Katie & Steve
The Villa at Ridder Country Club, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
October 13th, 2018
Whenever I get an email from a potential bride and groom about shooting their wedding day, one of the first things I scan for is where the wedding is taking place as that generally gives me an idea about what kind of event I can expect.
And the moment Katie and Steve emailed me to tell me about their October 2018 wedding at the Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, I knew I wanted in.
The Villa is one of the best venues I've had the pleasure of working at at Katie and Steve's gorgeous fall wedding there was further proof why. Not only did these two have a super laid back wedding day with no stress from the start of bridal prep until the final song but they had one of the most rocking receptions I've shot this year.
And that's exactly what Katie told me it would be as we sat at a coffee shop almost a year earlier talking about her plans. It's fitting really, because this was one bride and groom who executed their vision for their big day flawlessly.
Katie and Steve were married on a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon but you wouldn't have guessed that possible at the start of the day as I arrived to her bridal prep at a nearby hotel with cloudy skies and intermediate rain showers taking place.
But this wasn't a bride who let the weather get to her. The forecast said the day would clear up and it sure did. In fact, Katie didn't get rattled by much on her big day ... except for the letter Steve wrote for her which hit her right in the feels.
I really enjoyed my time with Katie and her bridesmaids as the group was really relaxed and had a ton of fun getting ready and taking selfies as they listened to music and waited for their transportation to arrive.
What I also loved was the fact that Steve was getting ready in a hotel room down the hall so, for one of few times this season, I was able to sneak into his room and get some groom prep shots as well.
Steve is my kind of groom. Not only is the guy funny but he loves Game of Thrones, a fact not lost on Katie as she surprised him with a "Hand of the King" medallion as part of his pre-wedding gift. To say I was jealous is an understatement.
The vibe with both the bride and groom was completely relaxed throughout the hours leading up to their ceremony and that was a welcome sight as Katie slipped into her dress and took some last-minute photos with her bridesmaids and family members before walking down the aisle.
I had a feeling given how relaxed this bride and groom were leading up to their ceremony that the ceremony itself was likely going to be quick and easy and, by and large, it was.
While Katie lost it a little bit walking down the aisle holding her brother's hand, both the bride and groom were largely great at holding their emotions at bay, though they both had large smiles on their face whenever they looked at the other.
Katie and Steve's ceremony lasted a tick over 10 minutes and I'm glad it did as the timing was perfect for us to shoot their formal photos with their friends, family and wedding party under some of the best light I've had all year long.
And, thankfully, I'd shot Katie and Steve's engagement session a few months prior to their wedding so these two knew the drill and breezed through some really fun bride and groom portraits that I think do a great job of showing off their relationship and individual personalities.
Following their bride and groom portraits, Katie and Steve headed inside the Villa for the start of their reception and this is where the true beauty of the venue was on full display as the bride and groom's decor popped beautiful with the warm tone of the room they would occupy the next few hours in.
Seriously. Look at those colors. THAT is how you do uplighting.
The Villa's beautiful ballroom was repainted since I last shot a wedding there and, man, what a great decision as it really sparkled for Katie and Steve's first dance.
The two chose "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" by Susan Tedeschi, an obscure pick I wasn't familiar with but one which fit the moment perfectly and jump-started their reception in a great way.
Katie and Steve had a traditional reception but it was one where fun was never far behind, even in the big moments.
I loved the two toasts they received from their best man and maid of honor and especially loved the beautiful cake they cut in a short but sweet moment.
My favorite moment of their reception, however, were the parent dances.
I loved seeing Katie and her mom dance together and try to keep their composure (spoiler alert: They didn't) and I adored watching Steve and his mom laugh as they enjoyed their moment together.
One of the things I really loved about Katie and Steve's wedding day was the fact that the MOMENT the formal portion of this reception ended, the party picked right up.
Katie and Steve had one of the rowdiest dance floors I've seen at a wedding and it was non-stop all night long. So much so, in fact, that the DJ didn't even chance changing things up and went the entire night without playing one slow song. Looking back on it, I can't say I blame him: this was one group that wanted to dance.
I also loved that BOTH the bride and groom were in the thick of things on this dance floor.
This was definitely a party to remember.
By the end of the night, Katie, Steve and most of their guests looked exhausted and I can't blame them. This group did not let up from the moment the DJ said it was time to dance until the end of the very last song.
And I can't think of a better way to have closed the night out on what was a perfect wedding day from start to finish.
So congratulations Katie and Steve on a beautiful wedding that I know was everything you wanted it to be and more. And welcome to married life. Though, if your wedding planning was any indication, you're more than ready for whatever challenges life throws your way next.
-PJS
Tags: The Villa at Ridder Country Club Wedding, Massachusetts Weddings, Outdoor Weddings,
East Bridgewater, Paul J. Spetrini Photography
The Vendor List
Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini Photography; Bride's Hair: Emma Bruno and Charles David; Bride's Make-up: Jeanne-Marie Doten; Bride's Dress: Oleg Cassini, David's Bridal; Groom's Suit: Joseph Abboud, Men's Warehouse; Florist: Artistic Blossoms; Ceremony & Reception Location: The Villa at Ridder Country Club, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Transportation: Local Motion; Officiant: Dave Collins; DJ: DJ Cool Tom Love; Cake: Konditor Meister; Videographer: Enget Dang.
Check out more of my most recent wedding blogs:
Rob & Allie
South Ferry Church & The Towers
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Date: October 7th, 2018
Justine & Jon
Twelve Acres,
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Date: October 6th, 2018
Amanda & Josh (Wedding)
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Date: October 1st, 2018
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