I had the distinct pleasure of photographing the marriage ceremony of Monica and Lisa back in November. Weddings are always special to me. All of them moving. All of them beautiful. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Monica and Lisa’s was meaningful to me on a totally different level. I was both proud and excited when the state of Connecticut finally awarded same-sex couples the right to marry back in the fall of 2008. Monica and Lisa had participated in a commitment ceremony on this same date 16 years ago. They traveled from their home state to CT this year to finally “make it legal!” Thanks to the incredible attention of their officiant, Mary Coburn, I had to fight back tears the whole time to be sure I could still focus my camera! Mary does an amazing job customizing each couple’s ceremony and sharing their unique story. She read letters from many of Monica and Lisa’s friends and family members who were not in attendance but who wished to send their love and blessings. The entire celebration was just incredible to witness.
They were married at The Daniel Rust House in Coventry. What a perfect setting! This historic home was lovely and charming–it felt like a step back in time. The inn-keepers, Germaine and Cathy, were so welcoming and gave me a tour of the whole house–along with an abbreviated history–amazing.
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How cool is this place?
It was freezing outside so Monica and Lisa (wisely) chose to keep the ceremony inside. Fortunately the Inn has this beautiful little breezeway with lots of natural light. If my memory is correct, this part of the house is more than 200 years old!
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And the ceremony begins…
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As I said, it was very moving. I think every one of us was crying at one point!
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Notice the cuckoo clock in the above photo? Well…it went off in the middle of a very emotional part of the ceremony. Here’s Mary’s reaction:
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Love it!
Their rings were just gorgeous:
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It’s official!!
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I love the emotion in this image.
The signing of the marriage license. Only legal in 7 states and the District of Columbia–so thankful that Connecticut is one of them and that I have the honor of capturing these moments.
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A toast to celebrate the happy couple:
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We decided to brave the cold for a few quick shots outside. (Okay, I decided and they humored me!)
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Above you can really appreciate the charm of the Inn.
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I think they are laughing here at how their heels have totally sunk into the ground!
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And back inside for some warmer, cozier shots:
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And now a few words to all of the ladies who made this such an incredible morning:
Mary–once again the care you took to craft a personalized and moving wedding ceremony moved me to tears. What a gift.
Germaine and Cathy–thank you for your warm welcome. Your home is remarkable and I hope to see you again someday.(I am daydreaming about a weekend in that little cottage!)
Finally–Monica and Lisa–thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your amazing wedding day. It was truly a blessed event and I drove home feeling so fulfilled and so lucky to do what I do.