Natasha + Jordan
The location for Natasha +Jordans wedding was pretty much known before they probably got engaged! This couple love the beach. So they already knew that they wanted their wedding to be on a beach. So one would think, destination wedding!!! Hey, I'm always down for a trip and more so when it's to a tropical location! But they wanted to share this special occasion with all of their friends and family so they did it locally. But we are located in CT. And granted, CT does have beaches! But not the crystal blue water, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the hypnotic sounds of the pan playing in the background kind of beaches. But for Natasha + Jordan, Anthony's Ocean View Wedding Venue gave them their beach wedding right in their backyard (practically).
Palm trees, beach, sand...it had it all! Did I mention it had palm trees...in CT! It was really a dream come true for the both of them and I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to document this day for them. It was a fun and exciting wedding filled with emotions and elation.
Natasha is spunky and spicy and Jordan is laid back and chill so the two compliment each other very well. I remember when Jordan reached out to me about his surprised engagement idea. I was over the moon. The thing is that I've known Natasha since Natasha was born. Our families were very close and we grew up together. Seeing her at this moment in her life was something we spoke about frequently- as many girls do- and the moment had arrived.
Jordan knew he wanted to surprise her by having her family at the proposal and of course proposing at a beach. So the plan was that they would be celebrating his parents anniversary (it was a few days away). Both families were invited to attend the "anniversary dinner" at the beautiful Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, CT. Jordan was nervous, excited and ready to ask the most important question he would ask in his life! So after they arrived and the "table was being set up" for the dinner- Jordan took Natasha out to the beach- her family all hid on the balcony of the hotel overlooking the beach- got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife! She couldn't believe it! Overwhelmed with emotions she said yes! After snapping some beautiful photos of the surprised engagement we all headed into the restaurant and celebrated!
After a short few months of planning the wedding day had finally arrived. It was a hot summer day in June and everyone was in a controlled chaos as I like to put it. Everyone knew exactly what and where they had to be and the excitement was mounting. I remember getting to Natasha's parents house and she was getting some finishing touches on her hair and as I was snapping away some pictures she grabbed my hand, held it tight and just let out this scream- "I'm getting married!" Her eyes were welling up and I couldn't help but ask, who was cutting onions around there? The emotions of the day were palpable.
As she rode off in her fathers vintage car- I sped away to get to the venue as quickly as possible to set up for the first look! I knew Jordan was excited because he kept pacing up and down asking if she was in route. Once we picked the first look location I positioned Jordan facing the ocean view and had Natasha walk over to him and lightly tap on his shoulder. I took a few quick shots and just let them have a moment to themselves. They were dressed up looking fabulous ready to tell themselves and in front of everyone that they would be dedicating their lives to one another.
After this moment we headed out to do some portrait shots with the bridal party on the beach and then got ready for the ceremony. Everyone was so excited to see these two young adults start their lives together. After the beautiful ceremony we stopped for a second to enjoy cocktail hour and to rehydrate- did I mention the day was smoldering hot! Then we headed to the beach for some quick portrait shots of the two of them. The reception was equally emotional with parent dances and beautiful prayers for the two of them. But then the party started and I have to say that they were a couple that wanted to partttyyyy! It was a pretty perfect day!
Natasha and Jordan, I am so happy to have been a part of your special day and see you both begin this new journey together. To many more beach days ahead for you both!
