Chris + Danielle - Vineyard Caterers Winter Wedding

It was a last minute decision. A gut feeling. 

You see, I had taken the month of January off to just relax, recharge and rejuvenate.
But what began with 'tell me more' - turned into me saying 'yes' to photographing their big day.

I asked her one question knowing that her answer would decide the fate of whether or not my month off would be postponed: 

'If it snows would you be game to play in it?'

When they told me they were actually hoping for some snow and bought boots in preparation,

I knew without a doubt they were my kind of couple!

To tell you the truth, it actually

wasn't really about the snow - it was about living in the moment, and they totally got that.

While the venue, dress and other fabulous details add to the day,
they are only a fraction of the whole experience.
It doesn't really matter if it rains or snows....just whether you are willing to dance during it.
How often does the day come again?!
Live it...fully!

And that they did.
They smiled ear to ear the entire time.


Something blue...

Okay, before I get started, I must say a huge shout out to 'Flowers by Rosemarie' in Sayville.

Her work is by far my verrrry favorite. Just super creative, really fun and different. 

I mean pine cones, honey combs, wheat grass, and feathers - love.

Just onnnne more...

Okay, getting back to business.

The man of the day, getting ready.

I think...

; )

Great minds think alike...

Matron of Honor and Mom with the bride...

The girls...

Danielle used the lace from her Grandma's dress to make the veil.
I love things that are sentimental on a wedding day...

Hip ; )

A little bit of sparkle...

The lovely bride...

Riiiiight before the water works...

Danielle has a thing for Burt's Bees chap stick. More like an obsession.

I think she even made it a point to find a wedding dress with a pocket to keep it close!  ; )

So...Ms. Kylie must have thought she was getting a pair of Vera Bradley cozy boots too.

I seriously didn't know dogs could smile. I swear this wasn't photoshopped.

It looks like I drew that smile on, doesn't it?!

When she heard there wasn't a pair for her...

Ahhhhhh!

Coziness!

The church was the same church Danielle's folks got married in.
The priest was the same priest that baptized her when she was a babe.

A "frame within a frame",
and the walk to the man you will be spending the rest of your life with.

A bird's eye view.

Mr. and Mrs.

Did I mention it was friggin' freezing?!
30 degrees with the wind chill below 18.
We had five minutes.

With this ring...

Even though it was bitter cold, they totally humored me.

BIG time.

The wedding reception was held at the lovely Vineyard Caterers out east.

It would have been a sin not to get one or two shots outdoors.

The next few were taken from the balcony of their bridal suite.

We made it down to the grounds.
By this time the sun was setting and it was beyond freeeeezing!
Such good sports.
xo

The party begins...

What kind of cool wedding ideas do you get when the couple works for a library?

A bookmark favor and a card box made out of (you guessed it) books!

Their first dance...

A toast...

This is what it was like between them the entire time...

I'll leave you with this moment...

Top five...

Coolest: I'm going to go with the bridesmaid gifts. Loved the cozy boots! Okay, I can't stop myself. Here's another. RAINBOW cake!!! No joke.
All I kept hearing from the guests was that it was the best cake they ever had.

Sentimental:  Oooh. There were a few. I think it was beautiful that they got married in the same church Danielle's parents wed in. I loved that the church had such history and that the same priest has been there for the last thirty years. When so many things change so fast these days..it got me a little choked up to hear that some things remain the same.
It goes without saying: her Grandma's lace that was added to her veil was great too!

Unique:  I adored the rustic vibe of the flowers and all of the fun
elements like the honeycomb and wheat grass. 

Funniest:  There were a few funny moments, but what made them even better was hearing Chris laugh about them. He has one of the best laughs - hands down. You can't help but smile hearing it. And he is always laughing...which made tons of smiles for everyone that day.

***
Chris and Danielle, I loved working with you both. You and your families were so gracious and generous that I almost felt like I was with family. Thank you for braving the frigid tempertures with me and not complaining once. Your happiness and enthusiasm was contagious.
It was such an honor to be a part of your happy day.

Hope you have warmed up basking in the Island sun!

P.S.

Before you go...leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the happy couple

P.P.S

Special thanks to the Knot for bringing these lovebirds my way!