Anna Sawin Photography

Margot + Avery: A seaside wedding on Mason’s Island, Connecticut

Anna Sawin — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 01:48:30 +0000

What a wedding! Margot and Avery traveled from their Washington, DC, home to the shores of Mason’s Island in Mystic, CT, home to Avery’s family for generations–and home to a number of special family weddings over the years. This year’s event included the just-in-time completed new home of Avery’s aunt and uncle, adjacent to the rock they had married on years before. The sun shone appropriately upon this special outdoor event, the cousins and aunts and uncles and friends rolled in from across the country and the ceremony began. But before we get to the rest of the wedding, it might make sense to celebrate the origins of their relationship and engagement.

Margot, a contractor at the Department of State, manages countering violent extremism programs in Africa, while Avery manages Autonomous Mobility for a transportation technology company. The two met in Washington, DC, and as their relationship developed, they spent time visiting Margot’s grandmother, Joan Shorey, who also lived in Washington. Mrs. Shorey, though her health and memory were beginning to fade, was strongly in favor of her granddaughter’s relationship. On occasion, Avery would visit alone. On one such visit, the subject of his intentions was raised, and Avery asked Mrs. Shorey for her thoughts and recommendations on a fitting proposal. She recounted the story of her meeting her late husband at the Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta, Canada in the 1940s, including a specific bridge where they fell in love. Even as her memory of people and places steadily faded, this was a memory she held onto and cherished. Avery and Mrs. Shorey agreed that this would be a fitting spot for a proposal.

When Margot’s grandmother died in February of 2018, Avery was still committed to the plan. He needed to convince his intended fiancée to make a trip to Jasper, without raising her suspicion, despite Jasper not being a priority destination. The successful ruse involved “winning” a condominium vacation outside Calgary, an alleged broken pipe, and a last minute substitute weekend in Jasper Park. He proposed in the park, near the lodge, on the bridge, just as her grandmother had specified. Margot, surprised and delighted, wrote to her sister and cousins, “Grandma is still telling us what to do!”

Eliza Cava, the bride’s sister-in-law was the officiant of the seaside ceremony, followed by beautiful passed hors d’oeuvres and cheese station (mini loaded hot dogs! mini lobster rolls ON POTATO CHIPS!) and delicious mix of stations (grilled halibut! a French salad station! and tiny braised beef and Vermont cheddar pot pies!)by A Thyme to Cook. Aside from the general merriment of the day and evening, and the groovy tunes by my own favorite local band, Sugar—the highlight of the evening was a family tradition: a spirited and original musical performance by the cousins on Avery’s side.

The weekend was tremendous, and now has a place in the memories of all who attended, nestled among the family recollections of other special weddings and events held at this glorious corner of Connecticut over the years. I was so delighted to return for my second family wedding here on Mason’s Island at this address, ten years nearly to the date, and so grateful for the special connections created by Sally, Andy and Sara Halsey that brought me into the fold of this lovely family.

Happy love, Margot and Avery!

xo, Anna

The Skinny

Venue: Private home, Mason’s Island, CT

Boat Wrangling: Andy Halsey

Photography: Anna Sawin and Sarah McCoy for Anna Sawin Photography

Coordination: Bekah Kepple for Blue Lane Events

Catering: A Thyme to Cook

Band/Music: Sugar

Tent: Sperry

Hair/Makeup: Upstyle

Floral: Darby Farm, Arlington, MA

The post Margot + Avery: A seaside wedding on Mason’s Island, Connecticut appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Theresa + John: A Summer Wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Anna Sawin — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:32:19 +0000

You know the love stories that start out, “And then I knew I had met THE ONE…?” This wasn’t it! Theresa and John worked at the same company (and still do) in Washington, D.C., so knew each other through the office. “Well, we didn’t exactly like each other at first,” says Theresa. “Needless to say, a lot has changed since then!” After not liking each other initially, they bonded during a train ride from the NY office back to DC, over lots of wine and beer. They lived in the same neighborhood, so would often grab drinks after work, and then became great friends. “We knew it was meant to be during our first trip together to Key West and Miami (a month after we started dating),” says John.

When I arrived at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, it was, well, pouring rain. There was no other way to describe it, and while Theresa and family were trying to stay positive, dreams of an outdoor ceremony in the vines were looking less and less like a possibility.

The radar looked promising for later in the afternoon, but the time to set up chairs for the ceremony was now. Enter Daly Sanford of Daly Planning! Daly re-engineered the schedule to work with the improving weather. We held the first look inside, and then did the family photos indoors as well. Couples take note: if you are worried about rain, there is no better wedding venue in southeastern CT than Saltwater Farm–they can handle rain, and those gorgeous glass walls provide the dreamiest light!

Daly’s new timeline allowed for a partial cocktail hour inside as the skies brightened and the lawn dried off. The ceremony, delayed by a little bit, was under blue skies, and then everyone returned to the merriment of cocktail hour after Theresa and John were married. Success!

John loves craft beers, and is an avid home brewer—he made a limited-release collection of two different brews for their wedding. Theresa was at the wine shop stocking up (probably on her favorite rose) in the days before the wedding and found this gem to present to John, extra special because it carries his last name.

These two absolutely love to travel and have been a lot of incredible places together, including Paris, Barcelona, the south of France, Rome, Costa Rica, all over the Caribbean and more than 10 states. “One of our favorite places to go (and perhaps our future home) is Miami, mostly for the warm weather, beautiful beach and amazing tacos,”says Theresa. These taco-loving party people have a slight obsession with Mexican and Spanish cuisines, and brought their favorite food front and center to their wedding day menu. A Thyme to Cook created some inventive twists on tacos: octopus tacos as an appetizer, and an entree that could be turned into a hand-held make-your-own taco. MMMM!

From pouring rain to sunshine! Good thing they provided those sunglasses for their guests!

The ceremony was spirited, creative and loving, with their own original vows. They were married by dear friends who have their own wedding this month.

Florals by Brambles & Bittersweet echoed the blue skies and green vines on this summery day. Theresa had her bouquet wrapped with fabric from her Nana’s wedding gown.

It was epic and wonderful, you two! Happy love!

xo, Anna

The Skinny

Ceremony & Reception: Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Photographer: Anna Sawin for Anna Sawin Photography, Stonington, CT

Coordinator: Daly Sanford/Daly Planning

Floral Design: Brambles & Bittersweet

Lighting: Power Posse Productions

Caterer: A Thyme to Cook

Band: Silver Arrow Band

Dress: Anomalie

The post Theresa + John: A Summer Wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Matt + Val: Married in Cambridge

Anna Sawin — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 19:06:26 +0000

Matt & Val came to me for a seaside engagement session in my neighborhood, so I was looking forward to their Cambridge wedding with photo stops in Boston, particularly on Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most photographed streets. Matt, a former wedding photographer knew all the best stops AND how to get there AND how much time to allow, so they were pretty much the easy dream city wedding couple–we got amazing skyline images at the MIT sailing pavilion!

They chose Loyal Nine, a small craft farm-to-table restaurant in Cambridge for their intimate reception and dinner, with food front and center as one of the most important parts of the celebration. Friends and family helped with decor and ceremony prep, culminating in a sweet and tender ceremony including Matt’s beautiful girls and Val escorted by her mom.

Happy love, Matt and Valerie! Such a pleasure to be with you as you start your new life together!

xo, Anna

The post Matt + Val: Married in Cambridge appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Danielle + Alex: A June wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Anna Sawin — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 19:10:09 +0000

Danielle and Alex met in college at Skidmore but “re-met” at a wedding between mutual friends a few years after they graduated. They spent the next year falling in love along the brownstone-lined streets of Brooklyn as the seasons changed. Before too long, they were engaged on Martha’s Vineyard and planning their wedding in Stonington at beautiful Saltwater Farm Vineyard.

Danielle says about Alex, “I love his blue eyes, and the way he looks at me. I love how secretly goofy and silly he is – just like me!” Alex says, “I just love her laugh (hear it often). I love that she’s down for whatever. I love that she loves to have as much fun as I do.”

Everyone at their wedding witnessed their connection, their love of family and friends and of course, Danielle’s simply gorgeous laugh and smile.

Happy love Danielle and Alex! Wishing you a life full of wonder and happiness!

xo, Anna

The Skinny:

Ceremony and Reception: Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington, CT

Coordinator/Planner: Daly Sanford, Daly Planning

Photographer: Anna Sawin and Tricia McCormack for Anna Sawin Photography, Stonington, CT

Caterer: A Thyme to Cook, Krystie Norris (with coffee from Stonington’s Social Coffee Roastery)

Florals: Hana Floral Design, Yumiko Fletcher

Band/DJ: Boston Common Band

Videographer: Dean Roche (with Elizabeth Eve)

Make Up: Kimberly LaLima, LeSpa, Mystic

Hair: Kathryn Wilson

Dress/Accessory Shop: Plumed Serpent, Wesport, CT

Lights: Dawson Entertainment

Signage: Amanda Gowen, Simple Matilda

The post Danielle + Alex: A June wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Married at Bedford’s Glenarbor Golf Club

Anna Sawin — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 19:08:35 +0000

Lisa and Michael met through the miracle of technology: Bumble. “We lived 30 miles apart in a straight line, but 70 miles by car. Lisa is from Long Island, and I’m from Stamford. I knew it was meant to be before our second date,” reports Michael. From the beginning, they’ve adored each other: “He treats me like a princess. I trust him, he’s loyal, smart, and caring. He’s fun to be around, and (occasionally) funny. He’s a good listener. He’s my soulmate,” says Lisa about her Mike.

For Mike, he says it’s her smile. “Every time I see her smile it brightens my world. She’s the most caring person I have ever met. Before I met Lisa, I had never truly been able to be myself, but with Lisa I know that she accepts me for who I am, and I am the luckiest man in the world to have found that in my partner.”

With a foundation like this, it was bound to be a glorious day. They were married amidst the green rolling hills of Glenarbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, NY, a wedding landscape like no other and one of my absolute favorites for a Westchester wedding. (Fun fact: I was a flower girl at this same location for my aunt and uncle’s wedding many years ago, when it was known as Lakeover Country Club.) The ceremony was performed by Michael’s father outside on the terrace (with the very best of bawdy British humor), live streamed to Michael’s grandmother and other family in England. After a rollicking cocktail hour overlooking the golf course, the party moved inside for a wedding meal like no other (lobster, duck and a glorious cake made by Lisa’s pastry chef sister featured prominently on the menu.)

Happy love, Lisa and Mike! What a pleasure to be with you as you start your lives together, happy honeymoon!

xo, Anna

The post Married at Bedford’s Glenarbor Golf Club appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Charlene + Shawn, married at L+M Hospital

Anna Sawin — Tue, 01 May 2018 19:07:41 +0000

This is unlike any other wedding blog post I’ve written in my ten years as a wedding photographer.

It was my great honor to photograph the wedding of Charlene Moosey and Shawn Williams this past Thursday at Lawrence + Memorial (L+M) Hospital in New London. Witnessed by their two boys, Patrick and Jordan, and their loving family, friends, and the hospital team that had cared for Charlene during her brief and terrible cancer illness, she and Shawn pledged their love in a moving ceremony.

The hospital staff made it all happen, from the decorations hung with love, a homemade cake, gorgeous orchids and a bridal bouquet fit for a queen, a wedding gown and even the pearl necklace worn by Charlene’s nurse for her own wedding. Another nurse came in on a day off to sing Ave Maria, another staff member called me to photograph the day for the family and what felt like dozens of caring hospital staffers crowded the room during their vows, and cheered at the “I dos.” It was beautiful and inspiring to see their actions of great care and love.

The couple had cake and posed for family portraits, as any couple would. Then, the family retreated from their visitors to spend time privately with Charlene, who passed away the next evening. She leaves her husband, two boys and a grieving circle of family and friends.

Moosey family, my greatest sympathies are with you at this astounding loss, and I hope you will treasure these images of your beautiful wife, daughter, mother and friend.

Charlene + Shawn wedding slideshow

Article in The Day about Charlene and Shawn and their ceremony

The post Charlene + Shawn, married at L+M Hospital appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Navy Submarine Homecoming Family Portraits

Anna Sawin — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 16:07:19 +0000

This was my first time at a Navy homecoming, and oh my, it had all the feels. Happy tears, laughter and reunions all around me. These Navy submariners were deployed for six months around the globe without their loved ones, and this long awaited homecoming day is for sure photo ready. I was so happy to be there for the Davis family, as mom and four young children waited for their sailor to return home to Groton!

Cutest security dog of all time, hard at work sniffing our camera bags before we headed on base in Groton, CT.

This crew of four redheads has been waiting six long months during daddy’s deployment to see him! I ADORE their welcome signs!

And this mama deserves a party for keeping the trains running at home!

The perfect homecoming day outfit for this little darling.

First sighting of the returning sub!

Everyone waits impatiently while the sub is secured to the dock at the base in Groton. Interesting fact—the trash comes off first, before the returning sailors.

This lucky sailor won the “first kiss” lottery–first one off to kiss their waiting spouse!

And these kiddos won “first hug!”

We spotted him!

Happy reunion!

Enjoy your time together, Davis family, and thank you for including me in this happy, happy day!

Love, Anna

The post Navy Submarine Homecoming Family Portraits appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Katie + Dan: A Fall Saybrook Point Wedding on the Water

Anna Sawin — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 17:27:53 +0000

Remember when winter roared into to town in early November, after weeks and weeks of balmy summer-like weather? Well, that weekend just happened to coincide with Katie and Dan’s breathtaking waterfront wedding at Saybrook Point Inn, and they still managed to have a gorgeous outdoor waterside ceremony. Everyone snuggled a little closer, pulled their plaid wraps a little tighter, and watched as Katie and Dan pledged their lives to each other as the sun set and the sky grew pink. Then they headed inside for a roaring party overlooking the harbor. One of my favorite details that you’d never know? Her gorgeous flowers were arranged by her dad, Bob, leading us to the perfect catch phrase, Flowers by Bob. Aren’t they amazing?

It was a sweet and gorgeous wedding–the couple took time to visit with all their guests in earnest, while enjoying the wedding meal and the dance floor.

Happy love, Katie and Dan!

xo, Anna

The Skinny

Wedding ceremony: Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

Wedding reception: Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

Photography: Anna Sawin and Nicki Pardo for Anna Sawin Photography, Stonington, CT

Floral design: Father of the bride

The post Katie + Dan: A Fall Saybrook Point Wedding on the Water appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Alyssia + Tony: Woodsy Winter Engagement Session in Stonington

Anna Sawin — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 03:17:23 +0000

The hardest part about editing this session was narrowing it down (I pretty much couldn’t, so they get a LOAD of photos in their gallery). Tony and Alyssia make MAGIC in front of the camera, and the thing is, they were just hanging out, playing with their dog Bear, giving piggy backs, but it all is so natural on camera. Plus, these two have all the moments in between that any photographer could want–the hand touches and the glances, you know, the kind of stuff you can’t just pose.

We wandered in a gorgeous open meadow, with stone walls, trees and woods nearby. They dressed perfectly casually for their woodsy session, complete with the cutest possible add-on, their dog Bear. Add in some of my favorite kinds of details (super-cute bride-to-be with a red mug of cocoa? Check!) and this is pretty much one of my favorite sessions all fall. Thank you for coming to see me in Stonington, you guys–I could photograph you all day long!

The post Alyssia + Tony: Woodsy Winter Engagement Session in Stonington appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.

Mad for Plaid: Stonington Family Photos

Anna Sawin — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 20:14:42 +0000

This crew was amazing–they arrived, new baby and all and knocked their family session out of the park–lots of playtime and plaid netted us some amazing connections and fabulous photos. Not pictured, their pup who opted to stay in the car rather than supervise three young children at a family photo session! This is one of my favorite locations in Stonington, with loads of open meadow, woods, trees and stone walls, the perfect backdrop to for these fall family photos. Thank you, Johnson family!

The post Mad for Plaid: Stonington Family Photos appeared first on Anna Sawin Photography.