Wedding Date

June 11, 2021

How did you two meet?

We first met in 7th grade at school.

How did he pop the question?

Joe texted me at work and insisted on going to Yankee Candle after work (it was November and it was decorated for Christmas, our favorite holiday). We met at a halfway point and rode up together once I was out of work. Poor Joe was nervous and I didn’t know so I had made him stop at the gas station because I was hungry and needed a snack, I also had him wait in the truck with me while I finished eating my snack when we got there and he just wanted to get inside so he could ask me!

What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?

Joey: seeing Alyssa and my dad “boogie down” together on the dance floor, and our first look. Alyssa: I would have to say our first look and after the ceremony walking away from the altar, at that point the nerves were gone and it felt like we could just party now!

How long have you been together?

10 years “officially” (and married for almost 6 months already!)

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

It is a whirlwind. It’s like we went from getting ready in the morning with a couple of hours of just relaxing to all of a sudden getting myself ready and dressed and giving gifts etc! It was great, and such a long wait for us. We had a blast!

What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding

Hire photographers (and videographers) to capture your day. It truly goes by so fast and there are so many parts that I had missed as a bride (for example, my brother being the flower “dude” because I had to stay out of sight!). Do not sweat the small stuff, and have a great support system with you on your day, you will need help with changing shoes, let’s be honest hitting the restroom with all of that wedding gown!, and just overall making sure anything that may go “wrong” gets fixed. It will be beautiful in the end!

What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple?

Give yourself enough time to do things! You want to stay on schedule and be able to hit all of the things you put on your questionnaire. Which brings me to the next thing-take your time and be detailed on the questionnaire. You will get caught up in the moment on the day and having your photographer have your detailed list will ensure you capture the moments you want. On the other hand, don’t be SO detailed and rigid there’s no room/time left for other ideas or moments, let your photographer have some creative flexibility too, this is what they do for a living!

Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?

I bought my dress 2 and a half years ago (thanks COVID) at the bridal barn, when they were having their closing sale. I went by myself the day before they closed to just see what they had for shoes and accessories. The woman who owned it convinced me to try a few on and after 2 I tried on “my” dress and called my mom and had her leave work to help me! I couldn’t commit that night so we went back early the next morning, I walked into the store and saw a gorgeous gown on a mannequin and told my mom “see! This is why I can’t commit, I only tried on 4 dresses and look at this one, it’s gorgeous, I didn’t try it on.” After a few more seconds I realized that was MY dress and I bought it on the spot!

How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?

We had a great experience working with you and with Lesley! You were flexible as we had some things change and so calm and professional. You told us exactly what we needed to do and how to pose to get the best result. Lesley was so personable and kind, always helping me to gather my whole dress (it was A LOT of dress). You guys were so fun and easy to work with, we really had a great experience!

Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!

We already were married before this bigger wedding because of COVID. We definitely wanted to do a first look to get the jitters out and have a moment to ourselves to really just be and see each other all dolled up. I highly recommend a first look to everyone!

Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?

Be yourself, make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you’re wearing and have people around that can help floof your dress and hold your flowers haha! If not, Greg and his team will be there too!

Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?

Tell them the plan ahead of time, let them know you have a set schedule and everyone needs to stay around (not wander off all the time). Our wedding party was great at being where they needed to be exactly when they needed to be there, which was perfect. Otherwise, it’s like herding cats.

Any tips on what to bring?

Comfy shoes, have your “details” put together in a box ready to go.

We love to hear about vendors you love. 

Majesstic Entertainment was our DJ, he was phenomenal and so helpful all throughout. I HIGHLY recommend him and his team 1,000 times over! Winchendon MA. Facebook: Majesstic Entertainment

Adria Lowry Unique Floral Design– most beautiful flowers I have ever seen! I’ve used her for multiple events but the wedding flowers were out of this world. Everyone commented and asked for her card! Facebook: Adria Lowry Unique Floral Design

Food: Gardner Ale House Great to work with Stacey and so accommodating! Food was delicious and on time, fantastic!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?

You probably will bicker over planning,but don’t let it become bigger than that. It’s about you guys and your love, don’t lose sight of that!

What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?

First dance: can’t help falling in love Hailey Reinhardt cover Father/daughter: you’ll Always be my baby- Alan Jackson Mother/son: Fleetwood Mac: landslide