Sometimes while I’m photographing a wedding, I look around and want to pinch myself because I can’t believe that this is my job. From the moment Josh and I arrived, you could feel the excitement in the air, and I knew that Meredith & Justin’s day was going to be one of those days. This was a wedding like no other, where absolutely every last detail was handmade by friends and family, with so much thought and love. Meredith did not stop smiling from ear to ear the entire day, and Justin would look at Meredith with the most adorable puppy dog eyes. The couple spent their mornings getting ready for the day right where Meredith grew up, with Justin just across the lawn at the adorable bed and breakfast, Scargo Manor next door to her childhood home and parents amazing restaurant, The Red Pheasant. Meredith’s sisters did her hair and makeup, she wore borrowed family jewelry, a beautifully simple gown, and carried a bouquet of cut flowers grown from her mom’s garden. I have to admit, I didn’t want this wedding to end!
I loved the tweed vests the guys wore – they all looked just fabulous, and they perfectly melded with the lakeside garden setting.
Meredith & Justin opted for a first look with each other, so they could have some time together before the day got away from them, and so they could spend the rest of their day celebrating with all of their guests. We hopped over to a neighbors house across the street to find a quiet space for the two to see each other for the first time. It was awesome. Justin couldn’t contain his excitement, and Meredith was glowing. It makes me so happy when my couples take time for themselves and are 100% in the moment.
Meredith’s favorite flower from her mom’s garden is the foxglove (which is mine too!), and while they weren’t in season, one single stem held on through the wedding.
When Meredith & Justin signaled they were ready to take some portraits, we took full advantage of the space we had, between stone walls, barns, tall grasses, and a quick walk over to where Meredith used to walk her dog, which just so happens to be a beautiful sheep field.
When we finished up, we invited the bridal party to join in the fun before we headed off to the ceremony back at the lake!
This was one of my all time favorite ceremonies. With readings from some of their best friends, Justin’s brother, Kris, playing the saxophone as Meredith made her way down the aisle to the lake, and personal wedding vows for each other, it was filled with love, laughter, smiles, and tears.
After the ceremony, we took a few quick family photos, a few more portraits by the lake, and off we went to celebrate!
I loved that everything at the reception was personal, from the garden flowers, jars from the restaurant, name cards written by Meredith’s aunt, and the tree stumps that were from the forest where Meredith does her research.
These were some pretty funny and adorable toasts!
Meredith and her family made their wedding cake, and surprised Justin with his favorite – Funfetti!
After dinner, the couple and their friends headed to the tent to dance the night away as the rain rolled through.
Meredith & Justin (and your friends and family!), you just get it. You make me smile, and smiling is my favorite.
If you’d like to see more of Meredith & Justin’s day, check out their slideshow below!
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Pingback : Meredith & Justin: Featured On The Knot! | Caroline Talbot Photography
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Love it. Congrats guys!
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Amazing photos the truly capture the beauty and joy of this perfect wedding!
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What a beautiful outside wedding and two beautiful people-my favorite picture is the two of you in the night sky-gorgeous-Congratulations!
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What a great day, candid, beautiful pictures !!
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What a beautiful keepsake the album and video will be for Justin and Meredith! You certainly captured the emotions felt throughout their special day. One can truly "relive" the day through your stunning photos! Happiness always to Justin and Meredith!
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Your joy radiates from these beautiful photos. Loved seeing them. Susan
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These are so beautiful! I LOVE the last one in the rain (but I love all of the others too). Congratulations again!
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Mer, you are the most beautiful bride!! The wedding looked perfect!!
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Looks like the best wedding ever!!!!
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The photos really captured the day beautifully.
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What a beautiful couple! So much love and happiness :) glad you shared!
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You two look amazing, and so happy - congrats, Meredith!
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Beautiful photography! Captured so much emotion..love, laughter, excitement, joy.... Thank you for sharing. Denise........I see you in the expressions of your daughters. So beautiful. Congratulations to you and Bill and to Meredith + Justin. xoxo
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Magnificent photography capturing the beauty of Meredith and Justin's wedding in every frame! Stunning photography, light and composition... loved viewing wedding album, felt the magical moments of sheer joy, and the out pour of love all over again! Thank-you Caroline! Stunning, just stunning!
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Love them all.....especially the pre-ceremony photos! Beautiful!
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These photos are AMAZING, Caroline! You did such a wonderful job capturing Meredith + Justin's day. xx
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Looks like an AMAZING day!! Some of the BEST wedding pictures I've ever seen! Meredith & Justin you both looked... just perfect! Congrats!
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Wow! Great shots! You really captured the day. What awesome keepsakes.
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BEAUTIFUL Bride, handsome groom, wonderful photos! <3<3
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Gorgeous!!!!
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Love it!!
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Absolutely beautiful!!! I'm so happy for you two : )
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Looks like it was everything you wanted it to be! Congrats Meredith and Justin!
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Gorgeous!
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Thanks, Caroline! We LOVE them!! And had so much fun with you.
Johnny S said: