The Joy Blog

Venue:  Seven Hills Inn Lenox, MA

Formals Location:

Salon:

Florist:

It’s been quiiite some time since I last blogged, so I’m going to start right back up again in no particular order.  Anna & Brian Part II is still to come, but for right now it’s all about Jodi and Greg.  As I write this, I’m charging batteries in preparation for their wedding tomorrow.  It seemed like a perfect time to share a few images from our recent getting-to-know-you session with them.

Last Summer my husband Doug and I had the distinct pleasure of photographing our very first sangeet.  So, what is a sangeet anyway?  Here’s some info from our couple’s wedding website:

“A sangeet is a pre-wedding celebration traditional in the cultures of India and Pakistan. The word ‘sangeet’ really means ‘sung together’, so music is always a major part of the evening. The intention for the sangeet is for the wedding guests and especially the two families to get acquainted with each other in a relaxed setting.”

Besides it being an evening overflowing with love,  it also was one filled with much musical talent.  Documenting it was bliss.

The bride folding her gorgeous red sari…

…having her bindi pressed in place.BIG LOVE.

Friends and family arrive at Sirius Community in the beautiful wooded hills of Western Massachusetts

New friendships being made… so sweet!

The beautiful music of Youssou Sidibe, playing the cora.

The festivities move upstairs.

We knew Anna was the maestro behind Talking Hands Theatre, but that night we discovered she’s also a multi-talented musician.
Brian’s band got pretty much everyone dancing!  Sample their music.

Hurricane Irene would have to wait for this wedding!  There we were in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, in Charlemont, one of the towns that was to get hit hardest, the day before the storm touched down.  And we weren’t always certain that the storm would hold off, but luckily it did, because we got to capture so much love that day.

What a sweet moment. 

Mr. and Mrs. were blessed with sunshine throughout their entire ceremony!

Hey, what’s that overhead?

And so begins a journey…

One of Amanda’s bridesmaids sings a song written just for her… in a Reba McEntire voice!

Monica and her mom arrive at the church in a pedi-cab powered by her dad……and brother, when the driveway gets a bit steep!

The tying of the minnu, an Indian tradition, was one of the beautiful parts of Monica & Joel’s wonderfully eclectic wedding.Monica receiving her sari.

The fact that the archbishop is Joel’s uncle made the ceremony that much more personal.
So much joy in the air!
Post-ceremony on the lawn in front of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. A moment “alone”, or at least apart from their 400+ guests, in front of The Deerfield Door.Monica looking regal in her cobalt blue sari.Monica & Joel have everybody laughing during their introductionJoel’s brother shares some stories of he and Joel with family and friends.

More laughter ensues.

The Deerfield Academy Dining Hall, dressed in scarlet red tablecloths, made for such a beautiful setting.Let the contra-dancing begin!Monica’s dad surprises her with a traditional Irish dance, leprechaun costume and all!

Doug and I are so grateful to Monica & Joel for choosing us to document their day.  And also for being such gracious and generous hosts!

We love that L put little signs up to make sure everyone was aware of the kitties in the house. Keep your eye out during the ceremony.

A very clever place for L & A’s rings:

I love that L got ready in a room with a family wedding portrait hanging on the wall in the background.

The Storrowton Meeting House is such a pretty ceremony location, isn’t it?

Thankfully, the rain held off just long enough for us to get some outdoor portraits before heading in for the reception.

And they danced all night long…

Thank you to Liz and Anthony’s family and friends for being so welcoming and making our time so enjoyable.  Thanks also to Sarah Drost from the Springfield Sheraton for orchestrating the evening, and taking such good care of everyone.  And of course, to Liz & Anthony: thank YOU, we’re charmed by your love.

Last week Doug and I had the the pleasure of photographing Theresa and John at Henry Park in Rockville, CT.  We were overjoyed that we would finally get to see some sun after so many dreary days!  Thanks Theresa and John, we had a great time with you!  Here’s a little sneak peek of our time together:

The other day, Doug and I were reflecting on how much we both love capturing the moments and emotions our couples feel leading up to The Big Moment.   It’s always so wonderful to behold…

I can hardly believe it has been an entire year since Doug and I photographed John & Deb’s wedding at The Publick House in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

And what a gorgeous wedding it was!    Besides the love of the couple, and of friends and family, the venue itself was warm and welcoming, exuding rustic New England beauty.  The ceremony took place in a converted horse stable with beautiful Federal-style windows, which created a heavenly back-lit effect on the couple. During the reception, the low Winter sun beamed in through the windows, creating mullioned reflections on the glossy wood floors. A string ensemble provided a perfect Classical accompaniment to the atmosphere.  Both cozy and expansive, Paige Hall was a wonderful setting for an intimate New England Winter wedding celebration.  First Anniversary Wishes to John and Deb… and their new family!

In Joy,

Lisa

We love the very real moments that occur between poses, when our clients are not expecting us to be photographing!

I get to bear witness to the love, beauty and sacredness of a couple joining in union.

I get to create a very personal collection of heirloom art that tells the story of my couples’ wedding.

Wedding photography combines my love of art-making and improvisation with my sense of empathy and ability to see the magic that others often miss.

Weddings are joyous occasions, and I am a life-long seeker of joy. My middle is name is Joy, after all!