The 2023 wedding season proved to be quite a wet affair, especially during the summer months. At one point, I started to wonder if I was a rain magnet, bringing showers to every wedding I photographed. By mid-season, I had abandoned checking the weather altogether; the stress just wasn't worth it. Yet, rain or shine, I've always found a silver lining in the form of stunning photos amidst downpours. Luckily for Alexis and AJ, they broke my rainy streak, becoming my first wedding of the year untouched by rain. Their mid-October celebration at Bear Brook State Park was nothing short of incredible.

The festivities kicked off with an intimate first-look between the anxious bride and groom. The First-Look is always a highlight, creating some of the best photos of the day. It not only releases the pressure but is often the only one-on-one time couples get before being swept away by their guests.

An added advantage of the first-look timeline is completing group photos and family formals before the ceremony. This approach eliminates the rush between the ceremony and reception, allowing my couples to savor their day without watching the clock. We efficiently navigated through wedding party and family photos, sending them off to the ceremony site, while I took Alexis and AJ on a picturesque journey around Bear Brook Park Pond, making use of a charming wooden bridge and the natural beauty of the park.

As the ceremony approached, we discreetly slipped into the Shelter Pavilion before too many guests caught a glimpse of the bride. The lighting was perfect under the pavilion, and the stone fireplace added to the fall vibes of this October wedding. The fun-filled ceremony began uniquely, with a Beer Bro and Jello-Shot Girl working the aisle like they were at a sporting event.

Alexis and AJ's wedding reception was, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable I've attended all year. The couple knew their guests well, ensuring there was something for everyone. Let's talk about the food; their choice of catering from 603 Smok'n Que brought some of the most delicious BBQ I've ever had at a wedding. Considering BBQ for your wedding menu? Trust me, it's always a hit among guests.

Following the exquisite dinner, the bride and groom shared an intimate first dance, accompanied by heartfelt parent dances. The evening unfolded into micro-groups engaging in various activities like cornhole, horse-shoes, giant Jenga, and leisurely exploration of the park. The dance floor may have been small, but the energy was infectious. This unique approach didn’t separate the wedding into dancers and non-dancers; instead, it offered guests multiple excursions to explore and enjoy.

If you're envisioning a wedding day as uniquely special as Alexis and AJ's, let's create your own unforgettable story. Click the link below or email me directly (mike@mikeindiphotography.com) to start the journey of turning your love story into timeless photographs.