Friday, July 25, 2008

Colin's Bridal Portraits

Well, I did Colin's wedding weeks ago... and we got rained out about 3 times before the wedding. Luckily, the outdoor wedding was beautiful (hot, but clear and sunny!) I was getting really worried we would get rained out again yesterday... but luckily, the rain stayed away from the Newport News area. I met up with Colin and her family to get her bridal portraits done and we couldn't have had nicer weather. It was nice and cool and we were blessed with wonderful light.

Colin made for a great model yesterday... and her dress I think remains my favorite of the season so far. I think I'll be including around 12 frames of one "segment" of shooting... Just the way it flows... it's just beautiful! As was Colin...

So without further delay.... here are Colin's Bridal Portraits.













































































This is why I love my D3... these were taken after sunset with no flash ;-) And no flash was used in the entire shoot. 100% natural available light.


Clients are the BEST!

Seriously, You ALL are! Just some of the unscripted moments that happen and the appreciation we have for each other always makes for a wonderful relationship.

I just saw a comment that was left on Ania's Facebook wall... I wanted to share that as well as a note I got from her the other day.

"I have to tell you this, and it is the absolute truth...those pictures, the quality and all are the best I have ever seen, including my own. Seriously!! Top notch photographer there. BEAUTIFUL like in a magazine"

WOW! Thank you, Christine!

This is the email I got from Ania, It totally made my day!

Hi Kelly!

I'm an in awe of the pictures you have posted! I keep staring and scrolling and staring and scrolling at them. You did an absolutely amazing job. I sent out an e-mail to my friends and family with the link, and this is just one response from a close of friend of ours which basically sums up my feelings:

"You'd think it impossible to capture the wonder of a day as perfect as that on film, but your photographer seems to have achieved it, amazing!"

Thank you so much for your work. I can't wait to see the rest of the photos!!!


Ania, I might sound like a broken record, but Y'ALL are the amazing ones. I had such an amazing time at your wedding and can't thank you enough for trusting me to tell your story.
________________________________

Also, I don't want to announce anything until I get final word... but I have some really exciting things to post as soon as they are finalized.... Keep checking back. Also, expect some bridals from Colin's shoot last night to be posted today!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Brian and Ania

Ok, sorry for the delay, but here we go with the long awaited, and very LONG blog of Brian and Ania's wedding in Philly.

I've had a LOT of work to get done and life is very busy so when facing travel to Philly ON July 4th I decided to take a train. It was my first time on Amtrak and while not completely, it is a bit different then traveling by train in Europe. It wasn't bad however as I booked a business class ticket and it allowed me to get closer to catching up on work ;-)

I'll blog some bad iPhone and mac Photobooth photos later of my first time to Philly... and on the 4th of July!

This was about as Ukrainian as a wedding could be, for not being held in the Ukraine. I know my mom is waiting for these photos and I think my grandmother would also have loved to see all the traditions of this wedding was she still here. It was a great honor to be able to get in touch with my Ukrainian roots myself. Saturday I met Ania at her parents house I had a blast! Her family was amazing and Ania was intent on having fun. She and Brian were very ready for the day. After Ania got dressed, Brian and his guys came to her parents house where they saw each other for the first time and then did a ceremony there at the house. They then got in a horse drawn carriage and rode to the church where they had a Ukrainian ceremony and mass. The eastern rites are incredibly full of details, symbolism, and beauty. While the layout of the church proved to be a bit difficult, and I had to be a bit bolder than I ever have been before during a ceremony, I think it allowed me to get some great images. The reception was just as full of tradition and I'll detail my favorite tradition below.

I had a wonderful day with this couple. They were an absolute blast to be around and made for a day full of wonderful story telling. THANK YOU Brian and Ania for bringing me up to Philly for your wedding. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful day and can't wait to continue to see where God leads your beautiful new family. May your marriage be blessed.

This right here is the traditional wedding day bread




Ania's mom actually hand MADE her wedding gown!












These icons are gifts to Ania and Brian. Icons are very significant to the Eastern Orthodox Church.




They are too cute! And were totally chill when they saw each other for the 1st time!




How amazing is this church!




The parents do their part at home and then the Brian and Ania escort each other into the sanctuary.




I mentioned there is a lot of tradition and beauty.... here's only a SMALL example of it.


This is the saying of the vows. I know this because they "luckily" did part in English. Whew... I really had to rely on my eye and other senses to tell me what was going on :-)




In the Eastern Rite, The Eucharist is dropped into the mouth by a small spoon. The bread is soaked in the wine which is at this point the Body and Blood of Christ.


The Eucharistic blessings are also done on an altar behind a screen where only the priest is allowed. At various times he comes to the door way to bless the congregation with the Eucharist.


















I think we need to celebrate the end of formal photos with some bubbly more often! ;-)


The limo pulled up to a liquor store and I was excited hoping they were going in themselves. They didn't :-( BUT, Ania and her brother got out and provided one of my all time favorite highlights EVER! This is why I love my clients!


Yes, that's right, they went into Trade Joe's for snacks!


Unfortunately, the store thought her brother was her groom and made an announcement! Eek! No worries, Brian came running in soon enough and swept her into a kiss.

It was then on to find the snacks!




Her brother even made announcements for them! The manager even helped him :-)



Thanks to Brian, Ania, and Trader Joes for great times! They even gave Brian and Ania a gift card for coming in!

Here at the reception is a tradition where they get to pick their future. They have a choice of three paths














The cake was actually put into bags as a parting favor to guests. I "think" this is a tradition to bring in a "sweets table"


It was amazing... even the adults became children at the site of this!


Ok, on to my favorite tradition of the day. One I may want to bring to my own wedding one day! The KIDNAPPING OF THE BRIDE! Yes, the groomsmen kidnapped Ania! They then held her captive until Brian fulfilled the ransom. He had to dance a Ukranian jig for 5 min!




Brian learns of the kidnapping


Luckily the groomsmen were good sports and helped him out




He got her back!



Thank you again Brian and Ania. I hope that everyone has enjoyed the story of their wedding day as much as I enjoyed telling it. I broke many records on this wedding. Namely in the qty of photos taken. Between my amazing assistant and myself I have WAY TO MANY photos to go through. It's been crazy, but it's been worth it.

I have a lot of cool things that will be announced on my blog all in due time. I'm very excited to announce these things so keep checking back in the next few weeks.