Jess & Matt’s Wedding at The Mansion at Bald Hill, Woodstock CT
When Jess and Matt reached out to us about their wedding day, we were so excited to work with them. They were referred to us by Ashley Waterman Photography, who we met at The Mansion at Bald Hill Bridal expo. Jess and Matt originally booked Ashley for their wedding day, but after Ashley found out she was due on their wedding date, she knew she had to find someone else to photograph their wedding! (Fun fact, we photographed Ashley’s maternity session, and are working a wedding with her next week to help her after she had her baby!) So, thank you Ashley for sending these two sweethearts our way! We are so honored!
When we arrived at The Mansion at Bald Hill on Jess and Matt’s wedding day, we were welcomed with open arms by Jess and all of her bridesmaids in the bridal suite! We took her dress and details and headed next door to the reception space which is full of natural light!
While we were finishing up the details, it started raining. Not just a few rain drops, but buckets of water came down. We were a little concerned as their ceremony was supposed to be outside. We drove Jess’s dress back over to the mansion and headed upstairs. Jess said let’s see what happens with the weather, and soon enough it stopped raining!
The bridesmaids did not know what the wedding dress looked like, so we did an adorable first look with her girls! After that, we did the first look with Matt. Jess and Matt talked about doing a first look, but it was never put into the timeline. After we did some photos of the bridesmaids, we realized we still had time for a first look if they wanted to do one. Jess was unsure, saying “no, its okay, we don’t have to do one” and then saying “well, what do you think?” After we told Jess about how much we LOVED our own first look, she said “okay, let’s do it!” We quickly gathered Matt and Zac escorted him to the back of the mansion, where Jess was waiting. Their first look was adorable, Matt had the biggest smile when he saw his bride! After we took a few pictures, we told them to enjoy this moment and we stepped away. We love that with a first look, we can fit in this little bit of alone time for our couples. It was probably only five minutes, but without a first look, there is no alone time on your wedding day! Jess and Matt called us back shortly after saying they were ready for portraits, laughing that after so many years, there is not much to talk about, but they were so happy to have had those few moments alone.
Jess and Matt had their wedding right outside the mansion in the garden. Their ceremony was beautiful, officiated by Jess’s brother! Their vows made everyone cry! (Just wait until you see all the bridesmaids crying!)
After their ceremony, we photographed their family portraits and a few husband and wife portraits before heading into the reception. When the bridal party was announced into the reception, Who Let The Dogs Out was the song of choice and the groomsmen all ran out wearing dog masks! It was hilarious and such a fun way to kick off the party!
Jess and Matt had a beautiful first dance, full of lifts, twirls, and love! It was the best first dance we have seen to date! They really know how to dance! That was not the only fun dance, Jess danced with her dad to an upbeat song, that left the guests unable to take their eyes off the dance floor!
Thank you Jess and Matt for trusting us to capture your day! We loved how easy going the two of you were, and how you let us give suggestions (like your first look!) throughout the day. You both are such sweet people and we wish you the best in your life together!
Xoxo
Shelby & Zachary
A few behind the scenes shots of their first look!
And our favorite part of the day, is showing our sweet couples their pictures!
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