I started taking portraits with intent about 8 years ago – I was a silly high schooler with an entry-level Canon DSLR (a T1i!). I steered clear of wedding photography, mostly because I was a cynic and had all of those icky feelings about weddings and romance that may be familiar to you. But things change, and people are dynamic, and the world is scary, so here we are. I now recognize love (the genuine, overwhelming, silly and messy kind) is something to seek and surround yourself with, especially in a world that constantly bombards us with negative energy. The move into wedding photography has felt seamless and natural – I booked a handful within days of deciding there was a home for me in the industry. But styled bridal shoots, such as this flawless one put together by Heather Benge of Styled Shoots of America, were foreign to me. All I can say is I genuinely can’t wait to do more…I’m already planning one of my own in my home away from home, the Outer Banks! I’ve shot at Wadsworth Falls plenty – you can see one shoot of Alysa + Zack here – but Wadsworth Mansion was one place I hadn’t been to (which is upsetting, as I live 15 minutes from this classic and majestic Connecticut venue!). I’m hooked. I’m also TOTALLY hooked on that fringe lace wedding dress here. I might buy it for myself! Host: Styled Shoots Across America Planning & Design: Heather Benge Events (Instagram: @heatherbengeevents) Venue: Wadsworth Mansion (Instagram: @thewadsworthmansion) Stationery: West Bloom Paper Co (Instagram: @westbloompaperco) Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Alyssa (Instagram: @beauty_byalyssa) Gowns: The Wedding Dress (Instagram: @theweddingdressct) Florals:  Intrigue Designs (Instagram: @intrigueteaches @intrigue_designs) Linens: Nuage Designs (Instagram: @nuagedesignsinc) Rentals & Décor: CT Rentals (Instagram: @CTrentalcenter) Shoes: David Tutera Footwear (Instagram: @davidtuterafootwear) Men’s Accessories: Groomsday (Instagram: @thegroomsday) Cake: Duchess of Desserts (Instagram: @duchessofdesserts) Models: Heidi Garrow (@garrowheidi), Skyy Ramos (@skyy22)