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.

And finally, David and David.

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.

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.

We were lucky enough to have a picture perfect, sunny afternoon. After meeting up at Boston’s Courthouse area, we dove into the shoot along Fort Point Channel.

On the docks…

Love this scene.

Dancing under the bridge.

It had been raining pretty much the whole week prior to our portrait session,which left us with lots of reflective puddles.

Playing with the industrial look. Great contrast between their soft vibrancy and the gray harsh background.

Enjoying a moment.

Love the Barking Crab’s bright redness.

In reflection.

We walked over by the Children’s Museum to enjoy the shade of the willow trees.

And really cool white rock sculptures.

After the session was finished, we all enjoyed a bite to eat. Not only was it fun working with our crew, we had a great time catching up and hanging out. Thank you all for sharing your time and your talents.

It looks like the video will be ready soon, so these are really just to whet your appetite. I hope you enjoyed!

We have had the great pleasure of celebrating 4 weddings with Beth and Bud and their family! It all started when their daughter Emily married Mark. Emily and Mark chose to get married at the Sonoma Mission, where her parents had wed. And amongst their portraits, they wanted their own version of this image from Beth and Bud’s wedding. Last year at Lauren and Steve’s wedding, we discovered that Beth and Bud shared an anniversary with the newlyweds. And when Emily told us that her mom was an avid reader of our blog, we couldn’t wait to celebrate her nuptials as well. So 40 years ago, plus a day (I was out of the studio yesterday) these two fabulous people tied the knot. I am certain it was a beautiful event, filled with warmth, love and joy. We are so happy for you, Beth and Bud, and hope your ruby anniversary was amazing.