Connecticut Wedding Photographer : Alissa Dinneen Photography

Vendor Spotlight : The White Dress by the Shore

This past Saturday I had an appointment at The White Dress by the Shore. Ladies, if you haven't gone dress shopping or found the right dress yet, then you have not visited this adorable shop in Clinton, CT.  It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. 

I went dress shopping with my very good friend Jeff (also one of my assistants). He has seen many wedding dresses and knows my taste probably better than I do. This was the only store I visited and I couldn't be happier!

Jeff and I walked in, nervously filled out some paper work, looked through the racks, and then started to try on some gowns. First dress I tried on was a Modern Trousseau gown that I would describe as fitted, strapless and head to toe lace. It was an option for my wedding, but I just wasn't sure of myself. About five or so dresses  later I tried on another Modern Trousseau gown--which I originally thought I'd like from The White Dress by the Shore website. The dress did not look good on me, however I LOVED the bottom half of the dress. 

Flo (the lovely lady who helped me this day) then had us wait for a moment in our room to discuss and drink a little bubbly. She came back with another dress, after only trying on what seemed like a few dresses she knew the shape and style that works best for me. Flo helped me into the dress, I walked out behind the curtain, looked at Jeff's face first to see what he though (big smile), then into mirror I looked (bigger smile!!). All  of my insecurities of my body (image) flew right out the window. I knew this is it; this is what I'm getting married  in! 

Flo then decked me out in some fabulous accessories, including the sparkle belt that I fell in love with while trying on other dresses (Jeff later reminded me that I was specifically asking what goes with the sparkle belt?). I also made a decision on the veil. 

I can't express how appreciative I am to The White Dress by the Shore. The level of service and the quality of all of the products are exceptional! I am thrilled and relieved to have a dress that I 150% adore (I've even thought on the way home that the dress should be an inspiration for the cake--it needs a sparkle belt too). I now know first hand why I've only heard wonderful things about this shop and without a doubt send brides there. 

Note: We did not take any images of me in the gown.

Here are some images that I took while I visited the store. Enjoy!

The windows are super cute!

 

Windows from the inside, cute! 
   

They have an adorable selection of flower girl dresses. 
    

 

This is the gorgeous dressing room!
 

Jeff sat in the chair to the left, as I came out behind the curtain, I'd look at his face, then mine in the mirror.

  
 
  

www.alissadinneen.com

Meredith & Ben's Winter Wedding @ The Yale Club, New York City

I am so excited to post this wedding as it was my very first New York City wedding and it was amazing! My right hand man Jeff was there with me every step of the way--thanks Jeff!!

Meredith and Ben were married on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Yale Club in New York City. They chose to take pictures before the ceremony at Grand Central Terminal, which is not even a block away from the club. I have never had so many people watching me do my job, thank goodness I was in my (photo) zone and didn't really notice what was going on around me.

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of Meredith and Ben's wedding. I chose this particular song since they had it playing during their ceremony, it honestly moved me at the time and really stuck with me. 

Some of Meredith and Ben's vendors include the following:

Jenny Yoo - Bridesmaid Dresses

Amsale Bridal Gown

Judy Palen Designs Invites at Bloomingdales

Hank Lane's Park Ave Band

Waldorf Astoria's Floralia

Yale Club, New York City

Here are some of my favorite images from the wedding, enjoy!          

 
 


 



  

 www.alissadinneen.com

Connecticut Bridal Expo: Hartford Expo Center (January 16-17th)

1/5/2010 Update: The free passes are now spoken for. 

Looking at my calendar for the upcoming month, I was shocked to see that this year's Wedding Expo at the Hartford Expo Center is in two short weeks! This year I'm particularly excited to do the show since I am engaged too and get to check out other vendors for myself. The best time to check everything out is when the show first opens, it is a HUGE show. I'd also recommend dressing warm, it is always chilly in the building.

When: January 16th & 17th

Where: Connecticut Expo Center, 265 Reverend Moddy Overpass, Hartford, Connecticut

Show Hours: Saturday, 11am-5pm (I (Alissa) will not be here this day as I have a wedding to photograph) - Sunday 11am to 5pm 

My Booth: Alissa Dinneen Photography is in BOOTH #709 

Tickets: $10 -- I have four free passes to anyone who is reading this and wants them, feel free to send me an email (alissa@alissadinneen.com) and I'll mail them to you (first come, first serve). 

This is from last year's bridal expo...  My booth looks a little something like this...www.alissadinneen.com

Wedding Cinematography: Tom of Vantage Point Films

I recently met up with Tom of Vantage Point Films, Wedding and Event Cinematography. I've only had the chance to work with him once, but he really stands out in my mind because even though we didn't talk much that day, he was totally aware of me, a nice guy, and polite. This is HUGE. I've never been one to talk too much about video to my clients, but in all honesty if you want to do video and still for your wedding day ask your professionals so that everyone is on the same page and we're all working together.

Check out Tom's site (http://vantagepoint-films.com/), his work is really amazing.

Kara & Andrew's Wedding @ Hartford's Society Room

Kara and Andrew were married on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Saint Patrick - Saint Anthony in Hartford, Connecticut. The celebration followed at The Society Room, also in Hartford. 

Click  Here to view a slideshow.

Some of Kara and Andrew's vendors include: The Garden Path Florist, bride's gown by Vera Wang from Mariella Creations, bride's shoes were Benjamin Adams (from Stylish Impressions in Farmington) bridesmaids wore Jasmine, groom wore Hugo Boss suits from Nordstroms,  invitations by William Arthur from Papyrus, calligraphy by The Calligraphy Studio, cake by Creative Cakes by Donna, and wedding rings from Beckers. 

Here are a few of my favorite images. Enjoy!                                    

www.alissadinneen.com

Liz and Garry's Wedding @ The Quinnipiack Club (New Haven)

I am so excited to finally post Liz and Garry's fabulous wedding from Saturday, September 19. They were married at Holy Infant Church in Orange, Connecticut and the celebration was held at The Quinnipiack Club (otherwise known as the "Q" club).

Liz has a thing for dragonflies, they were featured throughout her wedding (see pics). Dragonflies were printed on the invites, topped the cake, and were on the stunning escort table (again, see pics). And since we've chatted so much, I also know that their china pattern (Kate Spade) features silver dragonflies. By now, I think you get the hint, dragonflies are special to Liz. While Jeff and I were upstairs setting up the gown for pictures, we looked out the window and both thought that the front walkway would be a great place for some pics (me being up high and Liz being down low). After I photographed a few bridal portraits, I had Liz go outside for the walkway pic. You wouldn't believe this, but there were several dragonflies outside the house at this exact moment. Liz said that she's never seen dragonflies in front of her house, and hasn't since.  I'm not a spiritual person, but this came from above!! Below is the moment, and my best and only picture of a dragonfly--not the greatest, but the proof is in the puddin!!

Now that you know the dragonfly story, you're ready to VIEW SLIDESHOW.

I loved Liz and Garry's choices in vendors. I had to ask them to share in detail so that I can share with you. Thank you Liz and Garry!

Stationary and Bridal Consultant: Talia of Six Pence for Your Shoes

Bridal Gown: Modern Trousseau from The White Dress by the Shore

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo & Christian Louboutin

Bridesmaids Gowns: Jenny Yoo from The White Dress by the Shore

Flowers: Flowers by Danielle

Entertainment: Celebration Entertainment

Cake: Sugarbelle 

Favors/Cookies: Sugar Bakery & Sweet Shop

Chair Linens: Chair Affair

Table Linens: BBJ Linens

Cocktail Entertainment: OBrien Strings

Day of Coordinator: Touch of Elegance by Malissa

Here are some of my favorite images from Liz and Garry's wedding. Enjoy!

  
    

    
 

      
     

   

      www.alissadinneen.com

Kara Ann Artwork: Thank You!

I got the most awesome surprise in the mail today, a hand painted table runner from Kara of Kara Ann Artwork--and it even matches my business colors! Love it, super cute! Thank you so much Kara, I can't wait to put it out to show future brides.

Kara is an artist, and a while back one of her friends asked her to paint an aisle runner for her wedding. After it being a big hit, she ended up making a small business out of it.

I just love the idea of having a custom made piece of artwork that matches your wedding theme. 

Here are a few pics of the table runner, enjoy!

Amy & Peter: The McWedding

Please note: As for the title of this post, I'm seriously a huge Grey's Anatomy fan. Amy and Peter both have last names that are McNames, I just can't resist. I promised myself I wouldn't McAnything on the day of their wedding, saving the Mc'in for the McBlog.

Amy and Peter were married on Saturday, December 29th in Hartford, Connecticut. The ceremony was held at St. Patrick - St. Anthony and the celebration was at The Bond Ballroom. The family and formal photos were taken at City Hall in Hartford.

Some Vendors from the McWedding include;
Makeup Artist Naomi Martinez
Terri Krisavage Floral Designs
The Bond Ballroom, Hartford, Connecticut
Heartbeat Dance Band
Mariella Creations

Amy and Peter's wedding was simply stunning (see below).

Beth & Tim's Wedding: Baby it's Cold Outside

Beth and Tim were married Saturday, December 15, 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut at Joe Blacks Bar on Pratt Street. Their ceremony was set at 4:30pm. Prior to the day of the wedding, Beth, Tim, and I all decided that taking all formal pictures before the ceremony would be our best option for their event. It worked out perfectly because 1) we were still able to get some daylight pictures of Beth and Tim, 2) the family and wedding party was done with formal pictures so they could enjoy the cocktail reception, and 3) this gave Beth, Tim, and I time to slip away after the ceremony for some awesome night shots at a different location.

Vendor Links
Music Makers Unlimited
Joe Black's Bar: Hartford, Connecticut
The 44th Annual Hartford Fstival of Light: Constitution Plaza

Thank you Beth and Tim for being such a fantastic couple, and so fun to work with--especially in the really, really cold weather.

Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding...

Diane & Dave

Diane and David were married Saturday, October 20, 2007 at The Lord Thompson Manor. After photographing Diane and Dave's engagement session, I should have known that this would be an extraordinary wedding. This is the couple who put me up in a fire truck bucket for their engagement session! Needless to say everything about the wedding was wonderful.

This was my first time to The Lord Thompson Manor, my words can not express how amazing the site is--simply exceptional. The DJ was Keith Allan, he has the most amazing Bose speakers. Jeff and I got a little lesson on sound--he recommends actually going to the Bose store at Clinton Crossings and asking for the demo.

The Lord Thompson Manor

DJ Keith Alan

This wedding blog entry is a little bit different, a slideshow with my favorite images from the event. This show is also on my site, but a little bit bigger. Enjoy!

Diane and Dave: Bigger Version of Slideshow