and she was planning to move there.
They had both done extensive volunteer work in the US, both on NY construction projects, and also working with disaster relief post-hurrican Katrina. Emily had also worked in Bethel for four years, and Ryan had graduated from a special ministers school here in the US pre-moving-to-Europe. Yet they barely knew each other until....
Albania.
Ryan was serving in the region, and was assigned to head up part of a Kingdom Hall construction project there in Kosovo. He had that heard Emily would be in the area for that build project also, so asked if she could work with him and his crew. Emily says it was because she could understand the names of tools in English and apothecary non-metric measurements. I'm kind of doubtful, but that's the story : )
As it turned out, that few weeks of working together on the Kingdom Hall led to a strong friendship, and maybe much more- but was it mutual?
After countless long workday conversations and hours spent in a coffee shop after the workdays finished, their own beautiful love story journal was beginning its opening chapters.
A funny thing with their families- they go waaaayyyyy back! Ryan's uncle John, who gave their beautiful wedding talk, used to be Emily's dad's roommate back in Brooklyn decades ago. And Emily actually used to work with Ryan's mom when they commuted together to Bethel. It seemed that, if their parents could have arranged this marriage, they definitely would have!
So although I could go on and on and write a book about these two Americans in Albania and their love story, it's time to let you see some highlights from their beautiful wedding day, as the remainder of the digital developing work is completed. Be sure to check out the piggy back ride he gave her as she preserved her injured foot for the ceremony and dancing, as well as Ryan's chivalrous knight-in-shining-armour gallantry as he carried Emily to the pretty flowering trees along Red Mills Road for their post-first-look portrait time. Enjoy!
Her grandma's eyes teared up- Just before the ceremony started, Inara could be seen tenderly wiping those tears away with a tissue. Her gentle demeanor and softly spoken words exuded tranquility.
He laughed easily, his eyes beaming. Yet despite his jovial temperment, this was also a man of courage; a man willing to deal with any change, any challenge, to be near her.
Gorgeous in every season, the winter fairy- tale setting at Oheka Castle on Long Island's north shore was the perfect venue for them to celebrate their day; together with family and friends from both nearby, and very far away.
It was an honor for us to have a small share in this never -to -be- forgotten wedding.
Congratulations to you both! May you live forever in happiness!!
Wedding venue: Oheka Castle, Huntington, Long Island
Flowers: Melarosa
Gown: Eve of Miladay
Make Up: Charlene Armstrong
Music: Marc Macintosh
]]>
Jordan's grandparents vowed to love each other forever. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary by attending the wedding of their first and dearly loved grandson to his beautiful bride, Raquel, in New Paltz, NY.
And so their family's love has come full circle- Together with Raquel's family and their countless friends to complete their happiness, it was a day for nothing but joy!
Jordan and Raquel met when she visited with mutual friends. She was living in another country at the time, but when she eventually relocated to New York, their friendship grew...
He was a charming California-raised cowboy, gentle yet strong; smart yet humble.
Her friends were convinced that this guy was absolutely perfect for her...and eventually, she realized it too!
Their winter wedding day was unseasonably warm and rainy, with a surreal foggy mist wafting up from the frozen snow covered ground. It made their portraits look almost like paintings, and we could simply not have asked for a more adorable couple, nor a more beautiful wedding day... Congrats, Jordan & Raquel!
Makeup: Jaime Brock (bridalmakeupbyJaimeb.com)
Hair: Janith Bloedorn (Patterson, NY, formerly of Minneapolis, MN)
Getting Ready/ First Look: Minnewaska Lodge, Gardiner, NY (special thanks to Patrick for his help with allowing us to move the lobby around due to the pouring rain outside!!)
Hangout/ pre ceremony with friends and family (Please, more brides, do this- it was so perfect!): The Cafeteria in New Paltz
Ceremony: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, New Paltz
Reception: Pine Bush, NY fire house- So much fun!!!!
Fabulous Mariachi Band: Los Reyes (201-875-0448)
DJ's: James and John of DJcubed
After their first look and portraits, they met up with friends and family pre ceremony at the Cafeteria, a funky, eclectic coffee house in New Paltz. This was such a fabulous addition to the day, allowing for more time to be with friends and family.
After the Cafeteria, it was time to go to the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall, just a few minutes away. The talk was warm, personal, touching, funny, and beautiful. There, they took their vows before God and those they loved, and officially became Mr & Mrs C.
After family portraits, which are all in the digital darkroom right now, it was on to the best reception! So Much Fun!!
Enjoy these highlights from the day while the rest of the digital darkroom developing goes on for a little while longer.
Congrats to the perfect pair! Happy honeymooning, and may you both live happily ever after!
]]>
So you probably had a few paparazzi photos from the proposal to share on IG-
But for your actual engagement session with your real photographer, how can you make sure you look your best in the photos?
Here are a few ideas to help
What outfit choices work well in photos:
Guys:
layers
Dark pants or jeans
Solid colored button down shirts
Jackets, vests, sweaters, scarves, hats (but nothing baggy)
Real shoes (rather than sneakers, sandals, etc, unless you're on the beach)
Girls:
layers
Fitted top/dress with sleeves, in a solid color, that works with your eyes and skin tone
Or if wearing a sleeveless top or dress, bring along a fitted sweater/ jacket with sleeves that works with the strapless item
(Most of us hate the way our bare upper arms look in unposed photos, or seeing armpits in snuggly or hugging pictures)
shoes or boots that are comfortable enough, but still cute
manicured nails
tailored jackets or fitted sweaters that come in at the waist or have a belt
scarves/vests/jewelry options
props like chalkboards and '&' signs from Hobby Lobby, if you like
hats
What outfit choices don't work so well in photos:
Guys: Shorts, Solid white shirts, plaids or big prints on anything, Polo shirts, t shirts, sweatshirts, logo shirts of any kind, baggy anything, skinny clothes, sneakers, baseball caps, necklaces, or rings
Girls: Shorts, Solid white tops (but a solid white dress is awesome : ), plaid anything, big prints on anything, loose sweaters or jackets, sneakers, anything without a defined waist (think 'hourglass'), rings other than your engagement ring (detracts from and confuses the mind of the viewer, who subconsciously is looking for your engagement ring)
Optional: eyeglasses
If you want to identify the year and it's trends in the future, keep them on. But if you want a timeless look, think about wearing contacts or taking off your glasses for at least part of your session. Frames will instantly identify when your photos were taken for decades to come.
This groom wore a white shirt and his future bride, a white skirt/black top in the pic above. They truly had a great time at their e-sess & loved their photos....That said, imho, if her skirt and his shirt had more visual separation and their outfits had been complimentary but not identical colors, I think they might have loved their photos even more!
J. wore a checked shirt-small or subtle prints are fine. R. picked a solid green top that made her beautiful eyes stand out.
Tip for you winter e-session clients who love the snowy look, but don't want to freeze: Think of a place you may have access to, such as a greenhouse, barn, building lobby, or anywhere semi-warm & with pretty window light; to allow for indoor and outdoor winter sessions without too much frostbite!
Enjoy a few all-seasons engagement photos to inspire you! : )
Please, girls, learn from T. and don't hesitate a moment to wear the flowy, swirly dress in your fave color!
And if bold prints just make you happy, just do you- there are no hard and fast rules!
]]>outdoor wedding ceremony at The Roxbuy Motel last Saturday. http://www.theroxburymotel.com/
As gentle snow fell from the heavens and clung to surrounding tree branches and the ground, they stood beside a picturesque river and promised to love each other, to take care of each other, and to remember this moment forever.
Their winter wonderland ceremony location was exquisite- but their getting ready suites were uber cool in a different way.
Siobhan confessed that she would have preferred the I Dream of Jeannie suite, but it was booked- Instead, without seeing each other, they used the two bedroom, two bath, two -story Final Fronteir (Star Trek) suite for their preparations.
It really did feel like the Enterprise. With a wedding. Love that trancends space or time.... ; )
Roberto was ready and waiting by the river.
When Siobhan's gown zipper got stuck, I tried and tried, but was unable to make it move.
The officiant and co-owner of the Roxbury, Greg, kindly asked if we were ready, since Roberto was outside in the snowstorm waiting for his bride.
"No, the zipper is stuck- do you have any safety pins?", I asked.
Greg went well beyond the call of duty and came to the rescue, not only fixing the gowns' zipper somehow, but also helping her with the veil- which was perfect-
His doing that allowed me to pick up my camera again, and record Siobhan's precious reaction as she saw her own beautiful reflection as a bride....
Outside,
Roberto watched with concern, pride, and tender affection as she carefully walked the slippery, snowy riverside path in her heels, until she arrived safely at his side. And then Greg performed the touching ceremony.
My husband and I had first met them on a brunch cruise in the city....
It was about two years ago, and we chatted a little before and after I helped them get a few keeper phone pics.... they had taken some not-so great selfies in the harsh sunlight, and eventually handed me her phone and asked if I could take their picture.
Of course, they were so cute I just had to ask if I coukd gently pose/position them and put them into a more flattering light. Shavon looked at the phone snaps I took, asked if I was professional photographer, and then asked for my card.
"In case we ever need you", she said.
I honestly never expected for her to keep that card for years.....
When she emailed me, she included that old brunch cruise photo of she and Roberto from her phone, asking if I remembered, and was I available to photograph their wedding? (I did, and I was : )
Thank you two for the honor, and may you live & love happily ever after.
]]>
James and Julia took their vows before God and their closest family and friends; and officially became Mr and Mrs!
If you follow this blog, you might remember his romantic surprise proposal to Julia last fall. Or maybe their amazing styled picnic-in-the-woods engagement session this past spring, complete with a rainbow!
But even knowing how perfect they are together, how the reality of time with them always surpasses even the best expectations, I wasn't prepared for how amazing their wedding would be on every. single. level. How full of love, laughter, sunshine, crunchy red and orange leaves, sweet little lace-clad flower girls, bff's since childhood and from Bethel years, silly teasing siblings, and everyone -they- loved- the -most -together -in- one -room -at- the -same -time -kind of perfect...
The day started at Julia's house, where the guys were getting ready downstairs as Julia and her girls prepared upstairs.
James had these gorgeous hand carved knives for all the guys, and even had one made for his Dad!
The girls first look was just for fun- but her mom was having her hair done while Julia's friend Sara helped her get into her wedding gown; so this really was her own first look!
The bridesmaids let me take their individual portraits on the small deck outside- aren't they all just gorgeous?
After they saw each other for the first time at a picturesque train trestle, it was time for some bridal party hanging out time. Then it was off to the Kingdom Hall for a beautiful Scriptural ceremony.
After the ceremony, we spent a little time outdoors at their incredible reception venue, the Villa Venezia in Middletown / Wallkill, NY. Can you believe how adorable these three little flower girls are? And they were such diligent, perfect helpers to Julia, too!
Congratulations, James and Julia, and our wishes for a very happy forever to you both!!! We felt incredibly honored to photograph your story so far, and know even more beautiful chapters are yet to be written.
If you are a family member or friend looking for the full wedding gallery with professional lab access, thank you for your patience as the photos are worked on in the digital darkroom. Please check back in about two weeks using the access code on the little reception photo cards.
Feel free to use the 'contact' tab above to make your wedding, portrait, anniversary, and family photography wishes become a reality!
All wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session.
Follow on IG @suegburn
]]>
"Moment Junkie" was a wedding blog run by three incredible wedding photographers.
They started it to fill the vast hole in 'wedding blogdom' caused by an extraordinary focus on details, but not people.
It seemed at the time, circa 2015ish, that photographers had no where to show their own favorite funny, crazy, tearful, or otherwise special moments from the weddings they shot. The reason was because if the image didn't contain an inanimate detail that could become decor inspiration to other brides, the big blogs were not publishing them.
So for many fabulous wedding photographers; and later, for brides, Moment Junkie has been both inspirational, and refreshing. Because at the end of the wedding, a couple will want to have some gorgeous images of their details: the shoes, rings, stationery, etc....
But the day is really about love, and about loved ones, and about moments shared with them. About how mom looks at her daughter, all ready with veil on, and the pride, tears and joy intermingled in mom's adoring eyes. About the tears that bride and daddy's girl can't hold back during the father- daughter dance. About nieces and nephews sucking lollipops from the candy bar, the one that their parents tried to talk the bride out of having at the reception....
Yes, there were beautiful details at all of these weddings, and hopefully, each couple treasures all the photographic memories that I created of those details.
But even more so, I hope that they will forever treasure the special images and memories of what their wedding day was really all about: their vow of promise to each other, their joy, and sharing that joy with all the people whom they love the most in the whole wide world; all together; in the same room; at the same time. 'Cus how often in our lives does that happen?
So I hope that you will enjoy a few of my favorite 'moment junkie' moments from past weddings.
Not just the adorable faces in the foreground sucking on lollipops, but the Norman Rockwell type happy friendship of the boys in the background, sitting on the white bench, made this 'candy bar kids' image one of my recent favorites. It's from a wedding in Washingtonville, PA.
Bride's mom watches father - daughter dance at the Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY:
Shocked bride and groom during their wedding reception at Terrace on the Park, Queens.
Georgina's Grand Ballroom, Bolton, CT First Dance: the groom's expression
Groom's mom gave way to tears while dancing with her son at the Skylands, Randolph, New Jersey
Sharing a laugh between their first look and ceremony, the rail Trail Hopewell Junction, NY
Tender hearted bride during the father- daughter dance, again at Skylands of Randolph in NJ:
Her mother made this vintage- inspired headpiece for her.
After she put it on the bride's head, she stepped back for her own 'first look', and her eyes clearly showed how she felt about her daughter. From a western Pennslvania wedding:
]]>
You see, her mom and I go waaaayyy back- back to elementary school, book studies, goodie nights, endless giggly summers by the lake, long service days pioneering together, trips to islands and the west coast in our late teens, etc...She & her husband had three great kids- two boys, and Corinne.
My earliest memory of Corinne is when my husband and I were dating. The family had moved back east, and were finally near enough for weekend visits. Corinne was three years old.... her daddy called her Sunshine, because she lit up every room she entered with her warmth and sweetness.
Her twin brother Caleb has had this BFF name Scott for most of his life....
So they've all grown up together. It might seem that this match was always meant to be....
But they thought of each other only as friends. It took both of them moving fourteen hours from home to NY, where they were volunteering on a massive construction project, for this friendship to catch fire...
He proposed while they were having lunch in a tower overlooking Blue Lake in Warwick.
They were wearing their required hardhats and high- vis t-shirts. And it was the perfect proposal location for these two, who have the goal of working at other construction projects in foreign countries; projects that will help to provide for the spiritual needs of people regardless of their economic status, culture, or language.
And so the sun set too quickly.
But in the darkness, why not try a little lightpainting? Just for fun we gave it a whirl, and came up with the image below.
And then we all watched Tangled and ate popcorn.
Yea, this engagement session was absolutely perfect.
We are so happy for you two!!!
It was so much fun photographing you, and hanging out afterwards-
We can't wait for your wedding & for your happily ever after to officially begin!!
Hope you'll love it!
]]>(If you are wondering about the full green trees, yes, you have caught me blogging a September wedding out of season! But enjoy it anyways, because it was exquisite!)
Aaron & Ruthie's wedding was joyful, emotional, inspiring, and beautiful.
Thanks to all the creative team members who did such a fabulous job:
Florist- Nia Price
DJ- Steven Vega
And of course, the entire perfect staff of Terrace on the Park in Queens.
The first bridal portraits, as well as the bridesmaids shots below; were taken outside the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, where the ceremony was held.
There's a pretty little garden, an off white exterior wall, and the sidewalk acting as a natural reflector. The perfect city setting for portraits of this stunning group of friends! Most of the others in this blog post were taken on the grounds or inside of Terrace on the Park in Queens.
met when they were just kids- As a matter of fact, he was her twin brother Caleb's BFF.
We photographed Caleb and Amanda's wedding two years ago, and to be honest, I saw no connection between Corinne and Scott back then at all...
But meantime, love happened.
They both had moved to NY to help out with the Warwick project, a huge construction site being built as Jehovah's Witnesses planned to relocate their headquarters from Brooklyn to west of the river this year. (check out jw.org for updates and visuals on the progress)
Corinne was living with some girlfriends and volunteering part time to help out, while Scott was there working full time.
And somewhere along the way, something changed between these two childhood friends...
It's amazing the difference two years, some serious time in hardhats and high vis, and a friendship caught fire made!
Congrats, you two!! We love you both and are so happy to have been able to photograph your perfect engagement & wedding story!
To see the whole wedding or order prints / wall art, go here :
http://godburnphotos.zenfolio.com/clients.html and type in their last name (not her maiden name). Order before January 30, when the gallery will expire : )
]]>
maybe you'll remember the photos from their paparazzi proposal....
But finally, with the wedding approaching this October, the date arrived for their actual engagement session!
James is a talented musician, and both he & Jules are creatives who enjoy photography-
They wanted to make this session a special memory, so decided to create their own musical picnic - in -the -woods themed engagement session.
We found an abandoned road into the woods, and Ken found the perfect light...
They had brought along a bistro set, place settings, candles, backpack and guitar-
After setting it up carefully, lighting candles, and savoring the beautiful private setting, he sweetly played his guitar for her.
I hung back for a while and shot through a long lens till it seemed ok to 'intrude' : ).
It was pretty amazing, and the night was still young!
After this perfect private concert in the woods, it was time to change and leave Wallkill for New Paltz, where we would trade wildflowers for the chic college-town feel.
It had started pouring, but we decided to go for it. Personally, I love shooting in the rain, and hoped they would too!!
Think it was worth it??
Maybe I overuse the word "epic" in everyday life when talking about photography, but this one really was. How often do you get to photograph a couple in love under an incredibly beautiful Divinely-provided rainbow during their engagement session??!
We parked in New Paltz as the rain let up.
But that parking lot- I just had to photograph them in it!! Maybe to onlookers it looked insane, but hey, these two trusted me as they stood amongst not-so -pretty cars and I shot through unmown weeds.
The photos below are the result.
Um, yeah.
Can't exactly go wrong with these two, could I?!!
Then it was off to find something a little less country and an little more college town-
Can't wait for their wedding this October- maybe we'll be graced with Northern Lights for it, the way things seem to align perfectly with these two beautiful souls!
]]>
When he first asked me to take engagement photos of them, he hadn't even proposed yet! That amazing yellow diamond was ordered, but not on her finger yet.
But the evening before this session, it became official.
It's been so fun to be in on the surprise, and to document their love story with breathtakingly beautiful photographs of the day after she said "yes!!!'
They met when they started working together in Wallkill ... He had been living there for a few years, she had moved into the area and started volunteering as a part time commuter.
He is from Hawaii, she is from the western US, and their friendship sparked and turned into love here in upstate NY.
We stayed within five miles of where they first met for these photos.
When I saw the way the light was hitting the Shawangunk mountains, it felt like we had traveled to the Rocky Mountains for a destination engagement session.
Another mile up a dirt road near the lake, and it looked like Yosemite-
And back at our place with a studio set up, we created some soft romantic portraits.
Inside or out, west coast or east or an island in the Pacific-no matter where these two end up- together, they are home.
Please feel free to contact me about your wedding, engagement, couples, family or senior portraits at [email protected], or using the contact info on the navigation bar.
Brides to be, March and June are already booked for 2016, but if you are getting married in any other month, I may still have some availability, so get in touch soon while your date may still be available!
All weddings we are hired to photograph include a complimentary engagement session!
follow in instagram @suegburn
]]>
James met Julia ( Jules) at a party a few years ago when he was living and volunteering in the printery at Wallkill.
He was hosting a going away party for a friend, and she had come just to be supportive to a girlfriend who wanted to go....Not in a party mood, she sat quietly on the couch.
"Who is she? ", he wondered...He made time to find out.
They hung out late into the night after the party had ended, realizing that they had so much in common. His gregarious nature was the perfect compliment for her mild gentleness. They seemed inseparable until circumstances forced thousands of miles between them some months later.
But James was not letting this girl go. Thousands of miles apart, West coast to East; they would make it work.
He made plans to move back to NY so he could be near her. And propose.
But she didn't think he had the ring yet. They came by on Saturday, saying, "why not take a few cute couple pictures outside?" while they were at my place having coffee before an impending storm...
We went outside to take a few photos-
Family and friends were quietly parking and sneaking around the house from the front to the backyard, when he got down on one knee and.... Well, I'll let the photos tell the story better than my words can!
Congratulations to you both! Can't wait for your engagement session and wedding!!
ary
ryry
]]>
She lit up with joy when the other man in her life, her brother, arrived!
Her grandmother helped her get into her gown,
and both absorbed this special moment...
Brittany had this fabulous idea to have her girls do a first look-
We stepped onto the porch for a quick bridal portrait...
A couple of miles away, the guys were getting ready-
And soon, it was time!!
After they officially became Mr and Mrs, we took a few photos.
No, I don't know the backstory with Brian's families animal claw pose, but hope to hear it one day!
Oh, did I mention the most romantic vehicle ever? A Rolls Royce. With Champagne!
The Colonial Inn in Norwood, NJ was the setting for their reception, one of the funnest wedding celebrations we've ever been present at!
For now, here are just a few highlights from the reception venue and party while the digital developing goes on a little bit longer-
To access it now and bookmark it for later, go to the "clients" tab above and type their last name into the search box.
]]>
they were on a road trip with friends in Canada; a week before this session-
The theme then was 'cold'. So we kept true to their story!
The wind left my fingers numb and their noses pink, but they were still so amazing, adorable, and perfect!
I loved every minute photographing their beautiful winter Wallkill NY engagement session, and am grateful for the honor of spending such a special time with such an incredible couple.
Enjoy!
Please feel free to contact me about your wedding, family, portrait, engagement, or after-wedding but in -a -gown-photography at this hopefully spam proof email address:
godburn.photo @ g mail dot com
April Special-
Receive a free lay-flat professional Guestbook using your favorite engagement session photos from our complimentary session with all album-inclusive wedding collections booked this month!
]]>
were married at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, surrounded by family and friends, on a very wet but wonderful August Saturday.
Caleb is the type of guy that everyone loves. He could not only start a great conversation with a rock, but he could make that rock bust out laughing. He's the guy at school that pretty much everyone viewed as their best friend, because he made them feel that special.
And the thing is, he is not selling anything. That is just him. He loves people, and they can't help but love him. But one girl has stolen his heart....
When you first meet Amanda, you might first notice her beautiful brown eyes alive with enthusiasm and warmth. She is gentle, mild, kind, and empathetic; but beneath that feminine sweetness lies a strength stronger than steel.
A leather and lace kind of girl if ever there was one.
On their wedding day, summer flowers were in full bloom, and they were blessed with cooler than usual August temperatures. And it rained...Actually, it would be more accurate to say that it poured.
But with these two, that didn't matter. All ended up perfect in the end.
They listened to a beautiful Scriptural talk at the Kingdom Hall about how to hold on to this happiness forever by keeping their love for each other alive. Then, they took their vows before God and their closest family and friends and officially became Mr. & Mrs!
After that, if was off to celebrate at the Rand Bryan house- such a fun reception as the joy just permeated even the soggy ground and the hearts of all who came to share their special day.
Congratulations to you both, and wishing you a very happy forever together. Thank you, and you parents too, for the honor of capturing your precious wedding day memories for all time.
The full gallery, with access to a professional print lab, will be available soon, so bookmark the site page and use the client's tab to type in their last name for access in about a week if you would like to see more.
But for now, please feel free to leave your thoughts and / or congratulations here in a comment, because going over their wedding blog post is so much more fun for the bride and groom when you do!
Please feel free to contact me for your wedding, engagement, or paparazzi proposal photography needs!
I also love to photograph high school seniors, kids, women of all ages, and family portraits.
phone or text: eight four five-seven two nine- four eight zero nine, or email me at godburn.photo @ gmail dot com.
]]>He made her laugh effortlessly; she was strongly drawn to him. And obviously that chemistry was mutual-
He asked for her number; but she sweetly managed to evade giving it to him.
Time passed. Amanda hit it off with a girl she worked with who also shared her faith, and they became close friends. This co-worker , Carrin, had a twin brother with the same first name as that guy from RBC- Caleb. "It couldn't be him, could it?", she wondered... On a hiking trip, she found out- Yes, it was him!
And so, after a long pause, the succeeding chapters of their story began to be written.
And this chapter is about their epic engagement session in a flower-filled, incredibly perfect park; followed by getting some food with family in a strip mall; which ended with a surprise fireworks display! (Since our gear was locked away and the surprise fireworks were shot with whatever device came out of the handbag first; they are not epic, but the memory will hopefully be precious anyway!)
We don't know who arranged for that fireworks display over the roof of Wal Mart in Middletown, but whoever you are, thank you for the crowning ending to this awesome night!
And Caleb and Amanda; thanks to both of you, and to Caleb's awesome family for driving twelve long hours to meet up with us. Ken and I enjoyed every second of our time with you, and I'm still giddy and giggling as I edit and relive so many fun memories! We truly can't wait to see you again at your wedding!
Enjoy this preview of a few faves while I finish up the digital developing-
]]>
You see, theirs has been a long distance romance, full of hurdles that most of us never deal with when we fall in love. But they have overcome all of those extra hurdles, and now, can enjoy every second together! No more virtual dates!
Congrats, you two; and enjoy these few sneak peaks!
They met when they only were six years old...
They quickly became best friends, inseparable, giggly, and adorable.
As they grew up , they just kind of naturally fell in love with each other. But they were just too young.....
So each pursued and attained other noble, beautiful goals....And he tried to forget about her, thinking she had forgotten him. To her, he thought, it had been just a childhood crush. She had moved on with her life, he needed to try to move on with his. No communication for him, he was trying to get over the love of his life, and texting or emailing would not help.
But she hadn't forgotten. She couldn't forget.
Even though she had moved far away, her heart kept returning to him. She came back to the US from her travels, and sent him the message that would change their lives....Could they meet and talk?
So here they are, at the wedding that was just seemingly meant to be. The most joy filled, perfect of November days, even though it rained. And yes, among the awesome music they danced to was "So Happy Together"....Wouldn't it be nice if we were older, and we didn't have to wait so long....".
Ceremony and first look: Kingdom Hall in Hopewell Junction
Photo location after the first look: The Rail Trail, Hopewell Junction
DJ's (these guys were *amazing*) BPM sounds
Reception: The Grandview in Poughkeepsie
Makeup by Tori Garrett
Ceremony: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Wethersfield, CT
Reception: Gershom Fox Ballroom (the Marquee) Hartford, CT http://www.marquee-ct.com/
A few highlights from this beautiful Connecticut wedding-
It was pretty special! You see, they met while I photographed another wedding, which they were both in; and much later, she called to tell me that they were engaged! And to ask if I could photograph their wedding-
While the bride's makeup was being finished, I was able to use the most perfectly lit hotel room corner to create these bidesmaids portraits.
All of them kindly imitated my silly posing direction, which is often just like playing Simon Says!
Their fist look was just outside the Residence Inn, on a pretty little side street with less traffic to interrupt this sweet, special time between the two of them
After their first look, we stopped at one or two other Hartford streets en route to the Connecticut State Capitol
The Ceremony was at the Kingdom Hall in Wethersfield-
It was raining a little bit as they exited the KH after the ceremony, but all was still just perfect.
Then it was on to the G Fox Ballroom, or the Marquee, in Hartford for the reception.
First time I ever saw this done: Awesome idea!
The seating chart was a big (like 24 by 36 inches) canvas engagement session photo on an easel, with all the guest's table numbers arranged on the negative space. And she picked one of my favorite photos from the session to create it with!
There were also little double sided cards with more e session photos, and the web address to help friends and family find their wedding photos later.
The Marquee in Hartford was an old department store named G. Fox. That name will bring up all the warm fuzzy feels & nostalgic memories for many of us girls who grew up in Connecticut, and fondly remember shopping or eating lunch there with our moms. And not so fondly, the terror inspired by escalators on tiny tots...but lets get back to the wedding.
The G Fox Marquee Ballroom of today is chic, full of history, spacious yet cozy, sprinkled with urban glam and devoid of urban grit.
Loved this place, and their wonderful, professional staff.
Before they left the reception, for the last shot of the night, the bride had requested something special-
We stepped just outside the doors of the Marquee onto a darkened Hartford street, and my husband helped me with the off -camera flash that we needed to create this memorable nighttime image.
May you both live happily ever after!
Their friends and family from NY, Michigan, and Pennsylvania all teamed up to transform the Pavilion in Washington Park into the venue of their dreams; a wedding worthy of their poetically perfect romance.
After their first look at the park, we went to the Kingdom Hall for a beautiful ceremony, and then back to the park for one amazing reception.
The full gallery will be posted in a few weeks, and will be accessible with the password/ access code provided on the mini cards at their reception.
Happy Honeymooning!
