Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Heather & Mike's Wilmington Wedding at Rockwood Park

They met at a show that a mutual friend was in.  After the show, they went to the party and he thought she was cute, so he asked the mutual friend to hook them up.  They agreed not to continue dating while he want to college, but love has a way of bringing two people back together.  They kept in touch during college while they went to different schools (all thanks to AOL instant messenger!),and during her time studying abroad in the UK, she wished he was there because she knew he would have had a good time.

Heather and Mike are amazing and absolutely adorable.  Come to think of it, I know quite a lot of Heathers and this is the third one that I have photographed.  But now getting back to the main subject.  When I met them, I knew that I would have a great time photographing their wedding.  They like zombies, books, and animals.  Oh, and Dr. Who.  They won major points on that one.

The day started with Heather getting ready upstairs at the Rockwood Carriage House, which is absolutely beautiful.  Her gown...makes me swoon.







Once Heather was ready, it was time for a toast!  She gathered her bridal party (after spending about 20 minutes of tracking them down since one by one they kept leaving then returning), including her bridedude.  (I love the concept of a bridedude).  Yes, there were some tears shed.



Next, we had plenty of time before the ceremony. Plenty.  I would say we had about an hour and a half, so we headed down to the gardens to do their first look.  I cannot stress enough how amazing it is to do a first look. It's private, intimate, tender, and gives you time to not have to rush around trying to squeeze in your wedding photos.  The results,  amazing, relaxed photos.



It's almost watching a lioness stalking her prey.  Did I mention the 22 bug bites on my legs from photographing this?  Ah, the causalities of photographing an epic couple.



After their first look, we walked around (and sort of got lost in a small garden), and did their wedding photos.  Can I just say how much I love them for being so awesome and super adorable!



How gorgeous is she? And that dress? LOVE it.  It's Mon Cheri Bridal, and I love, love, love it!





According to a comment left on my Facebook page, I used guerrilla war tactics to capture the next photo.  It is gorgeous, if I do say so myself.

I love a bride who is not afraid to sit in the grass for pictures! Heather, I love you!



Then we threw in the wedding party for some fun pictures.  Yes, it was hot, but they trooped through it.  Especially with the sun playing peek-a-boo the entire day.  First hiding behind a cloud giving us temporary relief, then coming back out and blasting us with it's evil rays of light!





I feel kind of bad that we didn't have a parasol for the bridedude.  But the jazzhands totally make up for it.



Now...onto the details of the wedding.  They were amazing! The bride hand folded a ton of paper cranes, and made gorgeous paper hearts that adorned the table and the venue.





Oh, and check out the cake! The titles will make you laugh.  The cake itself, was amazing! Three different flavors!



The entire wedding was filled with laughter, here is a shot from their first dance.



And towards the end of the night we headed outside for a couple more shots, and the big family tradition, which included a drink called an "apple pie"





Many thanks again to Heather and Mike for being so great, and letting me be a part of their amazing day.  Even at 9 months pregnant, I am still trooping!  (The grapes and cheese were yummy by the way).  And to both of their families who are so much fun!  I wish you two many years of happiness, fun, and if the zombies invade...survival!
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Choosing to do a First Look

So what is this "first look" craze that so many photographers and couples are talking about?  Well to simply put it, the first look is time set aside for the bride and groom to see each other (while being photographed), and their reactions.  It really is a sweet and magical intimate time.  I know that most go for tradition, but there is something breathtaking about that first moment where the groom turns around and sees his bride for the first time before anyone else does.  The chemistry that happens between the couple is absolutely priceless, and the images...well, they speak for themselves.  These are unique images that differ from when the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle.  Trust me, they will make your heart skip.

Another reason for opting for a first look is that you can get your wedding photos done before the ceremony without having to rush between the ceremony and reception.  The cocktail hour is typically when most of the formal and family portraits are done, and this is usually the most stressful.  Trying to pack in the photos of the wedding party, the parents, grandparents and other family members, in addition to still getting the shots of the bride and groom takes time.  Even the most proficient photographer values time.  Doing a first look before the ceremony allows the bride and groom to see each other, have a special moment photographed, and have the time to relax before the ceremony all while being photographed.  This way, the couple can go on and enjoy their cocktail hour or do the receiving line after the ceremony without worrying about time.

I love when my couples go for a first look.  Just take a look at Heather and Michaels' first look (whose wedding which is yet to be blogged) from this Sunday.





His reaction is priceless, and the anticipation of seeing her is just amazing.  After the first look we had a lot of time to walk around the venue and do their wedding photos, which was great.  I cannot stress enough how much more happier and more relaxed a couple is when they are not pushed for time.

Now, I will of course be supportive in whatever my clients choose, but speaking from experience, a first look is the way to go!
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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Things I Love...(in no particular order of course)

Summer.  I absolutely adore it.  Maybe because I was born in the summer (June 24th), but it is definitely my favorite season of the year.  The days are warmer and longer, the pools are open, and here in tiny old Delaware, there are a bunch of things to do.  On Monday I will be going to a carnival to devour more funnel cake!  Summer also brings one of my favorite events that I look forward to each and every year for the past 6 years...THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL!!!  Yes, I know it may seem weird to dress up in renaissance fashion, and parade around, but it seriously one of my most favorite things in the world to do.  Ever since my husband first introduced me to it back in 2005, I have been hooked.  I have never missed an opening day, and up until last year, never missed a closing day.  This year is going to be super special because I will have my baby with me!  She will be a little pirate, in her little pram (yes we actually have a pram) that will be decorated to look somewhat piratical.  I can't wait!

The series "True Blood".  Need I say more?  I never really got into the whole Twilight craze.  The concept of vampires that sparkle in the daylight and all the teen love angst that goes along with it didn't do it for me.  Perhaps it's because my husband and probably 90% of my social group are gamers, and there is a LARP (live action role play) that revolves around vampires, so I kind of read up on the basics of vampires according to the gaming systems in which most of the current vampire books/series/movies base themselves off of.  But seriously, Bill Compton...swoon.

My husband.  Seriously, he rocks beyond anything I have ever known.  I have been with him going on 7 years and we have been married for over 2, and each day has been epic.  He has introduced me to so many new things (including the ren fair), and just has always had my back and supported me in everything.  Even when I doubt myself, he is the one pushing for me.  He's like my own little boxing coach from Rocky, and he completes it by saying "You're a bum Rock!".  If you have watched the movie, you know what I am talking about. In fact, if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to leave my previous job and jump into photography full time.

Pizza. I love it. Hands down. I was born and raised in New York City.  Enough said. I love pizza.

Fashion from the 1920's-1950's.  In no way am I fashion snob.  Yes I sew, but the only things I sew are clothing from the 20's-50's, Victorian clothing, and Renaissance clothing.  Modern stuff, I just buy.  But I find something amazing in the fact that women from the 1950's and such took so much pride in looking good.  Not to say that women today don't look good.  But seriously,  everything from the heels to the pantyhose, garterbelts, big circle dresses with petticoats, gloves, hats, pearls, it just entrances me.  If I ever struck the powerball, I would have a full 50's wardrobe, but realistically it takes a lot of work to pull those looks off on a daily basis.  Especially the hair!  Every once in a while I will bust out some victory rolls, throw on a circle skirt, complete with gloves, a little purse and hat, but it takes a lot!

Dr. Who.  One of my favorite tv series of all time.  It's about an alien (who looks like a human) who travels through time and space in his space ship, which looks like a phone box.  The ship is called the TARDIS, and it is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.  There is a saying, "You never forget your first Doctor".  And that is so true!  My first Doctor was the 10th Doctor, David Tennant. Although there is a new Doctor in place, Matt Smith, the show is still amazing!

And that is it for this weeks "THINGS I LOVE!"  Come back next time!
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Little Things

What makes me happy?  Almost everything.  I am a very simple person to please, and I suppose that is why I am almost always happy.  Sure I have my down days, but all it takes is something simple and my frown gets turned upside down!

For instance, my birthday.  I love receiving balloons and cake.  I suppose I am a 5 year old trapped in a 25 year old's body, but balloons make me happy.  This past birthday (June 24), my husband set it up so that at the time of my birth (1:32a.m.) at our weekly Denny's getup with our friends, he walked in with a cake that had Disney princesses and balloons for me.  I was VERY surprised, but very, very happy.  There was also a huge card signed by the "coffee crew" as we call ourselves.  The best thing?  When you open the card, it plays the chicken dance...which is another thing that I love.

I also love when my husband does little sweet things.  Like making me grilled cheese sandwiches (which have been a staple of my pregnancy diet) or coming home with my favorite candy.  On July 4th, we went to see the fireworks with friends.  We walked a few blocks away from our friends house to a field, and of course after a few minutes of standing, I had to squat, since I didn't bring the blanket.  He walked back to the car (and missed the first few fireworks) to get the blankets for me so I can lay down in the grass.  We then watched the fireworks as I laid across his lap.

Pictures also make me happy...duh.  I am a photographer, that is expected.  But I find it amazing that before I became a full time professional photographer, I photographed everything.  Every outing, every trip, basically anytime I left the house, I had my camera.   Now, I take my camera, but I barely photograph anything.  I am doing a horrible job at documenting my life, and I definitely have to remedy that.  Especially being that we have a baby on the way!

So I promise to myself, that I will start photographing the little things again, the little things that make me happy.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Funny Things

My husband works a 10 hour shift doing tech support.  To pass the time, we usually email each other through out the day.  I mean hey, he works with computers and I am almost always on the computer at home, so it makes sense.  We usually start the days emails off with me saying "I love you", of course that depends on what time I choose to wake up.  (Hitting that exhausted 9th month of pregnancy).  He usually replies with "Ditto"-what Patrick Swayze said to Demi Moore in the movie "Ghosts" (I LOVE Patrick by the way!), or "I Know", as Han said to Leah when she told him she loved him.  Yes, my husband thinks he is a movie star.  Then it's the normal chatter about how is work and how I am feeling and what I plan to do today.  Somewhere along the way, he never fails to send me comics (he LOVES comics) and they usually relate to something we just talked about or things that are in our lives.  Here are a few that he has sent me that I adore.  It's his own way of making me feel super special.



Have any of you seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show?  This one is for you!

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

When inspiration (a.k.a boredom) strikes...

Yes, it is 1:11 a.m., and for some odd reason I am still awake.  After checking through my emails and latest Facebook status updates, what else is there to do?  Well, for me, I have recently discovered this awesome site called Polyvore.  Basically it's a fashion inspiration board that you create yourself.  *Insert huge squeal here*  I have been browsing through it for the past hour and am in LOVE.  How come I have never heard of this site before?

Anyway, before I get to babbling on how amazing this site is, and how it is essential for a person like me who has a bunch of images in your head but can't seem to organize them, let me show you my latest inspiration board.  This one is for weddings!
Wedding Inspiration





Phase Eight wedding dress
£375 - houseoffraser.co.uk






Alberta Ferretti wedding gown
women.fashionbeans.com



Jason Wu wedding dress
£2,170 - net-a-porter.com



Rachel Gilbert wedding gown
£821 - net-a-porter.com



Badgley Mischka platform heels
$127 - endless.com






La Regale slip clutch
$38 - endless.com



Bridal earrings
tigerlillyjewelry.com



Pearl earrings
£20 - coast-stores.com



Diamond ring
harrywinston.com



Diamond ring
harrywinston.com









Jacques Vert flower hair accessory
£79 - houseoffraser.co.uk








But wait...there's more! I did one for an engagement session and maternity session also!
Spring Engagement Clothing





Dress
£70 - warehouse.co.uk



Wedge heel shoes
$15 - payless.com



Isharya 18k jewelry
$165 - net-a-porter.com



Bangle bracelet
sheplers.com



Juicy Couture heart bangle
$148 - nordstrom.com



Melissa Odabash white straw hat
$150 - stylebop.com



Retro round sunglasses
$93 - reissonline.com



Azzedine Alaia leather belt
£820 - brownsfashion.com



Ralph lauren knitwear LIGHT BLUE
£81 - matchesfashion.com



JOHN VARVATOS Slim fit denim pant
£199 - farfetch.com



Rag & Bone Straw Fedora
$89 - barneys.com





Bohemian Maternity





Dorothy Perkins maternity
£20 - dorothyperkins.com



Western cowboy boots
$40 - payless.com



Isharya brass bracelet
$95 - net-a-porter.com



Dorothy Perkins plastic bracelet
£3 - dorothyperkins.com






Modstrom shawls scarve
€30 - welikefashion.com


And the best part is, you can click on the items and go directly to the website and order!!! Oh, how I love you Polyvore!

Enjoy! I can tell you now that I will be posting a lot more of these.  But for now, slumber finally calls!
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