When I met these Yale college sweethearts to photograph their engagement session, I knew immediately from their easygoing laughter and loving attention to each other that they were completely meant to be! It was a truly magical moment when, at a fairytale wedding venue filled with glittering candles, flowers by Busy Bee’s Floral Design and a floor-to-ceiling view of the forest, Chelsea and Micah said, “I do.”

Even after having photographed hundreds of weddings, every couple, bridal party, guest list, ceremony and reception is still completely unique, and each new moment hits me differently. Watching the special moment as both Chelsea’s mom and her stepmom helped her into her gown hit me big time, and looking at Chelsea’s bridesmaids, I definitely wasn’t alone! I couldn’t help but tear up again during Chelsea and Micah’s first look as they shared a few quiet moments before their ceremony together and read their wedding day letters to each other.

I couldn’t believe how relaxed the entire day felt, even though the getting ready portion of the day, the ceremony and reception were all held in different venues! Chelsea and Micah were by far one of my most organized and most involved couples when it came to planning, which definitely paid off on the day of! They were helped in huge part by Lisa McNichols of Riley Loves Lulu, who I’ve always greatly enjoyed working with. If couples can find room in the budget for a planner, everything from pre-planning to the flow of the wedding day is astronomically less stressful. Lisa and her stellar team worked like a well-oiled machine throughout the day organizing vendors and transitioning from one venue to the next, keeping everything on schedule and everyone at ease.

Take a peek at some of my favorite moments from Chelsea and Micah’s big day below!

Photography: Cassie Valente Photography | Assistant Photographer: Isabell Lin | Planning + Coordination: Riley Loves Lulu | Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema | Getting Ready Venue: Pullman Hotel | Ceremony Venue: Valley Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Domenico Winery | Floral Design: Busy Bee’s Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: Jennifer Madaris | Film Lab: Photovision | Photobooth: Say Ya! Photo Booth | DJ: Mike Ramirez | Cake Design: Rachel’s Cakes