Jess and Doug’s Hamilton Farm Golf Club wedding this weekend was one I will never forget. Not only did both Jess and Doug read the most beautiful, personal, heartfelt, and emotional vows I’ve ever heard, but every single vendor that they booked was per my recommendation so I got to work with everyone I truly admire in the industry!

I drove up to the front of the mansion and stepped out to a beautifully, crisp and PERFECT fall day. I am pretty sure it was almost 70 which is just insane this time of year. I remember growing up, it often snowed right before Halloween and my costume always had to be a ski racer. Not this year! The weather was absolutely perfect for a wedding, the sun was shining, there was no humidity to ruin the girl’s hair, the guys wouldn’t be super hot in their tux’s. Honestly, it was perfect.

I went upstairs to the bridal suite where I found Jess and her girls in hair and makeup with my incredibly talented friend, Michelle of Michelle Elise Hair and Makeup Artistry. (Seriously you guys, she’s the best!) It was such a warm welcome from the girls, as the bridesmaids had seen my work and even some had been in a wedding I shot last August, so I walked into a wonderful and excited greeting which was an amazing start to my day! And already, Jess was absolutely radiant with a smile that could light up the world.

I grabbed all of Jess’s details and headed into one of the empty rooms to begin shooting and within minutes, I was joined by none other than my AMAZING and dear friend Paulina of Blue Jasmine Floral Design. For this wedding, the floral designs were pops of pinks and red and and whites, complimented by muted greens and fall colors. It was such a beautiful juxtaposition against the muted blue bridesmaids dresses by Amsale.

After I photographed the details, I was soon joined by my other incredibly talented friend Greg, of Willow Tree Films who was taking some seriously awesome drone shots of the venue while I was shooting details. I cannot wait to see the video! We took the dress down into the lounge and I don’t think there’s a single bad place to hang the dress in the entire mansion. I love these shots!

Once the girls were out of hair and makeup, they moved from the bridal suite into one of the other guest rooms where they shared their favorite memories with Jess. They popped champagne and cheers to the happy couple and I absolutely loved their navy pajama sets! Once we were done with these fun shots, it was time for Jess to read a letter from Doug, which left half the room in tears, as she beamed with radiant joy. When she was done, all but Jess and her mom left the room for her to put on her beautiful Liancarlo gown. We went in for her to get her final zip up and I absolutely adore the shots with her mom. This room is such a beautiful place to get ready in! When Jess was all done putting on jewelry and the final touches, I led all the girls into the room with their eyes closed so they could do a first look with her! It was the cutest thing!!!

When she was ready, we went to the main stairway for the first look with her dad which was so emotional and nearly brought them both to tears. From there, we went out for her first Look with Doug and her face was absolutely beaming when she saw him and he her!!!

We went right into portraits, and even opted to go UNDER the tree for some and I love how they turned out!! Thanks to Greg for that awesome idea. When we were done with portraits, we were joined by the wedding party and family for formals, and then hid everyone away while guests began to arrive for the ceremony.

The ceremony was outside on the stone patio overlooking the golf course in the back of the mansion. It was so beautiful, and the arbor was adorned with gorgeous flowers from Blue Jasmine. Jess and Doug both wrote their own vows, and I think they’re the most beautiful vows I’ve ever heard. I was a mess, crying my eyes out, as were Jess and Doug and pretty much every person in attendance. It was so emotional and not a moment I’ll soon forget. These two are truly soul mates, and the joy they bring each other, and the completeness is so beautiful to see.

Their ceremony was so personal, led by officiant J Jack Cuffari of Ring, Candle, & Knot. as he told the entire story of their love. And now I’ll share it with you.

Jess and Doug met at Fairfield University, senior year. They were both walking out of a bar one-night senior year and hit it off. While it remained casual for a few months because graduation was upon them and they thought for sure they’d be going separate ways, something changed in those months that made them never want to part. Their relationship became serious fairly quickly after realizing they were, in fact, in love with each other and decided they were in it for the long haul. I love college sweethearts (since I’m one!) so this story is extra special to me!

Doug proposed during the summer on his parent’s property in Sherman, Connecticut. They had just finished putting the dock in the water in time for Doug’s plan to take both their families up to the house for the weekend to propose. He took her out on the dock on the lake and popped the question!

Today, they reside in Stamford CT where Jess works in Marketing and Doug works in finance. Together they love spending time with their friends and family, doing Crossfit and just enjoying each other’s company. And my gosh, do they enjoy each other’s company. I’ve never seen a bride so radiant with joy, smiling ear to ear the entire day. I loved being a witness to their love.

After the ceremony, they joined all their guests at the cocktail hour out on the lawn, which was followed by one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever been at, thanks to the incredible band and DJ from Craig Scott Entertainment. I think literally everyone hit the dance floor at some point or another, and the dance floor was even hopping before introductions happened! I’ve literally never seen such a good party!

They had little succulent favors with a sign to let love grow, which was seriously awesome because this is what I gifted Jess and Doug when they booked! So I was a big fan, naturally!

The night never slowed down, and we documented every crazy moment of it. I am so beyond thankful I got to be a part of this wedding with the most incredible couple, wedding party, families, and vendor dream team I could ask for! The wonderful vendors who made this day possible are below, and I am so thankful to work alongside them all!

Jess and Doug, thank you for having me be a part of such a beautiful day, and love story. I have no doubt you have a lifetime of love and happiness in front of you. Jess, you were the most radiant bride, and I hope your smile never fades. Doug, the way you love Jess is beautiful beyond words. I hope it only continues to grow as the years go by. Love you both!!! Cheers!! Enjoy this beautiful Hamilton farm Golf Club Wedding!