Sep
29
Jess and Ivan’s wedding was definitely a relaxed affair. It was all about kicking back with friends and family and enjoying a good meal with good drinks. Jess kept everything very low-key. No bridal party, simple portraits, and lots of time to see everyone. In fact, Ivan said his favorite part was shmoozing with everyone during the reception.
We started our day with Jess as she was getting ready in her suite at the Langham Hotel. We had suggested that she and Ivan choose someone to help out with putting on the dress and other such details since she didn’t have any bridesmaids. They chose Ivan’s cousin Rebecca, who was absolutely amazing. She was such a pro. I know Ivan and Jess were grateful to her and so were we.
Like I said, Jess was very relaxed. When we arrived, she was all set, except for the dress, which we had asked her to wait to put on. So she was basically chilling out, while we took a few photos of the dress (as seen in the mirror behind her) and the shoes and other details.
Dave coordinated with Ivan so that he was waiting for Jess to arrive at Post Office Square to see her for the first time. I brought Jess down. Ivan had his back to her until she told him she was ready. And then he got his first look at his gorgeous bride. Joyful!
Since the wedding was at the downtown Boston Harvard Club and they were staying just a few blocks away, we chose to walk the streets for our portrait session. And as it happens in many financial districts, there was a Fidelity Investments office. And as it happens, Ivan and Jess met while working at Fidelity. So, of course, we had to have a photo of our happy couple with Fidelity in the background. It kind of reminds me of an advertisement for financial planning or some such thing. "Start your Happily Ever After off on the right foot with Fidelity…" We won’t go into the meaning of Jess and Ivan walking the opposite direction of the One Way sign, one detail I enjoy a lot.
And then we captured a few images with the more typical cityscape in the background.
We headed into the lobby of the Harvard Club building for Jess and Ivan to rest their feet.
Jess’ mom and dad arrived and Jess’ mom caught her first glimpse of Jess through the window; Jess looked stunning in her wedding gown- no wonder her mom was so excited.
When the rest of their family members arrived, we all went to the top floor, where the Harvard Club resides. We took the family formals in the Shawmut Room. I love this space because of the beautiful mural on the back wall and the windows opposite it. It was a perfect spot for these pictures. However, I love this photo because of how much Jess and her mom are enjoying themselves.
For the tea ceremony, Jess changed into a traditional Chinese QiPao.
Ivan’s parents were just as enthusiastic and fun as Jess’ and no one stood too much on protocal. It was all about celebrating this fabulous couple.
Still some traditions were followed faithfully. Jess was given this beautiful jade jewelry, along with the red envelopes she and Ivan received.
Still to come, the Western ceremony, the cocktail hour as the sun set, and the fabulous party. In the meantime, if you want more right now, you can check out their engagement session.
And I just had to share one more photo to give you a taste of what their guests enjoyed when they ventured to the 38th floor- this gorgeous view of Boston.
Sep
23
Last night, Dave and I hopped down to New York to join our friends from David Tutera Inc in celebrating the premiere of Season 2 of My Fair Wedding along with the launch of David’s new line of wedding dresses, David Tutera by Faviana. We had such a great time. We were invited because Dave photographed one of the episodes from this season. It was an absolute treat to be a guest for this affair, rather than working it. Of course, that also meant we only allowed ourselves to bring a little point and shoot camera.
The event got kicked off with a performance by Nuttin But Stringz. This rock violinist duo totally captivated me. I love their music and their performance- they are clearly influenced by world music, classical, rock and hip hop. Check out their sound on their website and check out their moves below.
Then we were treated to a fashion show of David’s new line of wedding gowns. So different sitting in the seats rather than the press area, like we have when we were shooting for Lucire magazine. I could see just enough to develop some strong favorites. The concept behind the gowns is that they are all inspired by red carpet dresses worn by celebrities, refashioned into something glamorous for your wedding day. There is definitely something for everyone in this line, both in terms of style and body type.
My favorites? Let me begin with Eva. This dress starts off full-length with gorgeous tafetta roses directing the eye along a woman’s curves. The lowest part of the skirt can be removed to reveal a short party dress with an assymetrical hemline. A little surprise when the bride returns for the party. A fun, flirty, vivacious dress. I also really liked Charlize and Fergie, another dress that turns into a cocktail dress- totally wearable.
Gwenyth, below, was simply stunning. I loved the color imbued in this dress- champagne, ivory, gold, crystals reflecting the light- along with the lines and the empire shape. Beautiful, simple, elegant.
And another favorite was Olivia. It actually reminded me of something from the movie Titanic. Really soft with antique touches. And you have to love the cap sleeves bejewelled at the edges. So pretty.
They concluded with the grand finale dress- the Platinum Gown. This dress was dripping with 33 carats of diamonds, white keshi pearls and more than 145 carats of aqua marine. The dress was pretty, but honestly I liked the other styles better. I guess that’s a good thing because the Platinum Gown retails for over a half million dollars. Wow!
The last walk…
With David and Faviana- the model in the back is wearing the Platinum Dress…
One more note about the fashion show, Dave and I were totally laughing because we recognized all of the music. I don’t know a lot about music artists and I am not really up on what’s popular, so this is definitely a rare thing for me. (Dave actually does know this stuff- he is way more hip than I am.) But these songs were all the fun songs we hear at weddings. So of course, I knew them and they were totally appropriate.
After the fashion show, David (Tutera) introduced the premiere of Season 2 of My Fair Wedding.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with Quiana and Michael’s wedding. Quiana is so lovely, offers up surprises at every corner. And you can see how much she appreciated this opportunity. Totally fun moments from the viewing, which unfortunately I am pretty sure won’t happen in your living room, they shot butterfly confetti out at us when David revealed the ceremony space and the reception space to Quiana and Michael. Such fun!
I am so excited to see the episode that Dave photographed, now. It must be really different to watch the event unfold on the day, almost like slow motion, versus the edited version where everything happens in a whirlwind.
Okay and just to give you a sense of what Gotham Hall looked like last night. Love the lighting design.
A few young girls who had to get in on the runway action.
Dave photographed David Tutera’s decor from a wedding at Gotham Hall earlier this year and we always love seeing a space used in different ways. Set up for the fashion show was definitely different.
After diving into the dessert bar upstairs- yum!, we had to see what it felt like to be on the other side of the camera and stand in the lights. Aren’t we glam!
Thank you to David, Liz, Ashley, Nora and Nicole- you guys put together another amazing event- no surprise there- and we had a really great time celebrating with you. Congrats!
Sep
21
Erin and Darren met in London, got engaged in Paris, and have lived in the Boston area (Erin’s hometown) for the past few years. Their wedding had all the makings of a great international affair – lots of British humor and good fun mixed with the best Boston has to offer and some really special touches from Paris. Not to mention, that these two are just so lovely together. I am so glad we could be a part of their celebration.
We started the day at the Boston Harbor Hotel and ran into Darren in the lobby first thing. Erin needed a little more time to finish getting ready before they got to see each other, but I honestly don’t think he wanted to wait a moment longer. We did not delay. We went right up to see Erin and capture her preparation.
The emotions on a wedding day are really what make it so rewarding to photograph. Erin and Darren’s wedding day was simply filled with great moments and expressions through and through. Here’s a series of my favorites, all from "first sights".
Erin’s mom takes her in- all decked out with the dress, the veil, the shoes- her completed look.
Erin and Darren had their first meeting outside the Boston Harbor Hotel, on Rowes Wharf. Darren stood with his back to Erin until she was ready. She told him to turn around and his eyes lit up.
Of course, this was also the first time she got to see him.
Body language says a lot, too. So sweet.
After they had a chance to enjoy the moment, we all hopped in their car (thank you to our fabulous driver Erika) and headed over to the Boston Public Gardens for a few photos. Erin had visions of willow trees and the swan boats and all the beautiful flowers, and I don’t blame her. What a stunning landscape! Still, those photos are definitively rivaled by the simplicity of this one that shows off Erin’s classic beauty.
We finished our portrait tour back at the waterfront with a few around the hotel. Dave and I had spotted this mirrored sculpture nearby on a prior to visit to the hotel. We knew we wanted to play there. Erin and Darren were amenable. So chic.
Then the day really got underway. The ketubah signing and bedeken ceremony took place in the board room. And they were officially married by Jewish law.
Followed by the ceremony under the chuppah in the Wharf Room. But for now, I leave you with just this one little hint of what’s to come.
Soon to follow… the ceremony, the party, and all of their special details.
Sep
17
Did I promise dancing? Or did I promise dancing?
When Heather met up with us for her planning meeting, we talked about all sorts of details regarding timing and portraits for her wedding at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. But what she was most excited about was the dancing. She couldn’t wait for the party. She wanted to see all of her friends and family having a good time. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. But before we get to the dancing party, a few formalities, with a less formal air.
Early on in the dinner reception, Heather’s dad welcomed guests and toasted the bride and groom and their future together.
His words and thoughts definitely connected with Heather.
Throughout dinner, the guests relaxed and got to know each other. Many were meeting each other for the first time. The long tables were perfect not only for the physical space of the ICA’s theater, but also for encouraging interactions. Conversations never lulled.
Being a theater, dramatic lighting was a must. The reception had an elegant chic feel to it.
Christian took a spin around to visit with his friends and family who had traveled from Italy to celebrate with he and Heather. There was much joy and merriment.
After the sun set, Dave stepped outside to take in the whole scene. On the left the theater’s long expansive window allowing a view into the dinner reception, and to the right Boston’s beautiful waterfront skyline.
And now for the party….
One of my fave’s of the night. I love the feeling Dave captured in this image- the intenisty, the connectedness, the energy….
From the abstract to the literal. These two were crazy fun on the dance floor; they had some serious moves.
Feeling the music.
A little showmanship and all about the fun.
I have to close with my favorite image from the night. For me, this one image tells Heather and Christian’s story. Actually watching them dance together, I got to see so much about how they work together- the give, the take- each completely in tune with the other. And so clearly enjoying being together. I can’t help smiling.
Everyone had a great time dancing under the stars. All in all a truly amazing evening.
And now my chance to say thank you to a truly fabulous team of professionals who created and assisted in making this vision a reality:
I absolutely have to thank Kim Stone and Billy Evers of Rafanelli Events and their amazing colleagues. What a night! Heather and Christian didn’t have a thing to worry about with you guys on the job. The whole event went perfectly. And the look of it all, the feel of it all…. Well, don’t worry, I will go on in another blog post, but for now I just have to say I loved the way you mixed a modern aesthetic with classic elements. You guys throw one hell of a party!
Also thank you to:
The ICA Staff, who took care of all aspects of the location including lighting
The crew from Wolfgang Puck for their amazing food and service
Cakes to Remember for the beautiful wedding cake
The look of the evening would not have been complete without the talent and assistance of:
Winston Floral
Be Our Guest
Signature Event Rentals
Party by Design
Peterson’s Party Center
The entertainment for the evening was out of this world. Huge kudos to DJ Kupah an DJ Kaz from Upside Entertainment.
And a special thank you to Matt Teuten of Matt Teuten Photography for the photo booth. What a hit!
A few final thank yous for helping the get the day started on the right foot:
Westin Waterfront Hotel
Vera Wang for Heather’s gorgeous white dress
Luis from Luz Beauty for the hair and make-up
Congrats again Heather and Christian! You guys make an amazing couple; it was such a joy documenting your celebration.
If you would like to see more from Heather and Christian’s Soiree, check out their sneak preview and their slideshow.
Sep
15
Yelena and Rob, aka Roberto, aka Rob-meister, aka the Groom, aka…. you get the picture. Rob is a man of many names (according to his Best Man/Brother) and although I made a few of these up, I still find it extraordinarily appropriate because he is also a man of many faces. My personal favorite, though is the special look he reserves for Yelena. When he looks her way, it is clear that nothing else exists. And Yelena gazes right back at him with warmth and love. These two are magic.
My first post took us through the ceremony and the start of the portraits, so here I bring you up to speed with the rest of the evening. After a few family, bridal party and couple’s portraits inside the Copley Plaza Hotel. We took a quick spin outside to capture views of Boston by daylight.
Then back inside to the Oval Room for their fabulous party. We kicked it off with their first dance.
See how he smiles while he snuggles up to her…
Once the dance floor was open by our bride and groom, the guests took over and danced all night long.
Yelena and her dad enjoyed a few moments during their father-daughter dance.
And then the wildness of the horah. I LOVE the horah. I love being right in the middle of it. I love the movement and excitement and the joy and thrill of it. I love that first moment when our bride and groom get lifted up …
and all of the emotions they have while they up in the chairs…
and then the relief when they are back on the ground. It is like a lifetime in a few quick moments. Fabulous!
Rob and Yelena were a blast while up in the chairs and just as much fun when on their feet again.
The party atmosphere continued. Rob got down with his mom.
Towards the end of the evening, we stole a few moments with Yelena and Rob to take some photos outside on Copley Square with the city lights around them. First one with the Boston Public Library in the background and cars streaming by.
And then one amidst the square’s beautiful flowers with the Trinity Church, the John Hancock Tower and the Copley Plaza in the background.
Finally a quintessential Copley Plaza shot.
Really, there are simply tons more to share. In fact, we went a little overboard on their slideshow because Yelena and Rob’s wedding was really just too beautiful. We couldn’t help ourselves. So definitely check it out.
And now a chance to thank all of the wonderful people who helped make Yelena and Rob’s wedding day amazing.
First, Lindsay Picciano and the crew at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Many kudos to you!
And the rest of the fabulous folks involved in their day:
Hair and Make-up by Svetlana Stavtsev
Gown by Vera Wang
Bridesmaids dresses from Flair Bridesmaids designed by Anna Elyse
Groom and Groomsmen’s tuxes by Classic Tuxedo
Cake by Cakes to Remember
Floral Design by Stapleton Floral
DJ Mark Dixon
Maxim Lubarksy and Band for live music
Invitations and Save the Dates by bridesmaid Laura Parrish
And last, but certainly not least, thank you so much to Yelena and Rob and to both your families for including us in your extraordinary day. We are so glad we could be a part of it!
Stay tuned for some great photos from their rehearsal dinner aboard the Odyssey.
Sep
11
Yelena and Rob’s wedding was definitively all about the fun. And there was a lot of fun to be had. Everyone came ready to celebrate these two fabulous people. There was enthusiasm and vigor aplenty and a whole lot of love and admiration too. We had the perfect recipe for a great evening.
We started our day with Yelena in her suite at the Fairmont Copley Plaza as she was getting her hair and make-up done. Her closest girlfriends and family were are all around, checking in and getting ready themselves.
And then came the unveiling of the dress. It was a pretty momentous occasion and her dad was super excited for it. He definitely had to be there and wanted to help place it where we needed it so we could get some beautiful pictures. I love when dads get involved. And really, I can’t blame him. Yelena’s dress was stunning. She chose a Vera Wang gown that perfectly accentuated her classic beauty alongside her modern sophistication and style. Gorgeous!
Before we ventured downstairs for the Ketubah signing and Bedeken, we wanted to capture a few portraits of Yelena alone.
And then downstairs for Yelena and Rob to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
He was already in the room where they would meet up. But his groomsmen didn’t want him to catch a glimpse of Yelena before she was ready. No peeking, Rob!
Yelena entered. Both their faces lit up. Lots of smiles and laughter followed.
After the ketubah and bedeken ceremonies, Yelena and Rob met under the chuppah for the traditional Jewish ceremony with all of their guests. They utilized the St. James Room at the Copley- what a great feel.
A few of my favorite candid moments from the ceremony…
Yelena and Rob went off for their yichud. The remaining family members were totally amusing as they exited.
Rob’s brother "connecting" with his friends and family…
The portraits followed. The boys were philosophical. Or rather, hysterical. Serious fun.
And I leave you with just one from our portrait session with Yelena and Rob.
This is clearly just the beginning of Yelena and Rob’s amazing celebration. There was dancing, dancing, and more dancing- along with great food and good times hanging with family and friends.
If you want a few more, you can also check out our Facebook Page where we posted their sneak peak.
Sep
08
Consider this my Earth Day in September post.
I’ve worked in events for a long time. I actually started as a planner, coordinating events for a non-profit in 2001. Always loving photography, I was thrilled to continue working events, documenting all of the moments that make them special when Dave and I started our business in 2004. Why this focus on events? Whether it be for a wedding celebration to raise awareness for a non-profit or for corporate cameraderie, special events are, well, special. They are occassions when we take some time away from the regularly scheduled program of our lives and honor, rejoice, engage. I love the connections and interactions, the sheer humanity of them.
But one day, I got a bit upset. I realized that these wonderful opportunities for creativity and togetherness have an awful lot of waste attached to them. In particular, I noticed the flowers that got thrown away. And it saddened me. For two reasons, I never like when things end up in landfills. And I LOVE flowers. It just seemed a huge shame to throw away things that are so pretty. I thought, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the flowers from an event could be brought to people who could appreciate them a little longer? Not just for this one night." It occurred to me that a hospital would be an ideal place to bring the flowers. To do this, I imagined an army of volunteers who had trucks and could make these deliveries. I was not an army and I did not have a truck. So I let this thought go.
Until tonight. When I mentioned it to one of my peers, Jeri Solomon of Jeri Solomon Floral Design. We shared a mutual distaste for the wastefulness and I explained how I had this idea. Guess what? Someone else also had this idea. And fortunately, they did something about it. They created a business that rescues and repurposes items left over from events. How amazingly perfect is that!? And not just flowers, anything and everything. Flowers, food, candles, extra gifts, cans, bottles, decor items… You name it, they can probably find someone who will appreciate it. From hospitals to hungry families to artists to theater companies. Someone will use what you no longer have a use for- your event leftovers. They will keep it out of the landfills at least a little longer, and perhaps forever. Plus if the items are donated to a non-profit, you will probably be able to get a tax write off. It’s an all-round win-win situation.
So let me reiterate the benefits, in case they weren’t clear:
Less waste in the landfill= good for the environment
Enjoyment by people who need it- perhaps hungry people, perhaps some cheer to someone ill, perhaps an opportunity for creativity
Tax write off- the fee for the rescue may actually cost less than the amount saved by the write off
So I guess the question is why would you not do this? You can find out more on their website. Check out The Special E and fill out their form. Find out if it will work for you. Why not?
Okay, hopping off my Soap Box for now. But coming soon… some tips for Being Green on the Way In, ie- before the event.
Sep
02
I am so excited to share the second installment of Erin and Vitali’s wedding. You may recall that they were married at the Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, Conn. In the first post, I made it to the beginning of ceremony so there is lots more to share.
Allow me to set the scene. The day was gorgeous with blue skies above. Erin and Vitali were surrounded by their family and friends, and stood under trees and this beautiful gazebo with the gorgeous mansion behind them.
Some moments were tender…
And some amusing. The groom’s best man was his son; it took him a second to remember where he had placed the rings. But he held it together and provided them in due course.
Little tubes of bubbles were placed at each person’s seat. They were blown after Erin and Vitali’s kiss and as they exited, and then everyone continued to blow bubbles until they received another kind of bubbles in preparation for the toast. Blowing bubbles can be addictive that way. Everyone loves bubbles. Erin’s dad especially loved blowing the bubbles. Love it!
The Lord Thompson Manor has a great set up for the toasts.
Erin’s brother provided the stories and words of wisdom. He had Erin and her family in stitches.
We followed the toast with a few portraits. I especially wanted to capture something special of Erin and her grandmother. Erin’s mother had told me how close they are.
And of course, I had a little time with our bride and groom. This is one of my favorites. They seem so at ease and totally themselves in this moment.
Cocktail hour awaited! And what would a cocktail hour be without a signature cocktail? Apparently Vitali doesn’t drink, but because he is a white Russian he and Erin thought it only appropriate that they serve White Russian’s at their wedding. Too funny! Here we have a pair of white Russians.
The joy of the evening was definitely catchy and everyone was feeling a bit spunky. Erin’s parents Marion and Jack were hilarious as they danced their way in during their entrance.
After the rest of the bridal party and Erin and Vitali’s dog entered, they made their grand entrance. They immediately started their first dance.
One young lady was inspired to start dancing afterwards. Can’t blame her, it was a beautiful first dance.
Keirnan of KCK Photography, my partner for the day, captured this moment during the cake cutting. So much joy. Of course, who wouldn’t be joyous with two amazing cakes sitting right in front of them. The groom’s cake was brought in from their favorite bakery in New York as a special treat.
After Erin and Vitali each had a taste, Erin shared the red velvet cake with the kids. Yum.
Our evening was drawing to a close, but I wanted to make sure to get a few photos on the grounds before we left. The Manor looks absolutely stunning at night. I am so glad Erin and Vitali were up for a couple more portraits. My parting shot.
What an amazing day! There are so many people to thank for making it great.
First of all, Jackie and her team at the Lord Thompson Manor. Great work! Everything was perfect.
And the team of professionals that Erin, Marion and Jackie assembled.
Thanks to the following for completing Erin and Vitali’s looks:
Hair and make-up: The KISS Spa
Gown Designer: Pronovias of Spain from Mariella Creations
Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: Formals by Antonio
And for creating the atmosphere and making the day even sweeter, thanks to:
Ceremony Musicians: Fensgate Chamber Players
Reception Band: Radiance
Floral Design: The Flowering Vine
Bride’s cake: Something Sweet by Michelle
Groom’s Cake: Two Little Red Hens Bakery
I also want to send out lots of kudos to Erin and Marion who teamed up to create the gorgeous invitations and other paper products. Your handy work absolutely paid off. Beautiful!
A very special thanks to Keirnan of KCK Photography for joining me this day. I so appreciate you and your talent. You are amazing. Thank you!
Finally, I want to thank Erin and Vitali and your wonderful family and friends for inviting us into this very special day.
For those of you who want to see a few more, definitely check out their Sneak Preview and their Slideshow.
25
Comments for Cans!
Happy 200th Blog Post! In honor of this momentous occasion, we want to spread the word and send out lots of positive energy to the world.
Here’s how it works… For every new visitor who comes to our blog and leaves a comment – anywhere on our blog- preferably in the deep bowels of our blog- I promise I will find them…. For every person who adds a comment in the next 7 days (you have until Oct. 2 at 11:59 pm EST)- that’s 168 hours, or 10,080 minutes, or 604,800 seconds- we are going to donate a can to our local food bank.
So easy, you put a little note on our blog and we all make a difference in the world.
So go on, do it, do it now, help hungry people! Then spread the word, tell friends and family and they, too, can make a difference. It’s so, so easy.