We met Laura and Steven a few weeks ago at Lyman Orchards for their engagement shoot. They live not far from the orchards and thought it would be a great backdrop for photos. It was awesome! However, for those of you who have not done the Lyman experience, it is massive! There are acres and acres of land, fruit trees, and even a golf course. Laura and Steven were open to our suggestions on photos, yet we had no idea where to even begin! Jake and I were there early looking around and getting ideas, when we met our angel of the orchard. I decided to ask this sweet looking girl who was shutting down the farm stand if she had any ideas. I figured who better than an employee to give us the scoop on great photo locations. Gracie was excited and eager to help. She hoped in her SUV and we followed her down paths we would have never explored on our own. She walked us to her favorite spots in the apple and peach orchards. And she showed us some incredible views. We took it all in and used many of the locations she showed us. The light was gorgeous, Laura and Steven did great with the camera, and we LOVE the photos. So Laura and Steven, thanks for choosing such a great location and being awesome subjects. And Gracie, thanks for the tour. It wouldn’t have been as fun and successful without your help!
Here is a little preview of our “ready for school” family session. The kids were a blast as usual. They did great behind the camera, and there are many more to come soon. Enjoy!
Leslie and Mike
August 25, 2013
The Madison Beach Hotel
Jake and I were with this gorgeous duo this past Saturday. They had clear skies and warm air for their ocean side wedding. The Madison Beach Hotel is an amazing venue along the CT shore. There are many more photos to come, but enjoy the preview.
Kristy & Guy
July 27, 2013
Anthony’s Ocean View
New Haven, CT
Kristy and Guy are such a sweet couple. It had been quite a while since their engagement shoot last fall, and we were looking forward to the wedding. We had a wonderful time with them, and we were excited to join in their day. Having gotten to know each of them a little, we expected the wedding to be a beautiful and fun day. However we actually underestimated just how fun the day turned out to be!
We met Kristy and the girls for photos at the Marriott in New Haven. After everyone was ready, excited, and eagerly anticipating the nuptials, per Kristy’s request, Jake got a photo of both bride and groom before the ceremony. They wanted to have the special moment of seeing each other for the first time as Kristy walked down the sand aisle. So they used the hotel door to keep the surprise.
When we arrived at the venue, guests were ready and waiting to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous bride and see these two married. As Kristy hid around the corner, guests were lined up with cameras and iPhones excited to snap a photo. Once she reached the alter with Guy, they began their ocean side ceremony. The backdrop of the sun and boats was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Anthony’s even supplied some palm trees on the beach to give it a bit of a destination wedding feel.
After some fun on the beach with the family, bridal party, and happy couple, it was time to get the party started. And what a party it was. We have to commend friends and family on their enthusiasm and energy from start to finish. The dance floor was never empty and the laughter continued you all night. Everyone did a wonderful job of helping Guy and Kristy celebrate this momentous occasion. They helped make it an even more memorable day than it was already. We want to thank everyone for making our job fun and easy. Enjoy the photos!
Michelle & Scott
July 26, 2013
Getting Ready: Simsbury Inn
Photos & Ceremony: Ethel Walker School & Chapel
Reception: The Riverview
Jake and I have been to the Riverview many times, and it is always a beautiful venue. However, Scott and Michelle went above and beyond transforming the Riverview from a just vision to a perfect celebration. They gave new meaning to the phrase, “bringing it to life.” Before I get to that part, let me rewind and start at the beginning.
We met Michelle and the girls at the Simsbury Inn for photos. It is always a nice place for bridal photos. We had a blast with the girls who were excited for their camera shots, and they brought fun to every photo. And I must mention that Michelle is absolutely gorgeous. I am not sure she could take a bad photo. After everyone was dressed and ready, Michelle and Scott opted for a first look. While we respect each couple’s individual decision on when to see each other, we love the idea of a first look. They had a private moment to talk with each other and share their excitement and anticipation of the day. Not to mention it provided us with plenty of time to get some beautiful photos.
We had an awesome time exploring Lyman Orchards on Sunday evening with Laura and Steven. We had gorgeous weather and a beautiful sunset on the hilltop. The acreage is extensive, and we weren’t quite sure where to head for photos. So we enlisted the help of Gracie at the orchard to give us a mini tour of some must see spots. She gave us some great ideas. Here is a peek at some of the photos. There are more to come soon…
Micah and Family
West Hartford, CT:
Young Israel Synagogue
Jake and I had the pleasure of meeting this warm, fun, and energetic blended family a couple weeks ago to document Micah’s bar mitzvah. We met the family at the synagogue for some photos to commemorate the occasion. Micah did a little practicing with us inside the temple before we headed outside for some family photos. While we were with everyone, we took the opportunity to get a few head shots, photos with all the siblings, and a some great photos of Micah all on his own. This was such a sweet family, and they were all so excited to have come from near and far to watch Micah become a man of the Jewish community. We want to thank all of you for a great photo session. Enjoy!
Kristy and Guy
July 27, 2013
New Haven, CT
Anthony’s Oceanview
Here are a few beautiful photos from last Saturday’s wedding. Kristy and Guy are the sweetest duo. You could see how excited these two families were to have a new member added to the family. It was a beautiful afternoon on the ocean. Everyone had the opportunity to put their toes in the sand for the ceremony and photos. The weather was gorgeous and the ocean view was the perfect backdrop to the reception. There are many more photos to come from this lively reception. In the meantime, enjoy!
Michelle & Scott
July 26, 2013
Simsbury, CT:
Ethel Walker Chapel
The Riverview
Jake and I had photographed two weddings this past weekend. The weather was perfect both days. We kicked off the weekend with an amazing wedding on Friday at the Ethel Walker Chapel and Riverview. Michelle and Scott looked amazing. Although everyone woke up to rain in the morning, it was a beautiful afternoon for our photos on Ethel Walker School’s grounds. We had such a fantastic time with their friends and family. Their reception at the Riverview was so different than any wedding I have ever had the privilege of seeing in this location thanks to Michelle and Scott’s vision for the day and the handwork of Jason and his team at CT Party Pros. They did an awesome job bringing everything to life…literally! There is so much to show and tell about this reception, but I will save all the exciting things for the full wedding blog post. In the meantime, we wanted to share a few photos of this gorgeous couple. Stay tuned for much more to come in the next few weeks there are many details you must check out.
Jake and I headed to the beach 4th of July week to meet up with this sweet family. We have deemed it our annual meeting, although it is really this family’s annual get together. Last year at almost the exact, we joined everyone for Amy and Jeff’s wedding. I can’t believe it has already been a year. Time is moving so quickly. Everyone was looking great and having fun together as usual. It was a beautiful evening on the CT Shore, and it was a fun way for this family to end their day at the beach. Thanks everyone for inviting us to join in on some of your annual family time. It was wonderful to see everyone.
Erika and Ari
June 9, 2013
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Stonington, CT
There are so many things to write about this wedding and this couple. But the one thing I really want to share has nothing to do with the actual wedding at all. However it really highlights the tremendous love and admiration that Ari and Erika have for each other. When I emailed the preview of the wedding a few weeks back, I received Ari’s vacation response in return. It began with, “I am out of the office celebrating marrying the incomparable Erika.” His love for her was evident the first moment we met. It was reinforced by a sweet and heartfelt speech he gave about his bride at the wedding. And it was carried right through to a simple but loving away message in his email. Erika returns that love in each glance she gives Ari in life and in every photograph we captured on their wedding day. Not only is Erika incomparable but they are an incomparable couple. It was wonderful to witness this love and incredible wedding day.
We had been looking forward to the wedding for almost a year. We love the Saltwater Farm. We photographed Ari’s brother and sister-in-law’s wedding last Fall. And we know the family well. We were excited and the wedding exceeded our expectations. It was gorgeous sunny afternoon sandwiched between weeks of rain. The sky was bright blue and the venue looked gorgeous. The decor looked amazing. I have to give credit not only to the bride and groom for the details, but to the caters, Gourmet Galley, for the best food I have ever had at a wedding. They put together an amazing menu, which was paired with wine from the vineyard. Ari and Erika were very particular with each detail. They picked the venue for its setting, its vibe, and of course their love for the wine. They personally selected all the flowers, centerpieces, and linens. And they paid attention to even the littlest of details. Ari and Erika shared their excitement about the day, the food, and the party each time we spoke. Friends and family certainly weren’t disappointed.
There were many special moments and hilarious moments throughout the day. Whenever Ari and his brothers are together, you can be sure laughs will follow. Although sorry boys, I think Grandpa Howard, delivered the best laugh of the day. However my favorite conversation was one we had with Ari. I loved his explanation for waiting to see Erika until they were together under the chuppah. He told us that they could have opted for a first look. They knew it would have given them more time at the party with friends and family. However he said he had been to many, many cocktail hours, and he will go to many, many more. However he would only get one opportunity to see his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle. And what a beautiful grass aisle on the edge of the vineyards it was.
Erika looked gorgeous in her dress. You would never have guessed that she experienced a bride’s biggest nightmare about two months before her wedding. A broken foot! Instead of shopping for 4in stilettos, Erika spent her time searching for the cutest flats she could find. In the end she even had to kick off the ballet flats for sneakers. But either way there were no crutches just dancing shoes. She and Ari shared a choreographed first dance that was a favorite moment of the wedding. The party was high energy and these friends and family came to dance! We really hope you enjoy looking through the photos and checking out this incredible wedding. Ari and Erika, we thank you both for including us in your day. We were very honored to have been a part of it.
Sarah and Andy
June 8, 2013
Wychwood Turkey Farm
North Stonington, CT
Sarah and Andy had such a beautiful and fun wedding. The location was amazing. It is always nice to photograph a wedding at a venue that is so personal to the couple. Sarah and Andy were married on the grass airplane runway of Wychwood Farm. The farm is a turkey farm in North Stonington (keep that in mind when Thanksgiving comes around), which has been in Andy’s Stepdad’s family for generations. Not only were the grounds for the wedding fantastic but so was the turkey they served at the reception! Guests sat in the actual airplane hangar and under a tent in an open green field, toasted and laughed with this happy couple, and helped them dance the night away. Sarah is by far the most animated bride we have encountered. She gave us and everyone else plenty of laughs and fun throughout the day. Their family and friends were warm and welcoming and a pleasure to spend the day with. Sarah and Andy spent plenty of time putting thought into the many vintage and rustic details of the day. It has been some of my favorite decor we have seen. Sarah’s father grew most of the flowers and did all of the amazing arrangements and bouquets himself. The guests were served dinner on a variety of china, and the centerpieces consisted of different floral arrangements in eclectic glass and china vases. But while all of that was wonderful none of it held a candle to the hilarious wedding vows that this couple shared. They were personal, loving, and funny just like the two people reciting them. Jake and I couldn’t have been more excited and thrilled to have been a part of this wedding celebration. Sarah and Andy thank you for making us a part of your day. It was truly a wedding to remember!
Michelle and Scott
Engagement Shoot
Southford Falls
Jake and I had an another beautiful engagement shoot the other day. Michelle and Scott are gorgeous couple. Their wedding is coming up in a little over a month, and we can’t wait. They have a ton of exciting stuff planned, which we have promised to keep a secret. But you will definitely have to check back for their wedding blog to see how their wedding vision comes to life.
Sunday was another beautiful day for us to be at the Saltwater Farm Vineyard. It is a venue that is always gorgeous and a wonderful place to host a wedding. Ari and Erika had an an amazing day. They are a beautiful couple, and we were so honored to be their for both of them and their families. There a many more great photos to come, but in the meantime, enjoy the preview.
Someone was looking down from the heavens on all the brides and grooms who were married this past weekend. Saturday and Sunday were two amazing, sunny days sandwiched between endless rain. Sarah and Andy were particularly lucky since their venue was not quite conducive to rain. We did two weddings back to back last weekend which were both in Stonington, CT. And ironically they were both in converted airplane hangars.
Sarah and Andrew
May 19, 2013
Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park
This wedding was very special for Jake and me. For one, as I have mentioned in the past, Jake and I were married at this venue. This was the first wedding I have worked at the mansion since joining Jake a couple years ago. It was nice to reminisce and see how another bride took her vision and brought the mansion to life. Sarah and Andrew did a great job of adding personal touches throughout the mansion. The flowers, photos, cute little birds everywhere, and even a time capsule were nice pieces of the day.
Elaine and Ryan
May 18, 2013
Photos: Harkness Park and Enders Island
Reception: At Home in the Backyard!
Elaine and Ryan were officially our most laid back couple to date. We started with photos at Harkness park in Waterford, CT. Ryan and Elaine drove together, just the two of them, to meet us. From there they took us on a mini CT shoreline tour. Photos at Harkness are always beautiful. It is a great backdrop for the couple’s photos and family photos. It is a location with a little bit of everything, some greenery and a little sand between the toes. From there we all piled in our cars and headed to Montville for their ceremony. Once these two were married, their bridal party (and the newest family member, their puppy) joined us at Enders Island for some photos oceanside. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the location, it is the very tip of Mason’s Island in Mystic, CT where the monastery resides. From there we headed just a few blocks to Elaine and Ryan’s home. It is here where they held their reception.
First let me start by congratulating Kristiana and Steve for planning a gorgeous wedding. They were married last September at the Jonathan Edwards Winery in Stonington, CT. Their wedding photos posted on our blog caught the eye of CT Bride Magazine. They have decided to feature their wedding in the next issue! Along with Kristiana and Steve, A Thyme to Cook and Stems Floral Design did an amazing job bringing this couple’s wedding vision to life. If you want to check out all of Kristiana and Steve’s wedding details or see the amazing venue, you can revisit our blog post, “Kristiana and Steve–Wine All Around.” I have posted a little montage refresher below. Enjoy!
Here is a little preview of our Harkness wedding from this past weekend. These two were absolutely adorable and so much fun to spend the day with. Jake and I also have a special place in our hearts for their wedding venue since we were married there as well. There are many more great photos to come, but in the meantime enjoy the teaser.
Here is a little teaser from Ryan and Elaine’s wedding this past Saturday. They had a beautiful afternoon on the CT shoreline, which we were very honored to have documented. There will be many more for viewing soon, but in the meantime here is a preview.
Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah
May 4, 2013
Tower Ridge Country Club
We joined Jessica and her family last week to document Jess’ Bat Mitzvah. Jessica and her family were super sweet. We were so honored to be a part of this momentous occasion in her life. We were able to get some time with Jess and her family as she rehearsed for her big day, and what we saw was extremely impressive. A Mitzvah is a big and stressful occasion that takes a lot of hard work. Learning all of the Hebrew is challenging, but Jess did an amazing job. When it was all over, everyone was ready to get the party started. Jess had a smile on from the start of her party until the very end. Her friends were excited to be celebrating with her and had a blast with all of the games and activities. This was a wonderful event for us to document. It was a very beautiful afternoon at the Tower Ridge Country Club. Congratulations on a job well done as you and your family celebrate this Jewish milestone. We hope all of you enjoy the photos!
We had our first engagement shoot of the spring, and it was gorgeous. Leslie and Mike were awesome to photograph. They were fun, photogenic, and daring. We started in Boston Common where the park is in full bloom. There was almost too much beauty. It was hard not to stop on every bench and under every tree for a photo. In fact, Leslie and Mike probably felt like we did. The sun was shining and the weather was beautiful for an evening stroll. Leslie and Mike looked great every time they posed for a photo. And once they warmed up to the camera, they were truly up for anything. After we left the park, we took a stroll down a few of the bordering streets. In platform heels Leslie was persuaded to climb up a concrete wall for a photo. She looked a bit skeptical but she and Mike scaled the wall like champs. It was all worth it for a great shot of the Boston skyline as the sun was setting! We couldn’t have asked for better subjects or a better day for photos. Leslie and Mike, thanks for the Boston adventure. We can’t wait for the wedding!
Jake and I headed to Boston this week for an incredible engagement shoot. The weather was gorgeous. The sun was shining. The tulips were in the bloom. The flowers were budding on the trees, and Leslie and Mike look amazing. They are a fun and extremely photogenic duo. There are more photos to come soon. But enjoy the preview!
Jake and I were very excited to start our 2013 wedding season a couple weeks ago. We kicked it off with Sarah and Jim, and we couldn’t think of a better couple to spend the day with. They were married at the Waterview in Monroe, CT, and it was an awesome afternoon. Snow blanketed the ground, but the weather felt like spring. We weren’t sure what mother nature would bring, but she brought a perfect weather day. The weather was warm enough that everyone was willing to head outside for a few photos in the snow. It was a gorgeous day for these two the tie the knot! Jake and I had a great time with their family and friends. Sarah and Jim were excited and welcoming as soon as we walked through the door. You can see the love on their faces and the faces of their family and friends throughout the day. It is always so rewarding to be a part of a day like this. We hope you enjoy looking through the photos as much as we enjoyed capturing the images.
Hi everyone,
For all of you out there who wondered about baby Koteen, who supported us during our pregnancy, and who have followed our blog over the years, you probably already know that we welcomed a baby girl. And for those of you who are checking out our blog for the first time, this precious little package is the reason we have been so silent in the blogging world. Jake and I welcomed our daughter just in time to celebrate her first Christmas with family. We have been spending our days staring at her in awe and laughing at her daily changes. You can imagine that we like to keep the camera near us at all times. She is a subject we never get tired photographing. We thought that we would share some of our family photos from the past month (I can’t believe she is a month old tomorrow.) for all of you who have asked about her along the way and since her birth. Also we hope to inspire all of you to take our your cameras and document your lives. As I am sure you noticed, the weather outside is less than desirable, so we have made a studio out of her nursery. First we used it to take my maternity photos and now we have used it for our family photos. So, for all of you pregnant moms who wonder how to get nice pregnant photos in the winter (trust me, I wanted creative outdoor photos, but I was too cold to make it happen), you can still have them. We hope you enjoy our family album from the last month.
With love,
Jess, Jake & Aubrie
Evan’s Bar Mitzvah
December 1, 2012
Basketball Hall Of Fame
Let me start by saying that at some time in my life, I want to have a party at this venue. My house is a household dedicated to basketball. Jake and I had one of our first dates here, and we loved it. So, were super excited to see how the Hall of Fame was transformed for an event. We were not disappointed and nor were any of Evan’s guests. In fact there was almost so much to see and do that it was hard to keep track of where everyone was from one moment to the next. And the best part was that the adults had just as much fun at this party as the kids.
Jake and I had a great engagement shoot with this couple over the holiday weekend. We met them at their wedding venue otherwise known as Andrew’s family home. Sarah and Andrew currently live in Minneapolis, MN, so we had to take advantage of the time they had in town for some photos. While it was a bit brisk outside, it could not have been a better time for a photo shoot.
Cindy and Chris
November 11, 2012
Ceremony–Saint Catherine of Siena
West Simsbury, CT Photos
Reception–The Pond House at Elizabeth Park
Cindy and Chris were great as usual to photograph. We had an awesome time with them when we took their engagement photos. Although they may not think so, they are extremely comfortable behind the camera. They both are relaxed and amazing, which really comes through in their photos. I had a hard time picking photos of just the two of them for the blog. They have some of my favorite photos. The light, time of day, and relaxed attitude of the formal photo time really made the end product incredible. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Jess and Steve
November 3, 2012
Greentree Country Club
New Rochelle, NY
Planning a wedding can be stressful under the best of circumstances. Now imagine that you have planned a wedding on the NY coast scheduled the Saturday after Hurricane Sandy. The venue was without power for a few days. The outdoor beach area took a hit. And the church had a large tree in the front yard fall across the driveway. But everything was fixed up in time for the wedding. Jess and Steve rolled with the punches and did a great job of putting it out of their minds. In the end it all worked out. There were a few minor adjustments, but they were still able to get their special day which was amazing and full of high energy dancing and plenty of fun.
Alex and Rachel
October 14, 2012
Temple Emanu-El
Closter, NJ
Jake and I had been looking forward to this wedding for a while. We had a great time doing Alex and Rachel’s engagement shoot. Their personalities are infectious, so we expected a fun wedding with lots of laughs and festivities. We were definitely not disappointed. Both families were excited for this couple to join in marriage and all guests were ready for a great party. It was also nice for us since we know Alex’s family. Jake grew up in the same town and has known the family for years. In fact, we will be joining them again for Alex’s brother’s wedding next summer.
Ceremony–Saint Catherine of Siena, West Simsbury, CT
Reception–Simsbury Inn
Colleen and Jason kicked off our fall weddings. The leaves on the trees had finally changed and were coloring the Simsbury hillside. They wanted some fall photos around and about the Simsbury area. They were a trusting duo, and they let us choose the location for their photos. There was a open field down the street from the church with the colorful hills in the background that looked perfect to us. It turned out to be an excellent places for some photos. The hills in the background were painted with the colors of fall. We were able to capture the perfect light to add even more intrigue to the photos.
Jake and I headed to Boston Common for a great engagement shoot. Kate and Matt met at college in Boston, so they thought it fitting to take their photos in a city that is so special to both of them. We always the love the idea of heading to new places and using locations with a personal suggestion. It was a beautiful afternoon for photos in the Park. But we weren’t the only people to have the idea. The park was packed with people enjoying the weather, walking their dogs, and playing with children and friends. We even saw a few bridal parties having their photos taken. Kate and Matt did an amazing job of blocking out everyone but each other. We had a great time with them as we moved throughout the park taking advantage of its beautiful scenery. Kate even brought along some fun props that everyone enjoyed using. Kate and Matt, thanks for a great trip to Boston! Enjoy…
SNEAK PEEK–Rachel and Alex
Love these two! They are just as adorable and fun in person as they are behind the camera. We had an awesome time with the two of them as well as their friends and family. There are many more great photos to come. In the meantime, enjoy the little teaser.
Kristiana and Steve
Jonathan Edwards Winery
September 22, 2012
Kristiana and Steve had a perfect day to be married outside. They had both their ceremony and reception at the Jonathan Edwards Winery, and it was a beautiful fall day for a wedding. This couple opted for a first look which gave us a lot of time to spend with everyone taking photos. And we had a blast with the family. They were prepared and excited to be behind the camera.
Colleen and Jason were married a couple weeks ago on a beautiful fall day. The church was amazing to photograph in, and I managed to find an awesome field just down the street for the photos. We had a great time with the couple and the bridal party during their photo session. There are many more great photos to come. Enjoy the preview!
Jen, Jace, and Sophie
Family Portrait Session
Haddam Meadows State Park
Before you look through the photos, let me answer a couple questions for you. Yes, these are real people. We did not use models. Yes, Jen really did give birth 3 months ago! She looks fantastic. Yes, they should look familiar since we photographed their amazing wedding little more than a year ago.
Jen and Carlos were married on the beach in Mexico. From what we hear it was the perfect day to have your feet in the sand and exchange wedding vows. But the wedding was small and intimate not to mention a bit far for everyone to travel. For those who are local and and wanted to congratulate the couple, Jen’s parents held a luncheon at the temple. Jen and Carlos made the journey from their west coast home to join everyone in the celebration.
Kristy and Guy are adorable and fun. We had a great time taking photos with them. We somehow managed to choose the two busiest days to attempt a photo session at Wickham Park. We decided against a day with a war reenactment. Only we ended up finding ourselves in the midst of an invitational, high school cross country race. You wouldn’t know it from the photos, but the park was packed. I have never seen it so crowded before! However, Kristy and Guy did great. They were good sports about dodging the crowd and finding quieter places in the park for photos. We also decided to leave the madness and head down the street for a walk along a beautiful trail. The colors really represented the fall feel Kristy and Guy were looking to capture. And the trail was a beautiful place for us all to take a stroll. Enjoy the photos!
Hi everyone,
For all of you who have been on our blog recently or in the last couple years, I promise you have not disappeared. It will be a long process to get your photos onto the new site, but it will be done. In the meantime, you can still direct your friends and family to our old blog to check out your photos. They can be found at http://www.jakekoteen.wordpress.com. If you have any questions please just contact me through our website, and I am happy to help. We hope that you enjoy the new site and the new blog.
Thanks
Jess and Jake
