Jill and Mike’s September wedding at the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park in Waterford CT was much like their engagement session last summer. To read more about that adventure, check it out HERE. Instead of horses and dogs and the thread on Lyme disease we had the groomsmen, who were like a pack of hyper puppies with boundless energy, with Mike at the helm! No matter! A big part of my job as a photographer turns into crowd control, pivoting for things like weather and calming any nerves on the day of a wedding. At one point my sweet bride Jill turned to me and said ‘Carla, you are seriously the only thing keeping me calm right now!’ Jill and Mike’s day was, amidst the boundless energy of a pack of boys, quite amazing. The bridesmaids were literally amazing, so helpful and fun and the best listeners. They helped so much throughout the day and had the best attitudes! So, thank you ladies, again and again for your fun energy!
These days with so many photographers in the market it can be hard to stand out to prospective couples. One of the things I did love about Jill, is that she told me she had been following me since before she got engaged. She knew my work intimately, and was in her words, a fan. I love that, not for my ego at all but for the trust factor that gets built in. I don’t have people micromanaging me like this is my first wedding (far from it!) or my first year, even. I have been photographing weddings professionally for over 17 years and love so much about what I do, besides just the creation of images for my clients. I love calming my couples down. I love making them feel cared for and attended to all day. Even before, honestly with their questions about timelines and details and the flow. I love troubleshooting and problem solving and being the buffer for them. I love all of it! It is so true what Maya Angelo says. “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel.”
During their wedding I loved learning things about Jill and Mike. Like how much Jill loves animals! I mean I did learn this at their engagement session since there were a bunch, complete with wranglers! I learned that Mike is constructing their home, and that it’s been quite the work in progress. I have learned what loving and kind people they both are, and have surrounded themselves with quite an energetic and loving group of friends who adore them both, so so much.
Creative Partners for the day:
venue: Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park, Waterford CT
catering: Gourmet Galley, North Stonington CT
wedding gown designer: Madeline Gardner New York
hair + makeup: Salon C Cuts + Co., Thomaston CT
band: Sean Rainey, New Haven CT
dj: Nardella’s Music
florals: Floral Designs by Justine
suits: Modern Formals
The site where we all fell in love… and I gave the pep talk about the weather it was threatening to rain all day, but there was a window and it was small and I needed the group to be on point with listening and we needed to help with the guys..! The ladies were so on board, and man I loved them for it!
The prettiest most sensible shoes for a wedding where there is grass- thicker heels!
The blush bottom on Jill’s wedding gown was !!!!!!! So. Pretty!!
Justine of Florals by Justine herself hand delivered Jill’s stunning bouquet! The soft blush and those dahlias and garden roses made me want to YELL
Best most colorful little spot for pics! If you peeped into my heart, this is what you would find… zinnias in full blazing bloom for miles and miles…!
The best part about rain? The gear! Hello how cute are these umbrellas?
Jill. Oh honey you look radiant!!
I may just have a compilation of all of the Mike outtakes that really say who he is! Always mugging for the camera, with a big smile on his face…
The groomsmen surprised Jill with a gallon of milk, because she apparently loves milk! It was sweet!
Hi Mike!
After doing their family pics, Jill mentioned going to the beach for some photos. Normally there is never enough time but we made it happen! I am so glad we did, the light was perfect! We almost got smacked by a wave but luckily we did not!
This guy was AMAZING. Literally a piano and drums. I did not miss any instruments and he played Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Bruno Mars who hello has major brass sections! I was riveted! They were amazing and kept the dance floor packed.
These four cracked me up! Grandmas on parade!!!
Maybe my favorite image from the dance floor! She was hilarious and adorable and we got a great big laugh from this!
Jill and Mike, I had an absolute BLAST with you both, your wedding party and your families and friends. Thank you so much for trusting me! There are so many more amazing photos I can’t wait to share the full gallery with you both! XOXOX
To see more recent amazing weddings by Carla Ten Eyck, click on the following links:
Casey + Dave’s wedding at The Owenego Inn, Branford CT
Kristin + Chris’ Wedding at The Inn at Mystic, Mystic CT
Alison + Weston’s Wedding at Edson Hill, Stowe Vermont
Sarah + Jim’s Rustic Wedding at Flamig Farm, Simsbury CT
Colleen + Kean’s Wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington CT
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