CT Wedding Photographer | Modern Fresh + Fun | Athena Bludé Photography

A Fall West Point Wedding | Married: Laura + Casey

Athena Bludé — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:18:30 +0000

Laura + Casey got married on the beautiful West Point Campus last Fall. Rich in tradition, history and beautiful scenery I was beyond pumped to shoot there. Casey, an alumnus walked us all around the campus, taking us to spots that I’d like to think–in my head anyway–were exclusive. It might have been the first time that I had the groom be so eager and excited for portraits.

Actually, it was so portrait heavy that I decided to switch things up a little for this blog post and primarily share just those favorites of the lovely bride + groom that day.

And thank you to the Mr. Robert Norman, whom I was lucky gal to have shoot with me that day.

Classic tux… Best dressed nominee for me for the season, (as if I’m Joan Rivers from “Fashion Police”).

Helicopter pad… Mmmmmmmm!

Delicious antique family jewelry.

Fall Foliage Wedding at the Webb Barn: Chris + Krista

Athena Bludé — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:55:26 +0000

Normally when I meet with couples before their wedding it’s usually at least with the bride, but this time I met just with Chris. So aside from some glimpses I got through Instagram, Krista sort of remained a mystery until their wedding day.

We did however exchange a few emails leading up to their wedding + I learned she had planned their wedding with the help of blogs, Etsy + Pinterest (a bride after my own heart) and Chris used his mad skills as a graphic designer to create all the paper goods. Needless to say, I was pumped for their wedding and knew it was going to have some delightful + cohesive details.

Both the ceremony + reception were at Webb Barn. It was such a beautiful day with the insane foliage aside from it being super chilly + crisp, but they had their love to keep them warm! :)

Always grateful to have my homegirl, Nicole Taylor who shot with me, made me laugh + and contributed lovely images.

Now onto some images… xo

The cutest DIY photobooth ever.

“I love technology, but not as much as you, you see. But I still love technology. Always and forever…”

High fives to those that can name the movie that line is from.

New Haven, CT Wedding: Sandy + Jay

Athena Bludé — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:06:46 +0000

Ever since I met Sandy + Jay I was pumped for their wedding day. I probably said something about their awesomeness when I posted their engagement session, but it’s legit, yo! They’re enjoyable, funny + easy to photograph. And the rest of their wedding was gravy, with their ceremony taking place in New Haven and portraits done around Yale. Then I was in my Latin-lovin’ element with their reception at the Cascade in Hamden where some Latin music played + hips swayed. (I rhymed. So nerdy, I know! :) )

Mad ups to Robin Dini for second shooting with me, chillin’ with the boys + contributing many a lovely images.

Now onto my favorite frames from their day! xo

We have a run away ring bearer on our hands…

Sandy + her girls killing it!

Oh yes… Your eyes are not deceiving you. That most certainly is the B+G crowd surfing!

Cameoooo! I always try to remember to take a pic with my couples, (even though I don’t feel that this really looks like me). :)

VENDOR GOODS

Church: Center Church on the Green

Reception: Cascades

Florist: Fleurescent Flowers

Hair: Dana Bartone & Company

Makeup: Larissa Lake Makeup Artist

DJ: That’s Entertainment New York

CT Wedding Photographer | Married: Diane + Dave

Athena Bludé — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:56:05 +0000

It’s my first post of 2012 and I’m going to kick it off with Diane + Dave! Side note: Putting blog posts together might be one of my favorite things to do, aside from shooting. :)

So back to Diane + Dave… They got married back in September with their ceremony and reception all taking place in Farmington. Actually, their wedding I believe was the first wedding for then new venue, Farmington Gardens. Spirits were high, love was in air and it was a grand day of celebrating! :)

Shout out to Sidney Chang for shooting with me and suffering many a mosquito bites. And, as always, super thankful to Diane + Dave for having me photograph their day. All my best! xo

Now let’s get onto some pictures…

Private Estate Wedding: Jamie + Ryan

Athena Bludé — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:49:38 +0000

Jamie + Ryan’s September wedding took place on Ryan’s family’s private estate. All of the details from the DIY centerpieces to the tent rentals and such were planned and coordinated by Jamie and their moms. The joy in the air was absolutely infectious as everyone enjoyed a perfect wedding day.

Shout out to Candace Jeffery for second shooting with me and Hawley Schneider for working the photobooth. Much appreciation for those two sweet ladies!

Tried something new with the first look. I think it’s a keeper.

VENDOR GOODS

Caterer: Krause Catering

Bouquets + Boutonnieres: The Growth Company

Centerpieces: By their mothers

Baker: Bride’s aunt

DJ: Entertainment Unlimited

Makeup/Hair: Somer’s Day Spa

Elegant Irish Wedding | Lyndhurst Castle Wedding: Brigid + Patrick

Athena Bludé — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:54:18 +0000

Brigid + Patrick tied the knot at the Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, NY. Saying this wedding was fun is an understatement. Let me just say that those Irish certainly know how to throw a party! After the cocktail hour most guests find their seats, but instead Brigid + Patrick’s hit the dance floor. I was so thrilled to be a part of their beautiful wedding day filled with elegant details and Irish blessings + step dances.

Shout out to Sarah, my Latin amiga for shooting and sharing *the* best wedding cake of the season with me.

DIY brooch bouquet awesomeness.

This cake was insanely delicious. And trust me, I have eatten A LOT of wedding cakes.

Irish dancing = winning!

VENDOR LOVE

Dress: Meme’s in Larchmont, NY

Makeup: Jordan Pritz – Professional Makeup Artist

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Lyndhurst Castle

Florist: Flowers by Stephanie

Band: The Engagements

Caterer: DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown

Cake: Plaza Sweets

Sweet Garden Wedding: Hong + Khuong

Athena Bludé — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:01:01 +0000

Hong + Khuong got married on a hot summer day at Wickham Park in Manchester, followed by a big party at the Aqua Turf. I loved putting this blog post together because I was reminded of what an adorably in love couple they are. It was such a pleasure being a part of their day with all their wonderful family and friends.

Thank you to Sidney Chang for shooting with me and contributing some lovely images.

I spy myself + Jim! For as many times as I have looked at these images, I didn’t notice us until it was ready to be blogged. Aaaaand… obviously I went with it.

Thanks to Sidney for capturing this one of me + Jimmyyyy. It’s always a pleasant surprise to see yourself in action when I don’t look like a sweaty troll. ;)

And the shot!

Love.

Whenever I hear LMAFO’s song, “Shots” I think of this wedding.

Khuong had some killer dance skills.

THE GOODS

Dress: Private Label by G

Hair: Hair House, Milford, CT

Florist: Stop & Shop

DJ: Local Motion

Ceremony Venue: Wickham Park

Reception: The Aqua Turf

Cake: Cakes Unlimited

Videographer: Jim Altieri’s Vintage Cinema

Vineyard and Urban Engagement Session: Jessica + Nick

Athena Bludé — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:01:50 +0000

I initially became acquainted with Jessica + Nick a couple years ago through mutual friends. Then after they got engaged Jess reached out to me, we got reacquainted and I was delighted she wanted me to shoot their engagement session.

Their e-sesh was a two parter. The first part was at the cozy Chamard Vineyard. The next morning we changed things up and met in the valley where I had stumbled upon this little urban jewel while out to dinner with girlfriends. I took mental note of said jewel and tried to get almost every client this past year to shoot there. Then jackpot! I finally got to shoot there with Nick + Jess.

Both days were such fun. I mean, what isn’t there to say about them? They’re a super attractive couple, totally down to earth, funny and great in front of the camera. I was spoiled really. Even editing was enjoyable. And as corny as it sounds I had a smile on my face practically the whole time.

So enjoy my favorite frames and fall in love with these two as I did. And Jess, totally agree that we need to hang out! xo

Doesn’t Jess look like Katie Holmes, but prettier?

See what I mean about said urban jewel?

I think this is the first time I shot so vertical heavy, but I do like seeing the frames side by side.

A Sweet Hartfort Summer Wedding: Megan + Billy

Athena Bludé — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:09:44 +0000

I grew more and more excited for Megan + Billy’s wedding after I shot their engagement session and another just-for-fun session. As I got to know them better I realized that they’re my kind of people. The kind you want to have a beer and hang with.

They got married on a beautiful summer day in Hartford. Their *six minute* ceremony, (yep, 6 minutes!) was at the totally rad Old State House, which is the sh*t! I met with the justice of the peace right before the ceremony where he casually said that it should be about six minutes. Thankfully we had that little chat beforehand because there was only time to assume one position before it was over. It was the epitome of short + sweet. Portraits were at Elizabeth Park and then the party took place at the super classic Society Room. It was such a pleasurable, fun and beautiful day and I’m so happy to have been a part of it.

And huge thanks to my sweet friend, Nicole Taylor whom I not only have so much fun shooting with, but also contributes many lovely images.

Love modern technology. Tie help to the rescue on the iPad.

I love how Billy learned to work the camera after those prior session with me… And then bust out with his big smile. :)

Sneaking out the reception for a little bonus shooting is a major WIN!

THE GOODS

Dress: Monique Lhuillier of the The Plumed Serpent Bridal

Hair: Bride’s Aunt of Shampu Salon

Makeup: Melissa Howles

Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew Bridal

Florist: Innovative Floral & Event Design

DJ: The Whole 9 DJs

Ceremony Venue: The Old State House

Justice of the Peace: Don Burr

Reception: The Society Room

Cake: The Society Room

Milford, CT Wedding: Melissa + Ralph

Athena Bludé — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:47:36 +0000

When Melissa + Ralph met, Ralph knew from their first date that she was the one. Crazy, right?! Their wedding took place on a hot July day with their ceremony in Bridgeport and their reception at Great River Golf Club in Milford. It was lively, yet relaxed + fun. As always, I felt honored to have been part of their wedding day!

Thanks to my sweet friend + talented photographer, Megan Labarbera for shooting this one with me, making me laugh and contributing many beautiful images.

Love this dramatic frame from Meg.

The sun was setting on the golf course, so we slipped away from the reception for 10-15 minutes to play.

Ben & Jerry’s… HAD. ME. AT. HELLOOOOO!