If you enjoy visiting our blog from time to time, you’ve likely come to expect rather verbose posts to accompany our photos. And, I admit…I love to write. But, sometimes, less is more. Sometimes the moments captured in imagery speak of love, joyful celebration, warm embraces and uninhibited happiness in a way words just can’t.
And, I think that’s the case with Mauri & Chris’s wedding.
I will say, that this wedding meant a lot to us…not just because it was our first same sex wedding (which is saying something given this was our 10th year photographing weddings…not sure why it took us so long, but happy to finally be here). But, more than that, this wedding was special to us because in the many months of knowing Mauri & Chris, they have become so much more than a couple whose wedding we were invited to photograph. They are friends…warm, wonderful, sweet, kind, generous of heart & spirit, beautiful women who accepted us immediately and left such an indelible impression on us. And, being a part of this exciting time in their lives was such a gift.
After 17 years together, they were finally able to make their union legal here on Cape Cod. Surrounded by 60+ family members and dearest friends, their wedding was an intimate and richly substantive love-filled celebration, full of fabulous & thoughtful details, so obviously and thoroughly enjoyed by those in attendance…present company included.
So, without further ado…Mauri & Chris’ AHHH-MAZING Wequassett Wedding…
The cufflinks belonged to Mauri’s father. Sadly, both Chris & Mauri’s parents have passed (some more recently) so incorporating mementos like these were especially important to them. And, the lavender roses…a gift from Mauri to Chris in celebration of their wedding.
Normally, our couples dress for their big day separately. I typically go with the brides and Andy with the grooms. But, there was something so nice about watching Mauri & Chris excitedly get ready together. Below, Mauri, in her lovely cream Ralph Lauren suit, helps Chris into her stunning Maggie Sottero dress. Oh, the joy!
Chris helps Mauri with her dad’s cufflinks…
Chris & her super sweet daughter, Kate, share a moment….just love this photo.
Meanwhile, in another room at the resort, Mauri’s super funny & incredibly supportive brother, Ted, helps his crazy cute boys, Jack & Ben, get dressed. Mauri, like me, takes her role as Auntie very seriously and lavishes her boys with such love, care & attention. And, the boys played integral roles in the wedding celebration…including walking Mauri & Chris down the aisle.
Jack & Ben…showing off their grandfather’s cufflinks, which they proudly wore that day. Love these sweet little men.
Ted helps Ben put on his cufflinks…
Before the ceremony, family & friends gathered in Mauri & Chris’s suite as we prepared for photos. Just love this shot of Mauri’s gorgeous cousin, Katherine taking it all in.
We did the family photos, like this fun shot of Chris & Kate, just outside Mauri & Chris’s suite, which was so nice for a bunch of reason, not withstanding the ability to capture quiet moments like this next one of Mauri’s Aunt, Claire, taking in the view.
The bridal party consisted of just family, including Chris’s daughter, Kate, and Mauri’s fabulous sister-in-law, Megan (Ted’s wife). We had dinner last October when Mauri & Chris were visiting the Cape from Philly and Megan joined us. It was like getting together with old friends and like Mauri & Chris, we just adore Megan! These gals are a ton of fun!
The joy radiating from Mauri & Chris ALL DAY was infectious. We could not be happier for these two, special people!
Love is…getting to marry your best friend after already having shared a lifetime together…
This next one makes my heart smile BIG!
Fall on Cape Cod + a boat full of love = magic…
Swoon…
Kate & Ben look on as we take some photos of Mauri & Chris on the dock. Just love it!
John, Mauri’s cousin’s son, helped pass out and collect pieces of sea glass during the ceremony. Mauri & Chris asked their friends & family to infuse the glass with loving thoughts and well wishes during the ceremony. And at the conclusion, the glass was collected to be displayed in the couple’s home. Such sweet sentiment, we loved it!
Do you think they’re happy to be saying, ” I do?” I do!
The look of love….so easily recognizable and so wonderful to behold.
woooo hoooo….we did it!
Meredith Fancy outdid herself with the gorgeous fall flowers…
The super cute, beach inspired cake by Montilio’s Bakery.
Nothing says Cape Cod quite like a raw bar…
Welcome…the happy couple! Yippppeeeee!
These smiles were pretty much plastered on Chris & Mauri’s faces all day….
Half way through their first dance, Chris & Mauri invited their guests to join them. And, while Ted & Megan boogied on down, Jack & Ben took their turn with Chris & Mauri. It was so wonderful the way Mauri & Chris included the boys in so many aspects of their day. I couldn’t help but think that they were giving these boys such a gift, one that would be returned in the way they grow up and live their lives as loving, accepting, wonderful men. Just lovely!
Say cheese! Chris & Mauri take a break from the party to sneak into the photobooth with Jack & Ben…
Ted & Joe (Mauri’s cousin) both gave super sweet, inspired, love-filled toasts, which were capped off with a blessing by another of Mauri’s cousins, Charlie, which was received with much joyful celebration. Just love it!!!
A perfect fall night for a party!
Mmmmm…cake!
Mauri & Ted enjoy a little brother/sister dance….
Although things didn’t “take off” quite as Chris & Mauri had expected with a paper lantern release…it was still a whole lot of fun to watch and document the process…
Like marriage, getting a paper lantern to soar takes time, dedication, commitment and some good teamwork…
Party goers having some fun, fun, fun…
And then it hits you….we’re married and I get to dance with you forever. Ahhhhhhhh…
Megan busting some serious moves…love this lady!
Party like it’s 1999….
A little brother dance off….
Ben boogies on down…
You spin me right round, baby, right round, like a record baby…
Mauri & Chris, what can we say? You two have a love that is something to behold. We adore you and absolutely loved getting to know you this past year. Being a part of your wedding was a highlight of our year and we look forward to many more years of friendship with you two fabulous women! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love, friendship, support and boundless generosity. Our world is brighter for having met you. With much love, Chris & Andy xoxo
Thank you too to these fabulous folks who helped make M&C’s day so special.
Kalson Pang – Wequassett Resort
Faith Lavender – Cape Cod Ceremonies
Meredith Fancy – Flowers by Fancy
Bob Lassiter – Digital Imaging of Cape Cod