favorite 2010 engagement session

Posted in: Engagements

December 10 2010

Well well! It’s that time of year when wedding season quiets down and we can get into the fun stuff here on the blog. In this post we’re voting for our favorite engagement session from 2010. The winner of this post will receive a prize too! What you ask? Ok if your wedding has not happened yet your prize is a engagement signing book!  If the wedding took place already obviously there is no need for a signing book so the winner will receive a print wrap! I love me some print wraps too by the way. This should be fun and interesting. It’s going to be tough to choose a favorite. I can’t wait to who it is!

Peace,
JP

Voting will end on Thursday December 16, 2010 at 12:00am… vote’s after 12am wont count. I’ll announce the winner Thursday morning.

Update: you can vote all you want after 12am on December 16 but since I’m ending this at 12am any votes thereafter will not count.

Update 2: 12/16/10 the contest is over. You can find the winner here. Thanks for voting!

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37 people have commented on this post... why dont you?
  • All the pictures are so amazing… I think the real winner of this competition is JP. Thank you to all of those that voted for our picture… We never expected such a great picture once the rain started coming down.

    12.15.10
  • I vote for the umbrella, ella ella ay ay

    12.15.10
  • Jessica & Phil!! Besides being a beautiful photo of a beautiful couple, they are truly wonderful people as well!!

    12.14.10
  • Jessica & Phil!

    12.14.10
  • Simply can not vote… Too many great pics and great couples.
    I guess I rellay like the pic in the rain with the unbrella.

    12.14.10
  • Jessica & Phil!! Simply gorgeous!!

    12.13.10
  • I love the pose, environment and the natural elements. Looks like a real poster. I vote Keather and Brad. Suzanne M.

    12.13.10
  • that umbrella….what a shot it shows everything spectacular Keather and Brad

    12.13.10
  • wow. all so great but I think Jessica and Phil had the best “session.” Every pic was magazine worthy

    12.13.10
  • I have to vote for Julia and Greg, theirs was my favorite post of the season!

    12.13.10
  • George and Tiffany hands down.

    12.13.10
  • I vote for Keather and Brads photo. It is always difficult to shoot in weather like this. Joe has captured the essence of romance. The umbrella color, composition, rain , sun, Keather and Brad kissing truly make this photo stand out. God was certainly smiling down on these two. Great job Joe!

    12.13.10
  • I vote for Greg and Julia!!!

    12.13.10
  • It’s “post time” for Melissa & Andrew….and I sure hope there won’t be a photo finish! It’s a great shot!!

    12.12.10
  • I vote for Brad and Keather!

    12.12.10
  • Elisabeth & Jon get my vote! :)

    12.12.10
  • I want to vote….but I LIKE to many of them…I am having a hard time cause they’re all to good ….

    12.12.10
  • Seriously? Of course Melissa & Andrew in the starting gate….photographically awesome and totally ingenious!

    12.12.10
  • Wow, what a great collection! I still love the bugs in Elisabeth and Jon’s shoot and Melanie and Chris’ Air Musuem Session. Buth my vote goes to Keater and Brads Umbrella ella ella ay! What a great shot! It has everything; color, romance, fun and great light!

    12.11.10
  • Too many fabulous ones to choose from!

    12.11.10
  • EVERY picture is stunning!!

    12.10.10
  • You know my pick JP Lauren and Chris.

    12.10.10
  • hey jp – could you maybe hold a “contest” for your blog stalkers as well? out of random, choose a comment and that person would win… a free session with you OR a credit toward an upcoming wedding etc?

    12.10.10
  • My vote goes to Maggie & Joey!! All around stunning! :)

    12.10.10
  • So many great ones to choose from!!!! Unlike Mona, I think everyone might guess which one I voted for :)

    12.10.10
  • lovin’ this contest! and all of these couples had beautiful shots, I had to have my daughter help me choose one, lol. She’s 7, much more decisive than me :)

    12.10.10
  • gotta go with melissa & andrew– and that photo posted is my FAVE!

    12.10.10
  • Love them all!!!! So tough to choose, but I am going to keep my vote to myself :)

    12.10.10
  • Wow, you do not make it easy to choose. That is great work.

    12.10.10
  • I like them all, every couple is beautiful. With that said I think Marie & Chris should take the win for 2010 =)

    12.10.10
  • Your work is all amazing….but hands down, the engagement photo of the year is Keather and Brad in the rain. Seriously….it does not get any more perfect than this!

    12.10.10
  • I voted! I hope the people in the photo I chose win. Honestly, I want to vote for ALL of them!

    12.10.10
  • I personally LOVED Mel and Chris with the airplanes by far the most creative!!! :)

    12.10.10
  • Jessica and Jason ; – )

    12.10.10
  • JP, how can anyone choose, they are all awesome! Can you vote for more than one?…. ;)

    Seriously, is it a requirement that you have to be a good looking couple to get in with the Elario’s?..ahah The couples are all so good looking!!!

    12.10.10
  • I gotta give me vote to Elisabeth+Jon since they’re great people!

    12.10.10
  • Every single one of them is fab, but Tiffany and George in Jersey was my fave!

    12.10.10

engagement session with jennie & mike

Posted in: Engagements

December 2 2010

Hey peeps! I’m playing a little blog catchup here and I thought today would be a good day for an engagement session post! A few weeks ago I met up with Jennie and Mike for an nice little rural engagement session. I had not met Jennie and Mike until minutes before our session began. In a small amount of time I gathered that this is a fun couple, very down to earth and quite easy to photograph. These two are set to wed in May of 2011. Unfortunately we wont be shooting their wedding since we weren’t available. That being said, I loved that they still had me shoot their engagement session! I hope you all enjoy these images!

Peace,
JP

Jennie & Mike..

For such a late shoot in the fall I was surprised to find some color.

Nothing like a floor of color huh?

a little detail of that bling bling.

I told them to be serious.. It didn’t last very long.

How fun?

This bench was pretty sweet!

I’m crazy about all the images we got in this series..

the tones are just incredible. I love how the image is basically monochromatic and then that bow just screams!

This is one of my top three from their session.

but this is my #1 favorite from the day whole day

You have to laugh…

and keep laughing..

and s sweet configuration..

a little closer..

isn’t this place beautiful?

and a forehead kiss because almost all my blogs have one.

last but not least is my one and only “bling shot”

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11 people have commented on this post... why dont you?
  • the “blurry bling” shot that you called : a little detail of that bling bling is my all time fave and it is what i would use for a save the date, etc.

    12.07.10
  • Great shots Joe. Love the location, fantastic. The chair did wonders and a cool prop to use so many options. You should carry it on ;)

    Well done.

    12.04.10
  • once again… awesomeness… lovin’ the outfits, the bench, the bling shots, ….love it !!!

    12.04.10
  • real nice . .

    12.03.10
  • Of course I would comment on this post. I may be biased to Jennie and Mike because they are good friends of mine but wow, I’m seeing them in a whole new light. Classy, sophisticated and trendy. Jennie, as gorgeous and charming as ever. Mike, as always, a stud yet modest. I have to agree with one of the other comments. Fourth photo up from the bottom is striking! Kudos to JP, very talented.

    12.03.10
  • Another great shoot, love the location, the old farm? not sure if its a farm or not, but excellent building. The couple looks wonderful, and so serious, but fun at the same time. It too bad they are going to miss out on a wedding with you JP, but at least they were able to get some of the “magic” you and Big Joe create.

    Again great shoot

    Shaun

    12.03.10
  • Agree with Mona- those eyes pull ya in- if looks could kill… :) Love the 4th one from the top. That bench was totally cool JP!!! Liking the new location. Congrats fellow May 2011ers!!!

    12.02.10
  • Jennie’s eyes are just beautiful!!!! And she and mike do a great job of coordinating without going overboard – you don’t look like twins, but you don’t clash either. Nicely done. :) Well, they are a smart couple – hey even though you guys are taken, they clearly know every marriage and pre-marraige has gotta have a little elario love. :)

    Where did that bench come from? Awesome. And I love how you’re really stretching the fall colors, because we all know how much I love fall weddings/engagement sessions. :D
    Love both sets of outfits, and I love the set of your favorites with them on the ground sitting. They just light up and start to laugh – so beautiful. Congratulations guys!!!!!! You guys are going to make a beautiful and handsome bride and groom, respectively :)

    12.02.10
  • Not gonna lie. This girl is FIERCE! She would have Tyra Banks shaking in her boots! Awesome pics!

    12.02.10
  • I LOVE THESE!!!! She is going to make one gorgeous bride!!! too bad they won’t have you at their wedding!!! i LOVE the floor of color!!! that bench is freakin SWEET!!!

    12.02.10
  • JP was fantastic, easy to work with and over all made this a great time for both of us. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an engagement session or for their wedding. Thanks again for the great photos.

    12.02.10

a very saratoga engagement session with melissa & andrew

Posted in: Engagements

November 23 2010

Thats right people. You don’t get more Saratoga than this one! What I love about this one is it’s an engagement session with a purpose. Melissa and Andrew actually got engaged at Saratoga Race Course. So instead of just shooting somewhere just to shoot there this one had a purpose. When planning an engagement session I always ask my couples where they want to shoot? Most of the time they have a location in mind. Sometimes I have to choose one which is fine too because I know a lot of different spots. With out hesitation Melissa and Andrew were like where else but “the track”? Just so you know, I’ve been shooting sessions at the track since 2003. I will only shoot there if there is some connection with the couple and the track since this is a special place. Anyway, for those who aren’t local or familiar with Saratoga Race Course it opened on August 3, 1863, and is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the United States (thanks wikipedia). It’s also locally referred to as “the track”. So we shot at the track for most of the shoot and ended with a few casual shots in downtown Saratoga Springs. I just love these images! Melissa and Andrew are totally easy to photograph, I had a blast with them. They are also getting married next September at my favorite place in all of Saratoga. Can you guess where? Anyway, I’ll stop talking now and share some sweet images with you all. Happy Turkey Day people!

Peace,
JP

Meet Melissa & Andrew…

We set things off at one of the entrances since it’s only appropriate.

The track is only open for like 6 weeks in the summer.. The rest of the year it pretty much looks like this. We had the whole place to ourselves..

I love the classic red and white. It’s everywhere. BTW.. how about this couple? I’m like 10 minutes into the shoot and they’re totally at ease with me.. 

I love this one..

At the starting gates.. This the point of the blog where I say “and they’re off!”

So many people have stood in this spot watching so many famous horses either make them happy or mad.

The infamous seats..

The nine? Duh, it’s their date! Loving this shot btw..

I really like shooting with these chairs. So I worked this area for a bit..

I love this one too! Too many to love in this session..

Oh hey now she’s pulling him in.

I love the attitude.

A good old forehead kiss.

Ok once more in these chairs..

On the main track.. this was fun!

love. this. shot…. we were shooting right on the finish line.

A nice little configuration in b&w with sweet backlight.

another fav of mine. did I mention it was freezing out? Melissa was a trooper.

A photo finish.. right on the finish line. They’re winners..

One all the way on the top where the races are called.. Oh yeah this is also where Andrew popped the question.

In Congress Park..

As you can see the light is dropping..

The color is beautiful.

Another one of my favorite spots in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Last but not least.. my bling shot.. Melissa and Andrew, you’ve been blogged!

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37 people have commented on this post... why dont you?
  • You know the photos are good when they make me cry! Love you Andrew and Melissa!

    12.12.10
  • wow! the elario config. is my fave again!! that is 2 posts in a row. being a life-long saratogian–i am loving the location(s)! is the track open or did you have to get permission i wonder? and I guess they are getting married at the casino!

    11.28.10
  • CONGRATULATIONS!

    11.27.10
  • WOW! good stuff!! Congrats….

    11.25.10
  • WOW, your posts are great, love them. Also is it just me or are your pics getting “SHARPER” did you get some new gear, maybe new glass? Anyway, great post

    11.24.10
  • My favorites are the one of them on the finish line (great job with that light!!) and in the starting gates. Props to Andrew for matching his socks to his pants, you have no idea how many white socks with black pants I see…

    11.24.10
  • one more . . those “those Red Shoes” , share the sacred ground , likes of “Secretariat , Man of War”etc. ect.

    11.24.10
  • These are stunning! Very nice, guys! Melissa–excellent choice in footwear :)

    11.24.10
  • JP those images are absoulty breath taking!!!! You really have an eye for capturing just the right pictures!!! And this couple is so cute!
    P.S. I loved the brides shoes!!!

    11.24.10
  • I have falshbacks of some of our shoot done there a few years ago with Well Wed. What a lucky couple to be out at the track and go to some of the spots you don’t usually get to be at. It is such a cool feeling to have the place to yourself. But, I just love the outfits with the sweaters and scarfs and the leaves. So cozy!

    11.24.10
  • You sure know how to use that beautiful light!

    11.24.10
  • I’m in Hawaii but I’m still blogstalking as much as I can!! :) LOVE this one! Melissa is all smiles in everyone of these pictures! The facebook teaser is awesome, but the elario configuration shot is my absolute favorite shot of them! Can’t wait to see their wedding pictures!!

    11.23.10
  • Perfect location, happy couple, & beautiful photos! The starting gate picture is my favorite, but the one taken in the clubhouse with Melissa “watching the race” gave me the chills…a very close second!

    11.23.10
  • Ok I love how Marie said she was giving as long a comment as I would. HA! :) Back to the comment… These are cool!!! JP I would NOT have known how cold it was out until you told me – Melissa looks awesome and not a bit chilly (Seriously, cute skirt, top AND shoes). You guys look like you’re ready to watch the races in style. :) LOVE the finish line on the rail. That… is… beautiful. And of course the one on the track itself on the finish line. Very clever with “And they’re off”.

    I also love when a couple can revisit a place that is significant – whether it be where they met, where they will marry, or where the proposal happened. And I LOVE Saratoga. The change of outfits is sweet and definitely screams fall!! you guys are a great looking couple together!!! Less than a year now!!! Enjoy (I’m guessing it will be the canfield huh?) Ha ha, I’m good. Well anyways, these are just beautiful. Although I don’t know either of you, you guys look like you are having a lot of fun with the camera, and the smiles and laughs all look very genuine. Love the bling shot at the end too, and the “attitude” look where Andrew has got a little elvis swag going in the smile. Really these are awesome, quintessential fall and Saratoga. Nice :)

    Can’t wait to see September! (Oh and based on the awesome seat shots, are we talking September 9th? Yea I’m guessing) :) yay!!!

    11.23.10
  • Beautiful couple and amazing images!

    11.23.10
  • that was one of the best “Elario Configuration” shots yet, what a cute couple and I loooove the shots on the track itself.

    11.23.10
  • These are fantastic. Thanks, JP!

    11.23.10
  • Wow! Melissa & Andrew – you look so relaxed & like you had a great time. They’re very “you”! These are wonderful! Nice job, JP!

    11.23.10
  • Wow Melissa and Andrew- You to look great!!!…..Love the colors JP!

    11.23.10
  • Retraction: The 18th image down… a wonderful Elario Config in black and White… Got too excited in my scrolling… must have missed it :)

    11.23.10
  • Great Pics, Enjoy the Journey!!

    11.23.10
  • Such a fun couple. Love the shots at the track and the red shoes too! Ok so the forehead kiss one was cute too! Super fun post!!

    11.23.10
  • Wow! Amazing photos! I love the ones out on the track. Can you save “Save the Date” worthy?! Congratulations to the happy couple.

    11.23.10
  • WOWie!! So much more fun when I know the bride!! Jp the shots are amazing. Love love love the facebook teaser and the one of Melissa sitting on the side of the track. You would never have known it was so cold out – nice job guys!! What a great variety…switching from the track to the nice fall shots… Love the sitting shot. Gotta admit missing the Elario config a little!! Oh jeez my post is getting as long as Mona’s :) – Congrats again guys… next year is gonna be a wedding palozza!

    11.23.10
  • I can’t stop smiling looking at these! I have so many favorites, but I love love love the ones on the track – especially on the rail. Amazing job with these, I couldn’t be happier! Can’t wait for September!!

    11.23.10
  • . . Starting Gate , without doubt , “love it “. trivia / S.I. choose Saratoga Race Track ( locals” the track”) as one of the top five of all US sporting venues.

    11.23.10
  • LOVE this on JP…you really caught the moments. Perfection once again :)

    11.23.10
  • amazing, JP.! M & A you are beautiful, you make me happy :)

    11.23.10
  • loving their expressions in all of these!! the picture in the starting gate is the BEST. nice :)

    11.23.10
  • How could they be anything but beautiful. Get job on capturing their personalities.

    11.23.10
  • These are amazing pics. You guys look wonderful so very happy for you.

    11.23.10
  • Love them all!! Can’t wait for 9.9.11!!

    11.23.10
  • OM freakin’ goodness!!!! this is amazing!!!!! love the track shots, especially at the starting gate, the finish line, and the colors and the outfits in Congress Park are great!!!!! LOVE THIS BLOG!!! Congrats You Guys! :)

    11.23.10
  • Wonderful photos! You captured their spirit perfectly!

    11.23.10
  • i LOVE the one of her sitting on the gate at the finish line!!! they were all so amazing and i just WISH we have leaves in tucson!!! just amazingly beautiful!!!!

    11.23.10
  • Too. Gorgeous. For. Words.

    11.23.10
  • JP these are AMAZING. SO Melissa and Andrew. I teared up looking at them! Fantastic job.

    11.23.10

jamie & chris fall in love in vermont

Posted in: Engagements

November 3 2010

A couple weeks ago I met up with Jamie and Chris in Bennington, VT. They wanted to do a session in the town they got engaged. There are some covered bridges we used for the first two locations. Let me just say I thought it was rough shooting on the Brooklyn Bridge. That was a walk in the park. Every time I was about to take a photo another car came flying through the bridge. It became pretty comical at times where all we could do was laugh. So our patience eventually paid off and I was able to capture some really nice and fun images. I’ll say from hanging with these guys I could tell how crazy about each other they are. They wont have to wait long to make it official because we’ll all be together again in March for their winter wedding! All and all, another great fall engagement session with another great couple! Thanks guys!

Peace,
JP

I’ll set it off with a nice b&w.. I love this one and it was only one of the first images I took..

This shot was kinda hard to get, the bridges are pretty narrow and only one car can come through at a time. That being said I just love all the lines and texture.

Where Chris is standing if a car were to come through he’d get clipped.. LOL we were like pinned against the wall every time one came by.

Loving these two side by side.

The light, the lines the love all awesome.

We took a break from the covered bridge so I could snag this image.

Now we’re at a different and more quiet bridge. Just off to the right near the water is where Chris popped the question. How about that blue sky?

This is maybe my fav from all the bridge shots…

loving this one!

what a great spot!

Time for a little change of clothes…

and some bomb color!

I think this was the only tree in Bennington that still had color..

So I worked it for a bit..

and captured another favorite image.

I seem to take this shot every fall for at least one engagement session.

In photography school they teach you not to shoot into the light. I beg to differ…

Pure happiness…

and last but not least, my “bling shot”

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28 people have commented on this post... why dont you?
  • Wow! Such an amazing display. That being said, there is really something so very very special and magical about Brad and Keather’s picture! They get my vote!

    12.13.10
  • Beautiful….and so in love! It shows in every photo!! Keepsakes!!

    11.06.10
  • Beautiful photos, beautiful location, and a very in love couple! :)

    11.06.10
  • llllloooooooovvvveeeee it!!! and the last bridge shot that is your fav… ugh ya… AWESOME! it looks like she is about to step our of the picture onto the screen!!!! I LOVE IT!!!

    11.06.10
  • love them. the both of you look very cute.

    11.05.10
  • How do you always find trees with yellow leaves?!? I love it!

    11.04.10
  • oooo… nice fall shots… I love the one laying in the leaves!

    11.04.10
  • Awwww I have said it about a million times and I’ll say it again, I love fall engagement shots/weddings. :) Way to find some color in VT for later in their season too JP!
    Jamie and Chris look great in all these shots! I love the outfits, and especially the shoes for the second outfit. My faves – the shoulder kiss on the rock, the BRIGHT blue sky for the covered bridge, and also your fave bridge shot. Awesome. And I’m a huge fan of the laying on the ground, looking up shots. :) Always fun, flirty and cute. Beautiful blog, beautiful couple. :) Yea, these are all awesome. Congrats guys!!!! March is right around the corner!

    11.04.10
  • I got to say, your pics keep on getting better and better,I’ve been following you now for about a yr, ever since you were mentioned on D-Town TV. Keep up the great work, you don’t disappoint.

    11.04.10
  • BEAUTIFUL!!!! These are great shots — and the couple, well what can I say, they are great too!! Love you both… Jamie you are glowing — and I love seeing how happy you are!

    11.04.10
  • Jamie – your smile is so genuine and priceless in these photos…love them! I think my favorite is the last b&w in the bridge segment, so many beautiful shots to choose from. Congratulations =)

    11.04.10
  • I love these images. Great work to your photographer, and what a beautiful couple. I can’t wait for the wedding. I love you guys. xoxo

    11.04.10
  • gorgeous shots! and I love Jamie’s shoes for the 2nd outfit!!!

    11.03.10
  • so Jamie, are you considering modeling as your next career move? YOU SHOULD!!!!

    11.03.10
  • Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait till the wedding…Love you both!

    11.03.10
  • THe all-time BEST shot is the last b&w bridge shot! You named it: This is maybe my fave from all of the bridge shots. Amazingly perfect! I also love when you shoot into the light…what do photography teachers know anyway?!?!? LOL!

    11.03.10
  • THe all-time BEST shot is the last b&w bridge shot! You namedaQ it: This is maybe my fave from all of the bridge shots. Amazingly perfect! I also love when you shoot into the light…what do photography teachers know anyway?!?!? LOL!

    11.03.10
  • We love them all as much as we love you!!! Yes, I’m a little teary. We can’t wait for March!

    11.03.10
  • what beautiful pictures jamie is my god daughter iam so happy for her the photography is excellent and what a beautiful couple

    11.03.10
  • Chris- They came out beautiful. The black and whites look so romatic. While the color ones are fun but classy. I do not know how you guys could just pick one favorite. They are all amazing and there is just alot of love generating from the both of you in these. But I must say the one in the leaves with just your faces is a great shot. Best wishes to you both.

    11.03.10
  • i love love love!! jamie you are beautiful. chris you did good too :) i really love the first one of you two sitting under the tree. great space, you look most relaxed, and i just like both of you in it!! i like the ones leaning against the brick wall too!

    11.03.10
  • Just awesome, I cant choose just one, I love the captured moments and the colors. Jamie and Chris you are ment to be together, now on with the wedding!!!!Love you both!!!MOM

    11.03.10
  • I LOVE these engagement pics! Absolutely fabulous colors and gorgeous couple! I’m feelin’ the love guys! One of my favs was the bling shot, LOVE IT! Can’t wait to see the wedding pics!

    11.03.10
  • I absolutly LOVE LOVE LOVE these photos. I’m speachless. Jamie is SO beautiful and Christopher is so handsome!! You two are a stunning couple and you can definitely see how much you two love eachother!!! I love all the Fall colors and everything!!
    I love you, Jamie& Chris! <3
    xoxo :-*

    11.03.10
  • Great pics Jamie! Congrats to you guys again!!!

    11.03.10
  • I’m sure this will be one of many posts – but I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of these pictures. It’s hard for me to chose just one, so for this post – I would say My Fav is the one of me and Chris on the rocks – where Chris is kissing my shoulder. Absolutely Astonishing! What a great capture! Thank You So Much JP!

    11.03.10
  • Oh I am loving these!! The color is AMAZING! I’m having a hard time picking my favorite because I love them all but I think I love, love, love the two before the bling shot! Beautiful! They are obviously so in love! I can’t wait for the big day!!

    11.03.10
  • Nice work my man. You can definitely feel their love in these pics. Love the b&w bridge shot.

    11.03.10

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