Note To Self

Be confident.

Just about every one of my couples mentions to me that they’ve never been professionally photographed. Usually they go on to explain how they’re not photogenic, they’re awkward, or something of the like. So I’m using this time to encourage couples to just be confident! The more you let you be you, the better the photos come out. If you can just shake it off, Taylor Swift style, and let go for the short amount of time we’re working closely, the better the outcome will be.

Trust me when I say I understand how weird it feels to be in front of cameras. A lot of people assume that I’m comfortable having my photo taken because I’m a photographer, but actually the opposite is true. As soon as I’m in front of a camera I’m suddenly frozen in good ol’ Awkward Zone. I’ve had to force myself in front of cameras, even if that means making my husband take a few photos, so that I can understand what my clients go through when I photograph them.

The first time I had professional photos taken I suddenly felt like I was standing alone on a huge stage in front of a million people … wearing a diaper. Seriously, I have major stage fright so being in front of cameras makes me feel super frantic and sweaty! And it showed in the photos. It wasn’t necessarily my fault though, I believe that part of my job as a photographer is to help my clients feel comfortable and fall into their normal selves. It’s not easy, and couples have to be willing to open themselves up to me and my big scary camera, but the results are insanely rewarding.

All this being said, I highly encourage couples to just let go and DO YOU in front of my camera. If you’re feeling snuggly, go for it. If you’re feeling giggly, laugh it up! If you’re feeling a little shy, go with it. Tuck yourself into your man/woman and allow yourself to feel that way. If you’re feeling hyper, jump around! It’s all ok! One of my favorite things is helping clients just have fun with photo sessions because I know the more they can laugh it out and have fun, the more comfortable they’ll feel when I want to pull out some romance. Yeeeaaa baby! (Yes, I said that like Austin Powers in my head). But seriously, be confident in who are you! As a woman, as a man, as a couple – be confident. It will show in the photos! And when I say “be confident”, that doesn’t mean you need to be loud and make out in a field…unless you want to do that. I just mean that however you feel the best with each other, do it. Don’t hold back!!! Dance, laugh, hug, kiss, wrestle, snuggle, smile a little, smile huge, don’t smile, look at each other, don’t look at each other, walk, or just be still. Whatever you’re confident in conveying, do it. I’ll take the reigns from there and do my best to direct you and help you fall into a comfortable space.

Besides, getting photos taken can be super fun!! Even this awkward and non-photogenic girl thinks so 🙂

©Jennifer Mckenna Photography

The Lenox Wedding: Kevin + Jennifer

Every time the opportunity of working in Boston comes around it makes my heart soar. The buildings, the way the light bounces off the beautiful cream cements, and the endless amounts of alley ways and urban locations is any photographers dream. You can probably imagine my excitement when Kevin & Jennifer hired us for their Boston wedding … there may have been a couple Irish heel clicks involved…

Three years ago we photographed Kevin’s brother’s wedding so to have another chance to work with their incredible family felt like a blessing. Plus I knew that any girl marrying into Kevin’s family would be equally as awesome! And I was right. Jen is the sweetest!! And together, you can clearly see why they’re meant to be. Goofy senses of humor, infectious smiles, and exuberance for life makes them two peas in a fun-loving pod. It was impossible not to laugh and have fun with them throughout the day, so it’s easy to say we genuinely enjoyed celebrating their love with their friends and families.

Every detail of Kevin & Jen’s wedding day was gorgeous. The best part being their decision to choose their wedding colors based on the look of The Lenox. Brilliant!! They incorporated details and decor based on what was already there and it made their entire wedding look like a story book unfolding in brilliant blues and soft golds. Jen’s suite matched the theme! Every detail down to Jen’s elegant gold and pearl earrings, Kevin’s handsome blue tux, and the shimmering gold candlelight in the reception brought the story of their beautiful wedding day together.

Congrats Kevin & Jen!!! Your wedding day was gorgeous and a true pleasure to photograph!! Wishing you many years of laughter and love.

Getting Ready Venue: The Lenox, Back Bay Suite
Makeup Artist: Alexandra Dale from Alexandra Makeup Artistry
Dress: Marry & Tux Bridal in Nashua NH
Groom’s Tux: Blank Label
Florist: Andrea Halliday from Table & Tulip
Ceremony Location: St. Cecilia Parish, Boston, MA
Ceremony Time: 3:00PM
Reception Venue: The Lenox, Dome Room
Coordinator: Taylor Marshall from The Lenox
Cake: Jacqueline Melton from Dessert Works
DJ: DJ Jon Strader
Reception Time: 6:00PM

 

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort Wedding: Paul + Kathryn

Paul and Kathryn are one of those couples you dream about as clients. They’re both insanely kind, super fun, and enthusiastic about life. Plus, they were both willing to brave the freezing cold wind and snow flurries for their portraits!

Paul and Kathryn actually met when they were freshmen in college at NYU in 2003. Here’s their story in Kathryn’s words:

Paul and I have been together since 2013, but our story really began way back in 2003. I was a sassy 17-year-old Catholic school girl with a Long Island accent and Paul was an 18-year-old hockey obsessed kid from Queens. We actually met on the first day of freshman year at New York University and were next door neighbors at Hayden Hall on Washington Square Park, so it didn’t take long for our paths to cross. Paul was a veteran of dorm life after four years up in prep school, and he ended up helping me hammer a picture on my dormitory wall. But that was that. We occasionally hung out the first few weeks of school, but nothing really came of it. We even lived in the same dorm sophomore year, but we rarely saw each other. Little did we know destiny had other plans. 

We both graduated from NYU in 2007, and while our lives paralleled in many ways (living and working in Manhattan after going to graduate school there), we hardly, if ever, saw each other. It wasn’t until serendipity brought us together again as neighbors on Bleecker St., just a stone’s throw from our old NYU dorm. Destiny had brought us together once again. Boy asked girl to “catch up,” and the rest is history…

Paul & Kathryn’s wedding day was incredible. It was one of those most cliché November days I’ve seen with heavy grey clouds and leaves dancing around in the gusts of wind. We even had snow flurries! Yes, it was that cold! But despite the chill in the air and the off and on rain that morning, everyone had amazing energy and filled the getting ready cottage with laughter.

It’s clear to see how loved these two are by all their friends and family. Kathryn’s maid of honor, Ashley, and her close friend, Lee, spent most of the morning finishing up a project they’d been working on as a surprise for her. It was such a special moment when Kathryn opened the album full of personalized memories from each of her friends. Talk about thoughtful!! But the tearjerker was when Kathryn read aloud a letter written to her from Paul telling her she was the most beautiful woman in the world and that he couldn’t wait to marry her. Cue the melting hearts.

Everyone did their best to be troopers for outdoor portraits, but the later it got, the colder it got, so to say we hustled through segments of the day would be an understatement. But even though all the ladies were freezing and covered in goosebumps, their happiness was still overflowing for Paul & Kathryn. Such a great group of people to celebrate with!

The entire wedding was beautiful! The ornate church with a cathedral ceiling, the gorgeous deep cranberry dresses, hand-written signs by Kathryn’s mom, and twinkle lights dancing across the golden details and stunning florals by Jasper & Prudence in the reception barn. Ah-mazing!! The night was concluded with everyone dancing the night away to the amazing band, Search Party.

Paul & Kathryn, you are the best!! We had such a blast photographing your wedding day and celebrating with your family and friends. Wishing you both many years of happiness, laughter, and adventure!

Venue: The Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Getting Ready Location: Dewberry Cottage at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Dress: Martina Liana from Wedding Atelier
Hair & Makeup: Five Elements Salon & Day Spa
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Ceremony Location: St. Peter’s Church, Rutland, VT
Ceremony Time: 5PM
Florist: Jasper & Prudence Floral and Events
Videographer: Joel Boucher from Boucher Visuals
Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Coordinator: Chelsea Howe from The Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Band: Search Party
Linens: The Linen Shop
Photo Booth: Andy Duback from Duback Photography

The Woodstock Inn Wedding: Matt + Regina

I remember getting my first email from Regina and instantly loving her for sharing my love for exclamation points and smiley faces. I knew right away that Matt and Regina’s wedding day would be one to remember. Boy was I right! Brian and I were warmly welcomed as if we were family and it was so special to be able to witness all the love and celebrations as the day unfolded.

Everything about Matt & Regina’s wedding day was STUNNING. From the gorgeous floral arrangements placed all around the house to the small pendant Regina carried on her bouquet throughout the day that held a photo of her grandfather, her best friend. And the details just kept coming throughout the day. When I first walked into their reception tent set up in the back courtyard of The Woodstock Inn I was speechless. It was gorgeous! Even the table linens were spectacular!! Everything was soft and white with touches of gold that sparkled in the candle light. The whole night was so much fun to be a part of and Matt and Regina danced the night away surrounded by all their loved ones.

Matt and Regina are two of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met. Regina’s enthusiasm for life is just as contagious as her beautiful smile and Matt’s kind character makes you feel like you’ve been friends forever. These two are the real deal!! It was obvious to see how treasured they are by all their family and friends, and now, by us too.

Congrats Matt & Regina!!! It was truly an honor to be such a big part of your wedding day and we’re wishing you all the best 🙂

 

Vendors:

Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Ceremony: Our Lady of The Snows, Woodstock, VT
Ceremony Time: 2PM
Reception: The Woodstock Inn
Reception Time: 5PM
Florist: Kep Taylor from Summersweet Floral Designs
Coordinator: Alanna from Beauty Queen Events
Band: Lester Lanin Orchestra
Dress: Vera Wang
Shoes: Nina

Pavilion in the Pines Wedding: Chris + Jen

When we first arrived at The Chapel of the Holy Family I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. The most adorable little chapel perched on top of a hill surrounded by beautiful Vermont landscapes. It was breathtaking. I later found out that Jen’s grandparents actually built the chapel, which was why they were able to have a blessing inside!! Truly a special location for Chris and Jen to celebrate their union as husband and wife.

Jen and Chris met while attending Yale University in Connecticut. They were both on Yale’s Track & Field Team and soon found that they had a lot in common. Obviously Chris and Jen are super intelligent, but they’re also super adventurous, loyal, and a whole ton of fun! More than one of the speeches given at their reception touched on how perfectly suited they are for each other, which was pretty evident throughout the day.

All the details were tailored towards Chris and Jen’s mutual love for the outdoors and learning. From book and bookmark decorated centerpieces, to custom-made wood rounds etched with the mountain range surrounding their family’s chapel. It was so much fun to witness it all come together to celebrate their wedding day surrounded by family and friends.

Congrats Chris & Jen!!!

 

Vendors:
Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Getting Ready Location: Burke Mountain rental house
Ceremony Location: Chapel of the Holy Family
Ceremony Time: 4PM
Coordinator: Jenn Layne
Reception: Pavilion in the Pines
Florist: Peggy Bragg, Aunt of the bride
Cake: Baylow Ouillette from Baylow Cakes
Band: The Ghost of Paul Revere
Hair: Bridget’s Beauty Boutique
Dress: David’s Bridal

The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm Wedding: Brian + Morgan

August 13, 2016.

Without a doubt, I knew it was going to rain and most likely thunderstorm at some point during Brian & Morgan’s wedding day. I went into the day prepared for that. I had even picked out locations to do portraits that were pretty much all sheltered from rain. However, after a torrential downpour during the getting ready process, the skies lightened and the rain went away leaving us with a perfect window to get all the portraits done before the ceremony. Despite the window of gorgeous misty light, the coordinator at The Quechee Inn, Michelle, made the decision to move the ceremony under the tent. The maintenance man even went into the woods to chop down a bunch of birch tree branches to hand-make an arbor for Morgan & Brian’s ceremony. And after the arbor was all put together and decorated by the amazing florist, Petals Floral Design, it looked incredible!! I think we were all thankful the coordinator had made the rain call because as soon as the ceremony started, the rain came back and didn’t let up for the rest of the night.

Brian and Morgan are evidently loved by their family and friends. It was truly a joy to be a part of their wedding day and get to witness their love for each other and the close bonds they have with the people who surrounded them on their wedding day. They even found special ways of incorporating their loved ones into the ceremony. Morgan’s close friend Megan officiated the wedding, and did an incredible job! Her father blessed their wine toast, Brian’s father read an Irish blessing, and Brian concluded the ceremony by stomping on a glass (that took a few tries) and kissing his beautiful bride.

Once the reception got going, there wasn’t a single moment when the dance floor was empty. Even after dinner was served there were still guests tearing it up on the dance floor. The Pat Roddy Band definitely kept the energy alive!!! It was so much fun singing along to their fun music and seeing everybody dancing the night away despite the rain and roaring thunderstorm that seemed to be doing a dance of its own across the night sky.

Congrats Brian & Morgan!!

VENDORS:
Venue: The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm
Coordinator: Michelle Campbell from The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm
Ceremony time: 5PM
Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Florist: Petals Floral Design by Michelle Boleski
Pies: Lou’s Bakery
Band: Pat Roddy Band
Dress: W2 Watters from Chamonix Bride, Rhineheck, NY
Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew

A Misty Stowe Engagement

The morning of Billy and Marissa’s engagement shoot was dark and rainy, but the hourly weather promised a small window of better weather. It didn’t disappoint. The sky got brighter and the rain clouds passed by as we drove to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, I truly couldn’t believe how beautiful the day turned out!! Stowe was stunning. Misty clouds sat low blanketing the mountains and all the colors popped under the bright overcast sky. And somehow the rain held off during the entire session!

Billy and Marissa are just fantastic. They’re so down to earth and fun to be around, we spent most of the session laughing at each other’s bad jokes. Couples like this make me love my job so much more!!

Luke + Mollie’s DIY Backyard Wedding

Mollie and I go waaayyyy back. We grew up two houses apart in Taftsville, VT and spent many days and nights playing around our neighborhood. She was and has remained one of my closest friends for over 20 years!! I seriously can’t believe that on top of all of our crazy adventures and memories I get to add “photographed Mo’s wedding” to the list. It was truly an honor to witness Mollie & Luke exchange vows, commit their love to each other and be able to capture those special moments for them on their wedding day…

Mollie & Luke’s DIY backyard wedding perfectly suited their adventurous and artistic spirits. There was so much love put into every detail of their wedding day, not a single thing was missing. Adorable signage to direct parking and the backyard celebrations, homemade dilly bean favors made by Delia (MOB), a massive homemade pie table that made everyone’s mouths water just looking at it, an incredible collection of craft beer and cider, and homemade snacks like pickled carrots and beets made by Mollie’s sister, Kal. So much love!! All the centerpieces were picked from various gardens and put together by a close family friend and even Mollie’s dress had some custom tailoring done by her mom. Everybody pitched in! Whether it be conquering the dangerous feat of hanging colorful flags high in the trees or decorating the reception tables. It was truly amazing to see everything come together.

While everyone was getting ready that morning, I was able to tweak my schedule so that I would have extra time to spend with the girls while they got ready. I didn’t want to miss anything from Mollie’s & Luke’s big day. At one point Mollie decided to practice the vows she’d written for Luke. Literally not a dry eye in the room listening to Mollie tell Luke he is “good and kind” and that “I’ve always loved myself, but because of you, I know I’m beautiful”. Mollie & Luke found their soul mates in each other, and I believe every person in that church felt it.

I’ll leave you with a segment of the end of Mollie’s vows to Luke that she read from The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman:

“I will love you forever; whatever happens. Till I die and after I die, and when I find my way out of the land of the dead, I’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, till I find you again…”

I love you both so much!! Wishing you many more years of adventuring and doing life together 🙂

Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Getting ready location: Apple Hill Inn
Dress: BHLDN
Suit: Tailor made by Indochino
Groomsmen pants: J. Crew
Groomsmen ties: The Tie Bar
Hair: Kal Traver (Sister of the bride/MOH)
Makeup: Lindsey Ellis (cousin of the bride)
Bridal Bouquet: Morgan Perrone from Valley Flower Company
Ceremony Location: The North Universalist Chapel Society, Woodstock VT
Ceremony Time: 4:00PM
Reception: Traver Family Residence, Taftsville, VT
Tent: Under Cover Tents
Flowers: Home grown, picked, & arranged by Peggy Rost (family friend)
Pies: Homemade by Bride’s mom & Groom’s mom
Favors: Dilly Beans made by Delia Clark (MOB)

Summer Romance in Vermont

When you haven’t seen your brother and sister-in-law in over two years, you obviously drag them out to take some photos. I mean, just look at these two love birds!!!

Eric & Hannah

Preparing for a March wedding can be tough. You never know what to expect in terms of weather. It could be dumping snow and 10 degrees, raining cats and dogs, or a warmer “here comes Spring” day. I was literally prepared for anything, but amazingly Saturday morning greeted us with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. I definitely didn’t complain.

On top of the day being absolutely gorgeous, all the little details that Hannah planned for her and Eric’s wedding day were even more gorgeous. I love this couple!! Not only do they have a deep love for the outdoors and good food, but they’re also super stylish with ah-maze-ing taste! When I first met them for their engagement session in Boston, I was immediately excited to have them as clients. Hannah had rented a beautiful Monique Lhuillier dress and Eric wore a dapper black suit. What’s not to love?!

From the art-deco inspired invites to the geometric earrings and classic black stud cufflinks, Eric and Hannah seriously had it going on. When a couple coordinates their entire wedding down to the tiniest details, my heart swoons!! Nothing was left out. Even Hannah’s shoes and hair piece had geometric aspects. LOVE!

It was truly a pleasure to be a part of the beautiful celebration of Eric and Hannah. Their easy-going love for each other draws people in, which all of the nearly 200 guests can attest to. It was beautiful to hear both of their father’s speak words of praise, love, and pride during their toasts to the lovely couple. I truly felt honored to be a part of their big day!!

Venue: Woodstock Inn & Resort
Ceremony: The Rockefeller Room
Ceremony time: 3:00PM
Reception: Ballroom
Reception time: 6:00PM
Coordinator: Megan Fisher & Jessica Markey from The Woodstock Inn
Florist: Tedd Kapinos, Jasper & Prudence
Photography: AbiElaine Photography
Videography: Video Vermont
Band: Night Shift’s SoHo
Makeup: Marianne Souza, Flawless Cosmetic Design
Hair: Lauren Andrews, Fulham Salon, Wellesley, MA
Dress: Handmade by the bride’s Aunt Donna
Bride’s shoes: Adrianna Papell – Heidi 
Tux: Custom tux from 9 Tailors
The Parsonne: Annie Alexander-Kramer