Maja & Ari's Wedding -- Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA

We've heard it said by other professional wedding photographers that editing the hundreds of images they've captured at a wedding (the "post-production edits" as we call them) can be a drag.  A chore.  Nuh-uh! Nope! No way! For us it's a real joy because we get to re-live the fun and the love.  Again and again.  All the while smiling while we make a "nip" here and a "tuck" there to optimize what we've captured in camera.

Take the recent wedding of Maja + Ari, whose reception was held at the Fruitlands Museum in bucolic Harvard, Massachusetts.  Need we say more?  Who wouldn't smile at the sheer joy of expression in the following images?!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Maja, Ari, and family!  You were a true joy to work with, and we're so pleased everyone felt comfortable enough in front of our lenses to just be themselves.

Fondly ~  Chris and Vickie

p.s.  And if you were in attendance, do stay in touch with the couple as we'll soon be sending them the secure code for online image ordering from this fantastic day!

Ceremony:       St. Patrick Parish, Stoneham, MA
Reception:        Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA
Catering:          Fireside Catering, Burlington, MA
Music:              Get Down Tonight Entertainment, Salem, NH
Photographer:   Wakeen Photography, Grafton, MA
Cake:                Konditor Meister, Braintree, MA
Flowers:            AFloral.com
Beauty:             Juliana's Salon, Stoneham, MA
Bride's Gown:    James Clifford Collection
Bridesmaids:     Best Bridal Prices
Menswear:        Jason Anthony's Formalwear, Medford, MA

Vanessa & Rich ~ August 20, 2011

The day had finally arrived!  We'd been looking forward to Vanessa and Rich's wedding for what seemed like soooo long.  Having photographed their E-session back in April, we were quite excited to handle the photography for their special day - we knew the wedding would be a blast for us!

Keeping with Massachusetts' summers as we know them, the day was quite warm and humid, and even tho thunder storms were forecast, we all lucked out with sunshine and dry weather!

The couple exchanged vows at the N.E. Dream Center (a gorgeous, scaled-down replica of Paris' Notre Dame), and the ceremony was presided over by Reverend Will Bard.  A reception following was held at Cyprian Keyes, on one of the most gorgeous golf courses in New England.  In fact, as we photographed the wedding party and family groupings before dinner, the couple was nearly creamed by a renegade golf ball as someone shouted 'fore'!!!  (a little something amusing to share with their grand kids one day, we hope!)

Vanessa had long prepared for what would make her wedding day a perfect reflection of her style.  The sequined bodess of her wedding gown (provided by Loren's Bridal of Sturbridge, MA) was absolutely stunning as you can see (click on image to enlarge).

Vanessa's matron of honor and bridesmaids were so beautiful in lilac-colored dresses by designer Justin Alexander, and the coordinating bouquets by Perro's Flowers were a perfect match of calla lilies, roses and hydrangea.  The groom and groomsmen wore very distinguished looking tuxedos from Men's Warehouse in black with pale blue vests and white boutonnieres.  The groom's niece served as flower girl, and there were two handsome young ring bearers as well.
 

The three-tiered wedding cake was beautifully adorned with coordinating white frosting with decorative swirls, lavender ribbon and roses of pale blue, provided by Gerardo's Bakery.

I (Vickie) personally fell in LOVE with the glass charger plates of Cyprian Keyes' table settings ... just love the beaded glass around the edges ~ very classy!  Everything looked just beautiful.

Special touches included having the guests sign-in on a drum head (cool!) rather than the typical guest book.  So appropriate since Rich is drum virtuoso for the band Shiver (formerly Ever Fading).  The lively dance music was provided by DJ icon Kevin Whitney, and videographer Tim Ethier was on board to document the festivities, "moving-picture style."  Super fun for us as Chris has worked with both Kevin and Tim at many weddings over the years!

So, Vanessa and Rich (and your wonderful families), we're Ever Grateful to you for a day we won't soon forget and we can't wait to show you the remainder of your images in the weeks to come!

All the best for many years of happiness, and best of wishes in your new condominium!

                                                      ~ Vickie and Chris

Sneak Peek ~ Vanessa & Rich

What a fantastic wedding day it was for "Nessa and Richie" on Saturday ... and we're so pleased and honored to have been their photographers.  Here is a little 'sneak peek' to just whet the appetite for more beautiful images of their day.

Remember to click on the image itself for a larger view.

Stay tuned ~ there's more to come!

Central MA Wedding Locales-- Part II

Happy Daylight Savings Time! This means that wedding season here in New England cannot be far behind! For those of you who haven't been immersed in the wedding industry the way Wakeen Photography is, we thought we'd continue with Part 2 of our pictoral review of much-loved reception sites in our area.

There are way too many to mention (it would have been interesting if Chris had kept a count all these years of how many places he's shot weddings), but here are a few that we frequent most often ... it's going to be great getting back to these places after a cold, snowy winter!

Pictured above is a beautiful table setting at White Cliffs in Northborough; the "sweetheart" table is seen in the background. They do a wonderful, high-class presentation. Ann Marie, you're the best!



In the bridal suite at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, Chris grabs an impromptu shot of this beautiful bride primping before meeting her groom. The Beechwood recently received a Four-Diamond rating in the hotel industry. Congratulations!

This mirrored shot is actually the headboard behind the bed. Mirrors make great photographic props. This shot (below) is one of Chris' favorites.








When searching for a unique venue for your wedding reception, don't overlook places you may not have initially considered. The Worcester Art Museum offers truly exquisite surroundings with an artistic flair ... your guests may appreciate the opportunity to do something in addition to the expected dining and dancing -- a docent-led tour of selected galleries. We just love this photo (below) of the Renaissance Court with its incredible mosaic flooring, its impressive columns and its golden light.


For all you Red Sox fans out there, why not consider having your wedding photos taken at Fenway Park! If your ceremony is in Boston, there's no reason not to look into this option if the bride and groom share a passion for our Sox!


And if you're really not into the urban setting, why not consider a country or pastoral atmosphere? Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer, MA (below) offers a gorgeous setting for outdoor tent weddings (offered May thru October) and is a personal favorite of Vic's (considering Spencer her ol' hometown where her daughter was born). They also offer a beautiful indoor reception November thru April, accommodating up to 150 people.

For 2011 you'll find us in Sterling at the Chocksett Inn, in Boylston at Cyprian Keyes, in Spencer at the Spencer Country Inn, and in Sturbridge at the Publick House, among other places.

Well, this concludes our review of some of the gorgeous venues we are blessed to frequent as wedding photographers!