Monthly Archives: July 2008

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Alexis & Matt: Caribbean Wedding

Fun Fact: Alexis and Matt have known each other since they were 15.

Most Memorable Moments: Phoebe and Maya, two of the flower girls, spoke from their hearts and delivered two of the most adorable speeches we have ever heard. Even Tiffany got a little teary eyed.

This was a wedding to remember. Tiffany and I came to Nevis excited and a bit nervous because we had never actually met Alexis and Matt in person. Upon meeting the two of them our nervousness flew right out the window. We were invited to eat dinner with Alexis’s family as we discussed last minute details. This was the first time we had ever had dinner with a whole family and their friends prior to the wedding. What a treat! We learned a ton at dinner. Little tidbits about Matt and Alexis, the fantastic concerts that Alexis’s dad has seen, and the close bond that Alexis shares with her father. It was a great opportunity to really get to know a family before following them around for the next two days with my camera. I didn’t feel like such a stalker!

The wedding took place on the Island of Nevis in the Caribbean at the Montpelier Plantation Inn. It was like Matt and Alexis had their own private resort for the week. The food was fantastic and the staff was amazing. Thank you steady Eddy for serving up those delicious rum punches. We are sure the wedding party thanks you as well!

The day of the wedding the stealdrum band played, the guests took their seats, and Matt took his spot at the alter. Alexis’s dad stood waiting just out of sight of the guests. This moment would also be his first time Alexis’s dad would see Alexis in her wedding dress. Alexis walked through a tunnel of palms and saw her dad. I was so happy and yet a little sad because it was one of the moments when a dad is giving away his little girl away. This happens at most weddings, but when the bride and the father of the bride are close it is very emotional. Matt looked on adoringly as Alexis made her way toward him. I think I saw one of the groomsman shed a tear. The ceremony was beautiful. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting.

The night fell and the dancing started. Boy did it ever! This group was a bunch of dancing machines. The Rolling Stones seemed to do the trick, although this group would have been down to dance to anything. The whole hotel was in on the party. I have never seen such an event. It was fantastic!

Thank you Alexis and Matt and all friends and family for making this weekend such a memorable experience!

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All the flower girls in front of the big tree.

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It was adorable when they all wanted to help carry Alexis’s dress.

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The bridesmaids had these fantastic dresses with a unique twist in the front form Calyispo in Boston.

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Bits and pieces form the ceremony.

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And more kissing…

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Alexis and Matt’s slideshow


Nevis, West Indies

Actual wedding to come in a few days….

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Maria and Steven: Engagement in Brooklyn.

Fun fact: Maria and Stevens first born is their oh so cute dog Jack. Isn’t the case for most of us dog lovers!!!

Well this was just a fun day. What a treat. Maria and Steven live in Brooklyn. And just wanted to walk around to some of their favorite spots in their neighborhood. An added bonus on this particular day was that a friend of mine, Elizabeth Russell was in town from Portland Oregon. Elizabeth shoots under water photography. One of these days when the stars align I will have a couple that is game to jump into a pool with their wedding entire on and Elizabeth will be on one of her underwater portrait tours and in my neck of the woods. Having Elizabeth there was nice she was able to help me out with the shoot but most importantly we got to hang out and really see Brooklyn together. We did have two fantastic tour guides.. (Three tour guides counting Jack!)

One of the highlights of this shoot was going to this fantastic Cuban restaurant close to where Steven and Maria live. Walking to the restaurant, Brooklyn looked like Brooklyn. Brown buildings, paved roads, unique people, until we rounded a corner and you heard the music. As you rounded the corner you were blasted with color, which hit you like a ton of bricks. I just thought it was the coolest little neighborhood restaurant I had ever seen. Maria and Steven ordered frozen Mojito’s, they looked so good and frosty. They are one of those couples that you can just hang out with. If I didn’t have another shoot that day I think we all would have just hung out, took pictures, and had a few drinks together. Next time!!!

As for their wedding it will be taking place in Connecticut at the Cobbs Mill Inn. I am very excited to photograph the two of them on their wedding day. Stay tuned!!

Jack.

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I wish I looked this good with my husband and dog.

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This pictures makes me laugh out loud.

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Maria found this wall. She’s got an eye for this!

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The fantastic Cuban restaurant.

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Cara and Brendans homespun wedding at Puma Springs

Fun Fact: Cara and Brendan are both teachers in NYC.

Most Memorable Moments: The tears all around during the ceremony, thin mint cookies and the new spin on parent dances…

You know those weddings where everything just falls together perfectly? The site, the flowers, the food and details all amounted to one perfect day for Cara and Brendan, one of the sweetest couples we know. Its not too often that you can get married in the MIDDLE of a vineyard. Yeah, off to the side or in front of one, but never in the middle. Lucky for them Brendan’s uncle Tony owns Puma Springs Vineyards, a biodynamic vineyard and farm, complete with chickens, goats and a llama named Magic. Dee Merz handled all the details of the day, and as you can see…. she did an amazing job once again!

So many details in fact, I did a few storyboards. (I’ve been on Style Me Pretty too much lately if you cant tell!)

Brendan & Cara: I hope your having a relaxing time in the mountains! Have a safe trip home back to NY.

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Ceremony seating on hay bells…

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My new favorite jump shot:
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Yummy food by Jimtown Store
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Another golden sunset and lavender. A perfect combo since Cara LOVES lavender…

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MIA: Erica & Tiffany

We’ll be away from the office on Thursday July 10th and will return to normal on Tuesday July 15th. We will be photographing our first “international destination wedding” in the West Indies!!! Woo hoo! Check back at the end of next week for a sneak peek!

Shawna & Davids wedding at the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland

Fun Fact: Shawna and David both work in the theater designing light and music directing.

Most Memorable Moments: Their adorable love for one another, the heel mishap and of course the sword fight!

You may remember Shawna and David from their vintage inspired engagement session back in March. I have been sooo excited for their wedding for the past year because I knew Shawna would make it to true to the 1920s vision she had in mind. The site completely set the mood: the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland complete with a mansion built in 1899. Then it was on to her 1920s inspired dress from Forget Me Knots Bridal. Shawna also hand selected different bow ties for all of the groomsman.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the love and passion they have for each other is unreal. David and Shawna: I couldn’t be happier for you!

So I tested a few textures on some photos to give that 1920’s feel. I’m pretty happy with the results, very vintage:

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A few polka dots for her little sis:

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A little bit of two photographer action:

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Vibrant flowers by Lush Floral

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A little remake of their engagement session:

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Liz and Scott at Auberge du Soleil

Most Memorable Moment: The two cakes… you had to be there!

You know those days when your face hurts from laughing or smiling too much? This was one of those days for me. Liz and Scott have this adorable chemistry together. Liz and Scott decided to schedule a first sight before the ceremony to take advantage of all that Napa Valley has to offer. Even though smoky skies would be a downer to some people, they weren’t for us: we had amazing golden filtered light all day long. (Think sunset but without the intensity of the colors) After trekking around my favorite barn, we drove back to Auberge du Soleil for their wedding. All 40 of their guests but one came out from NYC to see the two wed. The night continued with delicious food and dancing. The next afternoon Scott and Liz were off to Alaska to backpack through the wilderness!! (I’m jealous again!!)

Liz and Scott: I hope you are having an fun time in Alaska. Watch out for those bears!

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This is 100% them!

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My favorite Officiant Judith Caldwell

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We were totally joking about this shot… but I love how it came out:

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Im telling ya, they are sooo happy together!

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AJAXed with AWP