Kate and Alex: Essex Wedding

I've known Kate for over a decade, and in this time I've been blessed to travel with her through many transitions. Alex has been part of Kate's life almost that long, and I remember meeting him for the first time in J.P. Licks when they were planning on moving to Boston some years ago.

More recently we've grown closer as two dog owning families, exchanging treats and walks, dog care and advice. They even brought Skittles the pug on their engagement shoot last fall!

In many ways Kate and Alex have had a tough year, so it was beautiful that, for one day, time stood still and they were able to realize how much they are loved by so many people. Kate and Alex held their wedding nestled in the forest at the Essex Conference Center, a beautiful, sculpture-filled retreat center that I would highly recommend.

I am so pleased to share these images with you, and want to take a moment to thank Kendra Engel for being the best 2nd shooter I could imagine!

Kate and Alex: I love you both and wish the world for you.

-Yana

Jennifer and David - A Literary Affair

I had a great time shooting Jennifer and David's Engagement Shots last fall, so I was thrilled when the end of the school year finally rolled around and I got to shoot the wedding! It was clear that Jen had been hard at work for many months making and getting all the details in place. The book leaf bouquets and the table signs of their favorite books both looked awesome!

David's family traditions were also a large part of the day - before the ceremony, both families gathered in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, an event in which everyone shows their love and blessings for David and Jennifer's marriage.

There were many other fun surprises, including Stark the dog's sneak into Jen and David's first look as well as our impromptu photoshoot on the playground in Canton.

I wish these two the very best!

Ben and Hope: Secret Engagement!

It was hard to contain my excitement when Ben, a compassionate and gentle kindergarten teacher from my school, asked me to secretly photograph his proposal to Hope at a local park. He made me a map, told me the schedule, and sent me to do my job.

All day he sent me updates, we watched the weather, and as evening set in, I set out incognito with my dog to scout out the site. Ben and Hope were at the top of the hill having a picnic, and a few minutes later I was hiding behind a grove of trees, ready to shoot.

As you'll see from the photographs, Ben was brilliant and Hope was beautifully stunned. The genuine joy on their faces is something that makes me so grateful for opportunities like these.

-Yana

J&M Memorial Day Weekend Wedding

J&M's wedding was a turning point in my path towards becoming a professional photographer.  For the first time, two people who didn't really know me but who simply liked my work invited me to be part of one of the most intimate, precious days of their lives. Choosing a photographer is an incredibly personal experience, and I felt so grateful that they decided to take a risk with me.

I hope I've done them justice in capturing the love that was overwhelming - from their children, from their friends and family, and between them - as the whole crew celebrated under a rainy tent at Friendly Crossways in Harvard, MA. As always, a continued thank you to Kendra Engel, my long standing partner in crime.