Dec
26
Details don’t make a wedding, but they certainly can make it elegant, fun, romantic…. you name it. Here’s a bit of inspiration from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding which absolutely was all three of those.
Lindsay’s bouquet with soft pinks, purples, yellows and whites- roses, dahlias, berries and more- it had a romantic country garden feel to it.
Her flower girl’s bouquet with similar flowers in a brighter color pallette- yellows and oranges and pinks- was a perfect complement to Lindsay’s bouquet and the coral dresses the bridesmaids wore.
Lindsay is supremely talented, a graphic designer for a game company, a jewelry designer, a cake designer. She can pretty much do it all. And she certainly had her share of DIY projects. Including this beautiful necklace and the necklaces she game to her bridesmaids, each one unique.
She also made this special something for her hair.
The earrings however were an heirloom, something old.
Because they met at Hasbro and love games, their was tons of whimsy and playfulness in their day. Here, our groom’s boutonniere- with yellow calla lily- has a Scrabble letter attached to it. Happens to be an R for his name, Rob. The groomsmen all had similar flowers with their own letters.
Kiddush cup for their Jewish wedding ceremony under the chuppah.
The look of the ceremony continued with rustic elegance in fall shades.
Another DIY project by the couple, the ringbearer’s pillow with birch bark and moss.
The Garden House at Look Park looked amazing, warm, romantic, elegant. Then the names of each tables are names of games – Life is at the forefront.
They made a game of it, with the escort cards. Guests had pieces from the game on their name card. They had to match the piece to the game to find their table.
View from the sweetheart table, with bride’s bouquet as centerpiece.
At the guests’ tables, a little entertainment- Trivial Pursuit: the Lindsay and Rob Edition.
Cake designed by Lindsay to match her chocolate brown and coral orange theme, as well as the touches of fall.
The printed pieces also stunning. No surprise there. Menu…
Invitation suite.
The sweetest touch: Lindsay and Rob created cookie mixes for guests to take home. We made one batch for their premiere and instantly became addicted. Out of this world delish!
Congrats to Lindsay and Rob on creating a supremely special event in which the details helped tell the story of who you are individually and as a couple.
And many thanks to the wedding experts who made the whole day such a success:
Getting ready location: Ruby Meng from Hotel Northampton
Ceremony venue: Jill Larken from Look Park, Pines Theater
Reception site: Jill Larken from Look Park, Garden House
Wedding planner: Caroline Levin from Sweet Caroline Weddings
Dress boutique: Bridal Heirlooms
Gown designer: Demetrios
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groomâ?(tm)s suit: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen attire: Menswearhouse
Make-up: Karrie Welch
Ceremony musicians: Chari Peno from Con Fuoco Music
Entertainment: Tommy Plante from Hard At Play
Lighting: Jim Powers from CJC Event Lighting
Florist: Heather Sullivan from Durocher Florist
Caterer: Blue Heron Catering
Cake: Susan Forest from Royal Icings
Officiant: Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Want more from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding? Check out their sneak peek, scoop, and PicFlick.
Nov
15
Romance + surprises + games = crazy good times for our bride, groom, their families, and their friends at this Look Park wedding.
Lindsay and Rob kicked off their wedding reception in the Garden House with an awesome first dance. Just the two of them at first….
Then the kids joined in.
And then more guests joined in with choreographed moves. And then more guests. A flash mob of awesome creation. And in the end, it was just Lindsay and Rob again. So fun!
Of course, Lindsay’s mom loved it and had to embrace her daughter.
Rob’s brother and best man entertained guests and Rob with one hell of a great speech.
It doesn’t hurt that he is actually a stand-up comic, but still he had his moments of seriousness.
Lindsay and her dad.
Rob and his mom.
Lindsay and her new step-son.
And Lindsay’s parents enjoying the party. Really, everyone wanted to be on this dancefloor.
And the whole family went up in the chair for the hora. First, Lindsay, then Rob…
Then their daughter and finally their son. He seemed to be enjoying this Jewish tradition.
I love that Lindsay had a chance to dance with her girlfriends too.
The party was wild good times with dancing….
And creative use of the game-inspired table names. (More on this bit of genious in a later blog post.)
Congrats to Lindsay and Rob! A fabulous day to begin a fabulous marriage!
And many thanks to the wedding experts who made the whole day such a success:
Getting ready location: Ruby Meng from Hotel Northampton
Ceremony venue: Jill Larken from Look Park, Pines Theater
Reception site: Jill Larken from Look Park, Garden House
Wedding planner: Caroline Levin from Sweet Caroline Weddings
Dress boutique: Bridal Heirlooms
Gown designer: Demetrios
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen attire: Menswearhouse
Make-up: Karrie Welch
Ceremony musicians: Chari Peno from Con Fuoco Music
Entertainment: Tommy Plante from Hard At Play
Lighting: Jim Powers from CJC Event Lighting
Florist: Heather Sullivan from Durocher Florist
Caterer: Blue Heron Catering
Cake: Susan Forest from Royal Icings
Officiant: Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Want more from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding? Check out their PicFlick.
Nov
01
When I met Lindsay and Rob about a year ago, I didn’t know them at all. They found us through Lindsay’s wedding gown boutique and came in because they liked what they had heard and saw. But all of that changed when we started to get to know each other. We quickly became friends. And really, if you met them, you would find them irrestibly fun and engaging too. They are easy to love- creative, talented, intelligent, so sweet on each other. I loved all of their stories. When they came over last winter to hang out, we played board games (an occupational hazard for them and a lot of fun for all of us). So when their wedding day arrived, it felt like we were going to the wedding of dear friends, and we wanted everything to be perfect for them. In truth, I think it was. So here’s a few of our favorites from their wedding day….
Dave popped by Rob’s room at the Hotel Northampton to see how things were going there. He and his son (aka ringbearer) were finishing getting ready. Loved the tailored suits and ties.
Meanwhile Lindsay was getting ready with the help of Rob’s little girl (aka flower girl).
Separately they made their way to the Pines Theater in Look Park, where they would enjoy a first look before the ceremony. Lindsay was so excited to see Rob she couldn’t wait, so she peeked out at him (his back was to her) from behind the bushes.
Then she walked out and made her way down to him.
If you want to see a few more from this first look (which was sweet and fun), check out their sneak peek on our facebook page. Following the first look, we had a good bit of time to enjoy the park and create portraits. We started with a few in the theater. These glorious trees rise behind the stage.
Then made our way over to the kiddie train. We only had a quick moment here because there was a long line of visitors waiting for the train, but the bridal party was able to hop on quickly.
There is some absolutely beautiful scenery in Look Park; one of my favorite spots is by this river.
Playtime? Absolutely (and this is only the beginning).
A super sweet family portrait.
Our ringbearer was hilarious.
Quick trip to mini-golf before the ketubah signing.
The guests have started to arrive and the kids couldn’t help but play with the bubbles in the field below the stage.
A strong embrace when Rob’s son arrives at the chuppah.
Rob’s daughter spreading rose petals for Lindsay to walk on.
A grand entrance.
So here’s the part where being a friend to the bride and groom can actually present challenges. Rob and Lindsay prepared beautiful and touching vows for each other. I couldn’t help myself; I was in tears, just like everyone else.
After the vows.
After the kiss and the glass stomp, Lindsay and Rob dashed off! It was like all of the pent up feelings of the day were released in a physical expression of energetic joy. (And Dave nearly got run over- too funny!)
They were soon followed by the kids.
More to come from the second half of the day and all of their amazing details.
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.
Oct
12
Though they grew up on the east coast, Lauren and Ryan definitely have a super laid back and relaxed attitude. It might come from their recent years in California or may be the balance to their intrinsically adventurous spirits. Or perhaps it was because their wedding was also a homecoming, offering all the warmth and joy that went with that. Either way, they weren’t worried about anything. They were all about enjoying the moment.
Ironically, Lauren and Ryan may have been the only couple we have worked with that wanted to see each other before their wedding, but couldn’t because it didn’t work in their schedule. So we started off with a few getting ready photos. Ryan getting his boutonniere put on. Loving the silhouette and the line of light around his face.
And the girls helping Lauren with her dress.
And oh what a dress! It fit her like a glove, both literally and figuratively.
So in love with the flower and fabric details on the back.
And her make-up was soft, subtle, classic. Simply beautiful.
Before all the ladies headed downstairs for the ceremony, one helped her mom by pinning on the corsage.
And then Lauren (and her dad who is on the other side of the wall) waited for the call to come down for the ceremony. Still so relaxed.
The ceremony was beautiful, lead by a family friend, including a few special touches like the unity candle.
They kissed at the end of the ceremony. And they kissed again as they were walking down the aisle. Sweetness!
During the cocktail hour, we utilized the Hotel Northampton‘s gorgeous lobby for fireside family portraits. Love this one with their grandmother.
Just as the sun was beginning to set, we popped outside for a few with Lauren and Ryan alone. More smooching!
Eskimo kisses, too.
The party got rolling with some seriously entertaining entrances by the bridal party. Paparazzi fun!
And right into the first dance. Check out their smiles.
Ryan’s bro giving his toast.
And his mom enjoying it.
Kicking it up on the dance floor.
Because we didn’t have a ton of time for portraits earlier in the day and Lauren and Ryan were up for anything, we took a quick spin outside for a few night shots around the hotel.
Then we made use of these super cool old time phone booths (sans phones) inside the hotel.
Love this photo, because I adore the people in it. On the left, our wonderful bride and groom. On the right, Emily and Mark who were married just over 3 years ago, who we have been friends with ever since. So a very BIG thanks to Emily and Mark for introducing us to Lauren and Ryan. We are so grateful.
And an even BIGGER thank you to Lauren and Ryan for choosing us to photograph your wedding. You two are fabulous and your families are lovely. We had such a great time with everyone. Thank you.
And while I am spreading the thanks, a shout out of gratitude to all the pros who helped make Lauren and Ryan’s day so wonderful:
Getting ready venue: Ruby Meng of the Hotel Northampton
Ceremony and reception site: Ruby Meng of the Hotel Northampton
Floral Designer: Valerie Vassaos of VJS Designs
DJ: DJ Mike of MCO Productions
Ceremony Musicians: Joe Belmont of Duo Fusion
Cake: Deb Martin of Cakes by Deborah
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Save the Dates: Shutterfly
Hair: The Lift Salon
Make-up: Brooks & Butterfield
Wedding gown designer: Galina Signature
Bridesmaids dresses: Alexia Designs at Pronuptia Bridal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s suits: Jos. A. Bank
Want more? And you should because I had a really tough time narrowing these down to a reasonable number. Check out Lauren and Ryan’s slideshow.
Apr
19
Last night, Jackie and William came over for the premiere of their engagement session photos. The viewing of the photos was a central part of the evening to be sure, but honestly I just had so much fun getting to know them better. I knew their story, the story of how they met, that is; and a good bit about their wedding planning. But now I feel like I know so much more about them, such as that they love good food and they enjoy cooking together. So then they tipped us off to a great Boston secret- a culinary school for average folk in Cambridge. We can’t wait to try it out.
But I digress, this entry is really about their engagement session, which was a blast! We journeyed down to Princeton University where they met while attending a reunion. It was the perfect location to do their engagement session. We were happy to oblige and found a weekend in early April that worked for everyone, including Naomi and Jack of Generations Cinemastories, who came down to film their story.
With a backdrop as beautiful as Princeton’s campus, we were truly experiencing an embarrassment of riches. Add to that all of the connections that they have to their school and we ended up shooting for hours. We would have kept on going if the daylight hadn’t left us.
We wandered around campus with Jackie and William pointing out favorite spots from their time at Princeton as well as the important locations from the weekend when they met and fell in love.
They saw each other for the first time in this amazing library in Chancellor Green.
In the courtyard outside the library.
William’s dining club from his year’s at Princeton, called Tower, also happens to be one of the places where they met up during the reunion weekend. The light shining through the doorway was glittery and magical when we popped in to look around.
Naomi and Jack took a few moments to interview Jackie and William.
Of course, early April on the East coast is hit or miss as far as weather goes. Clearly Jackie and William have done something right with their lives, because we were so lucky. They had the most perfect weather and all of the stars were aligned for trees full of blossoms. I am a magnolia fanatic so this was heavenly.
For mom….
For our fabulous couple….
Apparently Princeton has some very fun traditions, and Jackie and William were holding out on us until the very end of our session. It is customary for each class to have their own reunion uniform when they come back for reunion weekend. Celebrating the school’s colors- orange, black and white- and their mascot- the tiger- Jackie and William donned the outfits they wore that weekend for a few photos around Princeton’s landmark tigers at Nassau Hall.
I just have to close with one image that’s a bit more abstract, but I think it expresses what it must have felt like for Jackie and William to find each other. They were in what I imagine was a somewhat crowded space attending a reunion party and somehow they saw each other; the world slipped away. I created this in the library where they met for the first time and the effect is done completely in camera.
Of course this is only a glimpse of all the fun we had, so if you want to see a few more, definitely check out their slideshow.
Apr
06
When last I shared about Judy and Burgess’ Blackhawk Country Club wedding, we left off with the elation that followed the ceremony. Next up, portraits (which Dave knew would be great after their awesome engagement session), cocktail hour and then one heck of a party.
This might just be my favorite image from the day. It is very simple and direct, and I love the reflection of the sky behind them.
Judy and Burgess had lots of guests coming up and congratulating them. Judy looks so happy to receive the warm wishes.
Judy’s maid of honor shared a first look at Judy’s new name.
The speeches were hilarious. Perhaps Burgess doesn’t think so at this moment.
Everyone wanted to get involved.
Burgess and his groomsmen serenaded Judy.
Enjoying their first dance as husband and wife.
Later, Judy changed into her qipao. The games played during the reception are some of the most fun moments at a Chinese wedding. Judy and Burgess actually got their guests involved in the fun. What the guests did, Judy and Burgess did.
I had to share just one more image from the night. Clearly everyone was having an amazing time. But no one would have expected this fantastic hug attack. Too funny!
If you would like to see more from Judy and Burgess’ wedding, definitely check out their PicFlick.
Mar
22
After seeing Judy and Burgess’ engagement session, you can see why Dave was so excited to photograph their wedding. They are super fun, love playing with the camera, and totally sweet on each other. So without further ado, a few faves from the first part of the day….
Judy got ready at Blackhawk Country Club, where they would also be celebrating their wedding ceremony and reception.
The boys arrived early enough to take a few portraits. Looks like they had a good time! Love that each one has a different expression- totally get a sense of their personalities.
The clouds were playing with the light, letting bits in here and there. The hills look luminous in this photo. Can you believe this amazing view from the ceremony site?
While waiting for the ceremony to begin, we always enjoy taking photos of the guests.
Then the fun began. Everyone was pretty excited to see Judy as she walked down the aisle.
Watching during the ceremony.
Judy listening to Burgess’ vows.
Putting the ring on. Sometimes this can present challenges.
No problems with the kiss, however.
Celebrating!!!!
The ring in question….
I just have to close with a couple of their portraits. So sweet together!
Lots more from the day and their details still to come, but if you need more right now, check out their engagement session story and PicFlick.
Feb
04
The past two weekends were spent being inspired. We attended two bridal shows, the Baystate Bridal Show and the Great Brial Expo at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. There were so many amazing people at each that I just had to share a little bit of the fun.
First of all, the stories I heard from brides and grooms were absolutely wonderful. This is the biggest reason I enjoy the shows. It gives me a chance to meet so many wonderful people and get a taste of their romantic stories- like the gentleman who proposed on a gondola in Venice, Italy.
Or the young man who asked his fiance to marry him while they were taking a road trip to Chicago, on their way to see her best friend and then to see her family for Thanksgiving; it was like a proposal and engagement party all in one.
Or the gent who swept his love off to Disney World for a get away, planned a fabulous dinner at the Grand Floridian. At the end of the evening, he snuck her out for a private cruise on the lagoon where a special dessert awaited them. Beneath that evening’s fireworks, he popped the question.
Yes, it’s true. I am a total romantic and a complete sucker for these stories, both grand and intimate. Love it! And I got a quite a fix at the shows.
Also at the shows, I got to meet some amazing vendors. I spent a good deal of time with a few of them. Namely, the wedding cake bakers. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm. Not only do these artists create a sweetness from the heavens, they make their cakes absolutely beautiful. So while I can’t share the taste, I thought I would share a few of the more creative cakes.
A few of my favorites from Konditor Meister…
Feels like something you would find in France. Love the script on the sides of the cake.
Perhaps Russian inspired like a Fabergé egg.
From the sea.
Springtime cake.
Autumn cake- love the rich colors; very unique.
Asian influence with bamboo.
And a couple from Ivy’s Fine Cakes…
Very sparkly – crystals galore.
Feels like a surprise from Tiffany’s.
Congrats to all of the wonderful couples and many thanks to these two vendors for sharing samples of their amazing work.
