When I’m photographing weddings, I often feel quite involved with the couple, and sometimes also their close friends and families. But, I usually keep myself somewhat detached too; I don’t think you’d know it if you were to attend a wedding I was photographing, but I do keep a little part of me closed off from what’s going on around me so that I can keep my composure and focus. And while I am often incredibly touched by the events and moments I get to observe, I am rarely close to tears. I need to push on and do my job, not get too immersed in the emotion.

That was, until this wedding.

Almost two weeks ago, I traveled down to the tiny island of Monomoscoy, near Mashpee, on Cape Cod. I was there for a very special wedding weekend, with two sisters getting married in their parents’ backyard, one on the Saturday, one on the Sunday. I’m not sure what it was that changed inside me, but I became totally taken over with emotion at these weddings. The entire Gary family stole my heart, and I left the Cape a couple of days later feeling like I’d gained a whole new family. Mom Janet orchestrated the entire weekend, from the cookout on Thursday night through the final farewells on Sunday evening. She is an incredibly special woman … and the mother of two amazing girls. I could talk about this wonderful family for hours, but I’m guessing you’re here for the photos … so here’s Saturday’s bride, Katie, getting ready for her sunny afternoon wedding:

Katie looked so serene, having her makeup applied. (Makeup by Heather at Cape Codder Resort & Spa, hair by Shannon Thibodeau at Beach Plum Spa.) Some of Katie’s super sparkly details:

… and her super fun blue shoes!

Love this quiet moment as Katie’s veil is carefully placed (her beautiful gown was from Chantilly’s Bridal in Hyannis, and a special shout-out here to Maria Medeiros and Maria-Alice Pereira who were amazing to work with and provided much support during the planning process – they went above and beyond for Janet and both girls).

Topher and the guys got ready at the home one of the VERY kind neighbors who let us crash their beautiful houses and yards and driveways throughout the weekend. I thought this one was cool:

And here is their sweet first look, in another neighbor’s driveway!

We had crazy weather all weekend; Saturday was insanely humid, sticky and windy. It was nice being able to take a few portraits inside in the AC!

And a photo from the same home, this time out back with an old rowing boat:

Topher’s daughter was their flower girl; I loved these funny and sweet moments as the girls helped her with her with her band of flowers:

Time for some fun bridal party portraits! Anna Holmes at Flowers on Cape Cod was another favorite vendor.

After photos, the girls went upstairs to hide out before the ceremony … and of course I had to grab a few candids of them enjoying a pre-ceremony cocktail:

One of my very favorite photos from the day is this one of dad Tom giving away his daughter. So much emotion here …

There were a couple of readings during the ceremony; I love how Katie’s brother Mike is touching her arm here; he was so emotional during his reading.

It’s so fun photographing the moments right after the ceremony. Everyone was crying, then laughing, then crying again …

Katie and Topher had a really neat beach theme at their wedding, and my favorite part was these “escort card” buoys that were painted by hand. So pretty, and such a unique idea.

Their first dance was shared with daughter Maddie – love this.

Katie’s sister Liz is also her best friend, and they were each others’ maids of honor on their shared wedding weekend. Liz started giving a toast – then turned it into a hula hoop contest! Liz may have some serious skills, but we all know that the bride always wins. 😉
You can see DJ Stephanie of Dan & Stephanie in the Morning in the background – those guys were great.

Due to the crazy wind on Saturday, we weren’t able to hit the beach for the portraits we really wanted … but when you have the awesomeness that is Liz as your sister (and new sister-in-law) you can take advantage of the perfect skies on *her* wedding day and sneak out on a boat for some portraits then instead! So these, my favorite photos of Topher and Katie, are actually from the following day … but they seemed to belong here. 🙂

Cuties!

And a couple of final teasers from the dance floor – you’ll all be glad I didn’t post more when you see the full set, ha! And yes, those are photobooth props. On the dance floor. Love it!

Thank you all so much for inviting me to be a part of this crazy, emotional, wonderful weekend. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing this little tip of the photo iceberg … xoxo