Walk With Me

Stefanie + Brett...meet the Stolnicks

Stefanie & Brett's wedding was another one of the June days when the weather was going to do what it was going to do...Rain! There were glimpses of sunlight through the day and a full deluge just in time for the ceremony. This was one of the more casual weddings I've had the pleasure of shooting...at Le Club Avenue in Long Branch, NJ...Stefanie & Brett wanted a very relaxed and hip feel to the day...nothing too orchestrated or fussy. I have to say I like their thinking. One extra note on the Stolnicks...they have a very interesting story behind their new last name. Both Stefanie & Brett decided that they would change their last names...choosing a family name from Brett's side, that would not have been carried into the next generation of his family tree.

I'd like to send a few extra thanks to Chelo Keys who helped me out this day as my second shooter....and to 2 of my favorite folks to work with...April Beer who performed this lovely ceremony & Giancarlo who DJ'd the night away.

 

Carrie + Jason @ Skyland's Manor

"I love the rain most when it stops"....these are the words of a song I've fallen in love with by Joe Purdy. I know Carrie was hoping the rain was going to hold off for her wedding day during one of the rainiest Junes ever. Carrie & Jason had been planning an outdoor ceremony in the gardens of Skyland's Manor.  We don't always get our wishes fulfilled, but as I always try to remember...the day is about coming together to celebrate...rain or shine. And so as the downpour came, Carrie & Jason walked a slightly shorter isle, amidst tons of friends and family, inside the gorgeous mansion of Skyland's Manor. And happily, as they walked arm in arm, back down the isle, the sun was shining again...enabling us to take some lovely garden photos and enjoy an amazing pink sunset.
Here's a glimpse of some of my favorite shots created that day....and their slideshow.

 

Julie + Vince | 06.14.09

Julie & Vince flew in from the California, to be surrounded by their family and friends, when they celebrated their marriage @ the Englewood Women's Club. The weather was once again cooperative...I seemed to be rather lucky with the weather gods...and showers held off for their outdoor ceremony. Julie and Vince took great care of the guests...providing everyone with fans and parasols to counter the humidity... they focused on offbeat details and unique flowers, beautiful food (Vince is a Chef) and a vibrant jazz band made the event a rather sweet day for everyone. What I loved most about their wedding day, was that the day flowed with an ease that allowed Laura & I to relax and take it all in. So here's a look at some of my favorite shots from Julie & Vince's wedding...and their slideshow.

 

I'm really loving some of these more mysterious feeling photos...this one's by Laura.  

this was one of the most unique cakes I've seen...hand painted and DELICIOUS!

Thanks to all the great folks who came together to make this a beautiful wedding day:

Floral arrangements by Antheia Floral Design

Music by Lapis Luna

Catering by Bacco

Event Decoration by Opulent Creations

Cake by Jollybe Bakery

Hair & Make-up by Boushelle

Officiant - Tony Zekka

Niki & Fred @ Skyland's Manor

Niki & Fred had the good fortune of having one of the only dry days in June for their wedding. They were married on 06/06/09 @ the Skyland's Manor one of the loveliest locations in Northern New Jersey. Laura & I arrived early so we could enjoy the landscape before things really started moving through the day...in my opinion, there is nothing more luxurious than a sumptuous natural environment. Here's a few of my favorite shots from the day. Congratulations to Niki & Fred...may everyday of your marriage be as beautiful as this one was.
 

Maybe you saw me in the magazine isle?

If you happened to have been perusing some wedding magazines this year, you might have seen a few of my clients' weddings featured inside. Here's a look at the weddings that made it to print.

Kate & Kase, married at the Woolverton Inn are featured in The Knot Magazine and can also be seen on the knot.com.

Danielle & Matt were featured in Brides NJ recently. Their wedding took place at Crossed Keys Inn in Andover, NJ

And Joann & Alan's intimate backyard wedding was featured in The Knot.

 

Pauline & Charlie @ The Harold Pratt House

A gorgeous winter day in the city what Pauline & Charlie had the good fortune to order up for their wedding last month. I met up with Pauline @ the Carlyle Hotel to shoot the girls getting ready, while my good friend, Brooke Ismach went off to shoot Charlie and his entourage. Timing is always a little tricky with weddings... and since the guys had a little extra wait time, they & Brooke enjoyed some good eats at a Artie's Delicatessen. We all met up at The Harold Pratt House for a lovely ceremony & reception. It wasn't a big affair...just close family and friends to make the evening full of joy for this sweet couple who love each other exactly for who they are.

One of my goals at each wedding is to create images that invite the viewer into a new perspective on seeing the wedding day. I want my images to surprise you and touch your heart. I may try to wedge myself into a tight little space just to get a great cake shot...or looking from above the ring exchange. I have to be a nimble dancer and stealth acrobat about it...and here's what I have to show for taking the risk and trying somethings differently. Thanks Pauline & Charlie... for inviting me to be a part of your day and allowing me the freedom to have so much fun with you both!

Brooke and I seemed to be on the same wave length with interesting reflections

And I simply can't say enough about how lucky it is to have a second shooter grabbing unexpected wedding day moments. Thanks Brooke...I love this family shot and I can't wait to go eat at Artie's.

Cat & Rob's @ Chelsea Lighthouse

I am absolutely thrilled to share some my favorite photos from my first wedding in 2009. Catherine & Rob were married in NYC on January 2...a perfect culmination to the holiday festivities. What better way to spend New Years than celebrating with friends, family and just a few flurries in the sky. Catherine & Rob met at the alter at the Church of Saint Monica's to exchange vows. Catherine's gorgeous cathedral length veil was her mother's and worn to honor her memory. I was very moved by the choice of her bridesmaids to wear pink ribbons on their wrists to honor the fight against breast cancer.

Lucky me got to ride along with the bride and groom in the vintage car (not heated but still cozy and romantic!)...while Laura headed to Chelsea Piers with the bridal party. Cat, Rob and I stopped off to grab a few quick classic NY portraits at Grand Central Terminal...and then on to Pier Sixty Lighthouse to join their party. What a great surprise to see the winter theme carried out with old school skis for guests to sign, tables named for their favorite ski resorts and the coolest seating cards...lift tickets...that guests all seemed to be wearing.

Laura & I had a blast shooting...as usual...and here's some of my favorite photos + Cat & Rob's slide show.

The waiting....is almost over...

I know that Catherine & Rob are patiently waiting to see their wedding photos...they were just married 3 weeks ago over the New Year's Holiday weekend. So just to tease you guys...here's a quick little peak at a couple of my favorite images....all about the NYC mood... and you're going to have to wait another day or so to see these gorgeous faces.

Michele + Chick | married 11.08.08

Michele & Chick were married a couple of weeks ago in NYC at the Harold Pratt Mansion. As I've look through the photographs during my editing process, what strikes me most are the joyful expressions on Michele and Chick's faces. I could tell you all about how elegant everything was, how much fun everyone was having, how delicious the food was, but mostly I want to tell you about the smiles I saw radiating from this couple. I am happy to present them with these photos in time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

I often find myself in very tight little spaces...just so I can create a shot like this one.


This fabulous shot was caught at the end of the first dance by Laura...she is always on her toes ready to swoop in when she sees a great moment happening.

and seconds later...I was there for the big hug...I'm in love with this photo simply because I can feel the power of their love in that hug!

The flowers and room decor at the Pratt Mansion are always amazing...and the arrangements created for Michele and Chick were nothing short of stunning. The colors were so rich....I fell in love with those deep jewel toned flowers.
 
And to end the evening...a shot that makes me laugh every time I see it. (I know, I sometimes find the oddest images to feature...but hey it's my perspective!) I love the woman in the back sipping her coffee, the conversation in the top right corner, and there quietly sits that delicious cake, so tempting in its asking if you want another slice.
I really wish I had a piece of that cake right now!

Theresa + Michel | married

Theresa & Michel are celebrating their one month anniversary today. Their's was the third family wedding I have had the pleasure of being a part of...so I was feeling very at home and amongst friends throughout the gorgeous day. Some folks can't wait to get to the party...but me...I can't wait to get to the ceremony. And in Theresa & Michel's case, it took place at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Brooklyn. The thing I loved most about shooting this ceremony, is that the entire service is sung to the bride and groom. It is quite simply beautiful to be immersed in this musical expression of love. And the party afterwards...well that of course was a lot of fun back in NJ at The Crystal Plaza. Theresa and Michel are passionate, fun and all about family....which was very apparent during several tearful speeches. Thanks for a wonderful day with your families and friends. It was truly fun to be with all of you again.

Here's a glimpse into a most wonderful day in October.

Theresa had a gorgeous long veil that at times had a mind of it's own.