Rob is a showman. He strives in front of an audience, feeds off their energy, eager to get someone to laugh or crack a smile. As comfortable on a stage as most people are on the couch, Rob isn't afraid to dabble in stand-up or sing with a band. He's a wonder to watch, not just because he's good but also because you can't help but smile while you're watching. There's something truly special about seeing a person do what they love. It makes you happy too. But there's one person that Rob loves to see smile the most. One smile that he would do just about anything to see. He'd stand on his head if he had to, just to get Gayle to bring out that pretty little smirk that he can't get enough off.
So on their wedding day, with a crowd of pretty much every one they know gathered together in one place, you know that Rob was in his element. He was cracking jokes as he walked up to the front of the aisle before the ceremony, shaking hands, patting backs - making sure that everyone was just as happy as he was that day. He even took the stage with the band during the reception and preformed a song. All of the guests went wild of course, thrilled to see Rob doing what he does best. While he heard all the applause and cheers, there was one thing Rob was focused on throughout the day. The one thing that is the reason he does pretty much everything - that pretty smile. And it was out in full force that day. In fact, it was like Gayle's face had permanently frozen into a smile that day. And it's a pretty safe bet that it won't be changing anytime soon. After all, Rob is going to do whatever he can to keep it that way. Even if he has to put on a show. (Not that he'd mind, of course.)
* Special thanks to Robin Dini who second shot this wedding with Rob while Kathleen was on maternity leave. *
Every wedding post should start off with a cute pair of shoes - especially when they happen to be Kate Spade.
Gayle grew up in Guilford, so she didn't have to go very far to find her dream wedding dress. She found her gorgeous Modern Trousseau gown right at the fabulous dress shop, The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton.
Of course, a beautiful gown deserves some equally beautiful accessories.
Gayle naturally has that beautiful "girl next door" look which was amplified and glam-ed up by the team at Naomi Martinez Salon of West Hartford.
She looked absolutely stunning. Based on that smile, she thought so too.
Once hair and make-up were complete it was time for Gayle to put on her Modern Trousseau gown, with help from her mother.
And finally, the finishing touches.
Robert looked pretty handsome himself, of course. I absolutely loved his grey suit and paisley tie combination.
All of the beautiful flowers of the day were made by Flowers on the Green in Guilford.
Gayle and Robert had their ceremony and reception at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills where the grounds provided a beautiful backdrop for their "first look."
We usually suggest a "first look" for couples when their ceremony and reception are in the same place. It gives them the chance to join their guests for cocktail hour (which usually immediately follows the ceremony) and makes the day that much longer and more relaxed.
Plus a first look never takes away from the emotion of the day - we promise. Just look at that reaction on Rob's face when he saw Gayle for the first time.
And it brought Gayle to tears. Who can blame her?
As always, we took some time to get some relaxed portraits of Gayle & Robert, perfect for framing!
The Barns is always beautiful but we almost always luck out and get to be there right in the peak of the fall foliage. The leaves on the ground and the trees just scream "Fall in New England." It's super romantic.
All day we never had to tell Gayle & Robert to smile - they would make each other do that on their own.
Before the ceremony began, we were joined by the bridal party for some shots.
Then it was time for the ceremony, on the grounds of the The Barns at Wesleyan Hills with the water and the weeping willows in the distance.
You see what we mean? Robert's smile was just as big when he saw Gayle walk down the aisle as it was during the first look.
And Gayle couldn't help but smile herself as they said their vows.
I loved Gayle's sash - it was the perfect compliment to her gown.
This shot really kind of sums up Gayle and Robert for us - just look at how happy he is and how sweetly content she is.
Gayle went all out with the decorations - taking the simple barn and making it look absolutely magical.
I'm always a fan when couples bring a bit of nature into their centerpieces, Gayle and Robert's pinecone touches were whimsical and unexpected.
The Mr & Mrs. pendants were set on Gayle & Robert's chairs.
The reception kicked off with a grand entrance by Gayle & Robert.
Followed by a very romantic first dance.
And, of course, a big finale to their first dance. You wouldn't expect any less from Robert!
Gayle & Robert danced with their parents immediately following their dance, which gave them more time for dancing after dinner.
True to his showman ways, Robert got up to sing with the band, Fake ID, serenading Gayle with Huey Lewis's "Power of Love."
A little known fact about us: we love the faces couples make during cake cutting. There is almost always a great reaction shot to be had.
Gayle & Robert, thank you for choosing us to capture your day! We really enjoyed getting to know you both and couldn't be happier for you! Enjoy your first married Christmas together!
