Love, Joy, and a Wedding I Couldn't Say No To
Joanne & Mike
A rare wedding session that reminded me why I love capturing connection
There are some moments you can’t say no to.
Earlier this summer, I had the absolute honor of photographing the wedding of one of my dearest friends, right in the heart of Western Massachusetts — a place that still feels like a piece of home. I don’t typically photograph weddings, but this wasn’t just any wedding. This was her wedding. And when someone you love asks you to help preserve one of the most meaningful days of their life — you say yes.
It was the kind of day filled with warmth — not just from the summer sun, but from the people who gathered. Kids twirled in the grass. Families caught up over drinks. And inside the barn, the real magic happened: friends and loved ones filled the dance floor, laughter spilling out with every beat of the music.
There was a tearful moment from the bride’s daughter during the toasts — a moment that hit all of us right in the heart. It was raw and beautiful. You could feel the weight of love, history, and future dreams all swirling together. Throughout the night, couples reconnected, friends hugged a little longer, and smiles came easily.
It reminded me why I love what I do.
A Wedding That Rekindled My Creative Flame
A favorite - an emotional post-toast hug.
It’s never really about the event — it’s always about the people. The connection. The emotion. The love that lives in the in-between. It’s the energy that flows between the posed moments — the joy that bubbles up unscripted, unexpected, and completely real.
This wedding was full of those moments — and photographing it reawakened something in me. A deep gratitude for being invited into these stories, and a renewed passion for capturing not just what it looked like, but how it felt. I’ll carry that reminder into every family, couple, and children’s session this season.
From Celebration to Storytelling
A stolen glance
As the day unfolded, I found myself drawn — as always — to the quiet, meaningful moments. Not just the big “I do” or the bouquet toss, but the glances, the embraces, the in-between pauses that reveal something deeper. That’s where the story lives for me — and that’s where the portraits come in.
My Favorite Part? The Portraits.
There’s something sacred about stepping behind the lens during a moment like this. It’s not just about making sure everyone’s in focus — it’s about pausing time.
Some of my favorite images from the day weren’t planned. A little girl mid-spin, completely lost in her own joy. A group of kids piled together, laughing under the fading light. A father cradling his baby girl with a tenderness that stopped me in my tracks. Friends leaning into each other mid-laugh, couples reconnecting on the dance floor, and a daughter’s emotional reaction to the words spoken in love and celebration.
The portraits — whether posed or spontaneous — are where I get to witness connection at its most honest. They aren’t just photos; they’re heartsmile moments that become part of your story.
That’s what I aim to create in every session — whether you’re celebrating a wedding, gathering your family for fall portraits, or simply wanting to remember this exact moment in your life.
A warm, glowing portrait of the “new” family taken just before sunset. The golden light enhances the natural emotion and beauty of the moment — a signature "heartsmile" capture.
Why I’m Sharing This
While I won’t be adding weddings to my services full-time, I will always say yes to capturing love — whether it’s your family, your little ones, or you and your partner in a moment that matters.
This wedding reminded me that the magic isn’t limited to a wedding day. It lives in everyday connection — a child’s belly laugh, the way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention, or the quiet pride in a parent’s smile.
Whether it’s two people saying “I do,” a daughter heading off to college, or a mama holding her toddler tight before preschool starts — love is always worth documenting. These are more than photos — they’re heartsmile moments, the kind that become legacy.
Ready for Fall Family Portraits?
September and October are pure magic in New England — golden light, cozy textures, and just the right amount of crisp in the air. If you’re hoping to capture your family’s joy, your children’s personalities, or the love you’ve built together, now’s the time to book. These fleeting moments become the portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.
Let’s freeze your moment in time — with warmth, heart, and just the right touch of coastal beauty.
