September 25, 2015

Amanda and Dana // Married!! | Sturbridge Host Hotel Wedding

“Take my hand, I won’t let go
We’ve waited so long
And all my life, I walked alone
To you, my heart, my home”
Josh Garrels

~*~

Amanda and Dana are married!! From meeting in Italy, to graduating from Uconn, to exploring over 10 countries, to moving to Oregon, these two have done a LOT together! What I love most about Amanda and Dana is how visibly in love they are with each other. Their love is contagious. They couldn’t stop laughing, hugging, kissing, more hugging, more laughing all. day. long! There was so much excitement throughout the day (as it should be!)

Amanda and Dana’s entire wedding day took place at the gorgeous Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. I hung out with the girls in the Heritage Suite while they all got ready and had their hair and make-up done. The room was bright and sunny, and everyone was pumped up thanks to the Jock Jams playlist Amanda requested 🙂

STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0063STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0070Using those reflections! 🙂 STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0064
STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0065STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0066STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0067Amanda’s dress-getting-on-process was a lengthy one! This gown had a zipper, a corset tie AND hook buttons! WHEW! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0071STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0068
Poppin’ some bubbly to celebrate!
STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0069STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0072The shoes Dana wore had a special story… they belonged to Amanda’s grandfather who recently passed away. It was such a sweet way to include his memory in their big day. STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0074

My second shooter, Kay, snagged these next couple photos of Dana and his guys getting ready. Thanks Kay!STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0073STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0075

When they first booked me, A+D were hesitant about the idea of a First Look. After a couple conversations (and I think a little convincing from Amanda), they decided to go for it! I am so glad, because look at these adorable photos!! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0076

Actual perfection. STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0077STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0078
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I love this photo Kay took of Amanda and her Dad before they walked down the aisle!

STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0122STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0084STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0083All the guests were asked to put away their phones during the ceremony (*high five emoji*) but FIRST, they had to take a selfie!!!
STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0085There was so many quick jokes and personalized bits to A+D’s ceremony (I really, really wish I could remember them, but I can’t), which equaled SO MUCH laughing from everyone in attendance! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0086

That fall afternoon SUNSHINE!! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0087STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0088

Loved this side view that Kay grabbed! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0123STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0089

Fairytale first kiss!STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0090STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0091STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0092STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0093STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0094STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0095STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0097STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0098

This wasn’t even during our allotted “bride and groom portraits” time. This was just a quick moment while I was setting up the family formals that I was lucky to catch! THESE TWO!!!! <3 STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0099STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0100

We walked out onto a little dock for a few portraits and this was the moment they both made sure the other person didn’t fall in 🙂 <3 STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0101STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0102STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0103STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0104

A+D are world travelers, and their amazing seating chart had all their guests sitting in different parts of the world! I wicked love this idea!
STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0105STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0106STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0107STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0108A big entrance for the newlyweds! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0109STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0110STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0111

Amanda and Dana had both been emotional during the day, but neither had shed any tears. They had “locked it down” as Amanda put it 😉  But… while they were going table to table saying hi to all their friends, all of a sudden I saw them laughing AND crying at the same time. It was honestly like they were the only two people in the entire room. The moment was quick, and after it passed, I asked what had just happened. Amanda said “He just called me his wife for the first time!” *insert sobbing emoji*

STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0112STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0113STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0114STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0115It was Amanda’s Grandma’s birthday that day! Amanda surprised her with a cupcake and the family sang “Happy Birthday” to her. SO SWEET! STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0116

And the rest of the night went down like this…STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0117

STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0121STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0120STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0119STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0124STURBRIDGE HOST HOTEL photography by Stephanie Rita Photo_0118A+D, you know how cool I think you are, even with the UConn/’Cuse heat we have goin’ on 😉 Thank you SO MUCH for trusting me with your wedding photos and I hope you love this sneak peek! <3 <3

~S

Venue: Sturbridge Host Hotel
Flowers: Florition
Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero
Desserts: Publick House
DJ: Murray Hill Talent
Hair Stylist: Gina Joubert

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These are amazing! Your photos are absolutely beautiful gahh I love em!

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