Jackie and Brendan’s Bond Ballroom Wedding in Hartford, Connecticut

These sweeties, @jacquelinethomas_ and @bthomas_860, waited a LONG time to have their wedding. Covid changed their original plans, and life stepped in and brought them a daughter along the way. When they were FINALLY able to get together with their big families and awesome, rowdy friends, it was an unforgettable day. Their big Irish Catholic families reminded me of my own on my dad’s side, and throughout the day I felt myself tearing up with nostalgia, love, and a profound, bittersweet sense of what the pandemic has stolen from us. Their aunts and uncles reminded me so much of my own that at times I felt transported back to Chicago, feeling truly among my own people.

Jackie and Brendan are some of the kindest, truest folks I’ve had the pleasure to meet along the way. I constantly have to pinch myself about the people I work with, and they are no exception. And I loved being in on the secret Brendan planned for the end of the night. After such a hard two years, he wanted the reception to end with everyone leaving the ballroom so he and Jackie could have one last solo dance. It was beautiful.

Assistant/second photographer: K Godfrey

Venue: Bond Ballroom

DJ: DJ Stephanie Stardust