Susan and Louis - wedding

Susan found me by way of my good friend and portrait photographer, Mandy Karangelen.  Susan and Louis had planned a nice intimate and small wedding to be at their house in Northern New Jersey.  They beauty about "backyard weddings" is while most people choose to keep the details a little more laid back and simple, the guest list is usually more laid back also. There were two tents set up.  One in the front yard for the ceremony, and one in the driveway for the dinner and dancing.  Led down the aisle by her son, Susan had Louis holding his breathe as she walked towards him.  He let out a HUGE breathe of relief and relaxation once she got to him.  Their children were the bridal party.

Following the ceremony, I borrowed Susan and Louis for a few minutes to capture some relaxed portraits around their house, before the reception kicked off.  The rest of the night was a ton of fun to be a part of... and both of them we so appreciative of everything, it made being there even more of a pleasure.

Enjoy their preview!

Terry and Chad - Philadelphia Wedding

Last weekend, I met with Chad and Terry for the first time.   That isn't out of the ordinary, but their wedding was only 4 days away!  Terry and Chad had decided to get married, and plan the entire wedding - with in a week! They told me about 30 people total would be there (I've been part of wedding days that there are nearly 30 people in the whole wedding party), so I already knew that this would be a different feeling, albeit a fun wedding to shoot.  They explained to me their vision and plans for the day.  After some brief coverage of them getting ready at their loft near Fishtown, they were then going down to the Schuylkill River running path.  They and their guests were going to walk down, find a spot and just choose that place to get married.  After the short ceremony, they planned for a brunch at Bistro St. Tropez.  Well, the day of the wedding came, and their plans fell exactly into place.  I met them at their loft for some getting ready pictures and just of the two of them relaxing before a very low key, but very meaningful wedding.  Terry took on the challenge of a DIY bouquet - with stunning results!   We all then met up at the ramp leading down to the running path and made our way to a rock (boulder) that Chad and Terry had scouted out before hand.  They said their vows in front of their family and very close friends... and a ton of runners and bikers too (and maybe 1 or 2 rollerbladers ;) ).  After the impromptu ceremony, we took some formal pictures with the family and then just meandered our way up to the Bistro, stopping and taking some relaxed, natural portraits that I love doing.

Here's their highlights!

Krista and Mark - Aldie Mansion Wedding

Having shot their engagement session only a few weeks ago, it was really nice to see Krista and Mark again so soon!  As I mentioned in the previous post, I have known Krista's family for a long time now, and it was truly an honor to be part of their wedding day at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown.  A big shout out goes to my good friend (and bowling league teammate), David Mielcarek - for his help as my second shooter.   This day, in particular was a very emotional day, and I was very happy to be able to be part of it.  Krista, Mark, their families and friends all came to have a good time.  And it was clear from the beginning it was going to happen!  

Kari and Joel - Wedding

Well, my last engagement session of 2011 turned out to be the first wedding of 2012.  The January wedding brought about some chilly temperatures, but some GORGEOUS light outside.  Assisted by my friend Ashley Bartoletti, we all met up at the always beautiful Normandy Farms, in Blue Bell. As we started out with the getting ready, Kari definitely had a case of nervousness to her - But Ashley told me that while she was working with the guys, Joel seemed a bit nervous too.  Well, if it was true, the second these two saw each other during their first look, all of those nerves MELTED away.  From that point on, they we so relaxed and ready for all of the fun to begin!

After a very well done ceremony - preformed by a friend of theirs, everyone moved to the ceremony in the main ballroom.  Kurt of Synergetic Sounds kept the music going all night, made sure that the new bride and groom got their share of dancing in.

If this wedding was any remote indication of how the rest of my 2012 weddings will be, let me just say how excited I am!

Crista and Tom - Florentine Gardens Wedding

My last wedding of the season took me up to North Jersey again.  Crista and Tom were married at Florentine Gardens.  Crista and Tom are mutual friends of my good friend, and fellow photographer, Mandy and a fun crew from Hoboken. During Crista and Tom's engagement session, the 3 of us had a ton of fun walking around the pier that the spent a lot of time together working with the Relay for Life.  Fast forward to the day of the wedding, and all of that fun was added to by the level of excitement for the day!

As we got ready for the "First Look", Tom heard Crista coming around the corner and just couldn't help but to start smiling and laughing.  She heard the laughing and started laughing herself. It was a great time and I'm sure they will both remember that for a long time!

The ceremony was filled with happy tears and a little humor too.  Once the wedding reception kicked off, even more fun was had.  Everyone took to the dance floor and really showed that they knew how to have a good time.

Enjoy!!

Tom's "Tebow" impression.