Danielle and Mark - Wildwood Engagement Session

Driving from Philadelphia to Wildwood on a clear sunny day, was very relaxing.  I met up with Danielle and Mark to walk around the boardwalk and the shore for their engagement session.   They weren't sure what to expect from this photo shoot, so we got right into it by riding on the pirate ship ride around the pier.  Me being only 3... MAYBE 4... feet around from them for the first 5-10 minutes really got them used to the camera quick :) The boardwalk was in the last weekend of being open before the season ended, so we had a lot of open space to wander around.  At one point we ended up under the board walk.  The light streaming in was absolutely gorgeous and we just had to use it.  From there we headed out to the beach.  We made a quick detour before going down to the waterline though.  As we were walking up to the board walk earlier, we heard and saw a MONSTER TRUCK SHOW going on!  So naturally we had to use them for the background.

A stop for some video games, then ice cream at Kohr Brothers, our session ended.  It was a great fun shoot.  I really enjoyed spending time with these two and I'm really excited to be part of their wedding next year.

Karin and Mike - Philadelphia Westin Wedding

Karin and Mike came to find me through some mutual friends about a year ago.  After meeting up and shooting their engagement session around the Azalea Garden in Philadelphia, I was asked to be part of their wedding day too.  I was stoked because I had a really good time getting to know these two! The day of their wedding felt like it came up so quickly (I'm sure every one of you bride and grooms can say the same thing).  My good friend and very talented photographer Ashley Bartoletti was able to be my second photographer (which I think is ALWAYS a plus to every wedding).  As we started out the day with the ladies getting ready, the rooms at the Westin in Philadelphia were very active.  The make up team did an amazing job with the ladies, and the guys had a great and relaxed time too.  The flowers provided by Carl Alan were stunning.   As I finished up with the ladies getting ready, Ashley followed the guys over to Rittenhouse Square where Karin would see Mike for their first look.  After a little monkey business in the park, the guys let Mike head off to see Karin.

I'm personally a fan of allowing the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding - I think it allows them a chance to really get to spend some good private (while being documented) time before being rushed into the hustle and bustle of the wedding.  Now, don't get me wrong, I still love the emotion and surprise of see that look on the grooms face as his new bride walks down the aisle too.  Karin and Mike's first look was awesome though.  He was so surprised and genuinely excited to see her and as soon as they saw each other you could just tell that the nervousness melted off.

Following a few portraits and group shots, we took the bus down to Race Street Pier, which is where Mike had proposed to Karin.  The sun seemed to know that we needed a little cooperation that day because when we needed sun, it was there, when we needed a little shade, the clouds rolled in.  A quick stop to Broad Street for the classic Philadelphia City Hall background, then back to the Westin for the ceremony and reception.

Both went off perfectly and so smoothly that it there's no description even needed.

Here's their preview:

Lyndsey and Tim - Wedding

This weekend, I got to photograph Lyndsey and Tim's wedding.  We did their engagement session just a few months ago and had a really fun time.  The day of the wedding rolled around, and it was filled with just as much fun.   Starting the day with Lyndsey, I was immediately welcomed by the rest of her family and friends.  As she finished up getting ready, Lyndsey, squeezed into the back seat of her dads car, to make our way to the church in Newtown. Before the ceremony started, Lyndsey and Tim called each other and spent a few minutes in very private team praying together before seeing each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle.  It was a ceremony filled with emotion and smiles from Lyndsey, Tim and each of their guests.  After the ceremony, we headed to the courtyard for a large group picture with the whole guest count.

We then arrived at Tyler State Park (the same place we finished up with their engagement session).  The light at this point of the day was a photographers dream!  Gorgeous, golden, soft light streaming in, but with just enough shade from the trees to give a contrast.  We cut the bridal party loose so that we could finish up with one more idea I had.  Tim zipped his truck up the rock road for something fun, and not your common wedding picture (I think it will be their favorite - it's mine ;) )

After another short stop, it was onto the reception.  Lots of dancing, some good food and the festivities were underway.  During the evening, I stole them away, just for a few minutes, to take a few pictures of the sunset.  Even though we only had a parking lot to work with, when the light and scene is there, it's no problem to get a fantastic sunset image!

Congrats Lyndsey and Tim - Enjoy!

Philadelphia Fireworks at Penns Landing

This is a few days behind, but each year during the 4th of July holiday, while taking time to remember what this country was built on, I love watching fireworks! This year, I made it down to the Penns Landing show.  I parked in the Dave and Busters parking garage and had a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin bridge.  The fireworks were being launched from just next to the Camden Aquarium, so I knew my best chance would only come if the fireworks were launched high enough.  Fortunately, a few were!

Here's just a few of the shots I took.

Valerie and Jason - Engagement session

So like a few recent sessions, I know Valerie from past couples.  I photographer her brother's wedding about 2 years ago, and was really happy to be part of this family's important day again! I met up with Valerie and Jason at Yards Brewery , but unfortunately they were doing some renovations, so we had to come up with plan B.  Right around the corner was Frankford Hall - it was a perfect location for such a relaxed session.  We all grabbed a drink and while they snacked on the Bavarian pretzel and played some Tumbling Blocks (also known as generic Jenga), I snapped some pictures.  Without a big crowd there, we were able to  go about our session with very little interruption and had an all around blast!