Taylor Brooke Winery is a beautiful family-owned winery in the north east corner of Connecticut, and September 6th this year was a very special day for owners Dick and Linda: their daughter Nikki married Ralph on the property, in a beautiful and highly emotional ceremony underneath the gorgeous old tree on the vineyard, next to the new vines.

My day began at The Mansion at Bald Hill, where Nikki and the girls were getting ready.  Nikki’s good friend did an amazing job of Nikki’s hair and makeup, and spirits were high in the room.  A little Taylor Brooke wine didn’t hurt, I’m sure!  Once the girls were ready, Nikki headed off to the winery in a limo, where she and Ralph enjoyed their first look in amongst the old vines.  It was a gorgeous spot, and we had a little much-needed shade on this sweltering and stormy late summer afternoon!

As soon as the group photos were finished, the heavens opened as a huge thunder storm rolled right through.  Not something you’d normally hope for on your wedding day, but it was actually perfect; we were left with cooler temperatures and beautiful soft, cloudy skies for the ceremony.

The ceremony was spectacular; family friend Linda Colangelo created an incredibly personal and emotional ceremony for Ralph and Nikki.  My favorite part was the water ceremony, where friends and family members approached the couple with blessings and hopes, and poured water over a beautiful split stone that they held together (the stone was a gift from Nikki’s great aunt and has a unique and rich history).

My favorite couples photos came from after the ceremony, as Nikki and Ralph wandered through the old vines, enjoying a glass of champagne.  The reception was super fun, with minimal events and a ton of partying!  Thank you all for trusting me to document this amazing celebration.  I hope you enjoy this collection of my very favorite photos!