I love going into a wedding day and feeling the frenetic, anxious anticipation of everything starting. I'm usually in a hotel room or someone's home, surrounded by lots of women and girls who are running around doing last minute touch-ups, fixing hair, trying to find that *one* small piece of an outfit that is missing. Or maybe they're taking polls - on which earrings to wear, how to tie a bow in the back of the dress, and which shoes go best with that dress. Usually there are Moms getting teary eyed looking at their daughters. Or the groom has forgotten something and someone needs to get it to him ASAP! Or the two year old flowergirl has (always) taken the flowers out of her hair! Then, voila, the bride steps out into the room all dressed, prepped and ready to go and everyone goes silent (or maybe more crying or squeals of delight!). People usually ask me "is it always this crazy?" Yes and no. It's always different, but I like to see the ways that it is always the same. The same joy and anticipation, the beginning of the beginning. And of course Danielle and Matt's wedding day was no different - such a fun and happy atmosphere while everyone was getting ready, the waiting, the sigh of relief and the laughter and tears when they first saw each other down the aisle.

This was a really fun wedding for me! When we first met, Danielle talked about how they were nervous about having their photos taken, but thankfully, after their laid-back engagement session with me a few months prior, they knew it would be easy! Everything goes by in such a flash on the wedding day, honestly you don't even have much time to worry about having your picture taken. I do like to take a few moments with each couple and give them some breathing room, and a chance just to be, take it all in. Those are some of my favorite shots! And having that beautiful fall foliage at Zukas Hilltop Barn for your wedding definitely does not hurt.

Getting Ready: Southbridge Hotel, Southbridge, MA

Ceremony: Notre Dame Church, Southbridge, MA

Reception: Zukas Hilltop Barn, Spencer, MA

Gorgeous bouquets - love the trend of using succulents in the bouquets.

There's this really cute little garden area up on a hill besides Zukas - we got a few nice shots there, and then this is probably my favorite view of the October foliage.