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via emailRachel and Brad secretly got married last year, and no one knew about it.
At least, not at first. They’d gone and eloped, only telling their families what they were up to. They decided to plan a reception for July 2010, to celebrate with their families and friends. They chose a beautiful outdoor venue in the small town where Rachel grew up. The Young Men’s Club in Hadley, MA provided the perfect backdrop for the reception, with the mountains in the distance, nearby tobacco farms on either side, and wide green fields surrounding a rustic barn-slash-building, complete with white twinkle lights and lanterns.
I can’t tell you how honored I was to be there to capture the day for them–these are two of THE nicest people you will ever meet. This is wholly evident by all the wonderful people in their lives, who were there to share this day with them. Their gracious, easy-going and lovely manner was apparent throughout the day–through the thunderstorms, through the heat and humidity, through it all.
I’m going to try to not get carried away sharing my favorites from the day…but be warned. This will probably be long. 
But first, a quick thank you to the fabulous Sarah Phillips of Sarah Phillips Photography, who helped me out for the day. Sarah, you are awesome, and I can’t wait to work with you again in a couple of weeks!
Now! Photos!
Rachel & Brad decided they wanted to do a First Look before we went to do portraits, which I just had to capture. 
We headed off to one of the aforementioned tobacco fields to do some portraits before the festivities started.
Some fierce thunderstorms rolled through the area about 30 minutes before we went out to do photos–check out that sky!
I loved this touch: photos taken from the day they got married.
Rachel surprised Brad with a cigar bar after dinner–it was a huge hit!
I stole Rachel & Brad around sunset, so we could take a few more shots of just the two of them. I love, love, love these.
I mean, SERIOUSLY. How gorgeous are they??
As night fell, the candles and strings of tiny little lights twinkled brightly against the dark sky. Sparklers came out, the dance floor quickly filled up, and I could feel the love and happiness radiating from Rachel & Brad, surrounded by their loved ones, as they spent a few minutes on the straw couch underneath a starry sky.
Party = success.
Rachel & Brad, thank you both for such a memorable day. I only hope your photos reflect 1/10th of the joy and love I saw around you. You are perfect for each other, and it’s an honor to call you friends. Congratulations and much love!
