My mom passed away when I was 23, and every year, I and the team used to give away wedding photography services to a couple who had also experienced parental loss; Mallory and Josh were one of the couples who received this package a few years ago. And, as a true testament to how wonderful the wedding industry can be, not only did did the team and I give our services (big thanks to our Sweet Alice Studios lead team photographer Amanda, who served as my second photographer on this day!), but so did several other vendors who collaborated on this wedding. They are incredible, generous, thoughtful souls, and I highly recommend you check out their offerings; their websites are listed below:

Planning + Coordination: A Lively Event

Gown: Blush Bridal Boutique

Hair + Makeup: Beauty by Amy Elizabeth

Florals: Maple Field Floral

Cake Topper: Couples on Cakes

I no longer offer this giveaway as an option to work with us, but it was a joy during the few years that we did this.

THE COUPLE

I met Mallory and Josh at a wedding I photographed way back when (shout out to Nikki and Sean 💛). They were both in the wedding party, and as soon as I met them, I knew I wanted to keep in contact with them. They are fun, funny, warm, empathetic, and kind - my type of people.

Everyone I know who encounters Mallory and Josh falls in love with them, and for good reason. They are just the best of the best.

THE VENUE

Avon Old Farms Hotel is a cute little hotel in Connecticut, nestled about an hour past the New York border. It’s a great spot for smaller wedding celebrations, and has a pretty outdoor ceremony space that is so cute.

While the ceremony space was already beautiful, the lovely hanging florals that Maple Field Floral contributed to the space elevated it into a space that oozed pure whimsy.

THE DETAILS

Mallory’s dad passed away when she was younger, and so many of her details were an homage to him - the blue ring she wore, the quotes she chose to display. He was missed that day, but still represented.

Katie from A Lively Event did an excellent job coordinating all of the details for the day, and we truly couldn’t have done it without her amazing skills and incredibly fun personality. She was instrumental in making sure the day ran smoothly, and she was so much fun to be around.

There were a few other details that were contributed to the day by incredible vendors - Mallory and Josh’s cake topper from Couples on Cakes, Mallory’s hair and makeup from Beauty by Amy Elizabeth, and Mallory’s gown from Blush Bridal Boutique in Kingston, NY. The topper was so cute, the makeup was just perfect, and her gown was the absolute dreamiest.

THE RECEPTION

All I can say about this reception is:

Lots of (happy) tears.

Lots of dancing.

Lots of joy.

It was the perfect reception.

FROM THE COUPLE

Oh boy, where do we begin? We met Erica at our friends’ wedding a few years back, and since then we have so enjoyed watching her business and talents grow. As a couple of very awkward people - Erica made us feel so at ease from the engagement shoot to the entire day of our wedding. When my hands were shaking and sweating so badly while getting ready, she helped me get the backs on my earrings. When it was freezing cold, she bundled up and kept on going. She somehow captured us at our happiest most intimate moments, and the photos she created truly show who we are. If you are looking for more than a wedding photographer, but a friend, a hype person, an organizer, and an all around experience, look no further. We are so so SO grateful to know you, Erica, and can't wait for what life has in store for you, your family, and your business! If words aren't enough for you, check out her amazing online galleries - you won't regret it!