Redefining Classic
​Connecticut Wedding Photographer - Serving CT, RI, MA

​Benjamin & Ania

- The North House -
​| WEDDING |
Avon, CT
​August 20th, 2016
​Photographer: Troy Devolve      2nd Photographer: Steffanie Devolve      Written By: Troy Devolve
 

Ben & Ania are adventurists at heart. Currently they are exploring Asia while Ben is stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They are both lovers of food and enjoy exploring not only the sites but also the food wherever their travels take them.
​It was in Chiang Mai, Thailand where Ben used a baby elephant carrying roses (and a ring) to propose to Ania. I know what you are thinking, Ben is setting the bar way to high for guys everywhere! Ania was completely caught off guard as Ben got down on one knee to propose.
​She assumed he was proposing, but couldn't be a 100% sure because Ben attempted to ask for her hand in marriage using Ania's native tounge, Polish. (BTW Ania has the greatest accent!)  Though he butchered the language, Ania didn't hesitate to say, YES!
​In a way Ben totally messing up the language makes it even more romantic. Way to go Ben, great plan!
​

I feel like you can't describe Ben & Ania's wedding without mentioning the many obstacles they overcame to make this day a success.
​When Ania first contacted me last year it was with the intent of hosting their wedding at the rustic, country setting of Wright's Mill Tree Farm. (Also the spot Steffanie & I tied the knot!)
​However, a few months before the wedding Wrights suffered a devastating fire. To make matters even more difficult, Ben and Ania are currently living in Japan where Ben is stationed in the Navy.
​Luckily, their connections led them to The North House in gorgeous Avon, CT! Obviously they were unable to do any of things a couple would normally do when choosing a venue, such as checking out the location in person, or tasting the menu. Ania mentioned to me how instrumental both their families were in being their eyes and ears (and their tastebuds!) and had nothing but great things to say about The North House. I can honestly say that the lobster is SUPERB and the beef is on par with any great steak house around. (I tried both, the perks of the job! :D )
​
The craziness doesn't stop there though. The week leading up to the wedding, which is usually a bit crazy to begin with, Ania's parents were involved in a serious car accident that left her poor mother in critical condition.
​She was doing better, but was still unable to leave the hospital to attend the wedding.
​I mention this because, despite ALL these obstacles you couldn't find a more kind, and stress free couple, they put the problems behind them and made their day an absolute success!
​
When I arrived at the hotel the mood was serene. Ania was seated in front of the large windows wearing her floral robe as Mirror Mirror put on the finishing touches of her make up. The only sound to be heard was the clicking of my shutter as I tried not to disturb the peacefulness of the room.
​The bridesmaids also sported floral robes while getting ready which made for some fun photos!
​Ewa, Ania's sister, and also maid of honor assisted Ania into her dress and helped her put on her jewelry.
​
​I also managed to sneak over to the North House where the boys were getting ready, no surprise, the atmosphere was a bit different. A lot of jabbing and sarcastic remarks circulated the room (and a few drinks!) while Ben prepared to get ready for the first look.
​We did the first look in the back green of the Old Avon Hotel before taking the limo (AKA our minivan)  to the Flower bridge down the street for some photos with Arnold, their puppy child. Unfortunately, another bridal party already took possession of the bridge..... (Seriously!)
​No problem, there is another great spot on the way back that features this huge sycamore tree and views of the bridge at the top of the hill.
​Finally it was time for the ceremony. Tucker, Ben's friend was the officiant which gave a very personal touch to the ceremony. Ania and Ben wrote their own vows which moved Ben's mother to tears.

​The reception was everything you would want it to be. Great toasts by both Ewa and Ben's brothers (who shared the title of best men), a photo booth by Sweet Perspectives Photography was a lot of fun for the guests, and a DJ who doubles as a musician played a variety of instruments throughout dinner and the reception.
​My favorite part of the night though was when Ben and the boys reenacted the iconic scene from Top Gun and serenaded Ania with ​You've lost that love feeling! I had it on loop while editing their photos, its crazy how that song can get in your head and you can't get rid of it.
​​Pictures wrapped up in dramatic fashion with a 72 sparkler send off.

​I really want to thank Ania & Ben for inviting us to be part of your day. We had a great time being your photographers, limo drivers, and drink holders!
 

Thank you also goes out to the videographer Mark at MebCinema, it was a pleasure working alongside you and hope to do it again sometime soon. Hopefully I didn't get in your way too much!
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​Now onto more important things, the pictures!

​Hart's Green House did a great job on these muted vintage floral arrangements!
​If you haven't queued Hall & Oates, do so now!

Thank you for visiting Ben & Ania's blog.
If anyone would like further information, or would like to book an engagement, wedding, or family photos please contact me here.
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Vendor List
If you would like to have your name or business added to the vendor list, or would like to use any of the above images for reference or advertisement please email me. 

Photography: Devolve Imaging Photography
Venue: The North House - www.thenorthhouse.com
Coordinator: Torey Chapdelaine (The North House) [email protected]
Florist: Harts Greenhouse Norwich, CT - www.hartsgreenhouseflorist.com
Dj/Live Music: Jeff Ladd www.jeffladddjplus.com
Videographer: MebCinema - www.MebCinema.com
Photo Booth: Sweet Perspectives Photography - www.sweetperspectives.zenfolio.com
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero - Chesney
​Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal - Mercury
Makeup: Mirror Mirror - www.mirrormirrorbeauty.vpweb.com
​Hair (Bride): Mirror Mirror
​Bridesmaids Hair: Blo Blow Dry Bar - www.blomedry.com/locations/blo-west-hartford/