Julia and Matt's love story and wedding day is definitely one for the books! They both work for NBC Sports and met in the fall of 2013. She had moved to Connecticut to work on the 2014 Sochi Olympics, while he had moved to Connecticut from Philadelphia just a few years earlier. They were seated just rows away from each other in the digital news room and quickly went from co-workers to friends through after-work happy hours and trivia nights. There came a time when Julia needed to learn how to drive stick shift, and Matt was one of the few people she knew with a manual transmission car. Due to their opposite work schedules, they spent the Olympics meeting at midnight in a local parking lot for driving lessons. Julia was incredibly thankful for Matt's patience and generosity, while he was impressed by her fearlessness and determination. A week after the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 Olympics, they had their first official date! During a trip to Curacao last year, Matt asked Julia to marry him. Here they are now, the new Mr. & Mrs!
It seems that each time we've photographed these two sweethearts, the weather is absolutely perfect! During their engagement session, we were fortunate enough to have the most wonderful golden evening light. The sunset on their wedding day was just as stunning, painting the sky beautiful hues of pinks and purples. A few weeks back, Arturo and I photographed Julia and Matt at their Waveny Park engagement session in New Canaan. In the hour we spent with them they told us the final details for their big day, and we knew their wedding was going to be absolutely amazing! Everything about their wedding style was thoughtfully planned, all the way down to the tiniest of details. When Julia mentioned their wedding florist was making some floral arrangements inside of a few pineapples for the bar during the reception, I nearly jumped out of my shoes! It was perfect for their tropical-nautical theme. You guys know I LOVE color, and this wedding had plenty of it!
They started the day with a first look on the lawn of the Guilford Yacht Club, which has beautiful backdrops of the marina and the water. Even if you were to meet Julia and Matt for the first time, you'd know they were meant to be together. Their smiles shined brighter than the sun as soon as they saw each other dressed up to say their I Do's. The wedding ceremony was officiated by a close friend, an extra special and personal touch to their day. Julia and Matt were married in front of some of their favorite people who came from all over the country to share their beautiful day. They wrote the sweetest, most heartfelt vows to each other, promising the other life-long support, love and adventure. When it came time to celebrate, everyone danced the night away! I don't know that I've ever seen a dance floor so packed for so much of the night!
Julia and Matt, Arturo and I were so happy to serve you in this new season of your life together! Wishing you lots of love, laughter and adventure for years to come!
Isn't this Hayley Paige wedding gown just perfect for a nautical wedding?!
Those shoes! They matched Julia's bouquet perfectly!
This was one of my favorite First Looks of all time! Julia and Matt both had the sweetest reactions when they saw each other!
That smile! So sweet!
As soon as I saw Julia and Matt's wedding florals, my eyes lit up! This bouquet from Fleurish brings the tropics to New England!
I love these tropical colors!
I love when couples add personal touches to their day. Julia and Matt planted a fig tree during their ceremony, using soil and water from their home towns in Arizona and Pennsylvania and their current home in Connecticut!
They're married!
Floral arrangements in pineapples? YES PLEASE!
They have such a wonderfully classic look! Arturo and I thought Julia had such a 'Jackie O.' look to her. Timeless!
After Julia's dad gave his speech, we snuck outside for a few minutes to catch the last bit of the sunset. The soft glow from the last bit of light was perfect!
The way Julia's gown flowed in the air reminded me of a Flamenco dancer's dress!
I love that party dress!
I hope you enjoyed this Guilford Yacht Club Wedding! Do you know Julia and Matt? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Guilford Yacht Club | Catering: Gourmet Galley Catering | Photography & Videography: Shaina Lee Photography | DJ: Nate Slate | Floral Design: Fleurish | Cake: J Cakes | Officiant: Thomas Verlizzo | Hair & Makeup: Belle Noelle Beauty Group | Bride's Gown: Hayley Paige | Bridal Dress Boutique: The Plumed Serpent | Bride's Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alex Hobbs, Lily Boutique, David's Bridal, Danielle Orsino | Groom & Groomsmens' Suits: Indochino | Groom's Cufflinks: Custom For You | Engagement Ring: Guilded Lily Jewelry | Bride's Wedding Ring: Pop Ring | Groom's Wedding Ring: Charming Jewelers | Wedding Invitation Suite: Minted
