Taylor and Amanda’s Hartford summer wedding was one for the books. It started with a very chill first look at the Old Avon Farms Hotel and ended as the party of the summer. The wedding was perfectly them… It never felt like a production but a day that just truly reflected them as a couple.
As stated before we started the day at the Old Avon Farms Hotel for a few getting-ready photos, where I received a sneak peek of the group calypso that would be performed at the reception. The first look took place at the bottom of the stairs before heading to Elizabeth Park for portraits. The original plan was to do them at the park, but I am so glad they called an audible and did it at the hotel instead… If you have ever been to Elizabeth Park on a sunny weekend day you would agree.
I don’t give awards to weddings because they all mean so much and have beautiful things that make them different. This time I am giving one this wedding because this Hartford summer wedding had the Quietest Bridal Party of All Time. Based on my dance rehearsal at the hotel, I assumed that I was going to get a rousing group but no the opposite. It was very hot and we were in a public park but as an introvert it really was award-worthy.
After getting all we could get done with no cloud cover whatsoever, we headed to the First Baptist Church for the ceremony. The ceremony was highlighted by candle lighting for those who could not make it and their vows that brought tears to both of their eyes. It was lighthearted and calm just like the bride and groom.
After the ceremony, everyone headed to The Riverview for cocktail hour and the reception. The sounds during the cocktail hour were provided by a jazz trio who happen to be friends of Taylor and Amanda. The party kicked off with a calypso dance performed by the bridal party to celebrate Amanda’s heritage and the MC stylings of Amanda’s aunt (she was hilarious).
Following the dinner, there were four heartfelt toasts, provided by members of the bridal party. There were laughs, tears, and not one bored face in the place. Following the history of the couple according to the couple thanks to their close friends, Taylor and Amanda performed a polka dance to celebrate his heritage. They were joined on the dance floor and the party never died after that.
I was able to sneak them away just as the sun was going down for “blue hour”. That is when the sun is disappearing leaving a blue and cool sky that gives off even soft lighting. Climbing up the hill reminded me of their engagement session, and felt like a fun source of payback, I mean, nostalgia.
They danced the night away with glow sticks, a Soul Train line, a conga line, and the ever-popular Cha Cha slide.
Hartford Summer Wedding Photos
Hartford Summer Wedding Vendors
Venue: The Riverview
Makeup: Making You More Beautiful
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Taste by Spellbound
Transportation: E’s Van Service
Thank you again to Taylor and Amanda for choosing me to capture such a precious day. Have fun on you honeymoon and on all of your many adventures as husband and wife.
Til Next Time
Raina
More from GEM
Taylor and Amanda were a part of the GEM Love’s Teachers program for more on that click here
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