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A WEDDING AT THE WATERVIEW

We had the most picturesque New England autumn day for Julia and Taylor’s wedding day celebration! The temperatures were brisk and the sun shined through the changing leaves of the trees. I have a soft spot in my heart for October weddings, not only because it’s when Arturo and I got married, but the fall foliage is always at its peak here in the northeast this time of year. Let me tell you, on Taylor and Julia’s wedding day the scenery did not disappoint! We first met Taylor and Julia earlier this winter when we photographed their engagement session at The Shore and Country Club in Norwalk, Connecticut. Arturo and I had such a great time with these two, so we knew their wedding day at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut was going to be AMAZING!!

Julia got ready at her childhood home. As her mom buttoned the beautiful bride into her dress, the amount of pride and happiness she had for daughter showed through the beaming smile on her face! I absolutely loved Julia’s bridal style. She was certainly a classic and elegant bride!

Though Julia and Taylor’s ceremony took place in a church, they decided to break tradition and share a first look with each other! It was certainly one of the sweetest moments of the day. Arturo and I found a secluded area on the side of the church where the bride and groom had time to spend together and soak up the excitement of their wedding day!

Taylor and Julia had the most beautiful ceremony exit as over 150 of their wedding guests gathered together and blew bubbles as they waved ribbons in the air. Everyone cheered on the newlyweds as the soft breeze carried the bubbles around Julia and Taylor!

After finishing family photos, we headed to a nearby park for wedding party and newlywed portraits. As soon as we pulled into the park I saw the setting sun gleaming through the trees which I knew would make a fantastic backdrop. You’d never know it by the photos you’ll see below, but all of the portraits from this part of the day were taken between two baseball fields!

We loved that Julia and Taylor set aside PLENTY of time for photos after their ceremony ended and their reception began! Though Arturo and I can take a decent amount of portraits in a shorter time span, having more time on your wedding day (especially for romantic portraits!) means you’ll receive more photos in your final gallery. We had so much fun capturing the excitement of Taylor and Julia as they snuggled up together and basked in the fact that they were finally married!!

There was no shortage of love that surrounded the newlyweds that evening. Wonderful speeches were given by Julia’s father, her sister, and Taylor’s brother. The dance floor was packed all night long as guests continued to celebrate Julia and Taylor throughout the night!

THE LOVE STORY

Taylor and Julia first met at James Madison University at a mutual friend’s party. He was awestruck from the moment he saw her! Taylor made it a point to seek Julia out and introduce himself. The two ended up talking all night on the porch about where they each were from, the paths that led them to James Madison, their families, and more. Julia and Taylor connected so well and were chatting so much that they completely forgot about the party going on inside!

They dated throughout college, but when Taylor eventually graduated he moved back to his hometown in New Hampshire. Julia and Taylor stayed together, despite the distance they had between them. He applied to jobs all in Washington, D.C. so they would no longer 12 hours apart, but only 2 hours apart instead! After Julia graduated with her teaching degree, she and Taylor moved into their first apartment together in Arlington, Virginia. Taylor continued to work in finance in D.C. while Julia started teaching 8th grade in Virginia.

About a year and a half later, Taylor decided he wanted to propose to Julia. He’d thought out every detail of how the proposal would go, asked Julia’s dad for his blessing, and designed a beautiful emerald cut engagement ring. Last November he popped the question, and the two celebrated that evening with a romantic dinner. Seven years later, these sweet souls are married and ready for their next adventure! They’re moving back to New England to be closer to their families and start new careers!

Congratulations Julia and Taylor! Wishing you much love and excitement in Boston!

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Julia was a beautiful bride! I adore how her mom is smiling at her!

Though Taylor and Julia had a church ceremony, we loved that they still chose to break tradition and share a first look with each other!

Don’t they make a beautiful couple?! Look at those smiles!

They’re MARRIED!!

Taylor and Julia’s bubble exit from their ceremony is one of my all-time favorites!

I loved these lush bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets!

The love these two share is absolutely beautiful. Look at those smiles!

We loved that Julia and Taylor made room for ample portrait time after their ceremony, before the reception started. Arturo and I had so much fun capturing the joy they were feeling as their first hour or so of being newlyweds!

I hope you enjoyed this fall wedding at The Waterview! Do you know Julia and Taylor? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!

CREATIVE TEAM

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, Hawaii and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.

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