The Villa

1. What makes The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater a great place to get married?

It's the best.  There, I said it.  They are top of the game, best in the region.  Food, staff, approach, it's all on point.  They know weddings and they do them as good or better than anyone.

2. Where are the best places for wedding photos at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

Just outside the tent area is a nice little garden area that offers a ton of variety for group as well as couples shots.  There are so many great spots here though.  Any direction you turn is another great picture opportunity.

3. What's the best time of day for portraits at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

Family and wedding party pictures would typically occur either immedaitely following "First Look" or direclty after the ceremony during cocktail hour unless you built in a gap between a church ceremony and arriving on property.  

Regardless, at some point just before or near sunset I'll take just the two of you outside again for those soft-light intimate shots.  It should only take like 10 minutes but these are the shots you hire me for.  These are the jaw-dropping, tier enducing, OMG shots.  

4. Is a first look a good idea at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

Absolutely!  The first look gives you a chance to truly see each other.  Express your thoughts.  BE together for a moment - away from everyone else.  Now you get to enjoy your own cocktail hour.  Now it's not such a whirlwind.  You're not as rushed, so less anxiety.  Totally worth considering.  

For the traditional "I want to see her coming down the aisle", let me give some perspective.  First, when she gets there you need to just shut up and get married.  You can't stop and talk.  At a first look you can.  Second, that heart-fluttering HOLY CRAP feeling when all your guests stand and you realize this is real, this is happening!  That feeling doesn't go away just because you already saw each other.  It actually may be enhanced.

5. What happens if it rains on your wedding day at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

In all my years, I've only had maybe a handful of weddings that were 100% completely washed out.  It's so rare it's not worth discussing.  Yeah, maybe the ceremony gets moved indoors.  Maybe the family and wedding party pics are on the dance floor but there will almost certainly be an opportunity between drops to run outside for a few pics of the two of you.

I've seen them flip a room to ceremony setup in like 5 minutes.  I've had couples choose indoor instead of outdoor just for the look.  It's not a backup, it's an option.

6. How much time should we set aside for wedding photos?

I typically like an hour, but I'm SUPER efficient.  It really comes down to how large your group is.  How many in the wedding party?  How big is your family?  Are there divorces with step family?  Are there grandparents?  Do you want to include aunts, uncles, cousins?  The smaller the group the easier it is obviously.  

The Villa very strict on their timeline and it's often not up to me.  They run a tight ship and will direct things.

7. Can we stay on schedule without feeling rushed?

This is my super power.  You could be WAY behind schedule, then it comes time for the family and wedding party pics and poof, you're back on schedule.  I can be amazingly efficient to power through all those combinations so you can lower the anxiety and not lose any of your wedding.  

But, as I said before, the event staff guides the flow of timing and they will shut it down and pull you away if we take too long.  They're not very flexible with that part.  

8. What's your favorite photo location at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

I like the sunset shot but you've got to know, sunset for The Villa isn't always sunset.  They'll tell us we need to go out 40 minutes BEFORE sunset because that's just the way it is.  ZERO flexiblity or understanding about the colors in the sky.  I'd have to break the rules and sneak you outside under the guise of a cigarette breatk to truly get an actual sunset picture.  Yes, it's that strict and they know it.  

9. Have you photographed weddings at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater before?

More than I can count.  There's a benefit to knowing the flow of things.  Where you're allowed to go and where's off-limits.  Knowing where the shadows will fall and knowing what will be in bloom.  Even just knowing how the staff approaches the day and their personalities.  It all helps make the entire day run smoothly for you.  There's an unspoken "nod and wink" between me and the day-of coordinator keeping everything perfect so you get the most out of the day.

10. What should couples know before getting married at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater?

It's only perfect because they know how to make it perfect.  If you want your own spin on it, you'll feel a rub.  They're amazing, but very template driven.  

11. How many guests does The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater work best for?

With three rooms you can get any size or vibe you want.  

12. Is The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater good for indoor and outdoor weddings?

Yeah, I'd give them an A for indoor options.  They make it nice.  We'd want to dip outside if at all possible but they have variety and good indoor options.

13. Where do you usually take family photos?

Their gardens are gorgeous, easily accessible and offer a ton for wedding photos.

14. Is sunset really worth stepping away from the reception?

If it fits your timeline.  I'll push HARD to get it right, but they honestly don't give a damn about this and will take you out for "Sunset" way way way before the sun and setting and they just don't give a damn.  It's been that way for years and I've spoken with the owner even.  The timeline is more important than reality.  That's the ONLY shade I can cast on this venue though.  Literally every other aspect of it from start to finish is 100% top-shelf best in the region, so it's almost worth it.  I'll get the sunset shot - I always do.

15. What makes photographing weddings at The Villa at Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater unique?

It's easy.  Anywhere you turn is a great shot.  I don't have to think.  From the couples perspective it's convenient.  HUGE bridal suite easily accessible all night, delicious food, it's just kinda perfect honestly.