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!

This is not your typical wedding or engagement blog. This is a documentation of one my favorite things in my life. Thats right my little pal Lexie. For some of the newer blog readers Lexie is our dog (duh). Kris Ann and I got Lexie back in October. I often will say she was my good luck charm for the Yankee’s winning their 27th world championship since we watched almost all the playoff games together at a young 9-11 weeks old. Lexie is named after another love of mine, Rolex watches. I wanted to name her Rolex or Rollie which then turned into Lexie since it was less obvious. She has made the last 10 months just the best. I seriously don’t know what we did before we got her. She is just one funny little dog and I hope those of you who have not met her yet get a chance to in the future. When she’s not here in my office sleeping in the window while I blog she’s probably greeting customers over at Kris Ann’s flower shop. Folks, this dog has the life. She’s also totally cute. The reason for this blog is Lexie turns one year old on August 14th and since the first day we got little Lexie I’ve been photographing her. So here is just a little collection of one of my favorite things in my life. I know I speak for Kris Ann when I say I just love this dog.

Peace,
JP

She had my number from one of the first frames I snapped of her. This was literately the night we brought her home. She still has that little monkey too.

She was like “whats this thing you keep pointing at me that clicks?”

As I mentioned above we got Lexie in the fall. The colors in mid to late October are just awesome.

Back then a curb was a mountain…

Kris Ann love’s buying this dog clothes. This image just makes me smile every time I see it. Its crazy how damn tiny she was.

Cant get me!

I had to bring her into the studio..

not interested..

All the ladies say it together now “awwwww’

A month or so later I tried the red for a holiday photo.. I think the intensity of the red made her a little angry. Is this where you tell me dogs are colorblind?

I just love this one.

She was loving the snow from day one.. me? not so much.

I know I know… I blame my wife again for this. Christmas morning Lexie wore pajamas and opened presents. I know, I know..

She’s got the “seriously?” look in that image on the left.

When I drive she just chills out riding shotgun. My little co-pilot. This image reminds me of the Jay Z – 99 Problems video.. I think its just the gritty b&w.. She just needs a straight brim fitted Yankee hat… we’ll get to that.

A typical Lexie look.. she’s saying “are you leaving now? don’t go”

Lexie again gets tortured by my wife. In Kris Ann’s designing room at the flower shop Lexie rocks a tutu.

She has many funny faces..

She also yawns a lot.

On opening day I taped one of those cups you’d get ice cream in to her head. Haha. Hate on Sox fans, hate on..

I just love the monochromatic images.

Since everyone should be photographed with the 200mm 1.8L

I just love this one too.

Kris Ann’s at it again… she bought her doggles. Yes, doggles. My Mother calls this the aviator shot.

Kris Ann bought Lexie to visit me at a wedding this past June so I took a shot. Liked the whole fire hydrant thing even though she’s a girl dog.

This was last week.. My munchkin is all gown up.

and not feeling her party hat. Kris Ann strikes again! Props to Kris Ann though, she did make this hat. She’s so talented. So this is Lexie’s official “I’m one” photo. Thanks for viewing…

WOW! Haha, thats all I can say. Melanie had been stressing to say the least on doing a unique and different engagement session. Every time I blogged something out of the norm for engagement sessions I’d hear from her. She wanted to shoot somewhere new, different and fun. I ask ALL my couples to pick a location but 8 out of 10 times I end up picking them. Not with Melanie and Chris, I give them 100% credit on coming up with this one. They did have a motive though, apparently after 9 years of dating Melanie and Chris have traveled quite a bit. I guess their big joke is they’re always jet setting somewhere. So Chris was like maybe we can shoot on a runway. Yeah right, securities so tight you can’t look at a runway. So this concept brewed and I got an email from Melanie suggesting we shoot in an air museum. I was stoked and totally on board for this one. I had a feeling this would make my top 3-5 fav engagement sessions and it did, for me at least. After you all peep the images let me know where it ranks for you. Since this is a museum, you’re not allowed to get in or on the planes, well maybe on one wing (ssssh!). As always keeping with the theme of multiple outfits their clothing choices could not have been better they just went perfect with all the planes. What a great looking couple. We look forward to shooting your April 2011 wedding fo sheezey. Thanks for looking great and being awesome guys. As you all read this I on the left coast chillin in Veags. Glad to have some downtime after that killer July. So on with the post…

Peace,
JP

Although there are no commercial jets here I ask that you please fasten your seatbelt folks as we’re about to take off.

Chris wanted to rock his shades he need’s a scarf too!

and we have lift off!

Hey Mel, go stand over there real quick… you too Chris. Photogs, don’t ya love when that happens? How great do their outfits compliment this plane?

the facebook teaser than sent all Melanie’s friends into a tizzy. I’ve NEVER seen so much reaction to a facebook teaser.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached our cruising altitude and the pilot has turned off the fasten seat belts sign. (i’m the pilot! haha)

oh yeah… these guys just know how to pose.

I just love this image!

a great b&w

Shooting here was crazy, I was on overload not knowing where an what to shoot next.

Planes really make for great backdrops…

A little Navy action..

Do you think Melanie studies my blog? Chris said she does.

now some Army.

working it out!

I told Chris to spin her since a helicopter spins.. get shot too. Turbulence?

Oh hey there! New clothes..

the butter light came out for a few..

Now the US Air Force.. I like the way she’s looking at him.

hey now!

cuddle time.

The last minutes of sun. I love shooting people bathed in that warm light, its just awesome.

oh there’s that Elario style for ya.

ask for forgiveness not permission….

Sssssh! She’s not suppose to be up there! How I adore these images.

Melanie really knows how to work the eyes in the camera.

nice shot.. we’re starting to make our descent…

so please make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position. one of my favorite images right here.

this is one of my favs too!

and we’ve landed… ladies and gentlemen, welcome to one of my favorite engagement sessions ever. Where the local temperature is HOT… oh and enjoy my “bling shot” no engagement session is complete without one.

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!