In early 2019, I was hired to photograph a family friend’s Cohasset wedding in September 2020. At the time, I was easing out of weddings and decided this would probably be my last wedding for a while...maybe forever? It felt like the right time, and I looked forward to their engagement session in Boston, MA that summer.
Well, 2020 arrived, and Covid hit turned the whole wedding industry upside down. With all the uncertainty in the world, so many events that were looked forward to, had to be postponed. Couples, families, small businesses and wedding professionals felt enormous impact, on top of the day to day worries and struggles. Plans had to change.
In April 2020, Kendall and Ricky’s wedding date got pushed to April 2021. And then in early 2021, more dates were discussed, landing on July 9, 2021. This time, they had to change their venue. They’d still be getting married in their hometown, at the Atlantica on Cohasset Harbor restaurant.
Spring came and went, and things were looking up! Vaccines were being distributed. Mask regulations were lifted and large gatherings were allowed. We optimistically looked forward to this final date, knowing the wedding would happen no matter what!
My family was in New Hampshire all last week for summer vacation, when Sean told me that tropical storm Elsa was heading north, and would hit south of Boston....on Friday. July 9, 2021.
Holy smokes! I was already anxiously mentally preparing for the wedding - it had been almost 2 years since the last wedding I had photographed! My nerves were kind of high, on top of the whole "coming out of Covid" world we're all adjusting to at various paces.
The one thing I have told my couples (and myself) over the years is that the only thing we cannot control is the weather, and that no matter what, it will be a beautiful day, because a sweet couple will gather with their loved ones and get married.
I have photographed weddings on top of mountains, in thunderstorms, in the hottest summer heat, and in the snow. I’ve almost been struck by lightning, and I’ve trudged through torrential rain loaded up with all my gear. I’ve shot weddings at various stages of pregnancy and post-partum after having c-sections. I’ve pumped in bathrooms while sweet, tipsy wedding guests come in and out.
So, a tropical storm? Eh…what can you do?
I texted Kendall’s mom to check in, and she assured me that they didn’t care about the weather - they just wanted to get married and enjoy their long awaited party!
When you’ve waited as long as they have, it puts everything into perspective.
And if there’s one thing you learn as a wedding photographer (or any wedding industry professional), it’s how to be flexible and roll with whatever unfolds as the day happens.
And then, as the day progressed, the rain tapered off, and the fog lifted, and the most gorgeous summer sun shone down over Cohasset Harbor, just in time for their late afternoon ceremony.
In New England, any weather is possible if you just wait an hour or so.
Ricky and Kendall, it was an honor capturing your day! Seeing your loved ones surrounding you with love and laughter, beaming, so happy to be there - finally - to witness you starting this chapter of your lives together, was so special. And they were ready to PARTY!
Congratulations, and wishing you happily ever after!
Here’s a first look at highlights from their beautiful day. :)
VENDORS: Photography Shannon Sorensen Creative Studio // Venue Atlantica on Cohasset Harbor // Dress Alexandra’s Bridal Fall River MA // Alterations Amanda Catherine Custom Design Scituate MA // Shoes made in the UK // Flowers Awesome Blossom Cohasset MA // Cupcakes Montillio’s Bakery // Engagement and Wedding Rings King Jewelers Cohasset MA // Stationery Shutterfly // Hair & Makeup Pretty Bar by Danielle Keefe Artistry // Officiant Dr. Kathleen Keiran-O’Malley // Ceremony Music Violinist Cami Sylvia // DJ Mike Degagne Mass Bay DJ // Videographer Wicked Good Videos // Photo Booth Peter Chambers // Handmade Heirloom Pillow, Purse, Sweetheart Tablecloth by Heidi Sews Hanson MA
