May 25, 2021
Casey and Jeff grew up close to one another, but as the universe would have it, they actually connected in Boston. After dating and falling quickly in love, Jeff proposed to Casey last June. They optimistically planned for their 2021 Tourterelle, Vermont wedding and went full steam ahead. In the dead of winter, we met up for some romantic engagement photos. Casey told me that they were thinking that they would have to downsize their wedding, and make it more of a micro event, if things did not improve in Vermont.
But in May, the Vermont governor relaxed mask mandates due to the percentage of vaccinated folks, Casey and Jeff could finally relax a little. They would have the day of their dreams– no compromises.
On a personal note, I thought it might feel… weird to be back in a crowd. I had a few weddings this spring, but they were all on the smaller side (or even elopements). To my surprise and delight, my muscle memory kicked back in as soon as I started working at Casey and Jeff’s Tourterelle wedding. I am fully vaccinated and feel so thankful. In fact, being around a crowd and interacting with so many sweet people who were all just as excited as I was to be with each other was magical. The vibe was contagious, and the day flew by. Casey and Jeff’s wedding meant so much to everyone because it was the first sense of normalcy. and first true distraction from the past year and a half, that we’ve had. It was truly a reminder for me of why I love my job.
Casey and Jeff are some of the sweetest people you’ll meet. Case in point: while Casey was SUPER busy coordinating her wedding party and getting her makeup done, she was asking me about my own wedding. She genuinely wanted to know whether I had found a dress, and what my plans were. Throughout the day she checked on me, making sure I was hydrated and happy. I was so touched, and I’m sure Casey’s friends and family can relate to my feelings that Casey has a way of making you feel very seen, comfortable, and relaxed around her. It was surprise that her friends were amazing as well. She and Jeff have a way of interacting that is goofy and sweet at the same time.
Perhaps my favorite part of the day (there were many!) was our newlywed portrait session after dinner. They had time to eat and relax a little, and were feeling festive for these photos. The scenery at Tourterelle was perfect as usual, and reminded me of this quote by Ocean Vuong:
“It’s just after sunset and the air’s thick with sweetgrass and late lilacs frothing white and magenta along the manicured lawns.”
I was excited to be shooting back at Tourterelle (New Haven, Vermont), which sadly lost much of its reception space to a large fire. Casey and Jeff’s wedding was the first to experience the new bridal suite and reception space, which is STUNNING. It was elegant and modern, but still classic, which felt perfect for Casey and Jeff’s wedding aesthetic.
Casey and Jeff: thank you for trusting me with your wedding vision, and for being the absolute sweetest. I hope you love these photos as much as I do! xo.
Second photographer: Emma Rebeor
Florist: New Leaf Organics
Shoes: Bella Belle
Dress: Madi Lane Bridal at Allegria Bridal Shop (Belmont, MA)
Venue/Catering/Cake: Tourterelle
DJ/ Entertainment Services: A House on Fire
Ceremony Music: String duo: Patrick Maguire (cello) and Anna Karnezos (viola)
Hair: Nicole Walker from Hillary Fay Studios
Make-Up: Shelby McFarren of McFarren Makeup
Bridesmaids Dresses: Designer & place of purchase: Jenny Yoo from BHLDN
Signage: The Little Press
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