I met Claudia and Suren through my sweet friend Susan at Cherry Hill Florist in Cranston, RI. She was doing the floral arrangements for their wedding day (which turned out just beautifully might I add) and graciously mentioned my name to them. The first time I spoke to Claudia on the phone I learned that she was franticly looking to secure her photographer for their wedding in 3 months! As you can imagine, I was a little nervous for her that the wedding was so soon, but she said she had everything going smoothly and knew we were the right fit! She’s one of those awesome, like minded people that believe things come into our lives in the nick of time for a reason and in this case, that reason was to serve her on her wedding day to Suren. It wasn’t until the wedding day that I realized exactly why I had been chosen…

I met them for hot cocoa one snowy night in town to discuss their wedding and learn more about their story. I just knew it was going to be an adventure with these two! They were just so real, detail oriented, and supportive of each other – and of me! I saw them operate as a supportive, cohesive team-of-two from that moment on. Claudia and Suren were no strangers to challenges. Coming from two very culturally different families, they had had their fair share of mountains to climb and their engagement shoot was no different… Claudia in a pair of adorable blue suede stilettos, hiked all over the hilly terrain of Roger Williams Park with Suren by her side for every photo & location suggested. Over bridges, boulders, up trees, and granite staircases, they took everything that came their way head on. They’re troopers! Needless to say, Suren – the gentleman he is, not only offered a lift and an arm wherever we went, but a hand to carry her bag right along with us as well!

The great qualities of fortitude, camaraderie, and loyalty that this couple possess shone through even in the most stressful moments of their wedding day. They truly have each other’s backs, are forgiving of each other, and encourage each other to be the best they can be. These are the qualities that aren’t talked about as much as others, but they are the ones (along with love) that I believe will make this couple so successful in life & in their marriage. Weddings not only celebrate the couple’s union, but the union of two families… and in their case, two uniquely wonderful families! I loved that they welcomed traditional customs into their day; for example, when Claudia was getting ready, her Armenian soon to be sister-in-law performed an Armenian tradition of blessing the bride & the couple’s marriage by circling the veil over Claudia’s head multiple times. Once both parties were dressed and ready, Suren came up from downstairs to symbolize the tradition of the groom coming to retrieve his bride from her house and bringing her into his family. Their beautiful ceremony was held at the Armenian church in Providence, RI. Crowns were set upon their heads to symbolize their royalty in the kingdom of God, and to me I think it really spoke to how they are encouraged to treat each other with love and respect as if the other were royalty for the rest of their lives. It was a really beautiful ceremony.

The reception was held in the beautiful ballroom of Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI. While guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, the bride, groom, bridal party, and immediate family members enjoyed some time outside in the garden area for photos. Friends and family had flown in from near and far, the ring bearer and flower girls included, and they just made the day that much more special. I just loved watching how much fun the children were having all day as well! The garden area outside featured a lovely grassy area outside with flowers, a little water feature, and a tiny bridge; as you can imagine, the kids were really enjoying that! When the bride and groom went in to see the reception room, their eyes lit up and they were overjoyed to see the gorgeous flower arrangements gracing their guests tables, the DJ’s booth, the dance floor with their names in lights, their lovely white cake, and their L.O.V.E balloon arch all accenting their celebration space!

The day went wonderfully, the weather was beautiful, the guests from near & far all enjoyed themselves, and Claudia & Suren had together enjoyed the best day of their life. I’m so happy to have been able to serve them, their families, and their friends on their special day.

Congratulations again to Claudia & Suren!