Claire & Jake
Love has a beautiful way of bringing people together. When I received an inquiry for a wedding that took place two days after I would be getting home from my own honeymoon in Italy I was a little hesitant… that was until I found out it was an old friend’s wedding. I was thrilled to learn that Claire, one of my old lacrosse teammates, was not only getting married but was entrusting me with documenting such an important day.
The entire celebration unfolded in the backyard of the groom's family home, transforming the space into a haven of love, laughter, and a touch of vintage charm. From the very beginning, it was evident just how deeply these two families adore each other. Jake’s parents were the most kind and gracious hosts, even reminding me to take a break and eat.
Speaking of the food– oh my, the food! A food truck catered the event, serving up delicious dishes including a vegan steak that you could never guess wasn’t real beef. Whoever said vegan food was gross clearly has never experienced this food truck.
Let's not forget the earthy, vintage vibe of the wedding. When in college, Claire was our team captain and for good reason: she had an old soul and a good head on her shoulders. When I met Jake, it was clear that his personality was a match. Their old souls were reflected in every detail – from the simplicity of wooden table numbers to the rustic elegance of mason jars, all adorned with the most delightful array of flowers. Their vintage-inspired wedding attire, complete with intricate lace and classic tailoring, was a testament to their mature personalities. From the centerpieces, to Claire’s gown and Jake's suit– it all made for a beautiful fusion of eras that captured the essence of timeless romance.
When it came to their portraits, Claire had previously expressed her initial nervousness about being in front of the camera during their engagement session. As an experienced photographer and 2023 bride myself, I understood the apprehension many couples feel during their engagement session. To help Claire and Jake feel more relaxed and comfortable, I incorporated prompted poses throughout their engagement session. These poses provided a structure for their movements while allowing them to naturally express their love and personalities.
Having their engagement portraits done with me previously made their wedding day portraits a breeze. If either of them were nervous about their portraits on wedding day I would have never known. They were nothing short of smiles, laughter, and jokes, which resulted in a twist on a classic, “American Gothic”.
In the end, capturing this incredible day for a dear, old friend felt like such an honor. The day overflowed with love, laughter, and pure joy. As I reflect on the photos, my heart is bursting with happiness for the newlyweds. Here's to a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations to Claire & Jake!
View the gallery below to see some of my favorite pictures from their day!
