Jen and Matt are SUCH a sweet couple; I absolutely loved photographing their beautiful wedding at St. Catherine of Alexandria church in Westford, Massachusetts, and Vesper Country Club in Tyngsborough.
Their love story is one that I’d imagine is fairly common when of the couple is an active duty member of the military — Matt is in the Navy and he and Jen have spent most of their time dating, and then engaged, apart, with Matt overseas, Jen visiting whenever possible, or together at home on Matt’s leave. Jen planned their wedding while Matt served out the Pacific. In fact, Jen wasn’t even 100% sure for some time that he would make it home on the exact day they’d planned for! And as wedding week isn’t crazy enough, Jen and Matt were also preparing for a big move to another part of the country together immediately after their wedding — sounds like insanity, and yet it’s all part of what is “normal” for couples and families who serves our country in the armed forces. I’m so grateful to Matt for his service to our country, and to his now-wife Jen for her sacrifice as part a family devoted to the military lifestyle. There were quite a few touches as a nod to Matt’s navy career throughout their wedding, from the men in uniform (both Navy and Marines), to the Navy Salute with swords as the couple exited the church, to cutting the cake with one of those amazing, ceremonial swords. So cool and such an honor to be a part of as well.
Jen and Matt’s wedding day started with a LOT of rain. We had a spot out in the open planned for their “first look” but with rain pouring down and no end in sight, we scrambled for another scenic, but covered option. Jen’s maid of honor, Jules, saved the day by calling a local family she knew had a beautiful farmhouse with a covered front porch – they were kind enough to open their home to us the last minute and it worked out great. The rain even let up just long enough for us to scurry out to their open field to take a few group shots with the wedding party. Then it was off the Catholic wedding mass at St. Catherine’s, followed by dinner and dancing at Vesper Country Club. We also managed to get a few rain free portraits of Jen and Matt at Vesper as well, what a lovely venue! There were wonderful speeches, a great dinner, cake cutting (with the sword!) and then dancing, dancing the night away.
Congratulations, Matt + Jen! You guys were made for each other! Seeing you both finally be able to come together on your wedding day, with so much love and joy, was an absolute honor for me and also just so much fun. Wishing you all the best in your new home as newlyweds and wherever the Navy and life may take you!
