Intimate Synagogue Wedding in Downtown Burlington

Martha & Corey

December 22, 2018

My first glimpse of Martha and Corey on their wedding day was from outside their reception venue, and Corey was helping Martha with her necklace. This sweet image set the tone for the entire day in my mind. They were both calm, cold, and ready for their party to finally start after months of planning.

As we took a few newlywed photos before their ceremony (always wise to do in the winter!). It was absolutely freezing that day, overcast, and icy to boot. I counted to three, and Martha threw her coat to the ground and quickly hugged into Corey for warmth for some photos before we ran inside of the Ruach haMaqom Synagogue in the North End of Burlington, Vermont.

Martha and Corey were greeted by friends and family, and I was struck by how friendly everyone was. There wasn’t the stress that sometimes dominates the feeling of a wedding day. There was no rushing, no obsessing, no forced exhibition of how they thought a wedding should be. It was all real and authentic, down to the dried florals, officiants who were good friends, and the quiet, love-filled glances Martha and Corey would share throughout their evening.

The ceremony was gorgeous, with gold/orange hues and a chuppah with a knitted cover and floral adornments. Each word felt carefully chosen, and each blessing was received warmly by a glowing Martha and joyful Corey. It’s always telling to me as a wedding photographer when guests tear up during the ceremony. Martha and Corey have clearly built a community in which they are beloved and adored!

And their first kiss as newlyweds was met with whooping and applause.

Martha and Corey, congratulations on your beautiful wedding and marriage. You are such lovely people, and it was an honor to be there for your special day!