Another wow wedding for you peeps! September 25, 2010 was the day for Emily and Eric. They were the first wedding to lock us down for 2010. We met them 20 months ago back in January of 2009 at a wedding show coincidentally at the Canfield Casino. 20 months! Thats how you score a Saturday in September at the Canfield Casino. So today’s lesson is if you want a Saturday in peak season at the Canfield Casino you must book that place well in advance! I think they reserved perfect weather too. Seriously I said it a few blog posts ago and I’ll say it again, if you got married on a Saturday in September you were blessed with great weather.

Emily and her ladies got “fabulous” in Saratoga Springs at The Batcheller Mansion Inn. Let me just say I love shooting in these b&b’s. They all have so much character going on. When I entered the mansion headed up the stairs and into Emily’s room all I could hear was Biggie. Let me set the scene. Think of that infectious bass line in “Hypnotize” just bumping. Biggie biggie biggie can’t you see… So what’d I do? I entered the room basically dancing. Hands up and head bumping. Stuff like this amps me up like crazy! It set the tone too with Emily and her girls because from that point they knew we were all about the fun factor. Big Joe might have twisted and elbow (meaning like he danced ;) ), he’s got moves too. Anyway, I knew we had a fun crew on because after that song was over there was more Biggie. We then shot some great getting ready details of a bride who no matter what direction you photographed her from was killing it. Once her gown was on we headed downstairs and knocked it out the park. Waiting at the Canfield Casino was Eric and the fellas all dressed sharp and what not. We shot a little bit with them outside and then headed into the Casino to find a beautify decorated ceremony space by Renaissance Floral Design. I love shooting ceremonies in that room! While the ceremony was going down I was watching the sun drop outside. We made it outdoors just in time too! I then shot some of my favorite images of a bride & groom in Congress Park. After we finished outdoors it was time to shoot up some beautiful details of some more nice florals by Renaissance in the ball room. The party from this point was in the hands of Mansion Catering and The Refrigerators. People danced all night long too! The band was bumping and Emily and Eric’s presence on the dance floor kept the party at level 10. We also shot with seasoned veteran Videographer Brett Wasserman of Silhouette. What a beautiful, elegant and most importantly fun wedding! Emily and Eric, thank you for putting your trust in us back on that cold January day. We were honored to spend the day with you both and your families. Congrats to you both! I hope Hawaii is treating you well.

Peace,
JP

I wanted a cameo..

Emily getting made fabulous by the famous Alayne

I love this one..

This is an awesome room to shoot in.

Ah the infamous hands on the hips while getting zipped up shot.

David from Renaissance told Emily this is one of his most beautiful bouquets he’s ever made. Don’t her eyes kill you?

Classic..

Look at all these beautiful ladies…. especially the little one with her flower crown ;)

Oooh I like this one.

Come on now.. this is too easy.

Whoa.. she’s killin it.

I pledge for more Elario brides to get ready at this place, please?

Sup playa’s?

The infamous Canfield Casino.

First time I’ve seen the natural colored chairs here. I thought they looked fantastic. As did the florals from Renaissance Floral Design…

Eric.. on deck..

Emily and Dad.. on deck.

Take it all in.. throughout the ceremony Emily would just turn around and take a look. You should all do this. It goes by quick, take it all in.

Oh man, these are just great.

I love her look here

And they’re married..

Oh you gotta get that “bling shot”!

This building is wonderful inside and out.

Classic..

I love this one.

laugh it up.

This is classic Congress Park. I’ll always love shooting here.

My facebook teaser.

Oh this one’s pretty fun too. Thanks for climbing up there!

A little “Elario configuration”

During cocktail hour they had local singer songwriter Rich Ortiz doing his thing. Rich is off the hook. Check him out on iTunes his new album Face of a Lion is awesome.

The most beautiful reception room ever.

Some details..

Holy head table! By Renaissance Floral Design.

First dance..

We’ll end on a high note (pun intended).. Congrats Dr & Dr!

Wow! This is a big post with many many images. Blame Melissa and Jerome for having all kinds of awesome details. Melissa is a graphic designer so what do you expect? She didn’t miss a beat either. Everything was well thought out from the beginning with their  Save The Dates. They did a great job on everything, I was so impressed. You should remember this couple because I actually shot their engagement session last September in Boston. That was before we were even contracted to shoot their wedding. Obviously they must have liked me since I’m now blogging their wedding ;) In fact, Melissa became quite the “blog stalker” over the past year. So much that she was kind enough to make a few red pins with our “E” and the word “BLOG STALKER” on them. How fun is that? It has to be one of the coolest things a brides ever done for me. Make sure next time you see me to ask for one because I have a box coming my way very soon! So I’ll hook ya up with some blog stalking “flair” for your wardrobe. But lets take it from the top….

We set things off quite early in the day with Jerome and the boys. They got their “Swagger” on. Thats right. Jerome arranged to have hot towel shaves for him and his three groomsmen for the day of the wedding at Saratoga’s hippest barber shop “Swagger”. What an awesome idea right? You never hear about what the guys do the day of the wedding. I imagine they sit around and wait for the moment to get into their tux and head to the ceremony site. Well, not this wedding. The owner Daniel Breen welcomed them into his shop with Pabst Blue Ribbon and fresh sandwiches from Putnam Market. The music was bumping and the flatscreen all ESPN’d out. Can I just say this place is awesome! Seriously fella’s you should consider doing this for your wedding. Daniel told me it’s quite popular and often you’ll see a groom to be and his boys enjoying a hot shave. Oh and btw its not just for men, ladies are welcome. One of the employees Jen was starting a foil so ladies you too should check it out. I’d link to Swaggers website but its currently in production so here’s the digits 518.260.2112.

After we hung with the guys we grabbed a bite in town then headed to Melissa and the ladies. They were at Saratoga Arms which is a sweet b&b in town. It’s a great location for getting ready if you ask me. On site, we had some Sparkle and some Fabulousness. Melissa had wedding planner Katie O’ on the scene making sure things ran smoothly. I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face get yourself a wedding planner, nuff said. When I walked in I noticed my logo on Alayne from Make Me Fabulous. I had to take a closer look. She was rocking one of those pins I mentioned above. It’s only appropriate since Alayne is one of my biggest blog stalkers aside from Mona of course. After the fabulousness was finished Melissa hopped into her gown and some sweet bouquets from Renaissance Floral Design showed up. We than began the photo session. The gentlemen awaited at Saratoga National. Jerome pumped and ready for his first look. I love the stuff we shot from that too! Then it was time for their ceremony. The tent looked spectacular where nothing went overlooked. Melissa and Jerome had some awesome personalized vows too. Really, what a special moment. After that we headed out for a little session at one of the many photogenic spots on Saratoga National’s golf course. To say I love those images is an understatement. Meanwhile upstairs awaited one hell of a ballroom. Again, the details never ended. Neither did the party! DJ Music Man Mike Garrasi was on point playing everything these guests wanted to hear. Another flawless event but thats what you get when you hire this area’s best. Melissa and Jerome it’s been a pleasure working with you guys! I hope you are enjoying every minute of that honeymoon in the Tahiti islands of Moorea and Bora Bora. I’m jealous. I hope you break your rule of not going “online” and sneak a peek at this one.  Thanks for being awesome.

Peace,
JP

11:00am… at Swagger..

I love the decor and details in this place!

Buckle up Jerome..

Owner Daniel Breen is one cool dude.. he’s an artist with that straight razor.

Look at that baby face.

“So fresh and so clean clean”

Beers were in order.. as all trips to the barber you get a lollipop too!

One of Daniel and the boys all hooked up.

and the details begin.. your welcome basket.

Not too shabby huh?

Ahh yeah aside from the Blog Stalker pin she made a Time to Sparkle pin for Katie O’.. This is a of course Alayne modeling them for us.

Finishing touches.

Some Renaissance bouquets..  got cabbage?

I loved this one of Melissa.

What a fun crew of ladies.. always laughing.

Oh you fancy huh?

Still laughing..

Sup playa’s?

Love this off camera Big Joe snagged..

He’s thinking “I wonder what the gown looks like?”

I love this view of their first look. It’s just perfect.. Nikon’s 300 2.8

The ceremony tent at Saratoga National by Renaissance Floral Design

A hankie for each parent with a message was waiting on their reserved seats.

More deigns by Melissa, I love talented people. Also its nice to see the images I took of them were put to good use.

Time to get married..

Their vows were awesome.

I’m a big fan of the fabric ceiling. It softens a tent so much.

Mr & Mrs..

That sweet 300mm of Big Joe’s

I think I’ve shot in every grassy field they offer since 2006 and I’ve never seen color like this at Saratoga National.

The light was just how I like it.. but it didn’t last very long.

This is probably my favorite one. It captures their personality so well..

Big Joe with the low angle… 300 2.8

My 200 1.8..

I teased this one on facebook Saturday morning.

I love this.. just a subtle way to keep their theme going.

Jerome getting all romantic.

A little configuration I happen to like..

At cocktail hour you might find one of my favorite stations..

I wasn’t the only person who got a pin. Aside from the official logo they said random things like “I’m a dance machine” “I heart weddings” and “Sorry I’m taken”

The ballroom at Saratoga National by Renaissance Floral Design and Melissa.

And for those with a sweet tooth..

Someone’s ready to party..

Cheers!

I’ll end with a Debbie Coye creation complete with logo and all..

Did you ever wonder how much thought and consideration was put into choosing a wedding date? The only reason I ask is because Nicole and Nick had a good reason for picking September 18, 2010. No, not because it was THE most popular date in September, there was more to it than that. Nicole’s Grandparents actually tied the knot 61 years to the date Nicole and Nick did and were both there to celebrate with them. I thought that was pretty special and definitely worth a mention. I’m not sure what the weather was like 61 years ago on that date but I can tell you Nicole and Nick were blessed with the perfect September day. Now that September is almost over and all weekends have passed I can say whoever tied the knot this month (at least on a Saturday) got hooked up from mama nature. Back to Nicole though.. We showed up at her parents home and she had just gotten done being beautified by A & Co Salon. After that she headed up to her childhood room (with great light btw) to get into her gown. Both her sisters helped zip and button Nicole in and then we headed to Washington Park for some photos! The color palette was off the hook in the park with early signs of fall foliage. The girls gowns and bouquets by Fleurtacious Designs all jived just perfect! Then it was time for Nick to see his almost wife Nicole. Their first look was really sweet and just awesome to shoot. We chose Washington Park since I shot their engagement session there last October and boy was that a colorful fall session too! Their ceremony was held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany. What a massive church! I thought it was pretty cool that after Nicole and Nick said their vows the priest went over to her Grandparents and renewed their vows. It was really a nice moment to document. After the mass, it was party time! The professionals at Franklin Plaza took control of the wheel and showed these 230 people how they do things in Troy. Their DJ was “Kenny from NYC”, if anyone has his info please leave it in my comment box because he deserves a mention to say the least. Kenny had this party at level 10 all night long. I think it always helps when both the bride and groom are in the middle of the floor all night too though. Also this was our first time working along side videographer Philip Coltart and his wife, it was a pleasure working with them. Lastly, Nicole and Nick. What can I say? It was more than enjoyable to capture your love story. We’re honored to have been part of your day. Nicole, I did enjoy watching Grandpa bust a move on the floor all night. You guys had an awesome wedding, congrats and keep smiling..

Peace,
JP

Here’s the dress..

and now it’s time to get into that dress.

with a little help from her sisters..

Always fun capturing Dad seeing his daughter as a bride.

As I took this picture I told Nicole “it’s just a walk in the park” ;)

Hey ladies..

Stunning. Flowers by Fleurtacious Designs

One more.

Nick tried to front and say he wasn’t nervous ;) but look at the clenched fist..

She couldn’t have been happier.

I just love this spot.

First looks are the best to shoot!

After their first look we were gathering up everyone so we could start all the group shots. While Big Joe was doing that I caught these real moments.

I’m digging this one of the guys.

Bridal parties to not need to be even in numbers. People often think they do but they don’t ;)

Love this one..

Nicole and Nick are pros at this whole “take my picture thing”

I don’t “pose” people. I put them into configurations I like.. you know what this one’s called?

Its called the “Elario configuration” ;) enough of my silliness.. How bout this image? Ah yeah!

October 29, 2009

September 18, 2010 same spot.. different angle..

Beautiful!

My facebook teaser..

A couple more of Nicole because I said so..

Awesome.

Now they’re off to get married.

I had to pay tribute to Nicole’s grandparents who tied the knot 61 years ago on this exact date. Rather than posting some “posed” shot of them I thought this was the right one.

I wonder what he was saying to her..

The vows..

After their vows the priest renewed Nicole’s grandparents vows. This was my favorite part of their ceremony.

This church is massive.

Franklin Plaza, Troy, NY

Flowers by Fleurtacious Designs

First dance.

And I’ll end with this one.. Congrats guys!!

I’m keeping right on top of my blog posts! I say that because I shot this session last Friday and here I am blogging it the following Thursday. I’m patting myself on the back with all my blog posts this week! Unfortunately don’t expect a new blog post tomorrow since I’ll be shooting a wedding. We actually have two weddings this weekend and what a weekend it looks like its going to be! Anyway today’s blog is about Kimberly and Thomas. Let me just start out by saying I’m bummed we’re unable to shoot their wedding since we were already booked up. On the bright side I at least got to capture their engagement session in the city these two love birds met in. We set things off at Albany Pharmacy School. Thomas thought this would be a nice spot to start at seeing they met there many years ago, I concurred. Then we took it to the beautiful canvas of downtown Albany. I have so many spots I love shooting at in Albany they let me pick them all out. I will mention I never met Kimberly or Thomas until about 5 minutes before I took the first picture. By the end of the shoot I felt like we were old pals as I’m sure they did too. In that small window of time I came to one conclusion. This is couple is so very in love and these images show it. Thomas is the perfect gentleman always opening the passenger door of his car for Kimberly and when they walk they hold hands like it’s their first date while Kimberly is just smiling at him the whole time. It’s pretty cute. Thanks to Kim & Tom for having me capture these images for you, I enjoyed myself! Enough chatter from me now. I hope you all enjoy this one and enjoy your weekend as well!

Peace,
JP

Since they’re always holding hands it’s only right to start with this one..

They spent many years here studying to become Pharmacists… I’m sure when in school they never just sat back and relaxed, so I made them.

Just a good old b&w..

In the “Elario configuration”..

I love this one..

Loving these steps..

This is one of my favorites here..

and they love to laugh.

I shoot a lot at this location but often I have this to my back.. I decided to switch it up and look the other way for once..

I like this one too..

For the blog stalkers this location might look recently familiar.. I just had to go back to these doors.

I love when I get to the point of the engagement session where I know my couple is 100% relaxed..

because I start getting shots like this.

Thomas asked if I knew of any brick walls.. I brought them to my favorite one in Albany.

Sometimes its fun to go to the top.

The city was painted beautifully that night too.

Still smiling..

We’re just dancing now.

I love it!

Such a photogenic couple.

Go on.. show me that bling! Because I have to get my “bling shot”! And we out! Thanks guys!