Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot

05 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Real Events, Weddings

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31 Mane Street Salon, Boston, Burberry, camp resort, etsy, fall, Hopewell Farms, lake, MJ Harrington & Company, nature, new england, new hampshire, real weddings, rustic elements, sunflowers, Thamer Photography, tie the knot, Twin Lake Village, wedding, Zac Posen

I recently had the honor of designing a wedding album for a really special couple. I feel very lucky to do what I do and be able to peek into such a personal event of a couple’s life. And I have to say, this one is my favorite so far. You might think I know Hannah and Ryan, but I don’t. The funny thing is, I feel like I do after working on this project.

Just looking at the photos gave me goosebumps and almost had me in tears. From the prep and first look shoot to the ceremony and reception, everything seemed so comfortable and perfect. It wasn’t fancy or over the top, their friends and families played a big part of the event, and the personal touches were endless. It all came together so beautifully. Designing the album was something I will never forget.

While both working in Boston at a nonprofit, Hannah and Ryan seemed to connect instantly. On their first date he told her he could make her happy and it seems as if he was right. After a year, Hannah relocated to Chicago for grad school and Ryan soon followed to be with her. When that chapter ended, they shifted gears to San Francisco where they lived for 3 years together. The proposal was sweet and thoughtful, Ryan popped the question during a visit in Boston and secretly planned a big engagement party so they can celebrate with all their friends and family. Love!

When planning their wedding, they knew they wanted it to be closer to family and in the New England area, where they are originally from, so after some searching they found Twin Lake Village in New London, New Hampshire, which seemed to be the perfect place. Owned by the Kidder family for 5 generations, the camp/resort offered private cabins, a beautiful beach and lake, and plenty of space for all their guests to have fun and party.

The big day was September 12, 2012, and started on a sunny afternoon. Hannah wore a Zac Posen dress with yellow Burberry espadrilles while her bridesmaids showcased a pretty shade of purple in dresses designed by an artist on Etsy. Ryan and his groomsmen wore khaki pants and navy jackets along with flip-flops for that casual beachy vibe. The girls bouquets were filled with fall colors and rustic elements and assembled by Hannah’s aunt, Gail Cray. The whole event was beautifully captured by Thamer Photography in New Hampshire.

The first look shoot was intimate and sentimental but the couple had their family there to capture such a great moment. I love how happy they both look and Ryan’s face is priceless.

For the ceremony held on the beach, the bridal party arrived by boat, which was captained by Hannah’s godfather, and included personal readings by her bridesmaids. The officiant also married Ryan’s sister the year before so he was a familiar face as well. Large pinwheels lined the aisle and allowed the natural setting to really shine. Their wedding bands came from MJ Harrington & Co. Jewelers, which also designed Hannah’s gorgeous engagement ring. Once the I Dos were shared, it was time to celebrate.

The reception was held at the main house of the camp, which featured a dreamy wrap around porch and spacious yard for everyone to gather. Cocktail hour included local fresh d’oeuvres and a variety of cheese and crackers with pairing wine and domestic beers.

Another personal touch was Ryan’s custom beer pong table which was commissioned in 2001. It was a big part of his college days on campus in Boston and captured his love of baseball and its history. The nearby green-monster themed wiffle ball park was designed and painted by Hanna’s mom and assembled by the groomsmen. How cool is that!

The newlyweds arrived to the party in a golf cart decorated with festive garland Ryan and his groomsmen set up earlier. The main event took place under the white tent on the lawn and was adorned with lanterns and elements of fall harvest. The tables had sunflower centerpieces which Hannah’s aunt and uncle grew, and all the meat and vegetables were supplied by Hopewell Farms. There was even a taco bar, how fun! Some of the dishes were prepared by family to add more of that home sweet home feel.

The speeches seemed to be a highlight of the night, as both their parents and members of the bridal party shared their words of happiness for Hannah and Ryan. The band, which included the father of the brides business partner, got everyone up and on the dance floor to get the party started. The day was super special and everything ended up being perfect as can be. You can tell from the photos that everyone really had fun and all the elements were truly from the heart.

It was so awesome working alongside Hannah on the album, which was a surprise gift for Ryan to celebrate their first anniversary. I am so glad they loved how it came out and now have a treasured keepsake for years to come. I wish these two a bright and sunny future together as husband and wife and much luck in their new place they recently bought together.

Vendor List:
Photography – Thamer Photography
Brides Dress – Zac Posen
Brides Shoes – Burberry
Hair – Sarah from 31 Mane Street Salon
Makeup – the bride
Catering – Hopewell Farms
Venue – Twin Lake Village
Wedding Bands – MJ Harrington & Co. Jewelers

Historic Series: Mill Pond Park

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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animals, bellmore, bellmore patch, ducks, historic, history, lake, long island, mill pond park, nassau county, nature, new york, patch, photography, swans, trees

When I first starting writing for the Bellmore Patch, I wanted to write about a place with hidden beauty. I ventured out to the water in hopes of getting some nice views of the East Bay. I am sure anyone from Bellmore can understand my frustration when I realized those views were only blocked by private homes. I drove around for almost an hour and decided to head back. On my way home I passed Mill Pond Park. I stopped immediately.

Being that it was a nice day, I was excited to check out the lake and capture some nice shots. It was around 4:30 p.m. and the sun was just starting to set. The light that glimmered off the water and against the trees was really beautiful. The park had a sense of peace, which I found appealing. I found it interesting that when I turned back I could see the many cars that passed on Merrick Road yet I felt like I was in another world. This 54-acre preserve seemed like a nice place to walk, sit, read or just simply appreciate what mother nature has given us.

I slowly walked up the path to the right of the lake and fell in love with the trees. One of my favorite characters of nature, trees carry such knowledge and warmth. They see everything before them and hear the sounds that surround them. The detail on some of these particular trees were captivating. History was telling its story right in front of me and I was taking it all in.

Ducks, geese and swans call the Mill Pond home and they are such a delight to be around. There was a small group by the path I had to capture with my camera. They were so calm and comfortable that it almost seemed they were unaware of their surroundings. I soon realized that they noticed I was there and kept an eye on what I was doing.

On the other side of the lake it was slightly a different story. There must have been almost 100 ducks in the water and although they weren’t loud they were much more active. At some point they made me laugh because of their silliness. I find it amusing how they communicate and play. Just another reason to visit Mill Pond Park.

From what I have learned, this pond has been there for more than 100 years. After looking at a 1914 historic map, it seemed it was owned by the Brooklyn City Water Works like most ponds in the area. New York City received most of its water from these ponds during this time. Although the Brooklyn City Water Works is not there anymore, you can still visit the small pumping station northwest of the pond.

A 1927 map of Nassau County has it marked as Jones Pond. That, I assume, was named after S. J. Jones considering his name was listed on the map next to the pond. After some time it was also named after Thomas Jones. It was later acquired by Nassau County in 1967. Thanks to Clarence Anspake, president of The Historical Society of Bellmore, all my findings were confirmed as well as learning some new and interesting facts about the area.

As you look at my photos, try to imagine that this is the first time you are seeing the park. Take your own inspiration from what my lens has captured and gain a new appreciation for what it has to offer. A little peace and quiet is not all Mill Pond Park is good for. With its naturalistic beauty and a setting far from reality you can surely find a new and improved sense of self and unique view on the world around you.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Water Penny

17 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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boating, canoe, lake, nature, new york, philipsburg manor, photography, sleepy hollow, trees, water

While my husband and I were visiting Sleepy Hollow a few years back, we explored Philipsburg Manor. I took a photo of this awesome canoe, Water Penny. I just loved the different wood tones and the design of its structure. The surroundings were amazingly beautiful as well with its saturated green tones and warm neutrals. You can create some really nice color palettes from this image.