Table of Contents
Meet Steve and Courtney
As many of you know when I am not shooting weddings I am a full-time wedding teacher. I have a special place in my heart for teachers, which is why I created the GEM Loves Teachers program. In fact, Courtney and Steve were part of my inspiration for the program. I enjoyed shooting their teacher themed wedding at Zukas Hilltop Barn so much I wanted to work with teachers as much as I could.
Courtney is a second-grade teacher in the Worster Area of Massachusetts. She loves teaching so much that she made it the theme of her and Steve’s wedding. Whether it was the Lesson Plan welcome sign or the letters with marriage of advice from her students as decore. You could see her love for her students and career.
Courtney and Steve were very laid back and fun. They truly were a pleasure to work with,
Steve and Courtney’s Hilltop Barn Wedding
Getting Ready
Courtney and her girls got ready in a little cabin on the venue property. The light from the big windows was perfect for naturally lit pictures. The guys did a mock getting ready in the venue’s cocktail area. Since guys don’t need as much time faking the guys’ portion saves time and money.
The First Looks
Before doing the first look with Steve she did one with her dad right outside the cabin. The look on her father’s face was priceless.
The first look with Steve and Courtney was sweet and intimate. We did it at the gazebo so they had shade on this hot July wedding day. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was laid back just like they are.
Bridal Party and Family Photos
The best part of doing a first look is couples can do all (or at least most) of the formal photos done and enjoy their cocktail hour with their family and friends. This was the case for Courtney and Steve as well. The grounds provided a lot of nice open backdrops for pictures.
The Ceremony
Like I previously said the weather was quite warm that day. This is probably why the officiant went with his “short” version. Courtney’s dad led her down the aisle to Steve, who was waiting for her in front of a stunning open field. The ceremony was quick and to the point and had that laid back feeling they share as a couple.
The Reception
The reception was fun personified. One of the biggest highlights was when the bride’s father surprised her with a special song which he sang in front of everyone. Courtney loved to dance so she told me that I needed to get a shot of her and her fellow teachers twerking. I gladly obliged, but I am pretty sure her students won’t see those pics.
Sunset Photos
2019 has definitely been the year where I made it a point to get some stunning sunset photos. This wedding was at another level. Zukas Hilltop Barn’s grounds were the perfect backdrop. You could see the ambers and warm tones from the sun going down in the open field at the entrance of the venue.
Bride and Groom Photos
Thank you, Steve and Courtney, for letting me be a part of your Zukas Hilltop Barn wedding… It really was one of the highlights of my summer…
If you like what you see check out Jocelyn and Jake’s wedding blog here
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