With grace given to me through a recent lull, I've been able to process and upload a few new wedding shots for my portfolio! Among them, I found a series of favorites from the preparation photos for a gorgeous Orthodox wedding about a month ago. The calm you see in these shots contrasts greatly with the energy and celebration later on in the evening. It was quite a day!
On 7/7/07, I had the distinct pleasure of taking part in the Redmond-Morgan nuptial affair in downtown Baltimore.
Getting all ten bridesmaids ready involved quite a great deal of time and attention, but everyone looked gorgeous, even down to their shoes.
Kuren made her way to the limo, and her veil caught the wind.
The sun was setting as the ceremony ended, but the festivities had just begun!
You can view the rest of the photographs at my client galleries.
Assisting me, Benjamin Jancewicz took care of the groom and his groomsmen. Latrice Dixon, of Favored Events (reach her at favoredevents [at] yahoo [dot] com, took care of the coordination; the reception was held at the 1840's Ballroom. I am thankful to the family for allowing me to be a part of this special occasion.
Last Sunday, Paul and Shelli got married. It was a small Orthodox affair at Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, MD. The bride and groom dressed simply. The reception was potluck. But it was a great deal of fun and lovely to shoot such a small church wedding.
The highlight of the Orthodox wedding ceremony is the crowning of the couple; after they are betrothed, they are crowned with martyrdom and their eternal destinies are joined together.
The crowns are then removed, and then placed on the altar; the crowns liturgically move ahead of them into heaven, symbolizing that the couple is aspiring to spiritual perfection.
After the ceremony, I took the couple outside to a historic magnolia tree, and took a few portraits.
Simple, but gorgeous wedding.
On September 8th, I was invited to attend a ceremony for Jim Berros and Rachel Thorpe in Rocky Gap State Park, MD. It was hot hot hot, and very humid, but friends and family were happy to attend.
Rachel wore her grandmother's wedding gown, and her engagement ring was a vintage pearl piece that oozed time-worn affection.
And even though the park was hot, Jim wore a full tuxedo. I took the two of them down by the lakeside for the views and the shade, and caught some lovely moments between them.
The low-key reception was accented by beautiful gourmet food, provided by Laura's Sweet Gourmet, a catering service specializing in vegetarian and vegan foods. The cake was a magnificent rich chocolate.
Of course, good things must always come to an end...
...but for Jim and Rachel, the adventure had just begun. After the reception, the two of them embarked on a kayaking trip straightaway, on their way up to their new home in Alaska.
Laura and Jon got hitched one day in Media, PA.
Second, shooting with me was my friend and assistant, Mindy. We arrived at the bride's house early and had plenty of time to document all the little preparation details.
Laura and her bridesmaids gave us great smiles & willing poses.
The Orthodox ceremony was in the Russian tradition, with the heavy crowns needing to be held in stasis over the bride and groom's heads.
After the ceremony, Laura and Jon enjoyed a few quiet moments together after we had finished the family portraits...
...only to later throw cake in each others' faces.
On October 6, 2007, Jonathan and Nyana invited their dear friends and family to western Maryland for their wedding. I counted myself fortunate to be in attendance for what was going to be a very elegant affair.
The ceremony took place at Strong Mansion in Dickerson. It was an outdoor affair, quite hot, but in a beautiful setting by a large pond. A trio of musicians played a prelude to the ceremony: flute, violin, and cello.
The reception was a gorgeous palette of chocolate brown and sky blue, with vegetarian catering and a relaxed environment.
I stole the bride and groom away for a few minutes after the family portraits were done. They were quite tired of all the smiling and hubbub, and looking forward to relaxing with friends.
Nyana gave me a delicious amount of sass when taking her pictures, and soon afterwards we joined everyone under the big white reception tent. View the event at my proofing site!
On October 13, 2007, Sofia and Tony got ready at separate houses, eagerly awaiting the moment that they would meet at St. Nicholas Church in Baltimore.
The ring-bearers and young men in attendance were antsy.
Sonja adjusts her veil in the basement of the church.
The Orthodox ceremony begins!
The beautiful couple.
Eager celebrations began late in the evening, and continued into the early hours of the morning!
The rings glinted in the evening lighting of the hall.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be there for Sofia and Tony's special day.
I photographed Kathryn and Zach's wedding when I was nearly 8 months pregnant--it was my last wedding prior to self-imposed maternity leave. It was a simply exquisite clear fall day, which accented their simple tastes and fun-loving personalities perfectly.
The women eagerly helped Kathryn into her dress.
The couple refused to see each other before the ceremony to preserve surprise, so all photography of the bride and groom had to be done in a covert fashion, constantly on the lookout for the other.
Separate sessions with the women and the men resulted in both elegance, and laughter.
After the hijinx and the ceremony were all over, Kathryn and Zach were ready for a few quiet moments together.
From there, it was on to the reception, where an evening of energetic dancing was to commence! I must say, I was blessed to meet both Kathryn and Zach, both of whom were so thoughtful and genuine; it was obvious that they had surrounded themselves with marvelous, loyal friends and family. I wish them many years of bliss!
This past Saturday, I trekked my way up to New Jersey for the wedding of a college friend of mine.
Melody and Christopher had their legal marriage on the Wednesday before their wedding date, so that their Saturday ceremony was a casual gathering of friends and family for a handfasting.
Most everyone brought various kinds of ribbon with which to tie the couples' hands together. Each person had something different to say; some sang a song, some wrote or recited poems, others had well wishes, verses from the Bible, or some other blessing to bestow on the happy two.
Afterwards, Melody and Christopher and I escaped out behind the church hall to take photographs in the woodsy area nearby. Melody specially requested that I incorporate the fallen birch tree somehow; "I love birch," she said, "The bark is just so lovely."
It's plain to see that she and Christopher will be happy for a long, long time. They are so at ease with each other, and made conversation with grace and comfort while I photographed.
The two of them are returning to Ireland (Christopher's native land), where a small house with a bright red door awaits them. I wish them the best.
This past Saturday, I trekked my way up to New Jersey for the wedding of a college friend of mine.
Melody and Christopher had their legal marriage on the Wednesday before their wedding date, so that their Saturday ceremony was a casual gathering of friends and family for a handfasting.
Most everyone brought various kinds of ribbon with which to tie the couples' hands together. Each person had something different to say; some sang a song, some wrote or recited poems, others had well wishes, verses from the Bible, or some other blessing to bestow on the happy two.
Afterwards, Melody and Christopher and I escaped out behind the church hall to take photographs in the woodsy area nearby. Melody specially requested that I incorporate the fallen birch tree somehow; "I love birch," she said, "The bark is just so lovely."
It's plain to see that she and Christopher will be happy for a long, long time. They are so at ease with each other, and made conversation with grace and comfort while I photographed.
The two of them are returning to Ireland (Christopher's native land), where a small house with a bright red door awaits them. I wish them the best.
At the Hilton in Linthicum, Maryland, Melanie and Brad tied the knot!
It was a short ceremony and an intimate reception of maybe 30 people. On record, the smallest wedding I've ever photographed, and for the shortest amount of time--only two hours.
An interesting sidenote: Melanie's dress is one of the first strapped dresses I've seen in recent years! She also mentioned that she bought the coverup separate from the dress. When photographing Melody's wedding just a few weeks ago, she too was noting how difficult it was to find something with sleeves, and had to get her long sleeves specially made. Could this be a new trend in bridal fashion?
Since I've been photographing smaller weddings lately, I've found that I really enjoy these smaller affairs. They tend to be low-key, but highly demanding and exciting for a photographer. With no down time, there's always something to photograph and do, and it's a neat challenge to remain unobtrusive when you're one out of thirty, versus one out of a hundred.
The new baby that one family member brought along, of course, barely noticed me.
This past Saturday, on a gorgeous day in downtown Annapolis, Danielle and Arthur tied the knot at St. Mary's Church.
After the ceremony and the family portraits, the couple, bridal party, and I, wandered through the busy downtown streets. People shouted their congratulations. Young girls, especially, excitedly pointed to Danielle and oohed over her dress.
We dismissed the bridal party, and then I had a few moments alone with the couple in the backyard garden at a historic house. Arthur and Danielle were so very low-key and fun to be around. They were up for almost anything, and took direction very eagerly and naturally.
It's so marvelous to be a part of someone's special day, especially when they're relaxed and enjoying themselves; that energy transfers to the pictures while at the same time helping to make the day a beautiful memory.
This past Saturday, on a gorgeous day in downtown Annapolis, Danielle and Arthur tied the knot at St. Mary's Church.
After the ceremony and the family portraits, the couple, bridal party, and I, wandered through the busy downtown streets. People shouted their congratulations. Young girls, especially, excitedly pointed to Danielle and oohed over her dress.
We dismissed the bridal party, and then I had a few moments alone with the couple in the backyard garden at a historic house. Arthur and Danielle were so very low-key and fun to be around. They were up for almost anything, and took direction very eagerly and naturally.
It's so marvelous to be a part of someone's special day, especially when they're relaxed and enjoying themselves; that energy transfers to the pictures while at the same time helping to make the day a beautiful memory.
On May 17th, Lisa and Jon tied the knot!
I love this shot; the chrome of the antique car blends in nicely with the satin dress and the formal tuxedo.
The down-to-earth couple had a beautiful ceremony at St. Ignatius, and then moved on to a homey reception at Slate Ridge American Legion Post.
The kids, as you can see, were very cute and photogenic. They tore up the dance floor later on.
This shot was a lucky one; I was experimenting with dragging the shutter speed with my flash, and Lisa and Jon just happened to kiss at the right moment.
Lisa and Jon deserve all the happiness they have.
On May 17th, Lisa and Jon tied the knot!
I love this shot; the chrome of the antique car blends in nicely with the satin dress and the formal tuxedo.
The down-to-earth couple had a beautiful ceremony at St. Ignatius, and then moved on to a homey reception at Slate Ridge American Legion Post.
The kids, as you can see, were very cute and photogenic. They tore up the dance floor later on.
This shot was a lucky one; I was experimenting with dragging the shutter speed with my flash, and Lisa and Jon just happened to kiss at the right moment.
Lisa and Jon deserve all the happiness they have.
Remember Alex and Jay?
They tied the knot!
I witnessed a beautiful Catholic ceremony, followed by shenanigans on Federal Hill, and then a lovely indoor/outdoor reception at the Evergreen House.
My favorite shots, of course, are the ones taken of Alex and Jay on Federal Hill, when they had the chance to enjoy each other and celebrate their nuptials. In spite of the heat (it was nearly 90 degrees), the whole bridal party held up well on the hill.
And I must say, I witnessed one of the most energetic and lively receptions I've ever been to; lots of fun was had by all (including me!).
Remember Alex and Jay?
They tied the knot!
I witnessed a beautiful Catholic ceremony, followed by shenanigans on Federal Hill, and then a lovely indoor/outdoor reception at the Evergreen House.
My favorite shots, of course, are the ones taken of Alex and Jay on Federal Hill, when they had the chance to enjoy each other and celebrate their nuptials. In spite of the heat (it was nearly 90 degrees), the whole bridal party held up well on the hill.
And I must say, I witnessed one of the most energetic and lively receptions I've ever been to; lots of fun was had by all (including me!).
On August 16th, 2008, my cousin Martha tied the knot with her fiance Mikael. The scene was Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable, MA. The weather was iffy that day, but cooperated with us fairly well and gave us a fabulous sunset as a backdrop later on.
Simple, elegant rings were a lovely choice.
Martha donned her custom-made wedding dress, which she acquired on a trip to Thailand.
Family and friends gathered from as far as Denmark and Sweden!
A simple ceremony...
...for a wonderful couple!
After the ceremony, we had big family gatherings for group shots. This was by far one of the toughest things to manage, especially since as one of the cousins, I had to be in it (I'm the last on the far right).
Mikael and Martha were visibly having a lot of fun being surrounded by friends and family from all over.
The storm rolled by to the north of us, granting us some simply marvelous clouds!
I brought my fisheye camera for a little something different, too.
While we were on the Cape, we stayed at One Centre Street Inn in Yarmouth Port--a very comfortable and hospitable location. Delicious breakfasts and excellent hosts; I highly recommend staying there if you get the chance.
Many thanks to my extended family and my husband for helping to take care of little Ruthie while I ran around having a great time with my cameras!
Remember Brian and Kristi, and the picture of Kristi that won an award from WPJA? They tied the knot at Overhills Mansion on September 6th, this past weekend, and I was their lucky photographer.
Of course, the weather wasn't cooperating with us early on, and when I arrived at the mansion, hurricane Hanna had knocked out the power. The caterers were carefully arranging furniture and getting the generator ready to go, while I assessed my lighting situation (vastly different from what I had expected, of course), and prepared to shoot a ceremony almost completely in the dark!
Kristi was remarkably unfazed, joking around with her bridesmaids as she got ready to put on her dress.
All went well from there, and after their brief ceremony, lit only by sparse window light, the officiant's flashlight, and my strobes, I took the couple outside during a lull in the weather to catch a few relaxed moments.
Inside Kristi's bouquet, she had placed her grandmother's heirloom ring.
After a few hours the power came back on, the caterers (who had been working very hard) breathed a sigh of relief, and everyone enjoyed the music and dancing.
Best of all, the wonderful couple I met nearly a year ago was finally married.
Many thanks to Kristi and Brian for making such a crazy and unpredictable day a wild success, and a lot of fun.
Catering provided by Whitehouse Caterers, music by Absolute Entertainment, gown by David's Bridal.
This past Saturday, September 27th, Joe and Liz tied the knot at Morningside Inn in Frederick, Maryland!
On the drive in, the sky was overcast with some fantastic-looking clouds. It drizzled lightly. Upon arrival, I hung out with the groom and groomsmen while we waited for the bride to arrive. Joe and his pals were at ease and jocular.
An on-site catering staffer had pulled a pickup truck near the groom's room, so they all piled in and out of the truck bed for a playful shot. You can see the rain fell onto my lens in the middle of this shot; it was starting to get quite wet out there!
Liz arrived, and I snuck away to meet her. Her mother helped her put on some beautiful pearls.
Liz's lovely friends toasted her with champagne.
We dashed outside to take some pictures, but then it began to rain more heavily. Our hopes for an outdoor ceremony were dashed.
I loved the bridesmaid's hair--it looks like someone sprinkled their heads with stars.
After the ceremony and family portraits, it began to rain even more, but Joe and Liz offered to run out to the gazebo and grab some fun shots of them in the rain under the little roof. My flash froze some of the raindrops in mid-air.
They were very relaxed and gladly kissed for my camera.
And this shot is so sweet and affectionate.
We dashed through the torrent back to the reception; I trailed the bride and groom with my camera, and got soaked (SO worth it, though!).
They shared their first dance...
And the rest of the party joined in for a little YMCA...
Some family embraces from the longest-married couple in the room--over 50 years!
And a groomsman ham's it up for me. "Get a picture of me chowing this cake!" he said. Snap snap, here it is--an extreme hunger for cake, folks!
Many thanks to Heather, the wedding coordinator, for all her hard work. And a big thank-you to the Wensus and Horrell families, who let me document their special day. May Joe and Liz have many years of happiness!
Betsy and Whitney were married in a lovely outdoor ceremony at Chase Court, on October 3, 2008. It's a beautiful privately-owned historic building, with striking architecture. It lies hidden away in Baltimore city, tucked between a church and another large building nearby.
On a table, waiting, their guests names sparkled in the afternoon light.
Betsy got ready, enjoying the time spent with her bridesmaids and close friends.
Betsy and Whitney chose their date to honor Betsy's parents, who were also married on that date. A few years ago, Betsy's father passed away, and she remembered him with a charm on her bouquet.
Her mother walked her down the aisle and fixed her train on her way to the altar. After poetry, vows, and rings, they kissed!
At the reception, the groom talked and laughed with friends.
In lieu of a wedding cake, Betsy & Whitney opted to have fresh Berger cookies, a Baltimore favorite, instead!
As often happens, folks kicked off their shoes to facilitate some wild dancing.
Kayla, the flower girl, made the most of the dance floor, stealing the spotlight and singing along to a catchy tune for everyone to see.
And of course, everyone joined in on the fun after the food (provided by Biddle Street Catering) was gone, with music provided by Kode Bleuu.
I wish the new family, Betsy, Whitney, and Kayla, many years of happiness!
Get Rich Slowly, one of my favorite personal finance blogs, recently wrote about having a low-cost wedding, having written about "Beating the High Cost of Weddings" in the past. Another favorite blogger of mine, Ramit Sethi, over at I Will Teach You To Be Rich, has also written about this topic.
I think this is a great phenomenon.
What makes a meaningful and exciting (read: fun to photograph) wedding is primarily the energy and the atmosphere of the people involved. Of course, a beautiful locale, fancy dresses, and delicious food can certainly help get everyone in a celebratory mood. But the source of the celebration is you.
By far, the most important thing about your wedding is that it reflects your budget, values, and priorities. Of course, as a wedding photographer I would love it if those three things meant that you were leaving room for quality photography (wink wink).
The alternative isn't always bad, though. It is true that the technology behind the latest cameras has put a lot of power in the hands of amateur enthusiasts and semi-pros. The democratic (and by that I mean "open to everyone") nature of photography is what got me started in the first place! And while I have been able to learn a lot, I have a long way to go myself. (For instance, I will forever admire the technical skills of The Strobist.)
But if what's ahead of us is that everyone will be cutting back on their expenses--weddings included--it's my hope that the emphasis on thinking creatively, cutting back, doing it yourself, and involving your family in the planning will bring families and friends even closer together.
Ultimately, a great time can be had with a lavish affair or a small bash in your backyard; both are fun to photograph.
That said, thrifty brides should head over to A Practical Wedding (which I found through Get Rich Slowly's feature this week) for inspirational, low-cost wedding stories and tips!
This past October was full of beautiful weddings; Betsy & Whitney was just the beginning. As things got busier, I neglected to blog the other wonderful couples who I had the privilege of working with. They kept me on my toes, to say the least!
So, in order to properly feature and thank the couples from each day, this week will be completely wedding-themed--each day will feature a different wedding.
Get ready for an (awesome) onslaught!
Matt and Lauren had their ceremony and celebration at The Baltimore Museum of Art on October 12, 2008!
Lauren and her bridesmaids got ready all together at a nearby hotel.
As a graphic designer and great appreciator of art, Lauren had chosen meaningful and elegant vintage clothing and jewelry. Matt's wedding ring had beautiful inlaid wood, and hers was a lovely heirloom piece with tiny diamonds.
Of course, in spite of her serious attention to detail, Lauren knows how to have a good time.
A lovely ceremony under the tents at Gertrude's provided an elegant backdrop. The sculpture garden had a timeless and serene quality.
And what's a Jewish wedding without enthusiastic dancing?
Or a little tossing of the bride?
As the evening wound down, Matt and Lauren gave me the privilege of some time alone with them as they danced to classy tunes by The Swingin' Swamis.
I wish Lauren and Matt many years of happiness!
I would like to thank Jim Nee of Evlogia Design for his excellent post-processing work.
Will and Janet tied the knot on October 18th, 2008 at the simply gorgeous St. Alphonsus Church in downtown Baltimore.
I started photographing at her parents' house, where Janet pinned necklace from her grandmother into her wedding gown.
At the church, she needed some help with her lengthy veil, which left her relatives puzzled--in the end their hard work paid off.
The service was tranquil and beautiful. I don't think there's church architecture that could get much more beautiful than this.
After a roaring reception outside the church, Will and Janet took a few moments together. (I told you her veil was long!)
At the reception, they likewise took a break from the party and let me walk around near the Baltimore Symphony! It was a balmy night, full of cloudy atmosphere.
The old townhouse buildings around town afford some interesting lighting opportunities, too. As an artist and designer, Janet was up for trying a lot of different things, and Will was eager for some casual non-traditional pictures together. We roamed until the light started to fade beyond the hills.
Back at the reception, the party was still going strong at Preston Hall.
One of my favorite things about dancing at weddings is that the theatrics can get quite impressive.
It's always flattering to have a fellow artist choose me to photograph their special event. Thank you, Janet (and Will!) for the opportunity!
Again, I owe thanks to Evlogia Design for excellent post-production work.
Under the chuppah on October 19th, 2008, Naomi and JT were married at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. The sky was amazingly clear and blue, the leaves just beginning to turn. The weather had the slight nip of autumn chill, and the stage was set for a beautiful event.
When I arrived, Naomi and JT were unloading the last-minute gear for the wedding. We spent some time together getting ready, and then before family or guests arrived, walked around the Sanctuary grounds, taking in the fresh air.
Simple elegance ruled the day--a pair of cranes held a pair of plain wedding bands.
At Woodend, the grove of trees surrounding the ceremony site loomed tall and airy.
As the sun set and the day cooled, everyone warmed themselves up with hot cocoa and cider.
Tucked away indoors were quiet moments of laughter.
And raucous celebration!
A week later, Naomi and JT donned their wedding garb again for an excursion into D.C. We toured the monuments together on a fabulous sunny day. The light hitting the steps of the Jefferson Memorial was simply gorgeous.
The Hirshorn's fountain gave us a cooling soak.
Outside the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, we found a spot to rest for a bit.
And on the way home, off came JT's shoes!
My congratulations go to Naomi and JT! Thank you for having me.
On October 24th--a cold, overcast day--Chris and Christine made their way to a grove by the river in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to say their vows to each other.
My assistant and I split up and caught Chris and Christine getting ready separately--they were not to see each other before the ceremony. The guys were fussing with each other's hair after abandoning a little pre-wedding card game.
The ladies were fussing with Christine's dress and in various stages of make-up. When Christine put on her veil, everyone gasped.
Chris took a last-minute look at his vows...
...then the ceremony began.
What moments; more than one person was brought to tears. Afterwards, my assistant and I split up with the bridal party to have some fun portrait time.
They were all wonderful sports, and then proceeded to dance the night away!
Chris and Christine fed each other their cake nicely, and then things got a little messy.
But they kissed and made up soon afterwards.
Being at Riverdale Manor was quite relaxing and beautiful, and I was blessed to be in the presence of Chris and Christine's families.
Many thanks to Adam Reuter of Baltimore Digital Studios for assisting me on this wedding.
At St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Zak and Heather held a jazz-infused ceremony, remembering their ancestors, and enjoying their friends and family from near and far.
Heather had a gardenia in her hair. When I asked her why she chose that flower, she said, "Because of Billie Holiday." As the pastor gave his sermon, their hands found each other.
It was chilly out, but Zak and Heather "jumped" at the chance to wander outside and catch some fresh air (hardy har har, forgive the pun).
As you can see, Zak has that expressive streak that all good performers need (he belongs to The Swingin' Swamis).
They were so cozy, even in the freezing weather.
Zak and Heather opted to have their reception at John J. Jeffries, which is attached to the Lancaster Arts Hotel, an elegant space, which they had decked out with a glowing tree for the season.
Zak and Heather glowed even more, though. What a joy to photograph in the dead cold of winter!
As with many other wedding photographers, January is a time where I take stock of last year, and prepare for the coming year's marvelous events. It's another busy summer for me, with very few spaces left in 2009. I'm looking forward to:
A lovely April ceremony at Woodend Sanctuary
A candlelit family affair on the Eastern Shore
Salty air and elegance at Kent Manor
Pre-Independence Day nuptials in downtown Baltimore
...and more, of course! Many thanks to the wonderful brides and grooms of 2009! I can't wait to work with you.
Lately, everyone's been tightening their belts, even when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime events, like a wedding. In the past month or so a number of hopeful couples have contacted me, only to discover that I am outside their budget. When we discover this, two things can happen: negotiation, or we part ways.
It's painful for me when we're forced to part ways. One of the most charming things about each couple who contacts me is that they all have a wonderful story, and they all absolutely deserve to have their event photographed beautifully. I'm frustrated when economic realities prevent this from happening, since I absolutely love what I do.
If negotiation opens up, fun, fruitful, frustrating, and futile things can result. Both sides suggest possible solutions, with varying success. Admittedly, I have spent very little time on the couples' end of the negotiating table. When I first realized this I paused to think: was there something that I knew, something about the way I worked, that might help couples find good compromises with the photographer they want to hire?
So here I am, offering what little nuggets of advice I have. Please keep in mind that I speak as a professional photographer, from my own experience and perspective; my opinion is decidedly shaped by being on "the other side of the table." Also, I am only one photographer; most likely my opinion and approach differ from that of others.
This is tricky, even if you put it nicely. I personally love the idea of negotiation, but some photographers see it as a threat to their professionalism. Even with photographers who are open to a little negotiation, it's important to communicate to them that you think their services are worth what they're asking. I love to be told that I'm valuable; don't you?
Offering to cut back or barter right off the bat, or simply saying "I don't want to pay the full amount," can sound an awful lot like "I don't think your work is worthwhile." In which case, I start to wonder if you enjoyed my work in the first place and why you would want to hire me; perhaps I'm not for you!
A good way to start is by saying, "You do wonderful work, and I'd love to be able to hire you, but I can't afford $____. Is there any way you would consider ____?" As with all communication, the how you ask is as important as what you're asking.
1. Cutting Back: Ask to reduce package options, or go a la carte
If the photographer you're looking at has packages with lots of extra do-dads that you could personally do without, it can't hurt to ask politely if they'd be willing to scale down a package for you.
Be aware that some photographers won't budge on this, as they consider the packages they offer as an integral part of their client experience. Even though it may seem superfluous to you, those packages are carefully thought out, and are a part of the attractive image they work hard to maintain.
But some photographers will be willing to trim things a bit for you, and that's great! And while I offer several scaled-down options there are still a few things I provide that I just won't cut back on, because to me it feels like I wouldn't really be doing justice to my clients.
2. Bartering: Trade your skills or trade your stuff
If I need brake work, a new couch, or someone to design a website for me, I will (and have) bartered photography for those necessary things! The art of bartering is a lost one, and I'd love to see this come back into play. It can't hut to ask politely and generally about bartering as an option for payment, and find out if it's even a possibility.
I call these items "things to avoid" because although they are valid requests, I have found them to be incompatible with my own approach and goals as a photographer. And based on my knowledge of other photographer's attitudes, they are also less likely to be fruitful. If these ideas interest you, delicacy is key, as it was with the "things to try." How you ask for them is as important as what you're asking, but keep in mind that these are probably things for which no matter how nicely you ask, you likely won't get what you're asking for.
1. Asking for RAW files (unprocessed images straight from the camera)
Some clients may try to cut costs by asking for the photographer's RAW files so they can process them apart from their photographer. You may just happen to find a photographer who specializes in what's called "shoot and burn" weddings, and this arrangement will work for you. More often than not, you won't.
For a photographer who doesn't do so (myself included), it's often a philosophical reason: the belief that the beauty of the photographer's work extends into the way they process their images. Personally, this helps me maintain control over how other perceive and view my work. It's important that my portfolio should never appear different from the images I deliver so that clients can trust that my work is consistent. It proves that I am skilled, and ensures I'm providing a beautiful result every time.
There is, however, a practical reason for avoiding the photographer's RAW files: do you have the setup necessary to process through hundreds (perhaps thousands) of high-resolution image files? If you don't have the basic software, RAM, or hard drive space to do so, you may want to reconsider.
2. Offering promotion in return for a discount
I, personally, am not interested promotion unless it's something that happens organically--hopefully the result of me doing an exceptional job. Any other arrangement would mean I was creating a different, less authentic reputation for myself. Genuine word of mouth is invaluable, and I hope to deserve more of it every day.
So, for me, while I really truly appreciate offers for promotion, it's simply not an option. Other photographers may be open to the idea, but find it difficult to quantify; they have to ask themselves, "How many blog posts or glowing message board reviews constitutes 10% off?" It's a really tough call, and I'd be curious to hear of any successful arrangements.
Reading this through, it must sound like we photographers are touchy people. "Tread fearfully!" you must be thinking. Please don't think so! I encourage everyone to consider these options and put them in their budgeting arsenal, but using them sensitively and appropriately to the situation. You never know what great things could result from a polite question and creative thinking! I feel for all you couples on a budget, and with everything in your life being squeezed right now it's tough to manage to afford the beautiful, meaningful event you desire.
I owe a lot to several friends who helped me brainstorm and edit this piece. Please, if you have feedback, do contact me with your experiences, questions, and advice.
Coming Soon: What to Do if You Just Can't Hire a Pro
This is a second part of a two-part series on wedding photography in a recession. See Part 1: How Do I Negotiate? if you missed it!
Sometimes the sad truth is that with some wedding budgets, it just doesn't work out to hire a professional. Regardless of what your budget is, the photography is one of the longest-lasting investments you'll make in your wedding day. It's important to have it done well. Here's what I'd do if I was in dire straits, and had a minimal budget to work with.
There are a lot of resources on the internet about how to amateurs can go about photographing a wedding. You can probably find a student who already knows a lot, a friend who has taught themselves a lot, or someone who's willing to give it a go and has a fairly good eye.
The key here is that no one--not even an amateur--should photograph a wedding entirely for free, in my opinion. A friend who is the photographer has the unfortunate status of not being able to fully participate, since the photographer's job is to capture the moment, not enjoy it. A student in training or a photo enthusiast still has specialized knowledge to put to use.
I'll reiterate it again: an "amateur" needn't command professional rates, but their efforts should never go uncompensated! How you work it out with your amateur is up to you; just please, don't let them work for free.
1. Find Your Amateur
Instead of looking to the omnipresent Craigslist first, turn to your local colleges and universities; each of them has art departments with students who may be willing to give their skills a whirl. In the Baltimore and D.C. areas, a few of the prominent schools include MICA, Baltimore School for the Arts, Washington School of Photography, and Corcoran.
If your student pool turns up dry, you can mine your friends, associates, co-workers, and family members for any photo enthusiast who might be interested in the job. The benefit of looking within your networks is that may turn up someone with whom you feel more comfortable, since they already have a connection with you.
Another great resource, but probably a little tougher to find someone local, would be Flickr: you can search through regional groups and see if you find shooters you like, or someone who dabbles in wedding photography but who may not advertise. It's worth a shot!
2. Get Comfortable With Your Amateur
Subject your amateur to the same scrutiny that you would as if they were a professional. This is your wedding day, and you want to feel at ease with the person in charge of capturing the moments. Examine their portfolio and ask them why they enjoy photography. Give them your timeline and ask them what their thoughts are. Invite them to come to the location with you on a pre-wedding visit. Ask them what they would do in the event of inclement weather, uncooperative guests, or equipment failure.
Plenty of students and enthusiasts, though, may already have those things in the bag. But just in case, consider providing part of your photography budget for their backup equipment needs, and travel expenses too.
3. Help Your Amateur Get What They Need
Here I've prepared a short list of helpful resources that amateur wedding photographers can use to enhance their shooting skills, get the equipment they need, and feel inspired.
Enhance Skills
21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers
The Digital Wedding Forum
Planet Neil: Flash Photography Techniques
Strobist: Lighting 101
Gear Resources
B&H: Photo and Video Equipment
Ziplens: Online Lens Rentals
Service Photo: Rentals & Photo Equipment (local to Baltimore)
Inspiration
Jonathan Canlas Photography
Laura Burlton Photography
Carina Romano Photography
Ellen Warfield Photography
Sabine Scherer Weddings
Regardless of what happens with your wedding photography, please make sure that your longest-lasting investment is in each other. In the end, all the beautiful photographs in the world can't compare to a happy, healthy, and joyous relationship.
Robin and Joshua tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Camp Puh'tok in Monkton, Maryland. The weather was unusually warm, but that didn't wilt anyone's spirits! Everyone from age zero to eighty seemed to be glad of each other's company.
The ceremony was held in a brightly-lit field, underneath a veiled canopy. A small group of friends and family were in attendance, and I skulked around the perimeter, enjoying the summer sun and the touching readings of their vows. Chris Dunn, a classical guitarist, played delicately throughout the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, everyone (especially the kids) enthusiastically blew bubbles, and then ran across the field to depart for the reception.
Robin and Joshua had chosen a signature cocktail for their reception: the mojito. Their color (and cake!) was a delicate green, like the shade of the surrounding woods.
Many thanks to Latrice Dixon for helping to organize this beautiful event, the Rev. Alberta Eaton for officiating, All Star DeeJays for the music, and Manor Tavern for the scrumptious food (and boy, do I mean scrumptious!).
Most of all, many thanks and blessings to the bride, groom, and their families, for the honor and privilege of photographing their beautiful and intimate occasion.
Nathalie and Cory, whose engagement I shot in downtown Baltimore and along Howard Street, tied the knot on April 26th at Woodend Sanctuary! Wildflowers were everywhere, and we even had deer sightings in the evening.
Their wedding was simply to die for; even though it was a hot, hot, HOT day, everyone fared well and the light was perfect. The ceremony happened at 4 in the afternoon, allowing things to cool off, and the shade to fall over all the onlookers.
This is just a small preview of the gorgeousness to come--more photos in the next week!
So you've all been dying to see more from Nathalie and Cory's wedding, right? Well, never fear; thanks to my wonderful assistant Leah Stern, I had plenty of material to plug through from the whole green event at Woodend Sanctuary.
Nathalie and her sister got ready inside the mansion as the afternoon light came through the wide windows. Her mother assisted her into her wedding dress (by Amanda Archer) and veil (by Leah/smittenxoxo). I hung around, catching a few details of the various stages of getting ready, and then we roamed the grounds taking portraits together.
Leah ran off with Cory and his brother (the best man) to hide from Nathalie. The two of them needed a little help getting their ties together; a few friends volunteered to show them how. All dressed up, they relaxed outside on the opposite side of the grounds while guests arrived, and waited for the main event.
In the secluded grove, the sun shone halfway through the trees. There was a breeze, and David Huber played on the guitar. After some tearful and moving vows, Nathalie and Cory exchanged their beautiful custom-made rings (courtesy of Beth Cyr) were officially married!
After the ceremony and family portraits, Leah and I took the two of them aside for a few minutes to wander the wild grounds and enjoy each others' company.
At the reception, we took pictures at a makeshift photo booth. Gorgeous centerpieces provided by Local Color Flowers not only looked beautiful, but contained fragrant herbs to waft around inside the tent. Leah had been recording video in addition to serving as second shooter and assistant, enabling me to put together this little jewel to share:
Nathalie and Cory's day ended late into the evening, with dancing, cupcakes, and laughter.
What impressed me most about Nat & Cory was not just that they had made every effort to include local and independent artisans (learn more here), but the amazing amount of love between them and their families.
They deserve all the blessings in the world.
I'm (approximately) six months pregnant right now. I'm almost halfway through my second wedding season of shooting while pregnant, and it occurred to me the other day that there's not that much written out there for nervous brides who have hired a photographer who is (or could become) pregnant.
Should I hire a female wedding photographer if they could get pregnant?
Any, and I mean ANY woman who works can become pregnant, so even if your photographer isn't planning on having kids, a surprise might just be right around the corner. Does this make you nervous? It probably makes them a little nervous too!
But hiring a male photographer instead won't ensure they'll 100%-without-a-doubt be there. The not-so-big secret is that any photographer can be a potential victim of fate. What if they get sick? What if their child is hospitalized? What if their parent dies? With any photographer you interview, examine their cancellation policy, and talk with them about what they'd do in the event of an emergency.
Pregnancy is actually (in my opinion) one of the more predictable and reliable things that can happen to your wedding photographer. But go with your gut. Really. If you simply feel that you don't want to rely on someone who's pregnant, then by all means, do what makes you feel at ease.
Of course, if you're totally over the moon for them and they have a good emergency policy, then you just might have hit the jackpot!
As a pregnant photographer, doing my best at being pregnant is also a part of doing my best on your wedding day.
Firstly, I do my best to be in good physical shape. After my first baby, I did everything I could to get back into regular exercise and good eating habits. Hooray for jogging strollers! Even at six months now, I'm running three to four times a week, and doing aerobics to boot. As I get bigger, I plan to alter my regimen towards less intensive, but just as frequent exercise to accommodate the extra stress on my joints. Photography (at least the way I do it) requires a lot from me physically, and so will childbirth, so why not prepare for both marathons at once?
Secondly, I rest. Pregnancy can really beat your body up; not many people tell you about the strange sensations you'll have, or how tired you'll feel. It sounds silly, but I also make sure I take a nap or lie down for a half-hour or so every day. I rely on friends and family members to help me make sure I'm well-rested and get to bed on time before a big wedding.
Thirdly, I cut back. In order for me to do my job properly and take care of the coming little one, I have to say "no" more often. I'd love to be superwoman (really, who wouldn't), but I have to be realistic: my energy level is being redirected to creating new life, so of course I'll have to take it a little easier on the commitments.
The hardest thing about being a wedding photographer is that you're pretty much always "on." So, I have three major things I do on a long day of shooting:
Key #1: Snack Snack Snack
Key #2: Stay Hydrated
Key #3: Strategic Bathroom Breaks
Granted, I've only been through pregnancy one-and-a-half times now, but focusing on these three things helps me keep my energy up and lets me stay focused on what's important--the beautiful bride and gorgeous groom. A bite of a granola bar here, sips of water when I can, and using quiet and in-between times for a needed trip to the restroom.
I have a list of emergency shooters for the last-minute unthinkable thing. I hire assistants for the weddings that I know will be large, long, and physically arduous. Other photographers in my personal network know that I'm pregnant. My family is alert and aware of my obligations. My doctor knows my vocation and keeps tabs on my health for me. It's a lot of work to set this up, but it's only fair to my clients, and to myself!
As I said before, do go with your gut on this issue. But also take a lesson from it: no matter what photographer you choose, make sure you go over their cancellation policy and what their procedures are in the event of a personal emergency--for them or for you! It's not pleasant to think about either you or your photographer having some sort of emergency, but you'll be happier and feel more at ease leading up to and on your special day.
My advice to other photographers is this: you know your body, your shooting style, and your business plan. Make decisions based on accurate knowledge of all three, and with the guidance of your doctor. Pregnancy is not a terminal illness; it's a temporary but significant and unpredictable condition that will require you to alter your normal way of doing things.
So, examine your cancellation policy (please tell me you have one). As with any other medical condition, create a safe and satisfactory back-up plan for you and your clients according to your worst-case-scenario. Your clients will thank you for ensuring that there's someone there to photograph their one-time event, just like your body will thank you for all the preparation and caring towards its one-time event!
The worst thing you can do is nothing, and pretend like pregnancy doesn't matter. It does, but it's no reason to go into a mental tailspin. Your clients may react unpredictably to your news, but don't let that phase you. Pregnancy and birth, like marriage, are life-changing events, so cherish them both accordingly!
On an overcast afternoon, friends and family gathered at St. Andrew By the Bay to celebrate the marriage of Tim and Traci. A devout Catholic couple, Tim and Traci met in their active parish, and slowly but surely fell into admiration, then love for each other.
Throughout the service, reminders of the couples' faith, service, and passion for social justice rang. The cantor's voice soared throughout the airy sanctuary, full of lightness and energy.
Many heartfelt congratulations were passed around from family members and dear friends; I pulled Traci and Tim aside for a few minutes after family portraits to catch some small moments together before we left for the reception.
The church grounds were lush with spring life, providing a marvelous complimentary backdrop for Traci's flowers and Tim's tall stature!
At the reception, loving toasts were given, and laughter shared. While all of the adults enjoyed gabbing and ate their food, the children took over the dance floor and provided most of the afternoon's entertainment.
Tim and Traci, may you have many years of wedded bliss.
On the day Patrick and Erin got married, a thunderstorm threatened over the Eastern Shore. Clouds gathered and a breeze began to blow. As Erin dressed with her bridesmaids, they fretted over the clouds on the horizon.
My assistant for the day, caught the moments of Patrick on the beach with his groomsmen before it became overcast. It almost seemed as though it was destined to rain
But it didn't. May 16th, 2009 turned out to be the perfect day. Everyone watched the sun set behind theatrical clouds over the horizon, as the officiant blessed the wedding couple and introduced them to their friends and family.
The beachside location was the perfect temperature, and the perfect ambiance for a quick set of portraits before Patrick and Erin made their entrance at the reception. Their loved ones waited expectantly in the Tavern on the Bay.
And what a batch of loved ones! They thoroughly enjoyed each other through the cocktail reception and beyond, watching the bride and groom dance with obvious admiration. As usual, I teared up a little bit at the father-daughter dance.
Jessah had shot some video of our antics on the beach a little earlier in the day, and so I put together this slideshow of the overall event as well, just for some kicks!
As the night wore on, you could tell the ring bearer was exhausted; perhaps that ear-to-ear grin he had at the ceremony took too much out of him. Plenty of others had energy to keep dancing, and we said goodbye to a balmy and perfect May 16th and hello to a stormy 17th.
May Patrick and Erin have many years of bliss and many blessings!
You may remember Robert and Krissy from their engagement photos at Downs Park. They got engaged and planned their wedding rather quickly, but weathered the excitement very well and finally got hitched on the 24th! It's simply amazing what they accomplished in two months of planning--a very beautiful, family-oriented and fun-filled party!
And that's just a preview! More to come in the next few days.
Okay, so I promised more photos from Robert and Krissy's super-quickly-planned wedding, and here they are!
Krissy and her attendants got ready at a friend's house near the church. Her sisters, Beth and Cece, have gorgeous long hair, that each of them braided differently.
That lovely lady in pink? That's Krissy's official wedding helper, Naomi.
Robert also prepared himself right around the corner from the church, and walked straight in with his brothers/groomsmen after saying a quick prayer. What a handsome bunch!
The ceremony took place at Holy Cross Orthodox Church, in Linthicum, where Robert serves as a subdeacon, and where many of the couples' friends attend. It was packed that Sunday afternoon!
After the ceremony, everyone traveled to Nixon's Farm for the reception, taking some time out for family portraits on the grounds. Things got a little silly with the sisters and the flower girls.
Isn't Krissy's hair just gorgeous? What fabulous braids.
Reception highlights included some fabulous English country dancing (also known as contra dance), which you can see if you watch the video-slideshow of the event. Not everyone had done it before, but everyone learned pretty quickly, and had a blast!
And of course, I stole Robert & Krissy away from the action for awhile to walk the grounds. We found old abandoned playground equipment, and some beautiful old backlit trees to enjoy.
I love that last shot; I think it shows how beautifully contented they are.
Our day began at Leslie's house, where all the ladies were in various stages of hair and make-up. It was quite a scene!
Cicely Procopio was my assistant for the day, and she hung around the guys at South Shore Baptist Church while I was stashed away in the church with the girls.
What a beautiful and loving ceremony; Leslie's dad gave her away, and Chris had a big grin across his face the whole time.
Chris and Leslie drove these gorgeous antique cars from the ceremony to their reception; we had to take a few moments to swoon over them and the newlyweds!
We moved on to the reception at the historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville, Maryland. Chris and Leslie had the entire place decked out with songbird-themed fanciness. It was very beautiful, light, and airy decor.
And what a cute couple they made during their first dance.
Of course, things picked up quite a bit after that first dance; Cicely shot some video of the dancing and other moments, and I put it all together in a little slideshow...
Chris and Leslie's friends had (unbeknownst to them) filled their car with balloons prior to their exit; in order to leave, they had to release quite a few into the crisp evening air.
I love that last shot, of the whole family enthusiastic and happy; many blessings to everyone!
I don't usually update my blog on Fridays, but Chris and Leslie's wedding was too adorable not to at least share a sneak peek of what's to come next week. Their wedding colors were a beautiful robin's egg blue, and a deep chocolate brown, which fit in perfectly with their songbird-themed wedding.
You'll see more of these two and their absolutely adorable affection later on; plus, the car-decorating antics of their friends!
It was an amazing day for Brian and Katie to get married. They arrived, relaxed and ready, at Strong Mansion (one of my favorite places to photograph!) in Dickerson, Maryland, for what would prove to be an eventful evening.
Later on, I asked Katie about what made the day special for her, and the first thing she mentioned was that her friend Melanie ("an amazing friend I've had since high school" and "newly-minted social worker") was the officiant as well as her bridesmaid. I caught Melanie rehearsing a "personal, beautifully written ceremony" in the upper rooms of the mansion. It made quite the impression, too! "I had lots of guests asking me if she was a professional celebrant," said Katie.
Katie's preparation was simple and elegant; her long brown hair swept up and decorated with flowers, and heirloom family jewelry to add a special touch and presence to the day. Check out those gold shoes!
Brian arrived later on, and my wonderful second photographer Leah Stern took charge of photographing the groomsmen down in the gardens. Katie and Brian didn't want to see each other before the wedding, so we played a little cat-and-mouse in the mansion house as a result. No surprises were lost, though!
Guests filtered in and the ceremony began. A Shakespeare poem was read, a kiss of peace exchanged, and Brian borrowed from Jewish tradition and smashed a glass at the end of the ceremony.
Afterwards, Leah and I snuck away with the family and the bridal party to catch shots of the girls all together, in addition to a few private moments for Brian and Katie.
The best of the action was yet to come, though. "Our crazy cousins and relatives were the life of the party," said Katie. "Brian's aunt Mimi gave a scarf dance to one of the groomsman," she remembered, "and Brian's father's cousin Trevor, who came from Northern Ireland to attend our wedding and gave a rollicking toast in Irish brogue that ended in an Irish blessing."
More than one sweet moment was in store, too. Taylor, Katie's maid of honor, gave a beautiful toast. "[It] had me sobbing," Katie said, "and the one by Brian's dad ended in a song from the Baillie men to me."
Needless to say, it was such fun to be a part of such a beautiful, uproarious, and joyous day. Congratulations to Brian and Katie!
I hope everyone's 4th of July this weekend went swimmingly, and was celebrated with the most-appropriate consumption of delicious food, and the pyromaniac excitement of fireworks. In the midst of all this family-and-friend oriented action, I've been ticking away at Colleen & David's beautiful seaside wedding at Kent Manor on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and have a few special highlights to share from the day.
First off, the coloring of the flowers bespoke how light and airy the overall day felt; and golf tee favors alluded to how fabulously this green the summer has been!
Colleen prepared while surrounded by her lovely bridesmaids and mothers. She's gorgeous, and I'm going to tease you with it.
David, eager and alert, waited with his groomsmen. A hint of nervousness later gave way to glee during the ceremony.
While we sequestered David inside, the bridesmaids laughed in-between portrait takes. The ceremony site--outdoors beneath a wide-open sky--was set with a lovely archway.
Stay tuned when David and Colleen tie the knot, dance the polka, the hora, and kiss as the sun sets...
Of course you remember the tantalizing teaser from Colleen & David's wedding last week. Here are some of the shots I saved as absolute favorites from the day!
This particular day, I was assisted by fabulous photographer Cicely Procopio, who coordinated with me heavily to ensure that neither David nor Colleen caught a glimpse of each other before the ceremony.
David was at ease with his groomsmen, relaxing while all the details were handled around him. Getting married seemed to suit him!
Colleen and her bridesmaids had the finishing touches put on their make-up, and then a big production was made out of putting on her dress. A few bridesmaids who were helping run errands for Colleen (so she wouldn't be seen) came back to the room and were overwhelmed with emotional delight!
Both parties signed the ketubah separately, witnessed by their rabbi and close family members. The parents read blessings on their children and their marriage; I held back a few tears, they were beautiful!
Colleen "was just so happy to have everyone there and to watch the various friends and family that I had meet and get to know one another." She "looked around a few times," during the ceremony, and was thrilled to see "nearly everyone that I loved." Of course the highlight for her was getting married to her best friend. "I was a but surprised at how emotional I got during the vows," she noted.
We snuck David & Colleen away on the grounds for some portraits by the nearby greenery. While the cocktail hour clinked away, the sun set behind them, and gave the two of them a beautiful backdrop in which to enjoy each other's company.
After first dances, some hilarious toasts, and dinner, the newlyweds cut the cake! (Kim Dweir, from With Sugar On Top was the baker. According to Colleen, she was "lovely to work with and did a wonderful job on the cake"!)
Cicely and I, of course, ran around with a small video camera to capture a few of the moments in motion; I've also added a few more of my favorites to the slideshow, which you can see below!
And as you can see, Morgan from Absolute Entertainment definitely got the party hopping. Their friends and family danced the hora, the polka, tossed hats around, and generally made the most of the evening. From outside, you could feel the radius of energy, which was made even more romantic by the fireflies calling out to each other under the stars.
Two young sweethearts decided to get hitched on the rolling hills of Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Evan and Melodie eagerly watched from the historic farmhouse as guests trickled in under the old growth trees.
After a meaningful ceremony of communion, song, and scripture, we whisked the two away for some portraits.
But that was only the beginning... more to come next week!
As you can recall, Evan and Melodie chose to have their ceremony and reception at the lovely Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Mindy Best assisted me for the day, and we began at Melodie's house, where here dress was waiting while everyone's hair and makeup got done.
She made for a beautiful bride, of course! One of the details she had warned me about in advance was that she had planned to surprise Evan with a camouflage garter. "I wasn't allowing anything camo-themed at the wedding otherwise," she said.
This lady is absolutely stunning.
And this guy? Pretty darn handsome.
Daniel and Amanda are their names, and they had their big wedding party at Morningside Inn, after a beautiful Catholic mass.
As you can see, the party was pretty delicious and rockin'. More to come next week!
Amanda and Danny got hitched the day before the fourth of July! I remember thinking how much fun it would be to have a pre-parade celebration to attend. Essentially, it would be fireworks before the patriotic fireworks later on!
Amanda got ready with her mother and bridesmaids in her parents' home--a converted church building in Ellicott City. Don't you think the architecture is fabulous?
On October 17th, Mark and Veronica had a lovely ceremony at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's Shelton Chapel. The sun shone down through the autumn air...
Veronica and her bridesmaids prepared themselves nearby. Cool and collected, she eagerly nibbled on some snacks and chatted casually. Her hair was simply gorgeous!
Mark prepared himself in another room with his twin brothers and groomsmen, Scott and John. Full disclosure: Mark is my cousin, and what a handsome one at that!
Oh, and what lovely flowers they had!
The chapel had a lofty ceiling with plenty of intimate seating. As the ceremony time drew near, the sanctuary filled. Both of Mark's brothers gave the gift of their music: John on the viola, and Scott on trumpet.
Veronica's dad, Manuel, gave the bride away gracefully and tenderly.
As a part of the service, designed by Mark's father (a minister) and their dear family friend, Glaucia (also a minister!), Eucharist was served.
Both Mark's father and Glaucia provided their blessing on the couple, followed by the entire congregation.
Married!
And so in love...
Here's a sweet slideshow with a few clips from the action:
I'm jumping on the bandwagon and sharing my ten favorite wedding images of 2009. It's so hard to narrow things down to ten. I'd probably pick a completely different set of images on any given day. But here we go...
David and Colleen are obviously meant for each other.
Melodie surprised Evan with a camouflage garter.
Nathalie and Cory enjoy a picnic-table kiss!
Erin waits for her cue with her father.
I loved that Katie and her bridesmaids each had a completely unique bouquet.
Tracy had such a beautiful laughing smile after just getting married.
Amanda stood in a renovated church--her home--as if she was at the altar before heading to the actual altar!
And then she cut loose at her reception!
Leslie gets surprised while having her portrait taken...
...only later to enjoy a kiss with her new husband, Chris.
Thanks to all my clients for making 2009 a fantastic year of creating beauty.
A preface: as a wedding photographer, very few of my clients send me an invitation to their wedding. I completely understand this! When I got married, I sure didn't bother to send my photographer an invitation. After all, they're paid to be there! Plus, fancy invitations can cost a pretty penny in production and postage.
And it's not like they don't know if I'm going to be there or not, either! I'm in frequent communication with my couples prior to the wedding, making plans, discussing timelines, and getting excited about the venue.
So imagine my surprise when Mariko and Jeff's invitations came in the mail the other day!
They're having their wedding at the Irvine Nature Center in Baltimore this April, and so I absolutely went ga-ga over the leafy nature theme they used all over the invitations--Audobon-like imagery, paper color, hand-stamping, and a delicate typeface too!
April can't come fast enough!
You may remember awhile back that I ran around Fell's Point with Mariko and Jeff for their engagement pictures. Well, the day arrived, folks!
To whet your appetites, I'll post this same-day-slideshow of photos I put together while munching on some deliciousness at the reception (man, the folks at Linwoods sure can cook).
So again to keep your taste buds satisfied, I have here two images for you. The first is shot by Mindy Best, my fellow photographer for the day at Mariko and Jeff's wedding. I'm running like the dickens up a hill at the Irvine Nature Center, trying to get ahead of the couple as they ascend so I can catch a few shots. I share this with you so I can confess this: it left me completely breathless.
It's also probably one of the better photos of me taken while shooting.
The second shot is from that evening's photo booth. It's Mariko's parents, making good use of the prop basket. Enough said.
Jeff and Mariko had a breezy and beautiful ceremony at Irvine Nature Center down in Baltimore, Maryland. With Mindy Best at my side to document the day, we split up to begin. I hung out with the girls as they slipped into their gowns and she with the guys while they put the finishing touches on their suits and ties.
We visited Sherwood Gardens for their first look, which turned into a game of cat-and-mouse, instigated by the groomsmen. Mariko went searching all over until she finally found Jeff, hiding in the trees.
Then, we arrived at Irvine. What a beautiful place! We had plenty of time before the ceremony, so the guests enjoyed their cocktail hour, and Mariko and Jeff enjoyed their guests.
What a lovely, loving ceremony. Jeff's father officiated. Mariko's mother read a poem in Japanese. Their friends read other tributes to love, and everyone passed around the wedding rings to warm them with their hands and good wishes.
Tomorow, the conclusion!
When all was said and done at Irvine, Jeff and Mariko made their way to Linwoods, where fabulous food, companionship, and dancing awaited.
See those aromatic herbs as centerpieces? Along with the food, the place smelled fantastic, as though you could eat everything in the room Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style. And yeah, the dancing...
As the evening died down, the dancing kicked into gear, and folks put their final mark (fingerprint leaves!) on the guestbook--a beautiful screen-printed poster, designed by a friend.
Many blessings to the both of you! It was a privilege and honor to be there on such a beautiful, friend-filled day.
the credits
invitations / cake / menus / guestbook / escort cards: DIY
flowers: Local Color Flowers
ceremony: Irvine Nature Center
reception & catering: Linwoods
photography: Jocelyn Mathewes & Mindy Best
This past weekend, as the weather warmed up and the sun came out, Emily and Julian tied the knot in a small private ceremony out on Cape Cod at Wequassett. The light was perfect; we took a walk on the beach while the tide was going out, enjoying the Chatham shore for its rugged, open beauty.
What a lovely way to celebrate--with an ocean breeze, salty air, and a beautiful sunset.
Julian and Emily got married in a small private ceremony at Wequassett. Julian and his mother put on his boutonniere while Emily put the finishing touches on her makeup.
When all was ready, Julian rounded the corner with the justice of the peace, and the ceremony began.
What a small group of love; Julian and his mother, and Emily with her parents. The sun was setting over the Cape.
Happy kisses all around after the pronouncement!
Afterwards, I took the two newlyweds down to the beach while the warm sun faded behind the brush and salt water grass.
It was so peaceful and exhilarating; we were the only ones soaking in the surroundings.
A champagne celebration finished off the evening!
Triumph and happiness!
Patrick, cutting quite a handsome figure, gathered with his groomsmen, awaiting the mass that would bring him and his bride, Meghan, together at last.
Meghan, alongside her friends, parents, and grandparents, simply glowed.
At the restored, wood-paneled Marikle chapel at the College of Notre Dame, hydrangeas lined the pews under white and yellow arches. After a sweeping, live-instrument recessional, guests headed to the Elkridge Furnace Inn.
Whispering thanks and humor to their loving parents, they opened up a wild party!
What a crowd, right? Stay tuned for more!
Andrew and his groomsmen got spiffed up at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. They tied sunny yellow ties, which matched the sunny day outside.
Alyssa's dress flowed lightly around the hotel.
They wedded under the shade of greenery at the Baltimore Museum of Art's meandering sculpture garden, then danced in an embrace under the lighted tent.
More to come!
You've seen the sneak peek, so now get set for more!
Meghan donned her wedding gown at her grandparents' home with her mother's help before turning to help her father pin his boutonniere.
Patrick, likewise, enjoyed the company of his family before the ceremony.
At the College of Notre Dame's Marikle chapel, they exchanged rings during a high Catholic mass, and kissed blissfully before walking down the aisle as newlyweds.
What a cute couple... and what a wild party!
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Ceremony: College of Notre Dame
Reception: Elkridge Furnace Inn
Second Shooter: Corbin Harris
Oh, the sweeping lines of Alyssa's dress in the light!
The groomsmen tied ties together, then lounged in the sculpture garden.
Alyssa had several lovely baubles that held great meaning: a wedding bracelet by Alison Schiller, a jewelry maker in Chicago, an embroidered handkerchief for her father (from Etsy), and a purse from a vintage dealer (also on Etsy). Oh, their rings? Etsy!
Before the ceremony, Alyssa and her friends hid from Andrew for a few portraits.
Instead of favors, Andrew & Alyssa donated to the Washington Animal Rescue League!
After a delicious cake, the Junkyard Saints opened up the dance floor, and everyone had a smashing time.
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Invitations: Gilah Press
Flowers: Local Color Flowers
Cake: Sticky Fingers Bakery
Music: Junkyard Saints
Ceremony & Reception: Gertrude's at the BMA
On Saturday, I spent the day tooling around Holy Cross Church for Jeremy and Sarah's home-grown Lord of the Rings / Celtic-infused wedding!
More to come later!
Garth and Doanh tied the knot on an alternately sunny and stormy day.
Bunches of fun!
More to come!
At Holy Cross Church, Doanh and her mother scrunched into a tiny room, and transformed Doanh from beautiful to drop-dead-gorgeous.
Yowza! Garth waited in the wings upstairs, while Doanh hid below. The church, candles, prayers, choir, and guests awaited the perfect moment.
After exchanging rings, the pair were crowned in according to Orthodox rites.
And what would a wedding be without wonderful toasts and delicious cake?
The wedding party was very fun to be around. They decorated Garth and Doanh's car with quite a bit of hilarious graffiti.
The couple and I escaped elsewhere to do portraits together with some rainbow lollipops.
And then things got a little more romantic.
Doanh and Garth, thank you for your fun, high-spirited love!
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Ceremony: Holy Cross Church
Wedding Crowns: Anne Clough
Candles: Laura Nee
Rings: Samuelsons Diamonds
Reception: St. Christopher's Church
Cake: Lily Rowe
Catering: Olive Grove
Florist: Janda Florists
Music: Phil McCusker (Jazz Band)
Doanh & Garth took time to do some romantic portraits with me! I must say, Doanh had quite a bit of fun with her veil.
And they're the perfect height to do a lollipop totem pole.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Scott got ready to get married!
At Woodend Sanctuary, Meredith and her friends took on amazing hot pink hues.
After the ceremony in the grove, they walked, hand in hand, as the sun set.
More to come!
Upstairs in the mansion on the grounds at Woodend Sanctuary, Meredith's mother and grandmother tied up the back of her sweeping dress.
The bridesmaids looked on, in vibrant pink hues.
Weather cooperated, and everyone enjoyed the cool summer evening.
Oh, and Scott and Meredith are, in fact, dedicated bird enthusiasts (hence getting married at the sanctuary). Can't you tell?
Meredith put together one hot hot hot hot pink reception!
And everyone danced the night away!
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Lead Shooter: Jocelyn Mathewes
Second Shooter: Mindy Best
Venue: Woodend Sanctuary
Dessert: Georgetown Cupcake
Flowers: Local Color Flowers
Catering: Carribean Caterers
Benjamin and Hilary, both extremely talented musicians and singers at the Washington National Cathedral, had their ceremony in the main chapel inside the magnificent building. Hilary donned her wedding gown in the room where priests normally vest themselves, and her mother worked hard on the numerous satin buttons.
After a ceremony filled with beautiful music, we made our way to the well-groomed and picturesque Bishop's Garden for some portraits.
Of course, since this is only a sneak peek, you'll just have to hang tight for more.
And now, from the Washington National Cathedral, I give you the glamor of Hilary getting ready for the ceremony!
Benjamin got a peek of her before the ceremony--isn't his reaction splendid?
A quick portrait before the ceremony here...
Entering with her dad, and exiting with Benjamin; what symbolism!
I'll close with a few of my favorites from the Bishop's Garden on the cathedral grounds.
We had perfect weather, and what a joyous day to celebrate! You can see a slideshow of the entire thing, too...
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Lead Shooter: Jocelyn Mathewes
Second Shooter: Eric Carlson
Venue: Washington National Cathedral
Flowers: a family friend!
Catering: RSVP Catering
Today's sneak peek is brought to you by: pixie boots, dancing groomsmen, a cute couple, happy guests, and fabulous cake topper.
More of Sarah and Erik's "farmtastic" wedding later!