Their love story began at work. It’s the taboo workplace romance, where you meet and then (secretly or not-so-secretly) date the love of your life. They are both teachers (he teaches Special Ed and she teaches Social Studies) at a local New York high school and they coach youth sports teams on the side. Kerry still remembers the day that Joe gave her his phone number on a yellow Post-it note! They fell in love because they had so much fun with each other, and when they were together it just made sense.
The day was packed with tons of country charm, rustic and shabby chic details all perfectly placed in the overall decor of the Highlands Country Club. From the simplicity of Kerry’s vision to the understated elegance of her dinner party, I loved it all. The colors were watermelon pink with accents of orange and purple, which just popped on this bright summer day! There were gerber daisies in mason jars and on the table tops, tons of candlelight and lanterns lighting the paths outdoors. The day was already gorgeous, but everyone especially loved gushing over the adorable children in the wedding party (quite possibly the cutest we’ve ever photographed) and seeing Kerry all dolled up in that fantastic dress! Here’s a peek into their dreamy day in the slideshow below. (Get your tissues ready too!)
There are some days where I feel such gratitude for being welcomed into a couple’s most intimate and personal of days, and to share in such an incredible celebration with them. This day was one of them for many reasons. I met Kerry through Renee, and I met Renee through Brooke, and lastly I met Brooke through Sue, and photographed each of their weddings. It’s like Kevin Bacon’s 6 degrees of separation, but at 4 degrees through this wonderful circle of friends who I have gotten to know through the planning stages of each of their weddings. I am very blessed to have come into their lives, and to have witnessed their happiness and love, and to watch their families grow through the years. (Thanks ladies – you are the best! xo)
Many thanks to the following pro’s who helped make this an incredible day. If you are planning an event, you’d love working with any of these NY vendors as we had a ball and were so impressed ourselves. Beauty and hairstyling by Tonya Chiesa and Louann Centrillo, bride’s dress by David’s Bridal, the floral creations of Carmel Flower Shop Inc., the beautiful and intimate ceremony and reception location at the Highlands Country Club, music and lighting by Stylez Entertainment, and wedding cake by The Pastry Garden. Many thanks to my gal-pal and 2nd photographer, Meg LaBarbara, who’s attention to detail and creative execution continue to leave me speechless!
Kerry and Joe, I just love how much you laugh when you are together – it is contagious!! I think it’s safe to say that you’ve found your teammate, and now the games can truly begin! ;-) Enjoy all the fun times ahead with your beautiful family.
David and Meg both ran 20 k around Lake Ashi; each in opposite directions, meeting briefly halfway around the lake and continuing on till the starting point where they met again joined by close friends and family for their intimate lakeside ceremony.
David and Meg chose to dress in traditional Japanese wedding Kimonos, a procedure which took over two hours with the assistance of two women to complete. Meg looked stunning, and her Kimono was just gorgeous! You don’t get to experience this everyday when shooting in the states.
You could feel the love that surrounded them, and there were children of all ages and many generations present to witness the uniting of this couple in marriage. To give you an idea of what the guests were seeing, here’s the Japanese countryside and of course, Mount Fuji. Incredible!! And, our bride and groom looked pretty good too!
Guests came from China, Australia, America, Europe, and of course throughout Japan to celebrate with the couple on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.
When your closest friends and family come together for an event like this, you need to make sure that you document all the moments and even the paparazzi in training!
As the day progressed, the more modern attire made its appearance. Meg and David looked great before, but their new elegance and beaming smiles stole the show!
