Gosh, where do I even start with this one? Well, for starters this wedding was OFF THE HOOK! Seriously thats how Amanda and Shane roll. They get the best of the best, put us all in one room, on one day and say do your thang. I remember when I met with Shane, Amanda and her sister “the photo buff” Alexandra I was told the wedding would be BIG. Yeah yeah ok what’s 350 at the Hall of Springs? Thats nothing new. No no no. BIG as in off the heezy for sheezy. Amanda and Shane brought in the big guns on this one… Was it off the chain? Uh yeah! Sit back and grab some popcorn cause its on like Donkey Kong!

Our 12 hour day began at 11am at the Lecce home in Niskayuna where the Beyonce was pumping and the hair spay was flowing. My homegirl and wedding coordinator Christine Wheat was in the house again making sure everything was just perfect and on time! It’s a major sigh of relief to me when I hear that my couple is working with Christine, she’s like the egg in Amanda and Shane’s wedding batter that holds all us clowns together. Haha. I know, I’m crazy. Also at the Lecce home was not only Alayne Curtis from Make Me Fabulous on hair but Tina Barbato from Flawless by Tina on makeup. So yes, it was a Fabulously Flawless or Flawlessly Fabulous duo, whichever you prefer. Then pulls up David Michael Schmidt  Renaissance Floral Design or as I like to call him “King David” in his new delivery van. Why am I talking about it? Not because it was a Mercedes (I’m a BMW guy) but because this nut personalized it with their wedding logo and date. You’ll see in the pictures. Then Amanda got dressed and the day proceeded as usual. We took some pics at this gorgeous home while videographer Al Woodard and I laughed at this bee that would not stop bugging Amanda’s sister. Too funny! Did I mention Amanda was stunning?

Now we’re off to St Luke’s in Schenectady, the church was decorated beautifully too. I thought this church was just so photogenic. It was however a little tough to work i because the priest has some super duper strict rules, probably the most strict rules ever! My guess is some rookie goof photographer(s) in the past gave us professionals who know what we’re doing a bad name. It happens. I guess the reason I mention this because I think we managed to get great images even though we on a tight leash. I would love to shoot there again because its really a stunning church. Oh! How awesome that ceremony started EXACTLY on time? I looked at Christine Wheat when Amanda and her dad walked down the aisle and said “How do you do that?” She just winked, love her.

Now onto the Hall of Springs. Again, where do I begin? Well for starters every wedding has a designer whether its a florist, caterer or whatever. The man was David Michael Schmidt and his team from Renaissance Floral Design. They SMOKED this one. The florals, linens, candles, etc were all wonderful. Clifton Park Rental with their lighting took this room to a new level. I’ve seen it washed in color before and it’s awesome but I’ve never seen the pinspot lit tables at the Hall of Springs. I’m glad to start seeing this trend at weddings now because its off the chain and you all should do it ;) Mike Frodey is simply a lighting genious, keep up the good work Mike! Now I’d be crazy if I didn’t give mad love to Angelo Mazzone, Kevin Sykes, Mark Delos, Mary Ann and the Mazzone Catering team. The food kept coming! It was a non-stop food fest! Seriously, just when you thought you had some of Debbie Coyes cake and life was good what do they do? They bring Amanda and Shane’s favorite pastry shop TO the Hall of Springs! Word, they brought Civitello’s Spumoni & Italian Pastry Shop to the Hall of Springs. Not just a tray of their food, no no no. The mad man Mark Delos constructed the facade of this place complete with the signs and all. When you went inside, the counters, booths and tables were there too. Along with the “sorry no checks accepted” sign! Too cool! This one takes the cake for most original dessert room I’ve ever seen. Gosh there was so much stuff going on people still managed to keep the dance floor packed all night. Well, thats what happens when the New York Players are in the house! Also thanks to Hayden Yund for holding down the gold Elario Photo Booth too! This was a hot one folks. So many great people came together to make Amanda and Shane’s wedding day so special. I just wonder how the Lecce’s will top it for their next two beautiful and single daughters? Oh and their son’s ;)

If you’re still reading this blog pat yourself on the back because you’ve made it this far and you’re not even looking at the images yet. With that being said, this is where I say thank you. Thank you Amanda, Shane, the Lecce’s the Mahars and everyone for having us. This was a special one to have been part of and I can’t begin to show my gratitude to you all. Your wedding really was a blast! I love you both like a fat kid loves some Debbie Coye cake. Keep rocking!! Congrats!!

Peace!
JP

** UPDATE: peep the hotness in motion on my boy Al Woodards blog.

We all remember their engagement session right?

The gown and shoes..

Some bling and a monarch pin.

After you get made “fabulous”

you get made “flawless”

I had to. You’re looking at the best of the best on right and left folks. Love these gals..

Oh yes he did.. David Michael Schmidt, you’re a nut!

Time to get dressed!

Amanda’s mom Christine was loving this!!

and father Lou as well enjoying seeing his first girl in white..

I love this shot of the parents..

Amanda and her purrdy sisters..

I love a small bridal party. I love that their colors are all different yet all work to well together.

They even had their own custom bouquets.

Come on! She’s not even trying..

As Amanda would say she’s “channeling her inner Beyonce”

I love this one..

Mr Shane… looking good my man!

The fellas..

An on time bride arrives at the church ready to tie the knot.

Deep breaths..

What a beautiful church!

Mr & Mrs..

If you’ve walked down the aisle you know this feeling..

Something I said?

I love it..

Props to Hayden for upstaging me with the forehead kiss..

The front of the hall had some fun color so we “spun” through.. .

And then they got into an Elario Configuration…

A do love this one too.

So romantic..

Another fav..

The cocktail hour..

Place cards by Paper Dolls of Saratoga.

The Hall of Springs ballroom by Renaissance Floral Design

Their head table was quite a vision..

They wanted to reveal the room to Amanda and Shane so instead of them walking into it I suggested they close their eyes and be brought to the dance floor. Then on the count of 3 open their eyes.. Her face says it all..

Then we put people in the room and party..

The first dance complete with bubble blowers..

Amanda’s siblings deliver a great toast..

Now, I was happy with images I captured of them earlier but after toasts I looked outside and saw this light. Needless to say I’m beyond happy with their photos. Thats what we do, we chase the light..

Theres so much butter light in this picture my heart hurts..

favorite image of the day alert!!

You must laugh like this on your wedding day..

Oh my facebook teaser.. I love it too.

Another Debbie Coye masterpiece.. a resemblance to her gown?

I love Amanda’s endless expressions.

Lou Lecce made the announcement “Civitello’s is now open!”

The New York Players know how to pack a dance floor.. Love the chick rocking air guitar in the front.. lol.

and if the pastries weren’t enough earlier this awaited you outside..

More images of the impressive lighting from Clifton Park Rental.

and we’ll get into the Elario Photo Booth..

Where Angelo Mazzone can’t help but jump for joy ;)

How about the back drop? Word, not even released yet from drop it MODERN.. stay tuned for this and more in the early winter.

She’s a blog stalker… nice meeting you!

I love gooooooold! (austin powers 3 goldmember voice)

The Lecce’s

Congrats to you both!!!!!!!!!

Yes sir! Here we go! It’s time for Isabel and Dave’s blog post! I’m pretty excited to share this one as Isabel is one of my biggest blog stalkers out there. I heard her husband Dave has been known to stalk as well ;) I’d be willing to bet you remember them from their Lake George engagement session. It was one of my favorites from this season. As I mentioned two blog posts ago we had three weddings last weekend and Isabel and Dave were wedding three of three. Thank god for Red Bull ;) Nah, the energy at this event was all we needed to keep us awake.

I must say the weather was just awesome on Sunday September 18th 2011. We arrived at Isabel’s parents home to find 3 coordinators on site. Thats just how Christine Wheat rolls. Thank god for coordination because we ran on time all day long! Now, we all know Isabel is beautiful without trying but throw in Alayne of Make Me Fabulous and her beauty goes to a whole new level. Speaking of beauty, there was a stunning gown waiting to be worn and a house full of family waiting to see the bride. Once Isabel was in and ready the music started and she headed down the stairs. There were so many gifts, hugs and kisses being handed out all we did was shoot like crazy. There was a lot of love and excitement in that home last Sunday. Then it was time to get married. Dave waited patiently for his bride to arrive. I’ll add that she arrived early. Maybe because she was that excited to marry him or maybe because wedding coordinators rock! After the ceremony and many many family photos we were off to the Hall of Springs. Actually, every time we thought we were done taking a family photo I’d hear from Isabel “just one more picture”. It became pretty funny and we all had some good laughs about it. Cut to the Hall of Springs, it was decorated beautifully by On Thai of Surroundings Floral Studio and ready for a party. Boy do the Armenian’s party! If they weren’t on the floor dancing to City Rhythm they were dancing to the Armenian band. It was seriously a non-stop party! I had a great time setting the weekend off with Cheryl and Amanda from CASL Productions and even more fun working with them again on Sunday. Mad props and thanks to Hayden Yund for holding down the Elario Photo Booth too! Isabel and Dave, I love you both. Thank you so much for choosing the Elario boy’s to capture the big day. You guys are an awesome duo and I wish you many many years of love!

Peace,
JP

Here’s one from their engagement session

Bling! Bling!

The gown. Isabel was crazy about the detail on the back. It was fly Iz!

Isabel hooking me up with Red Bull. I love that stuff, it gives me wings!

Alayne doing her thing..

Seriously all she did was smile once that gown as on.

I call this Alayne’s concentrating face. I have a whole folder of these.

Watching her walk down the stairs was so fun.

I think her cheeks hurt because she NEVER stopped smiling..

Why not one more?

Yup, it was that nice of a day.

The handsome Dave. Good job on the tux and tying your own bow tie. All men should know how to tie a bow tie.

Isabel and Dad aka “Big O”

Seeing his bride..

Mr & Mrs… Later in the night Christine Wheat asked me what my favorite image of the day was. I told her this was because the excitement and joy in their faces. I could feel it through the camera. Sure its a basic standard shot but I know just how happy the both of them were so thats why its my favorite.

yay!

Wow.. the sky!!

The hot Bentley up in Saratoga Springs..

Love the light and color..

A large bridal party..

Ladies..

Fella’s..

A sweet configuration..

Often I’ll ask a bride and groom to look at each other. I didn’t have to, they could not keep their eyes off each other.

Loving the Mr & Mrs…

too cute..

My facebook teaser.

Loving this b&w..

more favorites..

Thanks to Hayden for snagging this one!

Ah the shoulder kiss.. love that light!

The Hall of Springs..

Just one in with some of that blue light sky..

Party time!

I love this first dance image.

So much fun.

Hayden rocking the Elario Photo Booth..

Translation please?

You can’t go wrong with this backdrop it’s a classic one from drop it MODERN called sea horse.

Hahaha. I crack myself up!

ha!

funny people..

Congrats to you two!!!!!

Saturday September 17, 2011 was Christine and Dan’s big day! It was a great day too. We set things off early in Saratoga at the hotel. Christina’s bridesmaids were all set and ready to rock while Christine was getting her finishing touches from Michelle from Salon 7 and makeup artist Michelle Johnson. Videographer Justin Mayer was in the house as well. Once I captured Christine in her gown we were off to St John the Evanglist church. I love shooting weddings in this place. How could you not? It’s one of this area’s most beautiful churches. After a long receiving line we headed up to Congress Park for some photos and a wedding. This was nothing new since I shot their engagement session in the park just last April. By the time we were done with photos cocktail hour was slated to begin 5 minutes later. So with a little gap between their ceremony and cocktails we were able to get all the photos done so Christine and Dan didn’t miss a beat. The party was now in the hands of Emily Bruce from Classe Catering and the Grand Central Station Band. They all partied like rockstars at Christine and Dan’s wedding. To you both, thank you sooooo much for choosing us to document this day. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and your families and we can’t thank you enough. Now, lets get into this blog post!!!

Peace,
JP

You all remember them from their engagement session.

Some beautiful rings..

and Manolo’s

and of course the further last name hanger completes a bridal suite.

Christine getting pampered as all brides should.

Christine and her two closest ladies, Mom and sister Danielle.

Perfection right here.. what poise!

a couple more..

St John the Evangelist and Dan..

the fellas..

I love this one..

Photographing a bride and her father minutes before the ceremony is my favorite thing to shoot, it’s nothing new to me but when I took this image it actually almost brought tears to my eyes. What a powerful moment between Christine and her father Bill. I am so glad I was able to capture this, it’s hands down my favorite image from the whole day.

Seriously this church is incredible..

I love this shot Big Joe snagged…

Mr & Mrs..

Great looking shot of a beautiful bridal party right here.. there is a future Elario bride in there. 80-something days to go..

Hey ladies..

Wow.

I love this portrait of you Christine.

A nice little Elario configuration..

I like when a groom cant help but cuddle his bride as they walk..

fun.

It was an overcast day for the most part but the light decided to come out when needed..

Remember this one?

Well we did it again only behind me went “whoop whoop” from an undercover cop car with a man inside who I could only assume didn’t believe in love. I still got the shot officer grumpy. ;)

The Historic Canfield Casino Ballroom.

My facebook teaser. I love this one.

This means it’s party time!

first dance..

We’ll end with the cake shot! Love you guys!

This past weekend we had what we call a “triple”. That means a wedding on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. By Monday you feel like you’ve been at a non stop wedding. Over this weekend we documented 6 people, all in love. The first of those three weddings is Suzanne and Brian. If you’ve been following this blog for a year you’ll remember their engagement session I shot in NYC.

On September 16h 2011 they tied the knot at Saratoga National. We set the getting ready stuff off at Suzanne’s parents home then it was off to SNGC for the first look. Suzanne and Brian decided late in the game to book up some videography. Thankfully Cheryl from CASL Productions was available to document the day! They now have their first look not only documented by us but also on video. Fleurtacious Designs was in the house too! They did all Suzanne’s personal flowers and thought the colors were just awesome. Once the knot was tied we took Suzanne and Brian back out for some of the good light images. After that it was party time as the ballroom filled up. DJ Paul Malo was in the house too which means a packed dance floor was inevitable. Suzanne and Brian, thank you guys so much for trusting us to capture your big day! I know you’re quite the photo buff Suzanne so that means a lot as well. You guys are so in love and documenting that was so much fun. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Peace,
JP

Here’s one from their NYC High Line engagement session.

Easily one of my favorite ring shots this year..

Sweet details..

Oh hey beautiful bride! Makeup by Sonia Altamura

Loved her bouquet by Fleurtacious Designs

First look!

I love this..

The men:

The ladies:

one more..

A forehead kiss in b&w for you…

One more image of the two.. its time to get married now.

I love the little exchanges bride and grooms have at their ceremonies

Mr & Mrs..

Oh how I love the color.. my facebook teaser

another one plus a configuration..

this is my favorite image of the day. I love everything about it.

Sunset portraits anyone?

She wanted to be picked up. As Mona would say “all brides should be picked up on their wedding day”

I just love the color in this.

another SNGC classic..

I’ll end with this one from their first dance.. Congrats you two!!