top of page
Nicole & Kurt pose for a formal photo prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Nicole & Kurt

I've shot a lot of weddings in the last few years but some how, some way, I've largely managed to avoid snow. Given that this region is covered in it for at least a quarter of the year, it was inevitable that I would EVENTUALLY find myself photographing a snowy wedding and Nicole and Kurt were the perfect couple to have in front of my camera when I did. 

Nicole and Kurt were married back in November at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, one of my favorite late fall venues in New England and we couldn't have asked for a better day for them. For the week leading up to their big day, it was clear we'd be facing snow but the white stuff came and went the day before they said "I do" and dumped just enough on us to give their photos just a little something extra.

Not that they needed it. This wedding and this couple were awesome. 

A look at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole has her makeup applied during her bridal prep session at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole has her hair done during her bridal prep session at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A bridesmaid takes a photo of Nicole during her bridal prep session at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A look at Nicole's wedding dress as it hangs during her bridal prep session at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole poses for a photo with her bridesmaids during her bridal prep session at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

My coverage of Nicole and Kurt's wedding day began right as the sun peeked through the clouds at the start of Nicole's bridal prep session. Nicole chose to get ready right at the Publick House and I'm glad she did as it gave me the chance to photograph her various stages of preparation while simultaneously checking in on the groom every once in a while to shoots his as well as he was only a room away.

The result? A beautiful start to a wedding day that would yield a ton of great storybook moments.

Kurt has help with his tie prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt adjusts his collar prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt adjusts his shirt prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt fixes his vest prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt poses for a photo with his groomsmen prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

I really loved getting to see Kurt and his groomsmen interact as he got ready to see his bride for a first look and formal photos before their ceremony and took note at how relaxed he looked in the final moments before we left.

In fact, Kurt himself said he thought he'd be more nervous but I think his guys kept him loose and ready and the nice sunlight sneaking in after a day and a half of rain and slush helped set the tone that this would be a beautiful day. 

Nicole has her dress zipped up prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole has her dress zipped prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole takes a deep breathe prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

As for Nicole, her bridal prep was a breeze. While she was certainly anxious, she very clearly got more and more excited the closer we got to her and Kurt's first look. 

And what a first look it was.

Kurt gets ready for a first look with Nicole prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt share a first look prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt share a first look prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt share a first look prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt share a first look prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Nicole and Kurt's first look was one of my favorite of the year. I absolutely adored the way they looked at each other when he turned around and the snow on the ground made Nicole's dress look even more incredible than it did when she first put it on. 

Following their first look, Nicole and Kurt powered through a ton of family and wedding party formals before giving me just enough time to take care of their bride and groom portraits before it got too cold outside to keep going. 

Because of the weather, we chose not to move very far and stayed at the barn where they had their first look but, honestly, when you've got as good a location as this was, why would you want to move in the first place? 

Nicole and Kurt pose for a photo with their wedding party prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole poses for a photo with her bridesmaids prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt poses for a photo with his groomsmen prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt poses for a portrait prior to his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole poses for a portrait prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole poses for a portrait prior to her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt pose for a formal photo prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt pose for a formal photo prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt pose for a formal photo prior to their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

I'll be honest. I couldn't wait for Nicole and Kurt's wedding ceremony and it's not just because we got to go back inside. I adore this couple's love story -- they met each other when she was a waitress at a seafood restaurant and flirted with each other for a year before dating -- and their ceremony was super personal and intimate inside the reception ballroom of the Publick House.

Kurt watches Nicole walk down the aisle during his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole walks down the aisle during her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt hold hands during their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole looks at Kurt during her November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt looks at Nicole during his November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt listen to their officiant during their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt laugh during their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt kiss during their November 2018 wedding ceremony at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

I loved watching the way in which Nicole and Kurt chose to become husband and wife. The Publick House ballroom, which is where they would later have their reception, was the perfect choice for this pair and their ceremony was short, sweet and super personal.

I especially loved watching the way this ballroom was quickly transformed into a reception hall as Nicole and Kurt enjoyed their cocktail hour with friends and family in the gigantic lobby outside. And this bride and groom did a wonderful job maximizing how the room looked with some truly great decor to match the setting.

A look at the reception hall prior to Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A look at the wedding cake prior to Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A look at some of the decor on display prior to Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A look at the sweetheart table prior to Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Nicole and Kurt wasted no time in hitting the ground running for their reception. Or, should I say, hitting the ground dancing as the pair had an incredibly well rehearsed routine for their first dance to "Mango Tree" by Zac Brown Band. 

I thought this was one of the best first dances I've seen this year and clearly showed just how much effort these two put into having the best reception possible.

Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Following their first dance, Nicole and Kurt had a ton of big moments throughout their reception. First up were a pair of great speeches by their maid of honor and best man. Next, a surprise slideshow for the bride and groom courtesy of two of Nicole's bridesmaids. It was definitely a hit and caught Nicole and Kurt both off guard.

Nicole and Kurt listen to a speech during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
The maid of honor gives a toast during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
The best man gives a toast during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt listen to a speech during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Two bridesmaids unveil a surprise slideshow during Nicole & Kurt’’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
A slideshow plays during Nicole & Kurt’’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt react to a slideshow during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Following a slight break in the action for dinner, Nicole and Kurt moved right into a quick cake cutting and three lovely parent dances and Nicole chose to dance with both her father and step father and Kurt had a moment with his mom.

Nicole & Kurt cut their wedding cake during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole & Kurt kiss after cutting their wedding cake during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her stepfather dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her stepfather dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her stepfather dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt and his mother dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt and his mother dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt and his mother dance during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her father dance during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her father dance during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and her father dance during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

While most wedding receptions with this many moving parts might feel like they're dragging on, Nicole and Kurt did a wonderful job keeping the night's energy moving for their friends and family members and by the time the DJ opened the dance floor, it was clear this would be a night to remember.

A look at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts during Nicole & Kurt’’s November 2018 wedding reception.
during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Guests dance during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Guests dance during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole dances during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Guests dance during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

I didn't get to spend a ton of time with Nicole and Kurt during the party portion of their wedding reception but, man, the time I did spend with them was a whole lot of fun.

Kurt dances during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Guests dance during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole dances during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Guests dance during Nicole & Kurt’s November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt dances during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole dances during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Kurt dances during his November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole dances during her November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Nicole and Kurt dance during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

By the time I got ready to leave the Publick House for Nicole and Kurt's wedding, i couldn't help but laugh at just how much fun we had on this day overall and how my initial worries about the cold and snowy weather were so overblown. 

Nicole and Kurt were troopers and totally open to any ideas I had and I think it paid off in a big way. More importantly, I could tell just by looking at them that they were both totally in the moment and loving every second of one of the most important days of their lives.

If that's not the best way to kick off a marriage, I don't know what is. So congratulations Nicole and Kurt on a wonderful beginning to this next chapter of your life. And I hope this is just the start of the two of you making amazing memories together.

-PJS

Kurt and Nicole embrace during their November 2018 wedding reception at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

The Vendor List

Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini PhotographyBride's Hair: Becky Ahlborg; Bride's Make-up: Camille Soumphonphakdy; Bride's Dress: Party Dress Express; Groom's Suit: Men's Warehouse; Florist: Les Isle Rose; Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge, Massachusetts; Officiant: Donna D'Andrea; DJ: Gazelle Productions LimitedCake: The Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Check out more of my most recent wedding blogs:

A teaser image for Cara & Brandon's wedding blog.

Cara & Brandon

First Baptist Church, Hope Valley, RI &
North Beach Clubhouse, Narragansett, RI
.

Date: November 11th, 2018

A teaser image for Rich & Makayla's wedding blog.

Rich & Makayla

Zukas Hilltop Barn,

Spencer, Massachusetts.

Date: October 28th, 2018

A teaser image for Sarah & Anthony's wedding blog.

Sarah & Anthony

St. Augustine Church (Ceremony), 
The Omni Hotel (Reception), Providence, RI.

Date: October 20th, 2018

Got a thought? Leave a Reply

Gina and her bridesmaid share a toast prior to her December 2016 wedding ceremony at the Waterman Grille in Providence, Rhode Island.

Are you getting married? Interested in having me document your big day? Contact me here. 

bottom of page