donnie Venuti, Nick Tyc, and Jay Norton.

Officient: Close family friend, Dick Bauer