Photo 365 Project

There was so much warmth.  From everyone.  Cutting through the crisp January air was the support and love from dozens of close friends and family.  Lisa and Christian were beaming…it was a given.  She knew she and Christian would be standing up at that altar from the first time she laid eyes on him.  As their destiny was sealed, Mother Nature certainly wished them well.  Bright sunshine and an unusually warm afternoon greeted guests to a beautiful church in rural Connecticut.  I hung out with this amazing couple in Philadelphia for their engagement session, and I must say, I fell in love.  These two are the sweetest, most giving couple you’d ever want to work with. They’re a ton of fun too!

To their families who welcomed us with open arms, thank you from the whole of my heart.  It was an amazing day and I am so honored I got to capture it!

This is my favorite sequence.  As soon as Christian saw Lisa… he lit up… I couldn’t help but keep going back and forth from one to another as I watched it unfold.  It was breathtaking.

Up on the balcony, we hid an arsenal of lenses.  Everything from my 20mm lens to my 300mm was in use! (Yes, my 300mm that I only shoot football with…love these close ups it captured!)

I know you’re thinking it, so I’ll just come right out and say it.  Yes, these two are stunning.  Like, should-be-in-a-magazine-modeling gorgeous.  Ok, glad we’re on the same page.

This is what I’m talking about with the modeling…these two are a force to be reckoned with, world!

A perfect day for a beautiful couple.  Thank you so much to Christian and Lisa for being amazing, and thanks to Linda, Bob and the rest of the families for making the day spectacular!

Adore you all-

xoxo

Vendors make the day run smoothly and awesomely! All of these folks did a fine job with the details of the day!

My website for all things Lisa and Christian: www.lisaandchristian.erincoveycreative.com

Church: First Church of Christ

Reception: Mill on The River

Hair: Alta Moda Salon, Rocky Hill

Florist: Kelly Bradley

DJ: Allison Kinney

Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaid’s dresses: David’s Bridal

Groomsmen’s tuxes:  Men’s Wearhouse

It wasn’t long after Stacey and Bob met, when they fell for each other.  They knew instantly.  When they recounted their love story upon our first meet up, it was obvious there was never any question.  Ever.  I was thrilled to shoot their engagement session, because I knew it would be extra special.  These two just have chemistry!

It’s in the way they move.  Their love and kindness towards each other is nothing short of incredible.  With their shy smiles and furtive glances, they just fit.  If I can help it, I try not to pose couple’s too much.  I don’t want to interfere with their natural rhythm and sense of each other.  Often times I’ll just say, “Go hang out over there and pretend I’m not here.”  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  With Stacey and Bob? It’s magical.  A few of my favorites during our time together…

Stacey had the brilliant idea to shoot at Proctor Park in Utica, NY.  With the fall leaves, I don’t think I could have called in a better day!!

They’re stunning.  Another one of those moments that was completely unprovoked…

Glorious golden sunshine! (It was actually pretty cold, but these two are champs!)

Stacey, you’re beautiful! Love these fierce looks she was throwin’ at me! And Bob…tall, dark, and handsome.  Gorgeous, easy couple…

This next one is my favorite shot.  We were at the end of the session and ready to call it quits…I was about to put my camera down and then Stacey busts this out.  Love them!

Stacey & Bob, words can not express how excited I am for your big day! Good luck over the next year planning and preparing! xoxo

They met on the ‘hill.  Never more than a quick walk or a few doors away from each other at Syracuse University, Colby and Mike say it didn’t take long for the friendship to blossom into a real life love story.  Within a few months, they were inseparable.  And, as they say, the rest is history.

These two couldn’t be cuter or better suited for each other.  It rained from the time I met up with them at SU to the time we parted.  We had a big day of apple picking and fall loveliness planned, but it just wasn’t meant to be.  May I just point out, the showers didn’t dampen their spirit in the least.  It seems as long as they’re together, none of that trivial stuff matters.

I am thrilled and honored to be able to shoot Colby and Mike’s wedding next year! Their demeanor and constant smiling makes my heart happy.  Some of my favorites from our time together…you’d never know it was raining the entire time!

So, I think Colby has this awesome mix of gorgeousness and spunk, so I had her hop around a little bit.  Man I adore her!

It is a constant effort to stay ahead of the curve with emerging technology and incorporating that into my business.  The word “Creative” is on my business license, it is the lifeblood of the name, and I don’t take that lightly.  I am proud to seek out and offer the latest products and services if they seem like they will be beneficial to brides.  I am constantly looking at what other photogs are using, what new photo albums, products and books are being offered, and scouring wedding and engagement trends, etc…

If you are a long distance client, I am happy to fire up Skype video chat.  If you’re a teen looking for senior photography and want to talk outfits, I am happy to receive cell phone pics to go over the style of the shoot.  If people prefer to only talk via text or Facebook chat, that’s fine with me.  Whatever is easiest for clients.  Because, really, I believe it is all about you.

I am really pleased to offer another product in my arsenal — personalized websites! I have been doing this somewhat underground for a few months… but now I am officially bringing it up at consultations and asking people if they are interested in it.  This is a typical wedding website you have seen with other couples, the only difference is that I design it and put together a cohesive site with all of the photos.  It saves the bride and groom one more step in uploading photos to a separate website or having space limitations with free websites.

Here is an example of a website I put together this past summer.

I realize that brides and grooms have a ton of things to do to plan for their wedding.  If I can provide a website that allows guests to get information, view photos and videos, see the latest news and blog posts, then I am happy to do it.  While this is a relatively new offering, there is no added cost.  It is all rolled up into the current pricing package for anyone who books a wedding!

Cheers!

xoxo

I already knew I was in for a perfect day.  When you grew up with the bride and know the family, everything is that much more special.  The bluest sky you’ve ever seen embraced the afternoon.  Warm smiles and beautiful people were just a bonus.  Some of my favorites…

The day included a boat ride for the bridal party, can’t go wrong there!

Yes, they’re both stunning!

Fun fact: the groom had this idea to go to a little spot he loves by the water.  I must say, I love it too and was thrilled he had suggestions.  These two photos are just gorgeous, I especially like that they found a few moments for themselves!

I love all of their dancing shots! On the left, some flare from my strobes to kick up the dramatics…on the right, just love the expressions…

The reception was an epic time and the details were all gorgeous!

Church: Saint Anthony’s Church: Inlet, NY

Venue: Covewood Lodge: Big Moose, NY

Flowers: Chester’s

Catering: Dinosaur BBQ

Dress: Toni’s Alterations

Eileen and Mike, you two are spectacular! Thank you for an amazing day, much love to you both!

It’s possible she won’t remember.  After spending the day with Eileen, her friends, and family during their Adirondack wedding, I heard so many stories about how giving she is.  My story is no doubt one among a thousand random acts of Eileen kindness.

This beauty and I went to high school together.  Eileen was just one of those people who excelled at everything.  Honors classes? Check.  Active in sports? Check.  A ton of friends? Check.  We actually went to prom with our dates together.  But the one memory that will stick with me forever? In study hall she used to knit.  Yes, knit! And she was quite good.  I saw her knitting one day and randomly said how cool I thought it was that she knew how.

What did I get for Christmas that year? Perfectly hand crafted mittens, navy with light flecks of blue and red in them.  I know this because I still have them saved among my cherished items.  At 17, it was one of the sweetest things anyone had ever gifted me.

At 32, I can honestly say it still is.

I was beyond thrilled to shoot this beautiful girl’s big day! Years later, she still does everything.  Amazing details of her wedding provided proof of that…

We started at the elegantly rustic Covewood Lodge.

Part two comes later! Eileen – thank you for the honor! You are as lovely as ever!

The view was gorgeous. I’m talking about the couple… and the venue! The Waterview did it up nice in Monroe, CT.  The details were perfect and the day surrounded by the warmth of friends, family and beautiful sunshine reflecting off the water.  Some of my favorites during the day…

The portraits of the two of them together all came out fabulous.  They are so natural and in love, it really made my job super easy! The one of Katie on the right….FIERCE!

A couple after my chubby little heart…they rolled out this stunning cake…and as if that weren’t enough, they set up an entire dessert spread! The make your own ice cream sundae table could be the best. Idea. Ever…I’m just saying…

Spectacular flower bouquets by Stop and Shop.

Reception candids! These are always some of my favorites because it’s what unfolds when the bride and groom are busy elsewhere and when they see the photos they’re always surprised! When you add children, always some special and fun moments! Love!

I have a little photographic fun with the super reflective floors…

Katie and Kevin, thank you for the honor! The day was as perfect as you!! Good luck and much love to ya! xoxo

With a bright blue sky overhead, warm sunshine, and love in the air, it was a perfect day for wedded bliss.  I had the honor and pleasure of photographing Katie & Kevin’s wedding in Connecticut on a recent glorious Saturday.  At every turn, relatives and friends were smiling and laughing.  Katie was absolutely breathtaking.  I loved all of the details of this wedding, including the gorgeous ceremony and reception site.  A few of my favorites from this perfect day…

The girls did their hair at Shear Image in Newtown.  The ladies did a great job, the girls looked fab!

Back at the Waterview I shot some last minute makeup preparations and then ran upstairs to check in with the guys…

After that, the girls were pretty much ready to roll! GORGEOUS!

Bride and bridesmaid dresses by David’s Bridal. Tomorrow, the wedding!

They met in grad school.  And maybe, that’s all we need to know.  Because when I asked Katie how she met Keith, she just beams.  And when I look over at Keith, he has this shy smile.  It was clear hanging out with them that they are over the moon for each other.

It’s in the in between moments you just feel their connectivity… It’s when I describe a pose, he grabs her hand.  It’s when I take them to a new location, she grabs ahold of his arm.  All of their little moments added up to a loving and really fun engagement session at the train station in Utica, NY.  Some of my favorites…

I also have to mention their incredible patience.  A train roared through our engagement session like 1,355 times and they smiled through it all!

They are just too adorable.  They are so free spirited and fun…I am SO looking forward to their wedding! (Love Keith’s look on the right bottom picture…gorgeous!)

We stopped by Utica College, the place where their forever began…

To Katie and Keith – thank you for the honor! This next year will fly by and I’ll see you soon!

xoxo

It started off as a secret surprise.  I wanted a way to thank brides for allowing me to capture their day.  I wanted something better than the “award them with a free print” idea.  (you know I’m not one for conventional) As I’ve mentioned before, I always try to do business as if *I* was the bride.  What would I want as a thank you? Well… damn, I’d want a secret surprise!

So I would take a little video if the wedding day had some downtime.  I would throw the camera to my assistant if she had down time.  What’s funny is that brides almost never knew what I was up to.  And it never failed…after I sent the bride their wedding images I would secretly put in the video recap on one of the disks.  (The soundtrack is always the bride and groom’s first dance.)  And then I would wait…it was like Christmas when I would get the inevitable e-mail…

It would start off… “OMG I FOUND THE VIDEO!!!”

And I kind of got hooked.  On the video surprise.  Until it really wasn’t a surprise anymore.  Because word got out.  I did it more and more, driven by the awesome feedback from brides.  And this year I vowed to do it at every single wedding…

Check out some of my various videos here

Even though it’s no longer a surprise (usually), I still really, REALLY enjoy doing them…

Kathy & Willie

Katie & Kevin

I’ve slowly been putting them up on my website.   Here is the latest one from my most recent wedding.

I hope you like watching them as much as I enjoy making them!