Anne Miller: 02/16/15

These two. These two have what it takes, you can see it in their eyes, in the way they look at each other, the way they giggle uncontrollable when they hold each other tight. Meet Erica + Greg.

Recently, I had the honor of joining 15 other local photographers for a Photography Session, planned by Southern CT based wedding photographers, Jason and Maggie Henriques of Jason Loves Maggie, Photographers. Even though I specialize in family and couples photography, I was excited to do something different, and couldn't wait for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful, talented photographers. It was an afternoon to get together and practice what we love to do! We all had a blast shooting a “styled” wedding day, complete with dress, jewelry, and amazing hair and makeup artists! A big thanks to Jason and Maggie for setting up such a fabulous day and opening up their hotel room at the Omni Hotel in Downtown New Haven for all of us to use for the day!

So when Jason was looking for a couple to be our models for the day, I reached out to my cousin Erica to see if she and her boyfriend Greg were up for some fun! Immediately, she said “YES” followed by, “let me check with Greg, not sure if he will share my same enthusiasm”. When she got back to me saying they were both available and excited, I was beyond pumped, first and foremost because it meant I got to see them! And secondly, I was thrilled for my cousin to experience a fun day of being pampered!

But what I wasn't expecting was what unfolded right in front of my eyes. Even though it was not a real wedding and we were playing dress-up, I still got emotional (big shocker, right!). When Erica’s pretend wedding day look came together, the hair, makeup, jewelry, headpiece and finally the veil…oh the veil, it will get you every time! I started to get emotional. The majority of the photographers did not know she was my cousin, so when I stood there by the window looking at her, while everyone snapped away to capture her beauty, I couldn't help but reflect on her life, her successes, how far she’s come, the places she’s traveled and now right before my eyes the attention was on her, and the amazing man she shares her life with. I realized in that moment that my little cousin was not so little anymore, she’s all grown up, and the happiness I felt for her was one I was not expecting, but it happened, and it was real.

I'm so grateful that Jason captured this moment for me, I will cherish this shot forever. So I guess it’s safe to say that someday, on her REAL wedding day, I’m going to be a blubbering mess, haha!!

After shooting at the Hotel, we all hit the streets of New Haven for the second portion of the day, and ended up at the Yale campus. Oh and did I mention it was freezing, and while we all had hats, gloves and jackets on, Erica and Greg walked around without coats or anything to keep them warm! Thankfully Erica wore her adorable winter boots that made for some really fun shots. The cold didn't bother them, they were amazing sports, up for anything, and truly had a blast. It didn't bother them one bit that they had 15 different photographers snapping away, giving direction, and asking for them to look here and there. They were such a joy to work with and their connection was beyond beautiful to watch. They have what it takes, you can see it, and you can feel it. Greg is such a gentle soul, a man who cares so deeply for my cousin. He has NO idea how wonderful he is, but that’s ok, Erica knows and now, so do I.

I will remember this day forever. I met so many fabulous photographers and look forward to our future group gathering throughout the year. This day also gave me an inside look into two beautiful people whose paths crossed while teaching at the same school in downtown Hartford. Their love connection is real, everyone saw it and felt it. Erica and Greg have that special something that comes along once in a lifetime, and to see my cousin SO happy, well…you deserve it darling. Every look, every stare, every ounce of Greg’s affection, you deserve it ALL.

Here are some of my favorites from our fun day. To my family, not to jinx it or anything, but we may have another Mastronardi wedding in our future…but no pressure Greg!

xoxo
anne