They have known each other since they were kids. They grew up together – just four houses apart. Her mother has pictures of them back in grade school that they laugh about now. Who’d have thought those two kids in those pictures would have ended up together?
They were about thirteen-years-old when his family was going to move to another state. When moving day came all the neighborhood kids came to say goodbye – she was one of them. Down in the basement, with all the commotion of packing going on upstairs, they shared their first kiss. She made the first move, he says now with a laugh.
They didn’t see each other again for close to twenty years. He had moved a couple more times since then – seen the country. She had become a performer and toured the world with the U.S.O. But in all their travels, they never found anything as good as what had started back home – on that same street, four houses apart.
His final move was back to the east coast. Somehow she ended up at his birthday party. They reconnected instantly, like no time had passed at all. His brother says that he could see something between them right away – they couldn’t get enough of each other. And they still can’t. I have a feeling it will stay that way forever.
- Tammy & Bill -
We had the pleasure of photographing Tammy & Bill’s Wedding day along with our good friend Sue. Since the ceremony was in the evening, Tammy and Bill decided to see each other before hand – something that worked out perfectly. The day was slightly overcast which made the bit of fall color that was still around pop even more – but the best part was the fog that had come down over the lake. It created such a romantic and mystical backdrop – like we were suddenly on the coast of England. We arranged the first meeting so that Tammy would come up behind Bill. Even while they weren’t facing each other, they had the exact same expression on their faces – pure excitement. Each couldn’t wait to see the other – it was such a sweet moment.
Both the ceremony and the reception were at The Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. The place looked gorgeous. Tammy outdid herself with all the details – she put gold bows on all the chairs, had candles lit everywhere, rose petals down the aisle and strewn on all the tables – she even put rhinestones on the place cards.
The ceremony was beautiful. During the vows, you could see several guests reach over to grab the hand of their own spouse, moved by the strength of the love in front of them. Like all great parties, the reception was filled with plenty of dancing. Since a lot of Tammy’s friend are fellow dancers, they were showing everyone else how it’s done. Of course during the slow dances Tammy would find Bill and for a couple of moments it would seem like they were the only two in the room.
We arrived to the Candlewood Inn and were welcomed by a very fog covered lake. It wasn’t raining yet though so we thought the fog could provide a mystical background for Tammy & Bill’s pictures.
But before we could take pictures, the bride had to get dressed! Here is her beautiful dress as it hung on the mirror in the bridal suite.
And of course her shoes.
While Tammy and the girls were getting dressed, Kathleen and I went to take some detail shots. Tammy actually hand tied each bow on the back of every chair by herself so she could make sure they all came out perfect.
A window provided a nice backdrop for a quick ring shot. I really liked the setting of her ring.
Tammy taking one more look in the mirror.
Tammy had really beautiful eyes…
…and her bouquet was really gorgeous.
Tammy & Bill opted to see each other before their ceremony as it gets dark very early in the middle of November. To make sure they still had their first look, Bill waited by the lake for Tammy to come behind him. Kathleen captured this moment.
It was pure happiness when they saw each other for the first time.
The last time we were at the Candlewood Inn it was still summer time, so it was interesting to shoot there during the fall when all the leaves had already come down.
As we headed down to the dock to get some shots by the water, Bill was the perfect gentleman as he helped his soon-to-be wife with her dress.
We really loved the fog over the water, it provided a really unique backdrop.
This one is my shot…
…and this one is Kathleen’s.
I thought this one was a fun way to shoot in the gazebo.
This is another one of my shots…
…and this is Kathleen’s. I really like the artistic way she composed this shot.
It was finally time for the ceremony!! This one makes me smile because obviously the flower girls are cute but even funnier is how I made it into this picture. I already captured a couple moments of these two walking down the aisle and apparently took a break to smile before walking to the back.
Getting Married!!
Their smiles were simply wonderful!!
You know me and hands.
The moment right before the kiss…
…and then the kiss… and a hug.
Tammy and Bill took a quick moment for themselves after their ceremony up in the Bridal Suite, I took a quick photo on the stairs before getting ready for their reception.
Their cake was really beautiful.
Tammy and Bill danced their first dance to “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. Tammy’s smile never disappeared all night long.
A little light action.
The Heartbeat Dance Band (who we also saw in Newport for Michelle & David’s Wedding back in September) kept everyone dancing all night long.
I had to take this shot as a shout-out to Vicki. She took a very similar shot of the same trumpet player also at Michelle & David’s Wedding.
Cake Cutting!!
The last dance of their absolutely wonderful wedding.Tammy & Bill, thank you so much for choosing us to capture your day. We really loved meeting you both and getting to know you.
We hope you had a blast in St. Lucia.
