Farmington Gardens Wedding | Tara + Alicia - wedding photographer in CT

Farmington Gardens Wedding {09.29.18}

H/MUA (Tara)- Top Level Salon (Alicia)- Beauty Entourage

Tara + Alicia both wore Casablanca Bridal from Melissa Ashley Brides

“When Alicia Met Tara, Must Love Dogs”

OK I could work on that title a little, but Tara and Alicia’s love story definitely could be a rom-com. One that even the two of them would enjoy 😉 After all when you are searching for a roommate on Craigslist, and wind up finding that AND the love of your life, just throw in some snow and NYC and you’ve got a hit!

Alicia responded to a Craigslist ad, looking for a temporary place to stay. Tara was bummed to be losing her sister/best friend as a roommate so her expectations weren’t too high as to who could possibly replace her. Enter Alicia. They hit it off and she soon moved in. It wasn’t long before Alicia wanted to hang out with Tara outside of roommate life and they were more than roommates, but really great friends.

Very naturally that friendship turned into more, and Tara + Alicia realized they were falling in love. They both talk about feeling those butterflies when they would see the others’ car in the driveway when they arrived home after those long days, they have traveled the world together and have had the funnest dates in NYC and Sydney Australia. Alicia loves Tara’s kind heart. In her words the world needs more people like her, and I couldn’t agree more! She also loves how driven and playful she is. Her childlike sense of humor always makes Alicia laugh which is perfect since Tara absolutely loves when Alicia smiles. She says Alicia’s smile and laugh is infectious and her eyes just light up. I also couldn’t agree with this more! And of course they both love their adorable puppy babies Baxter and Franklin!

Speaking of Baxter and Franklin…

We all know what happens next for a couple so obviously made for each other, the proposal! But Tara wasn’t going to make it too obvious. They were on their annual trip to Block Island and Alicia’s proposal senses were on high alert. But when it didn’t happen on the super romantic and gorgeous Mohegan Bluffs, she was a little disappointed. Tara however had a plan the whole time, and while they were stopped at the lighthouse Tara pulled out a photo of their fur babies which read “We want our moms to be together forever”. I mean AWW.

Alicia of course said yes, even though she doesn’t remember much after that! But they soaked in the moment, calling family and friends and enjoying their newly engaged status. They soon started planning a beautiful Farmington Gardens wedding.

September 29th, 2018

The ladies started the day off getting ready in separate rooms at the Delamar West Hartford. They chose the beautiful hotel knowing that their guests would truly enjoy the unique ambiance and great location. It was a fun, relaxed morning surrounded by their wedding parties and mothers. They exchanged super thoughtful and sentimental gifts with each other, which began the happy tears for the day! Eventually we made our way to their Farmington Gardens wedding for their first look.

Tara + Alicia wanted to see each other at the same time for the first look instead of one walking up to the other. To do this, we placed them back to back and had them turn at the same time. Their reactions were absolutely priceless. Full of pure, genuine love, there were more happy tears and each speechless with how beautiful the other looked. After some time for themselves we started taking photos around the gorgeous property. If you have ever been to a Farmington Gardens wedding you can’t help but to be astounded by the stunning landscaping, gardens and beautiful greenhouse. It made it so easy to just keep photographing them, everywhere we looked there was more that needed to be captured!

Tara + Alicia were married by Tara’s brother who performed a very funny and sweet service. They wrote their own vows to each other which were also funny, sweet, and talked a lot about the dogs. Tara actually even noted how Alicia only smiled when she mentioned the pups haha. For a unity ceremony, they blended sand from each of the special places they would visit on family vacations, and then they were finally pronounced Mrs. + Mrs.!

After their first sweet slow dance to Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You”, and some hysterical toasts from their sisters, the party was underway. Their friends didn’t stop dancing the entire night, and aside from a couple minutes apart to cut the cake, neither did the newlyweds! I love when I get to see my couple’s really enjoying the party and it was obvious they were having the Best. Day. Ever. Add to that a grilled cheese bar at the end of the night, and it’s what wedding dreams are made of!!

Tara + Alicia, it’s an absolute honor to be considered your friend. It has been so much fun getting to know you both over the years and now for sharing this most special day tougher. I can’t wait to watch you continue to travel together, flip houses, and start a family! Your love is so obvious and beautiful, thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.

xo~ Ames