Erin Covey Creative Blog

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

Our meet-cute was in 1990.  We were assigned to the same large wooden table to work on a ‘Home and Careers’ class sewing assignment.  I was stitching a miniature arm – backwards – onto a stuffed penguin.  Becky was cracking jokes and smiling.  Immediately, we were united.

She was the type of girl you loved to love: hilarious, kind, forgiving.

What I learned in seventh grade, holds true over two decades later.  Becky is magnificent.  A woman who is always there for you: silent yet strong.  Months pass between meetups, yet time disappears when we reunite again.  There is not a kinder, more compassionate soul who exists…I’ve always believed Becky was born to be a mother.  Her husband? A lovable teddy bear who always greets you with a smile and a hug.

I worship them, so when Brandon joined us in this world, there was no question I was going to Columbus to document yet another great accomplishment from Becky & Justin…

Brandon was the perfect baby.  (look at his parents, natch!) This actually was a challenging shoot for me technically because I haven’t used natural light to photograph a newborn in about 3 years! (Couldn’t hall my studio lights on plane…darn!)

This little one smiles when he sleeps, and it could be the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen…

I like ending the shoot with relaxed family portraits.  Three of my favorite people all on one couch!

Becky and Justin, you know you will always be highest on my pedestal.  I am lucky to have you in my life and beyond excited for the newest addition.  I am honored to photograph this perfect being, and will remain in awe of your continued love for each other and everyone around you.

One look at this little girl’s eyes and she takes your breath away.  They are piercing.  Add that and the beautiful smile she flashes often, it’s hard not to swoon! Thank you to Alison and the whole family for a fun, unforgettable day at the park.

It was a recipe for a perfect afternoon: the people were gracious and kind, the fall colors and sunset was amazing.  Here are a few favorites during a recent family session in New Jersey…

The last shot of the day, waving goodbye…

Alison, thank you so much for the honor of photographing your gorgeous family! Have an amazing holiday!

xoxo

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!

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!

He knew she was expecting it, so Cody waited.  And waited some more.  Andrea anticipates everything, so Codey had to hold out long enough so she would be truly surprised when the moment came.  The moment to ask for her hand in forever.  While vacationing on the shore, that moment arrived and all went as planned…except that tiny hiccup when someone rammed into their car that night.  But in true form, they just shook their head and brushed it off.  Looking back, they laugh.  They know that together, nothing seems as bad as it is.  Together they will shrug and laugh at life’s surprises for the rest of their lives.

These two are fabulous so it was hard to pick my favorites during a recent morning in Ilion, NY!

They picked out some amazing fields in Herkimer County…where colorful wildflowers dot the sloping landscape.

And my favorite…them just enjoying each other!

Thanks you two for the good times and the laughs!

She met him at a summer camp and immediately knew this was no summer fling.  Sure there were counselors all over but there was something special about Christian.  Lisa wrote in her journal that he was it.  He was the man she was to marry.

When you spend time with them, you realize quickly there was never any doubt.  They are in sync and in love…and I’m head-to-toe honored I will be shooting their impending nuptials.  They are a perfect mix of selflessness, kindness and class.  In short, I adore them!  Here are some of my favorites during a recent trip to Philadelphia for their engagement shoot…

We did the first location at the main transportation station since they have been a long distance couple.  I love the grandeur of the pillars in the above photo.  Below – some fun with light…in one of the train hubs.  Special shout out to the workers there who were closing the stairway but let us linger to shoot!

We then headed to South Street’s Magic Gardens for the next location, and it was perfect! Beautiful mosaics were the backdrop to this gorgeous couple.  This was Lisa’s pick for the shoot and it could not have made my heart any warmer.  There were endless possibilities…

Finally…when in Philly, do what is expected… Eat cheesesteaks! I had never tasted an original Philly cheesesteak so when Christian offered to walk down to one of the famous steak places…you know I was on it! It was as delicious as I imagined in my head all of these years…

Lisa and Christian – Thank you from the whole of my heart.  You two are spectacular! Much love to you both and will see you next year!

xoxo

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