Emily & Steve’s Lakeview Pavilion wedding was an extra special one for me because they’re family. Steve is my husband Scott’s younger brother. So for me, this wedding was not only about capturing their love story, it was also about sharing fully in the joy of welcoming Emily into our family. It was a delicate balance to strike, being both sister-in-law and photographer. Luckily my incredibly talented friend Lauren Termini was by my side for the day and fully took over photographic duties after the ceremony so I could transition into full-time family member!

Emily & Steve met online and both were playing it cool at the start. Steve finally broke the ice and they talked for a few weeks before agreeing to go on their first date together. They hit it off, which is no surprise, because Emily has a fun-loving personality that matches Steve’s and she keeps him on his toes! By their third date, they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend and they never looked back.

I took their engagement photos at the JFK Museum in Dorchester earlier in the Spring. They got a chance to snuggle in front of the camera and I got to capture how they constantly make each other laugh. Check out their engagement session here!

Getting Ready

Emily got all of us ladies cute monogramed navy button down shirts that we wore for hair and makeup and to hang out for the morning as we got ready. Her talented beauty team included Makeup By Tracy and Salon La Creme. The ladies got into their dresses and then her maid of honor and her mom helped her out on her stunning Justin Alexander gown from Your Dream Bridal. The beaded belt added the perfect amount of detail to her classic polished look. Her something borrowed and something blue were a fabulous pair of Manolo Blahniks that our sister-in-law Sara, Steve and Scott’s sister, wore at her wedding.

As a side note, Emily’s dad took extra good care of me that morning – going to Dunkin first thing so that I had a chocolate frosted donut waiting for me when I joined the ladies for getting ready! Gary is the best and he definitely knows the way to my heart! lol!

One of the coolest details for me to photograph that morning though, were the three Reznick sibling’s wedding invitations all arranged side-by-side. It turns out Steve had saved Scott and mine from 11 years prior and his sisters from years before as well. He dug them out and brought them along so they could all be photographed together. It was special and incredibly sentimental to have all three together and to know that Steve had saved them for a decade!

Steve is in the RI National Guard and has been since right after high school. And we’re all proud of his service as a war veteran – he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. So, when he decided to wear his uniform in lieu of a suit, it felt truly fitting. Several of his groomsmen are also in the National Guard and wore their uniforms as well.

First Look at Lakeview Pavilion

We headed to Lakeview Pavilion for their first look, followed by bridal party portraits. I was still in photographer mode at this point, but jumped into family photos after the ceremony! Their first look was so sweet and emotional. They couldn’t wait to see each other and the emotion poured forth as soon as they laid eyes on each other. I love the power of a private first look because it lets the bride and groom embrace their emotions, rather than feeling the need to “keep it together” for the ceremony. Steve and Emily embraced in a long hug and spent a few minutes taking each other in before we started in on more formal portraits of the two of them. The bridal party then joined us for photos before the ceremony.

Lakeview Pavilion Wedding Ceremony

Scott served as officiant for Emily and Steve, marrying them in a personal outdoor ceremony on the back deck at Lakeview Pavilion. Stunning florals for the day were created by B. Darling Floral. The afternoon sun streaming through the trees provided beautiful light as they exchanged rings. Emily & Steve wrote their own sweet vows and both of them included mentions of their dog Marley! One of my favorite moments was when Scott read a sonnet by Shakespeare – the same one we chose as a reading at our own wedding. Emily and Steve then recessed back down the aisle as husband and wife under a saber arch!

Dinner & Dancing

Their first dance set the tone for a really fun and joyous evening. We danced the night away thanks to Mass Rhythm Entertainment. The only pause in the dancing came when they opened the ice cream sundae bar – because ice cream. And Emily’s dad Gary brought the house down with the most raucous dancing to Twist and Shout that I have ever seen. That’s saying something, because I’ve photographed over 100 weddings! Let me tell you, Twist and Shout is played at pretty much EVERY wedding. I’m not exaggerating when I say Gary brought ALL the dance moves and ALL the energy. He was on his back, doing push ups, jumping, singing at the top of lungs. He had everyone on their feet and dancing alongside him! It was a wonderful day from start to finish. Congratulations Emily & Steve – I’m so happy to call you both family! XOXO

And here’s me in my transition from photographer to bridesmaid! Lol! XO