Brittany and Jonah were married on June 3rd 2017. Their wedding was held at Brittany’s family home here on Nantucket and it was the perfect place for them to celebrate with family and friends! I had been in touch with Brittany and Jonah for a year and a half leading up to the wedding.  We had countless fun meetings and I got to meet their super cute pups, Tillie and Splinter, who were also a fun part of their first look and portraits! Here is a little more about their wedding day and why they chose to tie the knot here on the island, in a place that means so much to them….

“Our wedding was extra special to the two of us, as it was in the front yard of the house I grew up coming to every summer, where my parents now reside year round! It was amazing to have all of our family and friends there to celebrate, especially Jonah’s extended family and friends who had never been there before!”

When the couple told me they wanted to do their first look at Sanford Farm I was thrilled! This is a unique location and something different than some of the more popular places on Nantucket. Even better was that we got to bring their dogs along for the portraits and a few laughs before the ceremony! The dogs are so cute and Brittany and Jonah are the ultimate parents to their little loves! Here are a few words from Brittany about their first look…

“We did our First Look at Sanford Farm, a couple of hours before the ceremony – which we both loved! Not only was it great to see each other (and our pups!) and enjoy that moment alone, but it also took the jitters out for the rest of the day. We were able to relax, enjoy the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception and be 100% present in the moment for the day. ”

Brittany and Jonah felt like old friends to me by the time the wedding day arrived as I had photographed their rehearsal dinner, welcome party and cookout with lawn games at their home. I absolutely love their enthusiasm for life and positive attitude. Brittany described their most memorable parts of the day…

“The whole day was so much fun, but there were two moments that stood out for both of us. The weather was a little bit of a concern leading up to the weekend, the forecast kept changing hourly. Rain was expected during our ceremony later that afternoon. However, when the bridal party (and dads!) arrived at Cisco beach for pictures before the ceremony, and the rain came prematurely! It was freezing, windy and wet – we all huddled together to stay warm and then we took a shot of Notch together to kick off the celebration. At that moment, we both realized not a thing could happen from there on out that would wipe the smiles off our faces. Miraculously, the rain held off, making the best day even better!!

Another memory that stands out for us was hanging out with the entire McSmith contingent in the house before the wedding. Having already done our “First Look,” we didn’t have to hide from each other, which successfully took the nerves off and we were able to relax and enjoy the happiness and love around us. This wasn’t really a planned moment, but being able to spend that time before the ceremony with our immediate families was so special to us.”

Brittany and Jonah are so good to each other and to everyone around them, a common theme present throughout the whole event. Brittany’s father daughter dance was one thing that will stand out in my mind for a long time. Her father prepared a special surprise slideshow and as they slowly swayed and watched everyone gathered around them, there wasn’t a dry eye in the tent. Both Brittany and Jonah have loving families, the kind that love out loud and show each other how much they care. It was an honor for us to photograph their moments, telling the story of their day. It was our first wedding of the 2017 season and we are forever thankful for being part of such a beautiful celebration!

Special thanks to Cary Tozer for joining me to photograph this wedding!

Event Director: Ashley Stevens of Salt Harbor Designs, Event Designer & Florals:  Jennifer Rose of Salt Harbor Designs,  Ceremony Musician + Wedding Band: The Sweet Beats, Minister: Jonathan Rose, Caterering and Desserts:  The Seagrill, Photography: Katie Kaizer photography, Videographer: Yellow Productions, Transportation: Cranberry Transportation, Rentals: Placesetters Inc, New England Country Rentals, NantucketTents,  Lighting: Ron Kuba, Hair: Darya’s Salon and Spa, Wedding Make up: Alyona Tarasova, Mixologist: Shelly McCabb