Where to start. My now wife and I had Cate as our photographer for our 09/23/23 wedding in Madison, CT. We were introduced by Regina, our wonderful wedding planner who runs Wedding...s by Regina Marie. After one meeting with us, Regina said "even if we don't end up working together, I think Cate would be the perfect photographer for you." Boy oh boy - was she right! Meeting Cate online was like talking to an old friend - one who sees you and helps you feel seen (even virtually, as we live in Denver and not CT). During our first conversation, I shared with Cate my hesitation around having my photo taken in general. We both wanted the day captured in an honest, candid, and warm way, but my mental health challenges associated with body image made it less than simple. Cate received this with open ears and arms. We felt overwhelmingly confident in our choice to book even before we had met Cate and even before we had seen the photos she would take.
Fast forward to the week of our wedding. Since we do not live on the east coast, we ended up having our "engagement shoot" a few days before the actual wedding. The experience was an extension of the first meeting - like spending time with an old friend who happened to have a camera. We laughed and told stories and left feeling calm and happy. In the days that followed, first off - Cate somehow managed to take these photos for us on Wednesday and have the final gallery to us on FRIDAY so that we could have them before our wedding. And even more importantly and as I told Cate, I had never felt more confident or beautiful than I did looking at those photos.
The day of our wedding, Cate and her second photographer were timely, flexible, and clearly so happy to be around while we got ready -- and of course, for the big event! It rained throughout the day and Cate managed to not only adjust plans on the spot to get us some beautiful outdoor photos, but also somehow became part of what kept us calm when we were feeling overwhelmed by the unpredictable changes of the day. During the ceremony and reception, she was somehow everywhere and nowhere at the same time. They fit seamlessly into the event and we were very sad to say goodbye.
Cate sent the sneak peak within weeks of the wedding and the full gallery only shortly thereafter. When I tell you that my wife and I sobbed our way through the galleries, I am not exaggerating. Cate and her team are absolutely spectacular at what they do. They captured the essence of the day, the love, the joy, the debauchery, and the connective moments with such clarity -- it feels like we are able to watch our wedding in stills. We will never not be grateful.