I admit, I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. I’m just not a red hearts & pink carnations kind of girl. Andy is even less into Valentine’s Day than I am. But, were you to ask, “Are you hopeless romantics with insatiable appetites for chocolate and kisses?” The answer would be a resounding, “YES!”
I think it’s the expectation of Valentine’s Day that has always bothered me…particularly when I was single. I remember when February 14th would roll around and I was without a sweetheart. I somehow felt less than. I hated feeling that way, and for a while, I grew to resent Valentine’s Day.
I can’t help but thinking that Carolyn & Brian were likely feeling significantly more optimistic about Valentine’s Day when, on February 14th, they decided to share a few drinks with friends after work. It was 2004, and both Carolyn & Brian were single. Carolyn’s new roommate insisted she join her at a Boston bar, where she was planning to meet some of her co-workers. Brian was among the group and he & Carolyn instantly hit it off.
Cupid’s arrow had hit it’s mark. Score one for Valentine’s Day!
The group had so much fun they all went out again the following night and Carolyn & Brian were once again drawn to one another. They talked about their shared love of the beach and Brian got up the nerve to ask the pretty Cape Cod native out on a date. One date led to another and two weeks ago, nearly 6 1/2 years after that chance Valentine’s Day meeting, this sweet, kind, smart, loving duo pledged their hearts to one another….for keeps!
The wedding took place at Carolyn’s mom’s gorgeous Harwich lavender farm. There were lots of sweet homemade touches, like lavender bouquets and family photos strung along the tent. Carolyn’s friends & fellow musicians/singers performed a beautiful song during the ceremony. All in all it was a wonderful celebration of a beautiful love. And much to my & Andy’s delight, there was an abundance of both chocolate and kisses!
Here are a few of our favorite moments from Carolyn & Brian’s picture perfect wedding…starting with some personalized chocolate bars that served as seating cards. So cute!
These bouquets, made with lavender picked from the farm, smelled soooo good!
Carolyn’s mom, Cynthia, puts a necklace made from Carolyn’s grandmother’s pendant on her seriously happy daughter.
This is one of my favorite moments of the day as Carolyn and her super sweet sister, Anna, share a moment before the ceremony begins.
Brian shares Andy’s taste for good scotch and gave his groomsmen each a bottle of his favorite label.
Purple & brown such a great combo…
Brian with his groomsmen sharing a laugh…including Brian’s brother, Michael (far left).
Carolyn & Brian decided to do some of their family photos before the ceremony, so we helped arrange a first look….
This way to a good time…
Carolyn’s adorable, big teddy bear of a dad, Rocky, walks his oldest daughter down the aisle to her awaiting hubby-to-be as friends and family look on. I just love this photo!
Brian looks pretty excited to say, “I do!” while Carolyn’s Uncle F.T. (Rocky’s twin brother and the officiant for the ceremony) looks proud as punch! So sweet!
Carolyn’s mom looks on with joy & pride…
I love this shot of Anna…she looks so serene and so beautiful.
We did it….always one of my favorite moments of the day!
Let the kisses begin…
Carolyn’s siblings, Anna, Tim & Keith, react to all the smooching….
Time for some photos in the lavender…
While I was catching this perspective….
Andy was catching this one…
Off to Merkel Beach for some alone time…and some more kisses!
My favorite photo of the day…
Sand, sea grass, a warm breeze and a couple in love….I can’t think of better combination
Carolyn’s bouquet…
Some details back at the farm…
Carolyn & Brian wanted to do a large group photo of all of their guests. While I went up to the second floor of the house to get the shot, Andy got this great shot. I just love how you can see Carolyn’s mom smiling brightly as she watches her daughter and new son-in-law make their way to the group.
First dance as hubby & wife…
Carolyn & Brian, Thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us into your lives with such open arms & open hearts. Watching you two together and with your family & friends was both an honor and a joy! The note you sent after your wedding was so warm & full of love…just like you! And, we feel so grateful that our paths have crossed! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter and an endless supply of chocolate and kisses! With love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxoxo