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.
Mar
11
The sparkles and sounds of Amber and Tyler’s wedding fit together perfectly with the taste and scents from the food and floral. From top to bottom and with all five senses, Amber created a feeling of city elegance.
Tyler chose Amber’s engagement ring with help from Amber’s mom, who also happens to be a jeweler. When they were ready to select their wedding bands, her mom was happy to help the couple find a perfect match.
Amber’s complete look- from head to toe- in style. Earrings, veil, hair, wedding dress, bouquet and rings… Beautiful.
A closer look at her birdcage veil, styled with jewels and feathers, and her teardrop diamond earrings.
After the ceremony, the veil was removed, but the feathered and jeweled comb for her hair stayed to add a sense of whimsy. Also check out Tyler’s distinguised black-tie tux with the singular white rose boutonniere.
The sounds that filled the air that evening can only be attributed to Keith Johnson and the AM Radio. They kept the dancing going and the guests entertained.
Actually Tyler also helped with the entertainment. He sang one special song just for Amber.
Though he knew the song, he wasn’t taking any chances.
I can’t think of anything more romantic. He even had a single red rose for his new wife. She rewarded him with a sweet kiss.
With the nerves set aside, it was time to party. Dancing to the great band was no problem for our groom!
And that completes the details from Amber and Tyler’s stunning wedding. If you would like to see the more from their wedding, I would recommend checking out their slideshow.
The pros involved in this wedding were amazing. Another round of thanks to:
Ceremony Venue: Borgia Room at The Westin St. Francis
Reception Venue: Alexandra’s at The Westin St. Francis
Hair: Antonio Cabral
Make-up: Aida Morano from Aida’s Custom Cosmetics
Gown Designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Siri
Groom’s tux: Canali
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Selix Rentals
Cake: Shinmin from I Dream of Cake
Floral Design: Jeffrey from J Floral Art
Band: Keith Johnson and AM Radio
Ceremony Musician: Amber’s stepfather, Carl Weimer
Invitations: William Arthur
Mar
08
You’ve probably already noted that Amber and Tyler‘s wedding at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel above Union Square was all about city sophistication and classic style. She continued the look and theme with her floral design; limiting the type and color of flowers highlighted the texture and gave the whole look a cohesive feel.
For her own bouquet, held here by her bridesmaid during the ceremony, she chose white orchids with yellow centers.
Her bridesmaids’ bouquets were also a single flower type and color- all merlot calla lillies. They just feel like an flower for an evening event.
Together the ladies looked great- white on white for the bride and deep red with chocolate brown for the bridesmaids.
Corsages for the moms continued the look- deep red orchids.
To add to the elegance of the ceremony in the Borgia Room, white candles of varying heights and types were places on the mantle over the fireplace. They were surrounded by garnet roses and greenery.
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For the reception table decor in Alexandra’s, multiple containers were used on each table. Each had a different single flower type in complimentary colors; all the containers were varing sizes. The monochromatic look came together in a sophisticated way.
Up close…
From a distance…
One of my favorite touches was this monogram. The bride and groom’s formal initials laid on a bed of flowers- roses, dahlias, lilies, orchids- with lights around the edges.
Congrats to Jeffrey from J Floral Art for creating such a stunning look for Amber and Tyler.
Mar
03
Sophistication. Elegance. Cosmopolitan. All words that describe Amber and Tyler’s chic San Francisco wedding at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square. Selecting the location was key to creating the feel they were looking for. The hotel’s history, decor and architecture all added to the beauty of their day.
The ceremony took place in this fabulous space, the Borgia Room. I am enchanted by the wood panelling and the gorgeous ceiling. The chandeliers are not too shabby either.
I love the fireplace as the central focus point for the space and the wedding.
Even the hallways are magnificent at the St. Francis Hotel. They made for an excellent portrait location on a day when going outdoors just wasn’t possible.
As the guests made their way to the reception in Alexandra’s, they were treated to more elegant touches. The seat assignments were listed on this scroll.
Each place setting had a special gift awaiting the guest.
A Surf and Turf dinner soon arrived- quality to match any restaurant in San Francisco. And if you have tasted the food in San Francisco, you know that is truly high praise.
Champagne toasts followed the meal.
The reception space was gorgeous. I especially loved this mural behind the band, so beautifully lit.
And for a greater sense of the room, from our bride and groom’s perspective.
Through a doorway.
From the band’s perspective.
And the wedding dinner wouldn’t have been complete without a few tasty treats to cap off the day.
First a platter of desserts.
And then this stunning cake- wrapped in white chocolate sheets and decorated with dark chocolate swirls and roses. Amazingly elegant.
To add a sense of whimsy to the day, an adorable super hero cat groom’s cake.
More details and inspiration from Amber and Tyler’s wedding to follow soon. If you would like to see more from their day now, check out their story and their slideshow.
The pros:
Ceremony Venue: Borgia Room at The Westin St. Francis
Reception Venue: Alexandra’s at The Westin St. Francis
Hair: Antonio Cabral
Make-up: Aida Morano from Aida’s Custom Cosmetics
Gown Designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Siri
Groom’s tux: Canali
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Selix Rentals
Cake: Shinmin from I Dream of Cake
Floral Design: Jeffrey from J Floral Art
Band: Keith Johnson and AM Radio
Ceremony Musician: Amber’s stepfather, Carl Weimer
Invitations: William Arthur
Nov
30
Twelve years ago, Tyler met Amber. He knew she was the one. And last month they were married.
For their the quintessential San Francisco wedding, Amber and Tyler chose the venerable Westin St. Francis Hotel which was built before the 1906 Earthquake. This historic Union Square hotel has hosted presidents and movie stars alike. It was the perfect backdrop for Amber and Tyler’s elegant city wedding.
For this wedding, I teamed up with our associate, Christine, and we started the day with Amber as she was completing the final touches to her look.
I set up a few photos of the shoes and the dress.
Love the light.
Making sure everything is just right.
We had a little time before the ceremony so we took the opportunity to take some portraits of Amber. She was simply striking.
She looked so glamorous; we had to capture her amazing fashion and style.
Then off to the ceremony, where Amber and Tyler said their "I do’s." and then this image which comes from the end of the ceremony would be the “We did’s”.
The portraits are often the first alone time our couples have on their wedding day. We were happy to step back and let them enjoy the moment.
Tyler with the bouquet in one hand and the new ring on the other. Definitely a married man. Welcome to the club, Tyler!
Such a touching and romantic first dance…
The night just got better and better as Tyler surprised Amber by serenading her with a red rose in hand.
Amber’s reaction.
Then a passionate embrace.
I have many favorite images from the day, but this is Jo’s favorite. It pretty much sums up their passion, their tenderness, their class, their glamorous hollywood style, and the feel of the whole wedding.
Thank you, Amber and Tyler, for inviting Christine and I into your most amazing day. We are so glad we could be a part of it.
Also many thanks to the pros who helped Amber and Tyler make their wedding a beautiful reality!
The team at the Westin was fabulous! It was wonderful to work with you.
Ceremony Venue: Borgia Room at The Westin St. Francis
Reception Venue: Alexandra’s at The Westin St. Francis
Hair: Antonio Cabral
Make-up: Aida Morano from Aida’s Custom Cosmetics
Gown Designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Siri
Groom’s tux: Canali
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Selix Rentals
Cake: Shinmin from I Dream of Cake
Floral Design: Jeffrey from J Floral Art
Band: Keith Johnson and AM Radio
Ceremony Musician: Amber’s stepfather, Carl Weimer
Invitations: William Arthur
If you would like to see more from Amber and Tyler’s city soiree, definitely check out their slideshow.
