A couple of days ago, I met up with Janine and Mike at Longwood Gardens for their engagement session. They are getting married in a few months in Florida, and I was lucky enough to have them choose me to photograph their portraits here. We all walked around the gardens on a warm July day and had a nice relaxed time making some really nice portraits for them. Even if I don't photograph a couples wedding, it's still an honor to be selected to capture any type of pictures for them.
Well, this may be one of the most memorable weddings I will have been part of for a very long time. And it's because it almost didn't happen. NOT why you may think. The night before Chrissy and Ryan's wedding, a big storm rolled through South Jersey (up near Philly and me, it was just a normal rainy night). When my talented second shooter, Ashley, and I arrived in Ventnor, we noticed that most of the traffic lights and even the shops had no power. Ashley was going to be with the guys, getting ready. Ryan and his groomsmen, at this point, trying to stay cool - in more than one way. It was VERY hot and humid (not uncommon for the Jersey Shore), but he told me that the church and the county club were both without power. I headed over to meet up with Chrissy and the bridesmaids. Their house, out of the whole block and most of the area, was one of very few with any power left. The church was all set for a warm, but dimly lit ceremony. The country club told them that they only had enough back up generators to keep the food warm... but no way to cook it first, or even supply power for the DJ. What were they to do? Do they reschedule and keep their original plans of celebrating at the country club on a later date, or do they try to find a plan B? There was definitely some stress through the air, but even still, Chrissy wore a brave face. It paid off too... only a little bit later, and lots of phone calls from both sides of the bridal party, a new reception location was secured! The Old Waterway Inn said they had power for food and the DJ's equipment (but no AC) and would hustle and bustle and make today their wedding day!
On to the church! It was warm, and it was a little dark - but the ceremony went out, otherwise, completely as planned. A short drive to the beach and we were able to get all of the bridal party's pictures done. A 25 minute drive than took us to the Old Waterway Inn. Their staff arrived for work that day thinking it was just going to be another normal Saturday, only to find out about an hour later there would be 140+ guests showing up.
When the first talk of changing the date rolled around, Chrissy got a message from Ryan, while I was with her, and his words were, "We're getting married today, no matter where we go" :) These two took on a power outtage that affected almost 4 million people, and now have a wonderful and happy wedding story to always tell.
Last week, I met up with Adriana and Peter near their home in Hoboken, NJ to photograph their engagement session. They are getting married in Texas later this year, but wanted pictures in their home town. Living right near Pier "C", we took advantage of the amazing sky line of New York City, in the background, and had some awesome golden sunlight the whole time! From the time I walked in their front door, these two were so friendly, but Adriana seemed a bit nervous. A few minutes a final prep and some jokes to break the ice further, and the 3 of us were off. I would say, about 5.... MAYBE 10 minutes into the actually shooting part of the session, those nerves wore off and these two just had a great time with each other. LOTS of laughs, and I mean LOTS OF LAUGHS. As we walked around, we were able to use the Empire State Building and also the Freedom Tower (I was told Peter has a fascination for it) as back drops. Not to be out done by the buildings, their chiuaua, Diego, was brought down for the last few pictures. He was kinda tired, and I think he was ready for his dinner, but we got some fun shots with him too.
Adriana and Peter - It was a blast working with you two - Best wishes on your wedding in Texas - here's your engagement session preview! 
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!
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!
