I think calling this a "backyard wedding" might be doing it a little injustice after you see it. Featuring an amazing design my  friend Amy Champagne Events and some gorgeous flowers by Carrie Wilcox.

Film: Will Talamelli/ John Dep

Edit: Will Talamelli

Fact: A beautiful wedding is a beautiful wedding, rain or shine (it was actually quite nice to work in 60 degree weather all day opposed to the sweltering summer we've had here in Connecticut.) Kaitlyn and Mike's wedding is absolute proof of this. So hit play, hear some amazing heartfelt vows and enjoy. Cheers to Kaitlyn and Mike!

Film: Will Talamelli/ David Ruzicka

Edit: Will Talamelli

If possible I always prefer a face to face introduction with the couple before the wedding if possible. That’s not always the case, sometimes a phone call or a Facetime will have to do but in the case of Jill and Alex we were able to sit down and have lunch together. I don’t mean this with any bias but immediately they felt like old friends I was catching up with rather than new people I was acquainting myself to. We talked about their relationship for a bit, some more wedding details and then it was mostly joking around. Even the day of the wedding I felt like I was a guest rather than an employee of the day. That’s just who these two are, they are friendly, warm, inviting and really honest people. You can see that honesty in the way they interact with each other, the happiness they had to finally be married to each other after 18 years of knowing each other. I’ll stop yapping but I do want to end with the funniest moment of the luncheon was when Alex excused himself from the table Jill said jokingly to me “yea so I married the bad boy from college.” Love these two!

Cheers to Jill and Alex!

This wedding is special to me, this was this wedding that sparked my relationship and love for Vermont. I've been to the state before but I haven't paid much attention to it for close to 20 years. That changed once I met the wonderful ladies Jackie and Stefanie of Jacklyn Watson Events and they convinced me to come up their way and do some weddings with them. Where do I start? The state is gorgeous, the people are kind, the pace is slow and it's where the best ice cream in the world comes from (Ben and Jerry's for life baby!). The way I described Vermont is exactly how I would describe this wedding, though sadly, sans ice cream. Top to bottom it was gorgeous, the generational family grounds where Dana and Patrick live as the location for their beautiful wedding. The genuine love you felt every time Dana and Patrick where near each other, they have a respect and love for each other that just radiates from them. As business partners and lovers they do everything as a team and you felt that at this wedding. 

All day I kept pinching myself looking at the backdrops I had to work with. I'm from Connecticut, my state is beautiful and has a charm I don't find a lot around the country BUT hot damn is Vermont breath taking. Where the day began and the first look was held didn't even seem real, the mist of the lake, the perfect amount of wind, the overcast skies...perfection. I mentioned this before but it's worth repeating, the horses, the lake, the quintessentially New England house, thats their home! This was a "backyard" wedding. 

Also what separates this wedding video from all others on my website it is the very first of the "7 Minute Video" option offered in my packages. It is becoming more popular and after you watch it you'll see it's just that slight bit of extra goodness for everybody to enjoy. I'll stop yapping and just let you enjoy Dana and Patricks beautiful wedding video!

-Will

I love a good ole classic black tie wedding, everyone looks so dolled up! Lauren and Sean had such an amazing wedding on the Connecticut shoreline that reflected their personality so much. Hit play, enjoy and cheers to Lauren and Sean!

Film: Will Talamelli/ David Ruzicka

Edit: Will Talamelli

Rain shmain. That didn't slow this party down for a second. When you have great music, great BBQ, a super fun crowd, an adorable couple with amazing vows the weather doesn't matter at all ;) Oh yea and it was in the Berkshires which is stunning no matter where you look! Such a fun day that I was honored to witness. Cheers to Caitlin and Tim!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

I don't know if there will be a moment in my career where I can properly articulate what makes working a wedding in NYC such a special event. There's so many neighborhoods, art, structures etc. as backdrops to work with; it's kind of an endless supply of imagery. In addition to the magic of NYC I was able to have the honor of capturing Alyson and Dan's wedding. These two are both those type of persons that people are just happy to be around. They were so much in love and just exuded great energy all day; really, they could not have been easier to work with! The wedding itself was a stunning nautical inspired wedding on the Chelsea Pier with the beautiful evening Hudson River as a backdrop. Such an incredible day of perfect weather and great vibes between friends and family! Cheers to Aly and Dan!

"Sometimes, the only thing you have is that spark of love. That's the concrete, that's what will hold you." Powerful and very true words spoken at Christelle and John's beautiful Cranbury Park wedding.

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

Let me just start off by saying what will soon be on all of your minds that watch this…she bought him a damn boat! As someone who loves giving gifts watching Mike’s face when that boat rolled in was one of the best moments in my career. The odds of me seeing that again I’d say are pretty slim but meeting a couple like these two don’t happen that often either. Defining the statistics and together since high school, through college and now into their professional lives is something you don’t see everyday…and neither is a bride buying her husband a boat! The wedding itself was absolutely stunning done by my good friend Lindsay of Amy Champagne Events. Nautical themed with classic blue and white colors with the gorgeous backdrop of the water. I can’t thank them enough for having me, it was such an incredible day filled with awesome people. Cheers to Lara and Mike!

-Will

I just want to preface with I have never had so many questions about my operation, my camera choices, equipment etc. than at my consultation with Caroline and Jake. I liked them immediately ;) They really cared about who they were hiring. Fast forward to a couple days before their wedding I was on the phone with the two of them and Jake said "we are really looking forward to this Will" so yeah no pressure! 
Jokes aside I had so much fun at this wedding. You couldn't have gotten a prettier day, so much cool content to work with and an absolutely adorable couple! Cheers to Caroline and Jake!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

It’s no secret, I’ve mentioned it many times on this site before…I LOVE A BACKYARD WEDDING! I always think that it’s so cool that much like a marriage it’s one of a kind. Another thing I absolutely adore is the town of Ridegfield Connecticut. If you haven’t been I urge you to go, it’s beautiful, there is great food, an independent movie theatre, a playhouse etc etc. So needless to say I was really excited about this wedding going into it. After arrival I only had more fun; Britny and Kyle were so relaxed and just so excited to be married, it was all over their face the entire day. I was so honored to be at such an intimate wedding of close friends and family at Kyle’s parents home. It was truly an incredible day working with some of the best in the business.

This video is also an example of the difference between a 7-8 minute format film opposed to a highlight reel which is very popular. It’s still the same level of dedication in the editing room but just a longer format. More things in their entirety and more room to relive all the moments of the day.

Cheers to Britny and Kyle!

-Will

I think the term "backyard" here is used only on a technicality because it was behind a residence. Otherwise this was a wedding that could have been at one of the most exclusive venues in the area. The backdrop looked like a scenic point in Hudson Valley, the first look was at the highest point of the isle and the design...com on! Amy of Amy Champagne Events presented everyone with what could be considered her best work to date. The lights, the details, the flowers, the tables, I was blown with the attention to detail at this wedding.

What was particularly impressive was that despite the elaborate planning and design it was still playful, fun and without any pretense, just like our featured couple. First off Nikki wins for being the ultimate "bridechilla." She was full of smiles and couldn't have been more laid back; the same goes for her husband. The lake itself is significant to Nikki and Nick but so is the water, both being avid surfers and wake boarders water played a big role in the design of the wedding (the lake itself is in almost every scene). Their light heartedness toward life and love for each translates itself perfectly in their highlight reel. You can feel how carefree they both are and how much they love being around one another, especially at their lake house. 

Quick shout out to Kristen Kiraly for being an amazing second shooter along with Matt at BSC Photo for always being the best to work with. 

Congrats to Nikki and Nick! Cheers!

You know what they say, the guitar player always gets the girl!
Check out Tessa and Jim's beautiful wedding highlight reel with a song composed and performed by Jim for his beautiful bride.

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

I remember Jana coming into the restaurant we both worked at almost 12 years ago and telling me about this guy Andrew she started dating. Jana and I stayed friends and I've had the pleasure of seeing their entire relationship develop. The firsts, the trips, the milestones etc. I had the privilege to know about all of them! Needless to say I was beyond honored to not only witness their wedding but to capture Jana and Andrew's gorgeous wedding at the Gershon Ballroom!

Cheers you two crazy kids! 

-Will 

Talk about ending with a bang! Melissa and Kevin's wedding was the last one of my 2015 season and asking for a better day would have just been greedy; perfect fall weather for a perfect fall wedding. Oh yea and they hired all of my best friends in the wedding industry as vendors! Normally I like to say something that stood out about the couple and their love but the look they give each other at the ceremony has left me speechless! Cheers to Melissa and Kevin

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

So here's a little secret of mine that I'm ready to share with the world. The couple are not the first people to see their wedding video. After hours and hours of looking at the project I can only assume there is something I am missing so I have three people I trust unequivocally to take a look at the video and report back with mistakes, suggestions etc. You know what all three said? "They are so cute!" I totally agree, these two are just really cute together. Rain or shine they had a beautiful wedding that I was honored to capture. Cheers to Amy and Mark!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Kristen Kiraly

Edit: Will Talamelli

Such a unique wedding. Heather and Paul didn't want the whole wedding fuss if you will. They just wanted a small ceremony with their closest family and friends followed by a fantastic dinner at their favorite restaurant, Millwright's in Simsbury, CT.

Film: Will Talamelli/ Matt Branscombe

Edit: Will Talamelli

Highlight reel to Ashlee and Rob's beautiful NYC wedding.

Film: Will Talamelli/ David Ruzicka

Edit: Will Talamelli

There were so many things I loved about his wedding. Cool cars, great jewelry, a dress by Oscar da la Renta and a "subtle" homage to donuts!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Everett Freeman

Edit: Will Talamelli

I was so excited when these two started dating because I had known them both separately almost my whole life. So you can imagine how happy I was to be there and film their wedding for them. Cheers to my long time friends Stephanie and Josho!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

So a lot of times when I describe a wedding where everyone had to battle the weather I'm referring to rain or extreme cold. Not this one, we had to fight the other end of the spectrum. I didn't check the weather that day but I'm pretty sure it was a million degrees! And yet everyone got dolled up and had an amazing time at an incredible wedding. Cheers to Mallory and Wes!

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

Martha and Basel's NYE Wedding at the beautiful New Haven Lawn Club. It felt so quintessentially New Years Eve with the black tie feel, the band and the classic Lawn Club ambience.

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

These two had a such a sweet story that they told through every location we went to. Our day started with these two high school sweet hearts getting ready in the town they grew up in. Followed by traveling to Brooklyn where they now live.

Film: Will Talamelli/ Steve Walter

Edit: Will Talamelli

I normally start off describing a wedding by discussing decisions the couple made to enhance their wedding in terms of additions. What type of flowers, theme, layout, location, color palette etc. All with the goal to make their wedding day as unique as their story. This blog post is in the same spirit but instead focuses on the subtractions made to set their wedding apart. Weiyi and Ian had only one objective for their wedding day which was to make sure everyone had a great time and didn't feel like they were at a formal event. To ensure this they stripped away most of the formalities associated with a wedding day. Starting from the beginning of they day where they got ready in the same room, there was no first dance, parents dance, seating arrangement, sit down dinner or cake cutting, along with business causal attire. Instead 40oz bottles of Coor's light were flowing around (ironically but still awesome), passed food all night including a delicious bowl of ramen, a self serve giant dessert table, a scotch bar, an acoustic music performance before the DJ got the crowd moving. To wrap this post up, Weiyi and Ian's wedding was exactly what they wanted in the way they wanted everyone to experience it and just based on the interactions I had with them on their wedding day, thats how they like to live their life. 

Cheers to Weiyi and Ian... affectionately known as "Weiyian!" 

Robin and Alejandro live in San Fransisco but have plenty of roots here in the Northeast so they came here opposed to having everyone come out to the bay. Even with a forecast of rain these two were all smiles. They didn't have a care in the world that day other than getting married and making sure their friends were enjoying the party. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful celebration of family and friends. The rain holding out was a nice plus too ;)
Cheers to Robin and Alex!

Will 

First off shout out to Meg's brother who had never officiated a wedding before but got up there and did an incredible job! Keep that in mind when watching this, that was his first attempt at officiating a wedding ceremony. Now onto the couple... In a world of dating apps and forced connections its was refreshing to see a fortuitous connection blossom into love. Meg works for an organization "Hope for Haiti" and as you can imagine, she has to frequent Haiti. Claudy is from Haiti and the rest is history.  One thing I noticed that seemed to be a testament to their wonderful relationship is how their families respected and adored each others partner. Claudy's family clearly loved Meg and everyone in Meg's family the same for Claudy. 

The wedding itself was at the beautiful Delamar Hotel in Southport, CT. So quintessentially southern Connecticut with it's decor and the surrounding areas were perfectly picturesque for the first look and formals. I had never shot at the hotel before but I had plenty of familiar faces around me especially working next to the wonderful Brooke Sforza of Brooke Alison Photo and her team which made for a great work day full of laughs and shop talk. Anyway hit play enjoy and cheers to Meg and Claudy!

-Will 

Make note of the title, a Midsummer's night dream was the inspiration for the design of this wedding, an homage to a favorite story of the bride...not a theme. I only say that because "themed" events often are filled with fabrications to achieved the desired look. What was amazing about the Bee and Thistle Inn was it naturally provided everything needed for a Midsummer's Night inspired wedding mixed with the brilliant design and planning of Jacklyn and Stefanie from Jacklyn Watson Events. It was a triumphant effort from both ladies achieving a very obvious Midsummer's Night inspiration but framed in a manner that still felt like a wedding not a set design. Also a giant shout out to Apotheca flowers for making some of the most creative and breathtaking floral arrangements I've seen in my career. Enough talking, you all need to see it for yourself, click the link and find out what I'm talking about!