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Friends, this was such a beautiful wedding day in so many ways and for so many reasons! I can't begin to describe the fullness in our hearts that Arturo and I are still feeling, even days after seeing Ryan and Katie become husband and wife. These are two truly special people who we just adore. Arturo and I are still in awe of their wedding celebration at Whitby Castle in Rye, New York, a beautiful historic estate wedding venue in lower Westchester. It was the most wonderful July day; there was ZERO humidity in the air, and the temperatures were perfect (how often do we New Englanders get to describe a summer day like that?!). It was certainly windy, which was great for some epic "veil-blowing-in-the-wind" shots that all of our brides love!

Katie and Ryan met when they were living around the corner from one another in Stamford, Connecticut. They happen to meet by chance when they were both out one evening. Their first date was at a local crêperie, where they were planning to order dessert. The two were so wrapped up in their conversation that they kept forgetting to look at the menu and the restaurant closed before they could even order their desserts! Ryan and Katie went on several other dates that same week and now they're husband and wife! Arturo and I first photographed Katie and Ryan last spring at their Chamard Vineyards engagement session in Clinton, Connecticut. I cannot believe we had to wait over a year to spend more time with these two because they're SO. MUCH. FUN!

They each got ready in the homes they spent their childhoods growing up in! In the early afternoon, we headed out for their first look at Penfield Beach in Fairfield, to which Katie arrived in a vintage Bentley. After seeing their sweet reactions, Arturo and I were even more excited for the day's festivities ahead! They were married by a wonderful priest who had known Katie since she was a baby and even worked a bit of comedy into his wedding ceremony. Everyone cheered and cried tears of joy as Ryan and Katie shared their first kiss as newlyweds!

Once we arrived at Whitby Castle, we continued with some newlywed portraits underneath a gorgeous old willow tree. Despite the overcast skies at that point in the day, the light was still absolutely amazing! If you've been following my blog for a while, you know how much I LOVE when my brides wear a cathedral length veil to incorporate into their portraits, and that's just what Katie had!! They were both all smiles throughout their portrait time (but hey, can you blame them?)!

The new Mr. & Mrs. shared their first dance before asking their guests to join them on the dance floor. Their wedding band then kicked off the a dance set with some amazing songs that had all of Katie and Ryan's wedding guests packing the dance floor! Sweet welcome speeches were given by both of their fathers, followed by beautiful toasts from Katie's maid of honor and Ryan's best man. After dinner, it had started to rain and I knew it was time for a nighttime signature portrait of the bride and groom just outside the castle! We were so thankful that the rain had held off until the evening; it was the perfect touch of good luck to add to Ryan and Katie's wedding day.

These two are currently honeymooning in Greece and plan on visiting four of the islands! They're spending 10 relaxing days in paradise filled with beaches, sunsets and amazing food. Congratulations Katie and Ryan!! Enjoy some Mediterranian sunshine for us!

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Katie was a stunning bride!

Ryan and Katie shared the sweetest first look!

Look at those smiles!

I loved these neutral bouquets that Katie chose for herself and her bridesmaids!

This is one of my all-time favorite portraits!! Katie's veil flowed perfectly in the gusts of wind!

Ryan hand-built this welcome sign for their wedding reception!

Katie and Ryan shared their love of donuts with their guests by packaging up some donut mix and pairing it with a recipe!

When Katie was growing up, she and her dad would watch Father of the Bride all the time. As a surprise wedding gift, her dad bought the newlyweds a basketball with their names and wedding date on it!

I hope you enjoyed this Whitby Castle wedding! Do you know Katie and Ryan? 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. Are you planning a proposal, engagement session or wedding? Take a peek at our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability.

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