LeeAnn & Ryan – Brookstone Park Wedding
LeeAnn and Ryan officially met through work, but the story has a little more to it than that. They are also connected through a mutual family friend, who had been sharing stories and anecdotes between the families for years before they ever met!! Although they did not make the best first impression on each other, they quickly realized how much they had in common. After lots of time spent together and with family and friends, Ryan knew it was time to take the next step. He proposed in Ogunquit ME on a picture-perfect evening alone a bridge overlooking the water. LeeAnn of course said yes! He even arranged for their families to surprise them afterwards and continue the engagement celebration over dinner and bubbly. According to LeeAnn, It was the perfect beginning to the next chapter of their story.
LeeAnn and Ryan had their ceremony at the St. Francis Church in Dracut, MA, and then moved the festivities to Labelle Winery Derry (formerly Brookstone Park). LeeAnn and I bonded over the shared experience of competitive figure skating when we were younger. We had the best time working together – by the time we got to the reception, LeeAnn was telling the staff that we were old friends!
LeeAnn got ready at a hotel close to Ryan’s family home, and then we all drove over for a first look and some photos before the ceremony. I loved LeeAnn & Ryan’s first look… they were so excited to see one another, and you can see in their faces just what an amazing moment it was! First looks are some of my favorite shots to get because couples get the opportunity to let the emotion come out without being in front of a big crowd. They can take a moment to just be together before all the craziness of the day, get grounded, and really take in how special a moment this is.
After some portraits of wedding party and family, we explored and got some photos of just LeeAnn and Ryan. The whole time they were laughing with each other – you could tell just how much fun they have together. And they had us laughing too… or maybe we had them laughing!
LeeAnn & Ryan’s church ceremony was lovely and sweet. When they finally kissed for the first time, the church erupted in applause! And the wedding party followed the couple outside to celebrate.
By the time we got to the venue it was dark, which was the perfect time to do some fun night shots outside. Then it was time for introductions!! LeeAnn and Ryan’s sisters had bonded by then, and danced their way in together. Then the couple came in and wowed everyone with their moves!
Cake cutting was a dangerous moment – we thought that some face-smashing was imminent, but Ryan relented and didn’t go through with it!
LeeAnn and Ryan’s was as fun-filled as it could be – guests were having a blast taking selfies and mugging for the camera. We loved being there to celebrate with them and capture everything they had hoped for.