Poor Jill, I’ve been teasing her these past few weeks with only a few sneak peeks. However, I am truly and genuinely excited to present this wedding, it has been one of the most pleasurable weddings to photograph all year. Sure, it really doesn’t hurt that we had perfect weather, but more than that, I loved all the ways that Jill and Than chose to personalize their wedding, their love and commitment to each other, the laid back nature of the wedding, the on-time coordination by the very awesome CN Planners, everything just came together really well. This was my first time visiting the ocean side city of Dartmouth. Jill and Than chose a very personal location to get married. For years, Than’s parents have owned a home in the small community of Nonquitt. Within the same area is a gorgeous forested area that overlooks a tranquil beach. On 9/10/11, the most popular wedding date of the year, I arrived to azure-blue skies plunging into opal-kissed water. Golden rays of sunshine streamed through emerald trees. And two wonderful, kind human beings who couldn’t wait to dance the night away, on the rocks, for their first look. Once again, it was tough for me to narrow things down, so please enjoy this extra long blog!
All of the bridesmaid dresses were different. And just my luck, we were able to hang them all together =)
Jill and Than’s save the dates were custom-made vintage postcards showing off the location of their wedding
This was one of the best moments of getting ready – Jill’s friends’ reactions as they saw her in her dress for the first time
Comfortable flats – very appropriate for a beachside wedding, and azure jewelry that reminds Jill of seaglass
Jill was just radiant and all smiles
Her toenails were her something blue =)
This was a jawdropping location for the first look
This image leaves me breathless
The wedding party was also superfun!
Look at how beautiful all the bridesmaid dresses came together
Fresh, unique, and local, Jill used flowers that could be found locally. I just love the way they were gathered
The light continued to be so beautiful. I had plenty, plenty of time of portraits with Jill and Than
You know how couples in love begin to resemble each other? Jill and Than have the same beautiful smiles.
These photographs may look calm, but every now and then Than would jump up and down in glee that they’re getting married. It was pretty cute
I love trees and romance. Favorite
We also drove back to Than’s parents’ house – the wraparound porch was so peaceful. As I mentioned on my Facebook fan page, the soft filtered effect you see in this image was created by a real-life filter – I shot through an object to achieve the look
Jill decorated the ceremony aisle with potted peppers – so unique, love it! You can also see in the middle two photos that they had a fun golf cart decorated for the occasion
Kids often steal the show, don’t they? The boy is Than’s godson, whose family flew in from England to attend the wedding (Than is British). The flower girl was also a true sweetheart, I think they really like holding each others’ hands =)
Pure joy
After some quick family photos they sped away on their golf cart
The reception was held in a tent outside Nonquitt’s “casino” which is a community gathering place. The boat you see on the left was Than’s pride and joy – it is a boatload of beer!
Tom’s Market Catering from Newport, RI provided all the delicious food you’ll see featured this wedding. And oh my everything looked just so good
The wedding reception decor continued with the wildflowers as centerpieces. Jill and Than served signature cocktails. They used their childhood photos as table numbers. Each guest got a glass tumbler emblazoned with the sailboat motif from the wedding design. And dessert? A whoopie pie display!
Oh, the food!!!! I loved LOVED all the stations that Jill and Than chose for their wedding. Top left – Jill’s favorite, thanksgiving turkey will stuffing! Middle row, custom pasta station. Bottom row left, check it out, stuffed quahogs, possibly the most delicious new thing I’ve tasted. For dessert there was also an ice cream bar
Did I mention that everyone loved to dance? HECK YEAH!
Amie caught Than jumping for joy in the top right photo below
A wonderful night
It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with Cindy and Nadine of CN Planners as well! When you have so many details, people spread over multiple locations, wedding coordination or even full wedding planning will really seriously be a lifesaver. And as you can tell from the photos, these two are full of laughter and fun!
Thank you Jill and Than so much for the honor to see you two so happy and so well matched, I felt like we connected from the moment we met over a year ago. Thank you honestly for being so open and tender with the way you two are in love with each other. Your laid back attitude, and all the wonderful ways in which you made your wedding your own, is exactly what a wedding should be about!
The wedding vendors:
Photography by Shang Chen Photography, assisted by Amie Fedora Photography
Venue: Nonquitt, Dartmouth, MA
Catering: Tom’s Marketing Catering, Newport RI
Wedding coordination: CN Planners (Shang Chen Photography preferred)
Dress: A Jasmine Bridal bridesmaid dress, purchased at Precious Memories, Malden, MA
Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew, H&M
Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers
Rings: Sarah Morse Jewelry Design, Dartmouth, MA
Florist: Eva’s Garden, Dartmouth, MA
Hair and make-up: Personal friend
DJ: Paul Natale, Murray Hill Talent
Save the Date: ItsMeIC on Etsy
Paper: Wedding Paper Divas
Officiant: Rev. John Finley IV
Whoopie pies: Beach Plum Cafe, South Dartmouth, MA
Ice cream: Salvadore’s Ice Cream, South Dartmouth, MA
Oct 8 – 10 – San Francisco / Bay Area
Oct 22 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain
November 4 – 6 – Boston
Winter holidays – Indiana
January 12 – 15 – Boston
Shang is a wedding photographer known for imagery that pops with color, personality, and energy. Shang misses the fresh seafood of Boston
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by Shang
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