Road trip! Not really, although on Saturday August 21, 2010 I found myself driving south to White Plains with videographer Al Woodard and of course Big Joe. My SUV was jam packed with all types of gear and since I drove please know there was no Elvis on this road trip. Anyway as we pulled up The Ritz Carlton in White Plains I was amused with how many weddings were going on. I think I counted 3 brides exiting the building. Then we got to see our bride Elizabeth! We all remember her right? Her suite was full of good energy and happy people. Aside from that they had the music going. I know I’ve said it before but I think this is a must in any bridal preparation room, even if they’re playing Mr Roboto. Running right on time Libby hopped into her gown and it was back onto 287N to head to Tappan HIll Mansion. Apparently Mark Twain bought this mansion for his daughter back in 1902 but I guess she never moved in (hope I’m getting this right). Anyway we got a head start to the venue so we could scope out the grounds. Before I knew it Libby and her father were rolling up in a gorgeous white Rolls. We shot some quick portraits and then Adam and the boys were on site and it was time for a first look. I’m in love with all the images from their first look too. It was a fun one to shoot. So now the clock is ticking and we need to shoot our butts off before the first bus load of guests arrive. Boy did that time fly too! We were shooting portraits of Libby and Adam and then boom they had to go hide out because it was time to let the guests in. On the planning ball was Elyssa and the staff from A Most Creative Affair. Wedding planners rock! Their ceremony was beautiful with a backdrop of the Hudson River. After a couple “I do’s”, some rings and a petal exit I found myself shooting their reception room. From that point on the party was in the hands of the fantastic staff at Tappan Hill and their band. I speak for both Big Joe and Al when I say we had a fun time shooting this one. Libby and Adam are both a wonderful couple and we wish them the very best! We cant say thank you enough for trusting us with the coverage of your big day! Hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon!

Peace,
JP

We’re here!

I couldn’t resist.

I guess Adam is quite the golfer so this one’s for him!

How’s this for a splash of color? I love when the shoes are fun!

A typical bridal suite.

Oh hey Libby!

It’s just too easy sometimes…

she was such a happy bride!

Tappan Hill.

I love this shot of Libby and Dad. I can’t tell who was happier.

Wasup ladies?

I love this one.

Waiting patiently for her groom.

Here he comes..

How great is this?

I love snippets like this of a first look.

The boys looking sharp in nice fitting tuxedo’s and hand tied bow ties. This is a timeless look fellas!

Back to our beautiful bride.

She know’s how to work the camera.

Love. This. Car.

Classic.

My facebook teaser.

The entrance way is simply stunning.

Right?

This is one of my #1’s from their day.

Back outside.

A sweet little moment.

I think I should print this one for the wall.

Great moment!

Mr & Mrs..

It’s not official until New York State says so! I love this image too!

The room.. I love the lighting on the flowers it makes them pop right out.

Party time!

Eat, drink and be merry!

and they danced away….

I’m back! I took a little hiatus to Vegas for a few days. I call this my halfway thru the season chill time. But before I left, we had the honor of capturing some ridiculously awesome images. On August 7. 2010 Kate and Alex AKA Barbie and Ken tied the knot. I don’t like to think of Kate and Alex as clients, our professional relationship started back in June of 2008 when I caught this newly engaged couple peeking in on a wedding we shot in Lake George. Alex asked for our card and I’m so glad he did…

Before I get to 8/7/10 I have to make sure you know who these guys are. Remember back in June of 2010 I posted this blog? I like to think that this was a blog/shoot that made me famous. Every now and then I get an opportunity  to shoot in a unbelievable location. To this day I continue to thank Kate and Alex for getting this Yankee fan into a vacant Fenway Park for what was one of my favorite shoots of all time. From this blog post on Kate & Alex were known as “The Fenway Park Couple”. I’d hear from random people they saw The Fenway Park Couple out to dinner or at the mall. I just laughed and smiled. If you haven’t seen these images yet I urge you to look at their engagement session.

Now its August 7, 2010 and Big Joe was elected to drive. He picked me up and we headed up to North Lake George also known as Ticonderoga, NY. Can you believe my father made me listen to the Elvis channel almost the whole way up? It was non-stop Elvis, all Elvis. I got to hear little snippet stories about these nuts who visit Graceland sandwiched in between more Elvis songs. It was painful. Thats what I get for not driving. Not to worry, this didn’t throw off my groove. Sorry, I had to share that with you! Anyway we arrived at Kate’s friends house where all the girls were getting ready. Already ahead of us were ladies from CASL Productions shooting the motion for the day. Kate was upstairs getting her finishing touches by Kaitlin from Chanel (leave your info in the comment box I lost your card). After Kate got dressed we headed out to the lake for some pre-cermony portraits. Before I knew it we were at the church to meet up with Alex. Only Alex wasn’t there, no he didn’t have cold feet. He had clumsy fingers and the hand tied bow ties got the best of him and his groomsmen. Sorry Alex, I had to mention it ;) Anyway Alex and his boys eventually showed up bow ties all tied and looking good. Like I do with all grooms, I asked Alex if he was nervous he said not really. You can all be the judge’s on that when you see the b&w of him just before Kate and her father walked down the aisle. After their ceremony Alex’s pal George had his awesome boat waiting for us. Kate and Alex spend pretty much all their free time on Lake George so it was only right they incorporated a boat ride on their wedding day. After the boat ride and some fun images on the lake I headed into the Shelving Rock room to begin photographing the awesome details my talented wife Kris Ann of Fleurtacious Designs was responsible for. Then DJ Paul Malo was introducing Mr & Mrs Shmulsky into the party. After the toasts the light got good and we snuck out for my favorite images of the day. I have nothing but love for Kate & Alex, you guys are both awesome people and I’m so happy we all happened to be in the right place at the right time. Congrats and here’s your blog! As former groom Bob would say you’ve been “Elariod”….

Peace,
JP

Finding these painted adirondack chairs was like a gift from god.

Getting ready…

While Kate was getting ready Alex had Kate’s sister Sara give her an awesome gift. More bling that matches her ring.

The rings..

The beautiful bride..

heading down to the lake.

Isn’t she stunning?

Oh hey ladies!

Kate was a bride that needed no direction, she studies the pages of this blog and knows what to do.

Oh hey Alex, glad you decided to show up ;)

Looking all cool in his Ray Ban Wayfarer’s…

Guys take notes.. Alex rocking a PURCHASED tuxedo from Hugo Boss that was custom fitted. Finishing off the tux with a hand tied bow tie, a look that will never look dated. Also as a watch nut I’d be crazy if I didn’t mention Kate’s gift to Alex. A Rolex, the stainless steel GMT is a classic and timeless piece, nice job Kate.

Big Joe’s “just before” shot keeps getting better and better.

All grooms do this Alex just got caught on camera ;)

Here she comes..

What a great church to shoot in. Plenty of light.

Mr & Mrs..

Love this one.

Classic and timeless..

Sup playa’s?

I’m on a boat!

Kate & Alex are big boat people, they spend almost all their free time on the lake.

How awesome is this? I love everything about it.

A picture perfect lake george kind of day..

What we looked like from land. No worries George claims to have had enough lifejackets.

A quick twirl then off to cocktails. Also one of my favorites from this part of the day.

The Sagamore’s Shelving Rock room by Fleurtacious Designs.

Fun little candy bar!

As DJ Paul Malo was getting ready to introduce them they had this fun real moment. Can’t stage this stuff.

First dance…

Back outside into that good light.

An Elario original.

Kate would ask me how I always get my brides on the ground in their gowns. I think its a trust thing.

My facebook teaser and still one of my favs from lay on the ground series.

Before I could get Kate into that Elario pose she did it. She’s a blog stalker. Seriously how handsome are these two?

Oh goodness. I love it.. wall print!

All brides should look this happy..

Nothing like a classic bride and groom shot in some good light.

Another fav.

Oh yeah this one too…. I love me a good silhouette with some fun color.

and I’ll end with some blue light. Kate & Alex, you both are awesome. Congrats again!

Keeping with the theme of families having us back again I’d be crazy if I didn’t mention the Mannato family. Back in 2008 we shot their daughter Heathers wedding and it was just great. We quickly started a great friendship with this family. The Mannato’s are good people too, I love that Michel and her Mom are both big DMB fans. Arriving at the Mannato home we were greeted by a bunch of happy bridesmaids and a happy bride too! It was like deja vu. Wasn’t I just here? Well, that was two years ago. Michele had all her getting ready details all laid out for me too. So after we finished shooting the getting ready stuff if was outdoors for some photos! Michele and her girls all looked great! We had another former JEP bride Josepha on site too. It was nice to see her and her little man Andrew, he was styling and dodging camera’s. After our session at the Mannato home we headed to the church to meet up with Chris and his boys. After their mass it was time to get the partying started. Thats where Glen Sanders and the Karen Lawrence Band came in. How nice to see Karen and the band, they sounded great and had quite a few new tunes in their arsenal. The party was fun too, when guests weren’t dancing they were chowing down on that awesome Glen Sanders dessert station. It was fun shooting with Al Woodard too that day, last time I saw him was in late June. All and all, this wedding was fun to close the month of July with. Not only that, but it was super flattering to be asked back to shoot a second wedding for the Mannato family. We appreciate the love and love you guys right back. Michele and Chris, congrats to you both!!

Peace,
JP

Michele’s mother Mary Ann was just smiling all day long…

Awww look its my buddy Heather here helping Michele get ready.

Andrew wanted no part of the camera until all the ladies were posing. I don’t blame ya player.

Oooh look at that good light hitting Michele..

What a happy bride.

fella’s..

Part of Big Joe’s “groom just before” series.

Look at all the different emotions in this image, I love it.

I love churches with good light.

Love this b&w.

Boy was it bright out there. No clouds at all this day!

We’ll get back to the b&g stuff a little later.

Mr & Mrs..

I told you we’d get back to this.

oh yeah! fav from the day.

the facebook teaser that somehow 7 people got tagged in lol.

classic but with butter (the light)

loving the colors in this.

thats a wrap! he carried her home.. nah I’m playing.. congrats!

How great to be back with the same families again? It’s always an honor when we are asked to shoot a wedding and it came from a direct result of a past wedding. Well thats how Missy & Tom’s wedding came about. Lets take it back to the summer of 2008 when I met Betsy (Missy’s cousin and MOH) at Frank Adams. Long story short, Betsy helped me find Kris Ann’s engagement ring and then we ended up shooting her an Brian’s wedding last summer. You remember that right? Anyway Missy was Betsy’s maid of honor and thats when we first met. Both girls got ready at Missy’s parents home in Johnstown and both girls got married at the same church. At both weddings we ended up heading back to Missy’s parents home after their ceremonies because the property was so nice for photos. Only this time after the photos we stayed on site for the festivities. This property was perfect to host an outdoor event. Aside from Missy’s fathers awesome landscaping and attention to detail the lower portion of the property was nice and flat, open and screaming for a tent with 225 plus people. Missy and Tom’s day was full of emotion too. Every time you turned around someone was wiping a tear or just ear to ear in smiles and laughter. It was great to see Missy’s family again and meet Tom’s as well. I will say and I speak for Big Joe too, we just love shooting in that church, it has some great color, detail and light! The party was fun too, I’m not sure the connection of the band and Missy but for some reason I think she mentioned a family relation? Anyhow they were totally fun and had people up on their feet all night long. Missy and Tom, we thank you MUCH for having us around for your big day. Like I said earlier, its an honor to work with the same family more than once and we appreciate your awesomeness. Keep smiling.

Peace,
JP

Last time I was at this home I took a ring shot that was just awesome (see betsys wedding link above) so the pressure was on.. I thought this was fun.

Also since Missy’s father put so much work into his beautiful yard it was only right I used that too..

meanwhile inside Missy was getting her finishing touches..

June 5, 2009 and July 30, 2010… two great maid of honors.

hey ladies!

must have been something I said?

watch out now.. Missy is stunning!

just incredible.

whats up fella’s?

Tom waiting to see his bride…

Here she is!

all I can think to write here is “ready?”

They let you shoot some stuff from the back of the church. Pretty cool.

Mr & Mrs..

The wedding site.

Classic goodness.

oh and that good good light!

the facebook teaser

All the color!

I love this little series.

party time!

Shout out to Betsy, not a dry eye in the house… great toast, great seeing you and Brian.