May
12
If you are anything like me, you have always wanted to be a part of a TV production- to see what happens backstage, so to speak; to watch as the characters move on and off screen; to observe the camera crews and the director. Well, Dave had just that opportunity when he photographed Christina and Ed’s wedding for WeTV’s My Fair Wedding. He followed the planner and star of the show, David Tutera, as well as capturing the bride and groom and their wedding details. So you feel like you were actually part of the shoot. Since I posted about the book earlier this week, I thought I would share the behind the scenes photos today.
Tutera is not only an amazing planner, he’s a fabulous designer. He created a beautiful Mexican inspired wedding for Christina, whose Riviera Maya destination wedding had to be canceled. His first stop was to check on the decor at the hotel where the reception would be. His team was already doing a great job; he added a few more touches to the look.
Next he visited the bride who was in the process of getting her hair and make-up done.
Never a private moment on a TV show.
This is when he reminded Christina of the 3 dresses she tried on. He is about to tell her which one he chose for her. (This also happens to be one of my fave moments each episode of the show. I can’t help loving that they don’t know which gown he chose. The suspense is super fun. And while most women wouldn’t want someone else to chose this most important of all dresses, I actually would have loved it. I had such a hard time figuring out what to get.)
Before and during the ceremony, there is tons going on both behind the camera and in front of the camera. These portraits show how David is working to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Before the ceremony he is checking to see everything is in place. As guests arrive, he greets them and helps them get where they need to be. During the ceremony, he is watching here, there and everywhere.
Being on a public Staten Island beach with lots of cameras, the wedding was sure to draw a crowd.
Still, the crew was pretty inconspicous during the ceremony. One team all the way back and two teams on the side at the front. No guests’ views were interrupted. As photographers, we pride ourselves on putting the wedding first. After all that’s why we are all there. So it is really nice that Tutera’s team also has this in their mind, even when their work is for TV.
After the ceremony, whether for TV or not, David brings his couples into the reception hall before all of the other guests, so that they can actually take a moment to enjoy the space he has created for them. So they can check out the details they have thought about and planned with him. Christina and Ed are clearly enamored with their colorful chocolate cake.
Their first dance in the dreamy tropical space.
One question we get about the show and working with David is: Is he really that nice? The answer is absolutely 100% yes. He is a truly down-to-earth, caring gentleman AND he likes to have a good time. He doesn’t dance at every wedding but when appropriate, he will enjoy the party with the couple and their guests. Enjoying a moment with the bride.
Dancing with a bridesmaid.
Clearly he felt a connection with this group and they with him. They even invited him into their group hug.
The folks who make it a televsion show. Yup, that’s a lot of paparazzi.
What a great day to be a part of! We are so thankful to David Tutera and his team for asking us to photograph this My Fair Wedding episode.
May
09
I am literally doing a little dance; I am so proud of my partner in all things. Dave’s work was recently published in David Tutera‘s My Fair Wedding book!!! We just got our hands on a copy and it is fabulous. Each chapter is devoted to a different episode and has great tips for your wedding- tips ranging from choosing your dress to engaging with your guests to permit needs to thematic choices. Really practical. And of course the photos are amazing!
Here’s a few pages from Dave’s Chapter in the book. Yup, a whole chapter. Did I mention I was proud? He photographed Christina and Ed’s Mexican dream wedding. They had initally planned a destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico, but had to change their plans suddenly. With no time whatsoever, they were at a loss. David Tutera created a stunning Latin inspired wedding in Staten Island. They were even able to wed on the beach. Amazing!
And now a few details that actually aren’t in the book for those who want more.
Christina’s dress was one of the first from the David Tutera by Faviana bridal collection. It’s perfect for both the ceremony and the reception; the skirt below the flowers can be removed for a fun party dress.
If you’ve watched My Fair Wedding, you know that David makes the decisions. The brides can voice their opinions, but in the end, the buck stops with Tutera. Once he decided on the Latin theme, he included it at every turn. The bridesmaids dresses, for instance, were light, airy and supremely colorful.
As I mentioned, they were able to host their ceremony on the beach. It was quite breezy.
David transformed this corner of the beach into an oasis with tropical plants, orange and yellow roses, green turf and gold chiavari chairs.
The string ensemble enhanced the mood with beautiful music.
Blue skies and puffy white clouds with an oceanview. Oh my!
In the distance, the clouds weren’t quite as playful, but I love the bridge peaking through them. And a chance to see what was going on nearby at the beach.
Everyone went inside the hotel for the reception. The colors and theme were carried through into these spaces as well.
Cocktails with fruit.
A Mariachi band started off the party with Mexican flair.
A very romantic, warm dinner table. Roses dripping from everywhere and amber plates and glassware.
Candlelight always great for ambiance.
Bringing in the tropical flowers and more vibrant colors on a chocolate cake. Mmmmmm…..
To end the day, what could be better than fireworks?
The bride and groom were definitely surprised and happy with this ending!
Congrats to my hubby, Dave Lee; to our friend and fellow photographer, Critsey Rowe, who is also published in the book; and of course, to the man behind it all, the extremely talented, warm, and charming, David Tutera. It is such an honor and pleasure to work with David and his team- consummate professionals and creative geniuses!
Check back soon for a behind the scenes look at the making of this season 2 episode of My Fair Wedding.
May
06
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing the creative ladies of SD Events. Their team was growing and changing and that called for a new set of photos for this talented crew. So please allow me to introduce…
Tasha Bracken, the founder of SD Events, she not only has vision, but she is extraordinarily calm and organized. When I work with her, I know that my job will be that much easier because she has everything covered.
Next, please meet Ivy Finn. Ivy is the newest member of the team and is known for her unexpected ideas and her enthusiasm. She has created parties from fantistically fun bar and bat mitzvahs to sophisticated charity events.
And finally, Jessica Feroli. Jess is a talented event producer as well as keeping the office in tip-top shape. She loves all of the do-it-yourself projects that go along with event planning and brings her skills to the table with imagination.
The three hanging out in their studio.
If you are looking for a planner for your next event, I would highly recommend giving these ladies a call. They are based outside Boston and have worked around the world. They will wow you with their knowledge and inspired ideas!
Just to give you a taste of the excitement they can bring to an event, check out their studio. I love this space. It’s chic and modern and bold. Simply beautiful!
May
04
A few weeks back, before we had even a hint of spring, we ventured down to New York to meet up with Caitlin and Nick for their engagement session. Not many couples take us up on a winter e-session, but these two were up for enjoying a little fresh air and a beautiful wintery scene. That’s right, Manhattan offered up its best winter look, complete with fluffy flakes of snow. It was magical!
Another little bit of magic, is the story of how they met. Perhaps it is even a bit of movie magic, because they have a When Harry Met Sally story. (One of my all-time fave flix, by the way.) If they were sitting on a couch and recorded it, it would have fit in perfectly.
You see Caitlin and Nick both attended the same weekend music school for 3 years while they were in high school and never met. Nick saw Caitlin perform at their school, but they didn’t meet then either. They even have a photo from their class and they are separated by one row and they never met. Not until they attended a summer program in Colorado did they meet. They enjoyed dating for a few months, but they were headed in different directions for college and didn’t want to be long distance. They saw each other each summer, but they were still focusing on other things. That is until Caitlin took Nick out for his 25th birthday celebration. From that point on, there was no denying that these two were meant to be.
And really you can see what a perfect match they are for each other simply by watching how they look at each other.
Our session took us in and around Lincoln Center to capture their relationship and their connection to music.
And when we got cold, we ventured inside to do a few more photos in their home.
The session was a perfect mix, reflecting their lives, their relationship and their connection to the city. And I can’t imagine a more perfect time of year to do it!
Huge thanks to Caitlin and Nick for being so great to work with and for sharing your music with us! We truly can’t wait for your wedding!
