Tag Archives: Pennsylvania wedding photographer

July 17, 2009

Tessie & Tom | Christiana Hotel Wedding

Tessie & Tom had an amazing May wedding in Christiana, Pennsylvania.  Tessie is not only a fabulous fellow photographer (see her site here), but I’m happy to also call her a friend.  We studied photography together at Cecil College and to this day, we still pair up and shoot together when we can.  When she asked me to shoot her wedding, I was flattered and excited, though there were definitely some nerves.  I think it’s just the way of the world that it will always be a teensy bit nerve wracking for any photographer to take photos of another, a wedding even more so.  But even more than thinking about the photography, I was completely thrilled that they were getting married!  Tom is a great guy and they are blissfully in love, with an amazing little daughter, so I know they were excited to seal the deal with a wedding.  With a second photographer, a good sized bridal party, a kick ass first dance and plenty of time for photos, I went home with more images than I think I’ve EVER shot at a wedding before!  So this blog post might be a little on the long side.  Oops.  :)

Let’s start off with some details, shall we?  :)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="While not only positively unique, Tessie's engagement ring and matching wedding band are antique family heirlooms, passed down through Tom's family."]While not only positively unique, Tessies engagement ring and matching wedding band are antique family heirlooms, passed down through Toms family.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="There is this amazing balcony on the second level of the hotel, with beautiful wrought iron railings. I immediately knew I wanted to take the dress outside and I'm so happy I did!"]There is this amazing balcony on the second level of the hotel, with beautiful wrought iron railings. I immediately knew I wanted to take the dress outside and Im so happy I did![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="548" caption="A little abstract shoe shot. :) "]A little abstract shoe shot. :)[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Petals & Beans did a great job on the bouquets."]Petals & Beans did a great job on the bouquets.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Tessie and her bridesmaids got ready at the Christiana Hotel. Her parents have put a lot of hard work into renovating the hotel. Here she gets the finishing touches on her hair."]Finishing touches on the hair.[/caption]
One of Tessies bridesmaids did a fantastico job on her makeup.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A great laughing moment with Tessie and a bridesmaid."]I love catching candid shots with this much feeling! A laughing moment with Tessie and a bridesmaid.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="All hands on deck - it's time to put the dress on!"]All hands on deck - its time to put the dress on![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I love how her bridesmaid's pearl bracelet matches her pearl necklace."]I love how her bridesmaids pearl bracelet matches her pearl necklace.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A tender moment with her daughter. "]A tender moment with her daughter. [/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="This is one of my favorite bridal portraits I think I've ever taken. Tessie is so gorgeous!"]This is one of my favorite bridal portraits I think Ive ever taken. Tessie is so gorgeous![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Tessie made an amazing bride! Happy, smiling and downright gorgeous. :) "]Tessie made an amazing bride! Happy, smiling and downright gorgeous. :)[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Feroche! "]Feroche! [/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The ceremony was held at Latta Memorial Church, not too far from the hotel."]The ceremony was held at Latta Memorial Church, not too far from the hotel.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I think the motion blur really makes this image of the new Mr. & Mrs. leaving the church."]I think the motion blur really makes this image of the new Mr. & Mrs. leaving the church.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="I love silhouettes. :) Especially fisheye silhouettes. hehe"]I love silhouettes. :) Especially fisheye silhouettes. hehe[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Pretty big bridal party!"]Pretty big bridal party![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The girls."][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="The guys."]The guys.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Tom cleans up pretty nice, huh? He pulls off the sophisticated GQ look rather nicely!"]Tom cleans up pretty nice, huh? He pulls off the sophisticated GQ look rather nicely![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="There's this little train station across the street from the hotel and they had this great old suitcase for a prop. "]Theres this little train station across the street from the hotel and they had this great old suitcase for a prop. [/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Tessie & Tom have THE most adorable little girl. They make seriously cute babies. Just sayin'."]Tessie & Tom have THE most adorable little girl. They make seriously cute babies. Just sayin.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The Christiana Hotel"]The Christiana Hotel[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Tessie's severely talented nephew entertained the guests during cocktail hour with his rockin' guitar skills."]Tessies severely talented nephew entertained the guests during cocktail hour with his rockin guitar skills.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="Tessie changed into an amazing cocktail dress before the reception."]Tessie changed into an amazing cocktail dress before the reception.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Soooo, about that first dance. It started off with a traditional slow dance, sung by one of the bridesmaids (who forgot the words halfway through, but we forgive her!)."]Soooo, about that first dance. It started off with a traditional slow dance, sung by one of the bridesmaids (who forgot the words halfway through, but we forgive her!).[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption=""Nobody puts Baby in a corner." Enough of a hint???"]If any of you are as big a fan as I am of Dirty Dancing, youll immediately recognize this stance....[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="YES! They did it! They recreated the infamous last dance from Dirty Dancing and I was hootin-n-hollerin right along with the crowd!! They did an absolutely fabulous job too. Bravo!"]YES! They did it! They recreated the infamous last dance from Dirty Dancing and I was hootin-n-hollerin right along with the crowd!! They did an absolutely fabulous job too. Bravo![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I think they should try for SYTYCD. Oh yeah. "]I think they should try for SYTYCD. Oh yeah. [/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="She even went all Patrick Swayze at the end! It was absolutely perfect. :) "]She even went all Patrick Swayze at the end! It was absolutely perfect. :)[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="After their dance, we snuck outside to get some quick shots with the 2nd dress. I had them do a few dance poses. :) "]After their dance, we snuck outside to get some quick shots with this dress. I had them do a few dance poses. :)[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Did I mention that Tessie LOOOOOVES to dance? If you look hard enough, there just might be a video of us (and another girl) dancing in a music video from our video production class. Maybe. :) "]Did I mention that Tessie LOOOOOVES to dance? If you look hard enough, there just might be a video of us (and another girl) dancing in a music video for a video production class. Maybe. :)[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="and apparently she was in good company. She wasn't the only one tearin up the dance floor."]and apparently she was in good company. She wasnt the only one tearin up the dance floor.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Flashdance, anyone?"]Flashdance, anyone?[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="And a quick self portrait of me and the bride. Where, of course, I look like a dufus. LOL"]And a quick self portrait of me and the bride. Where, of course, I look like a dufus. LOL[/caption]

Thank you soooooo much, guys for letting me hang out on your wedding day!  It was so exciting to be the one to document your memories and of course it was totally awesome to see you finally get married!!

**You can see plenty more photos from this wedding on flickr or on facebook, where you can leave comments on individual images.  :)

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July 17, 2009

Tessie & Tom | Lancaster Engagement

I met up with Tessie & Tom in Lancaster, PA for their engagement session and we had such fun!  Tessie is a photographer from the Lancaster area and she has shot with me many times in the past few years.  We have always worked well together so I knew it would be fun to have her and Tom in front of my camera.  She continuously warned me that Tom makes funny faces in photos, but I assured her that he only does that in front of her camera.  haha!  Check out some of their engagement photos…

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Smiles, smiles and more smiles. The entire time. :) Love it!"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="No goofy faces from Tom yet. Hmmm...I think he does it on purpose just for Tessie's camera. LOL"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="We had some geese that decided they wanted in on our photo shoot!"]We had some geese that decided they wanted in on our photo shoot![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Love this stone bridge."]Love this stone bridge.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="I am generally not a big fan of the cliche gazebo photos, but there's always a way to step outside the box. Here I used my fisheye lens to give a different perspective and I love how it emphasizes the wooden ceiling."]I am generally not a big fan of the cliche gazebo photos, but theres always a way to step outside the box. Here I used my fisheye lens to give a different perspective.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="We found some neat sculptures along the walking trail and of course had to put them to use! Have I mentioned that Tessie is very animated? LOL"]We found some neat sculptures along the walking trail and of course had to put them to use! Have I mentioned that Tessie is very animated? LOL[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="I love this guitar sculpture - I wish I could take it home!"]I love this guitar sculpture - I wish I could take it home![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A peaceful and quiet moment under a willow tree. Romantic, yeah? :) "]A peaceful and quiet moment under a willow tree. Romantic, yeah? :)[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Such pretty pretty trees - I love the naturally happy expressions on their faces!"]Such pretty pretty trees - I love the naturally happy expressions on their faces![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Kisses are a must have. Naturally."]Kisses are a must have. Naturally.[/caption]

Coming up next:  Tessie & Tom’s amazing Christiana, Pennsylvania wedding!  Stay tuned!

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July 7, 2009

Lauren & Adam | Mendenhall Inn Wedding

As you already know from their engagement session, Lauren and Adam are one the most laid back couples I’ve ever worked with.  After having such a great time (and great results!) with them for their engagement session, I was very eager for their wedding.  Lauren and Adam decided that being formal doesn’t have to forego being casual at the same time.  The Mendenhall Inn proved to be the perfect place for their sunny outdoor ceremony and dinner reception.  Take a look at their photos to see more of their fabulous day.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren's engagement ring is one of most unique ones I've seen. I've always been afraid of tension mounts, but this one works beautifully, while incorporating Adam's irish heritage in the form of a horseshoe from the side."][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Keeping with Lauren's simple and modern style, she chose an uncomplicated dress with no train or heavy beading, matched with simple shoes. The ensemble was perfect for her."][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A small bunch of calla lillies (my favorite!) made for a fantastic match with her modern and simple theme."][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren's everyday style is effortless so she settled for simple makeup. I love how her sister is watching over her shoulder as the makeup expert. "][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren's sister helped her get into her dress."]Laurens sister helped her get into her dress.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="This Swarovski bracelet (which I'm in LOVE with!) was a gift from Adam. If you look closely, it's actually Disney - Cinderella's carriage and shoe."]This Swarovski bracelet (which Im in LOVE with!) was a gift from Adam. If you look closely, its actually Disney - Cinderellas carriage and shoe.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren, in all her bridal beauty. Exquisite!"]Lauren, in all her bridal beauty. Exquisite![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Look at that million dollar smile! "]Look at that million dollar smile! [/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I almost didn't recognize Adam in all his clean-shaven glory! He cleans up nice, doncha think?"]I almost didnt recognize Adam in all his clean-shaven glory! He cleans up nice, doncha think?[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The ceremony was held in the outdoor courtyard at the Mendenhall Inn. Perfect for a smaller number of guests."]The ceremony was held in the outdoor courtyard at the Mendenhall Inn. Perfect for a smaller number of guests.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren and Adam included a sand ceremony in with their wedding vows."]Lauren and Adam included a sand ceremony in with their wedding vows.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I definitely wanted to use these stairs in some way, as soon as I laid eyes on them. I love the result!"]I definitely wanted to use these stairs in some way, as soon as I laid eyes on them. I love the result![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Such a sweet moment. :) "]Such a sweet moment. :)[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Peach and aquamarine made for a beautiful spring color palette, on the cake and centerpieces."]Peach and aquamarine made for a beautiful spring color palette, on the cake and centerpieces.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A very excited entrance for these guys!"]A very excited entrance for these guys![/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Lauren & Adam were very intuitive to their guests personalities, leading to a very laid back dinner reception, with only a pianist playing in the background. They knew their guests wouldn't want to be pressured to dance, so everyone mingled and had a great time.  The garden room at the Mendenhall proved to be a perfect location."]Lauren & Adam were very intuitive to their guests personalities, leading to a very laid back dinner reception, with only a pianist playing in the background. They knew their guests wouldnt want to be pressured to dance, so everyone mingled and had a great time.[/caption]

Thanks so much, Lauren and Adam, for inviting me into your lives to document this beautiful day for you!  To see more images from this wedding, hop on over to our MDP Facebook page and become a fan.  :)

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June 23, 2009

Sharon & Scott | Mendenhall Inn Wedding

Sharon & Scott’s wedding day was an amazing interfaith affair at the Mendenhall Inn.  I just love when couples creatively intertwine their faiths, creating a truly unforgettable event.  The day was a tad on the hot side, but Sharon and Scott were cool as a cucumber and oh so into each other that it seemed they hardly even noticed the heat!  Below are some images to tell the story of their wonderful day and if you missed their engagement photos you can check those out here.

Sharon got ready at her parents house, along with her four sisters, who were all bridesmaids.  (Big family of girls!)

Now THAT is some bling!

Sharon was truly a radiant bride!  Just look at that million dollar smile.  :)

Signing the Ketubah.

Such a sweet moment!

Well now.  That’s some family initiation ritual.  Welcome to the family, Scott!  LOL

Such a happy pair!

The Grand Ballroom at the Mendenhall Inn.

This cake topper is one of my favorites that I’ve ever seen.  So sleek and modern.

Entering the reception…

A parting shot under the chandelier.

Thanks Sharon & Scott for being such awesome clients!  I really enjoyed working with you and your families!

**More images from this wedding can be found on the MDP Facebook page.  If you’re not already a fan, be sure to become one so you can keep up to date with all of our latest news and images!  Images will be posted on Facebook before we post them on the blog so be sure to check it out!

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January 12, 2009

Debbie & Tom | Colonial Dames Christmas Wedding

When I woke up the day after Christmas, I was pumped!  I had already carefully thought out my wardrobe, reviewed my shot list and I was READY for the Christmas festivities to continue in the form of Debbie & Tom’s wedding.  Feelin good, I sat down at my computer to check email, as I often do first thing in the morning, and then……PANIC.  My second shooter just canceled on me.  Sick in bed with the bug that had been making its rounds.  Ok.  Ok.  Breathe.  It’s ok.  No big deal, I told myself.  I can fix this.  I got people. (Like they say in those tax commercials we see a lot this time of year.)  I sent out some emails and within an hour had a new second shooter and all was fine.  The uber talented Joel Plotkin graciously agreed to give up his day to spend it with me, shooting a wedding.  How amazing is he?!  Whew!  Crisis averted.  Thank God for having people.  :)

Life, my friends, is all about having people.  When I say people, I mean the fabulous, wonderful people who make up our personal and professional support networks.  The people we turn to for help, the people we trust.  The people who love us and we love them back.  This wedding, in fact, was all about having people.  Debbie & Tom have people – most importantly, each other, but beyond that they have an abundance of family and friends who support their love, who would break from their own holiday festivities to celebrate this couple as they wed, on the day after Christmas.  But see Debbie & Tom also had ERIN.  Folks….if you don’t know about Erin, please please please do yourself a favor and get her on your radar!  This fantabulous woman is Delaware’s Wedding Planner to the Stars, the Queen of Craft, the Candle Connoisseur, the Decorator Diva….I could go on.  She just simply ROCKS and I love working with her.  :)   Erin is the go to gal for everything wedding related and I’m happy to call her one of my people too.  hehe

Debbie & Tom had a beautiful holiday themed wedding, the day after Christmas, at the Colonial Dames in Philadelphia.  It was cold, but perfect for the season.  A perfect contrast to the warmth of their love.  (I had to do it!  Ok, ok – no more corniness, I promise!  Please don’t gag!  LOL)  Seriously though…it was so beautiful.  The white Christmas lights, the festive red and green, the glamourous bride, the immaculate details….amazing.  and what better way to spend time around the holidays, than to witness and document LOVE.  Seriously.

Ok…on to the pictures.  :)

We started the day with Debbie, as she got ready at the Radisson: Warwick hotel.  Debbie & Tom were not your typical bridal couple….not nervous, not stressed.  They saw each other every step of the way.  Tom’s daughters were excited to be involved in every way as well.  It was a nice change of pace from your average every day wedding stress.  :)

The Dress – Simply adorned.

Debbie has simple taste.  I love petite bouquets.

Notice how the shoes also have a simple adornment, matching the dress?  I’m telling you – no detail went unnoticed.

LOVE this shot that Joel got of the rings!  Completely different than what I got, but still complements it.

Debbie and I agree that there is no such thing as too big of a diamond.  ;)

Debbie gave her new step-daughters a gorgeous snowflake necklace to commemorate this day.

LOVE this spontaneous moment!

GLAMOUROUS!

While I was grabbing the detail shot above, Joel grabbed the full length shot below.  Two parts of the same story, yet totally in harmony.  Love it.  :)

The Colonial Dames was only a short walk from the hotel…

With the sun setting earlier this time of year, Debbie & Tom opted to see each other before the ceremony.  I love Debbie’s expression here!

I knew the light levels would drop rapidly so I came prepared with a video light.  I enjoyed creating my own lighting for a change!  I want to do more with creative lighting this year.  I love how this portrait of Tom turned out.

OMG I think this is my new favorite picture.  :)

Great placement of the Christmas trees here.  All of the details were perfect.

LOVE the stockings!  Such a great touch!

The guests place cards were attached to candy canes and hung on the tree.  Another novel idea.

Oh how I love the cake.  The sleigh, the reindeer, every bit of it.

Look at the detail!  Bredenbeck’s did a magnificent job!

Oh yes, couldn’t have a Christmas wedding without a Gingerbread house!  Complete with GingerBride and GingerGroom.  Too cute!

The tables were named after Santa and his reindeer.  Love it.

When I saw family later this weekend, they all asked how the wedding went, as they usually would.  Many speculated that there must not have been many guests, being that it was the day after Christmas.  Yeah well…..like I said….Debbie & Tom have people.  ;)   LOTS of them.

Thank you so much guys for inviting me to share in your holiday wedding celebration.  It was such a joy!  HUGE shoutout to Erin Proud and Joel Plotkin for being such fabulous people to work with!!  Here’s a behind-the-scenes shot of each of us, hard at work…

This girl can lug some chairs, let me tell you!  She works hard for her money!

Joel in deep concentration, us photographers really get into our jobs.

Me – workin on those rings.  I love the smallest details.

…and a shot of me and Erin cheesin it up.  :) Queen of Craft meets Queen of Self Portraits.  LOL

I think Erin was trying to look like GingerBride here.  Isn’t the kissy face resemblance just uncanny??  LOL

BTW, in an attempt not to overload the blog with tons and tons of photos, I’m gonna try to limit the number of photos I post per wedding.  BUT, since I love sharing LOTS of pics, you’ll be able to see more pix from any blog post (going forward) on both Flickr and Facebook.  Let me know what you guys think of this method!

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