Tori and Manny’s wedding at the Garden at the Hops Company in Derby, Connecticut was such a joy to document!
Tori started the day by getting ready at the bridal suite in the Garden at the Hops Company. This suite is absolutely flooded with natural light, making it the perfect location to take morning wedding photos. She had her hair done into long waves by Larissa Lake and Co. After, she read a letter written by Manny, that had her really tearing up and trying to not ruin her makeup! Meanwhile, I took detail photos of their classic black and white invitation suite, jewelry, and even some fresh blooms from their florist.
Tori stepped into her lace-bodice dress with drop sleeves from Mariella Creations, and her bridesmaids surrounded her in excitement, telling her how beautiful she looked. They wore classy black dresses, which added to the simple elegant vibe of the day.
While Tori put the finishing touches on her look for the day, Manny got ready at a nearby hotel. He wore a white suit with a black shirt and bowtie from Enzo Custom. As soon as he’d fastened his white boutonniere from Foundation Flower Farm, we headed out with his groomsmen to take some wedding party photos.
Tori and Manny opted to stay traditional and skip a first look, but wanted to get some of the photos done ahead of time so they could get to the reception earlier and be with their guests. So, my second shooter and I divided and conquered and took photos of the guys and girls separately. This helped free up time for the couple to enjoy the reception more! I always work with couples to ensure they get to be at the moments of their wedding that are important to them, so I’m not afraid to get creative to make sure we can get all the photos done and get them to their reception faster!
After finishing the separate wedding party photos, we all prepared for the ceremony.
Guests waited patiently on the wooden benches while the wedding party walked down the aisle and stood on either side of the pergola. Manny teared up while Tori walked down the aisle, it always gets me emotional when a groom tears up when he first sees the bride, and this moment was truly special.
Surrounded by greenery, Tori and Manny said their vows and said “I do.” The warm but not too-warm northeast September weather was absolutely perfect, too.
After the first kiss and a dramatic dip in the aisle, my second shooter and I grabbed the wedding party to take more portraits. The group was very fun and energetic, which made the experience great all around.
Then, the reception started! With Catering by Christie supplying food, guests sat down to dinner. But it wasn’t long before they were on the dance floor! Tori and Manny did an outfit change so they could show off their moves! Between me and my second shooter getting photos, and Tim Costello Films getting video, there was tons of documenting of the dance moves that ensued. It was a super fun night, and Tori and Manny had a second entrance carrying cardboard cut-outs of their dogs and playing “Who let the dogs out?”
I loved documenting Tori and Manny’s heartfelt but fun wedding at the Garden at the Hops Company in Derby, Connecticut. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in the northeast let me know!
