Kara & Charlie | Connecticut Fine Art Photographer

On March 10, 2013, Kara and Charlie went on their first date… and have spent every day since together! It was only fitting, then, that this sweet couple would wed 5 years later, on March 10, 2018. They married at Eli’s on the Hill in Branford, Connecticut, surrounded by a few dozen of their closest family and friends, including their two adorable little girls. I’m finding that intimate weddings are slowly becoming a trend and possibly my favorite to photograph. So much true raw connections with every person at the wedding.

I had so much fun taking “getting ready” shots of Kara and her girls. They got ready at the Omni Hotel, in New Haven with the most breathtaking room surrounded by wall to wall windows. ( enter Shauna, who I most likely gasped out loud at the sight of all that beautiful natural light the second I walked in.)The bride was all smiles, and she was just having so much fun. Kara looked breathtaking in her white gown with intricate lace back detail. She reminded me of a modern day Marilyn Monroe the second she put that dress on. Absolutely stunning.  I just love the glittery tulle dresses she chose for her little girls, who in true kid fashion spun in the golden of the hotel room, swoon.  (The men, of course, were also having a blast… as you can see in the beer photo, and per usual were ready at the last second.)

The first look images might be some of my favorites. Weddings are so much fun, but they are also so busy— and a first look allows a bride and groom to have an intimate moment together prior to the hustle and bustle. Charlie looks so happy to see Kara and to start the rest of their lives together. Afterwards, these two had a blast playing in the early March snow (Oh, New England…) and their love was so strong, they even stopped New Haven traffic.

They said their vows with some tears and some laughter underneath a lovely floral archway, and then it was time for some family portraits… and the party! The couple did the traditional dances, and of course got their girls involved in the action. The wedding cake cookies and the cupcakes were a sweet (see what I did there?!) touch to the night.

Congratulations on your wonderful wedding, Kara and Charlie! I am so honored to have been a part of your big day. <3

Shauna is a fine art natural light photographer based out of Connecticut. To book a session contact Shauna at:

shauna@shaunadaiphotography.com | 860-268-2588 | www.shaunadaiphotography.com