Erin Covey Creative Blog

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!

The day was exquisite.  There was sunshine and flowers.  There were belly laughs, hugs, and tears.  Best of all the wedding had a backdrop of central New York’s finest landscapes.  Some of my favorites from the day:

Yes, she is stunning.  I mean, LOOK at her! The entire bridal party was personable and fun…and may I say, incredibly photogenic?

Leaving the altar and facing the world… These two just could not be more beautiful…

There was a moment when we were about to do some couple’s formal photos and they were just looking at each other…

The ceremony and reception took place at the phenomenal John Joseph Inn.

The grounds were spectacular (understatement of the year)

During a little break in the action I saw the groom’s sister wander off.  I love this shot of them in their own world, just enjoying the place…

A few words about Georgiana’s sister’s speech.  It was heartfelt and lovely.  There was not a dry eye seen among any of the ladies in the room…

I will end with one of my favorite highlights of the evening.  The groom’s cousin, who does a mean Jim Morrison impression, grabbed the mic and the audience’s attention by doing some get-off-your-feet-and-dance Door’s songs.  Every time I hear “Break on Through” I will think of him.  He was THAT good…a natural on the mic and in front of the camera…

A sure sign of a magnificent wedding is when everyone lingers after the last song is played.  People stayed, talked, laughed, hugged.  It was a perfect day.  For a perfect couple.

Georgiana and Jesse, thank you so much for the honor.

This wasn’t your typical show-up-and-have-some-fun wedding.  It was a take-a-deep-breath-you’re-in-for-the-night-of-your-life wedding.  There was spontaneous applause, guests flying in from another continent, beautifully kind people, and even…wait for it…a rousing tribute to the Doors’ Jim Morrison.  Wait.  Wait.  I’m getting ahead of myself.  Let’s start with the couple at the center of all of this.

Georgiana and Jesse.  They are beautiful inside and out.  They are kind.  Personable.  They look as if they just stepped out of a magazine…and so did their wedding…

The ceremony and reception took place at the lovely John Joseph Inn in Groton, NY.  The Innkeeper could not have been nicer.  The staff was on top of everything.  Above all, there were so many places to shoot all of these great details…I could shoot here all day!

The bride’s fantastic dress – by Romona Keveza – had a removable skirt that made the gown cocktail-reception-dance ready in a matter of seconds!

Makeup by the incredibly talented Viola Artistry out of Syracuse, NY.  (violapx@aol.com)

Everyone loved her work…and Viola is just a lovely person! (I had to get in the bathtub for the shot below and literally climb over makeup.  Viola didn’t bat an eye, just smiled and kept on working! Love her!)

Georgiana is simply stunning.  At all angles!

While the girls finished their last minute touch ups, the men were looking incredibly dapper downstairs…

I ran back upstairs and the bride…was exquisite! The paparazzi in the room approved…

And then…that spontaneous applause I told you about!

I have never seen a lovelier bunch of ladies!

Tomorrow, part 2!

It was a perfect day to celebrate love.  The morning rain parted and within an hour there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.  Julie and Aaron were all smiles regardless.  To say they were easy to photograph would be the understatement of the year.  They were completely amazing.  Patient.  Gorgeous.  The bridal party? Could not have been sweeter!

Here are some of my favorites from the day:

The venue was at the New Hartford Town Park. We did their engagement session there too.  The backdrop is gorgeous and there are tons of opportunities for great photos!

Sometimes I fall in love with the “in between” moments.  The point right before the kiss, or an embrace.  They’re lovely…

Pink and espresso colors go perfectly together and it really expressed Julie’s style: classy, elegant and modern.  The light pink roses everywhere were to die for!

So here is my two cents (putting on photographer hat here) about making time for great photos.  Julie wanted to make sure we got this bubble shot/receiving line and she also wanted to get some separate formals at a third site – Twin Ponds Golf Course.  I can not express my gratitude enough! I highly HIGHLY recommend couples take the time and (set aside enough time) to create great pictures!

Believe me, in ten years, you will be glad you made that extra hour for some nice photographs of you and the bridal party!

We headed over to a separate site in between the ceremony and reception…the photos are gorgeous!

Julie had it in her head that she wanted the canopy of the line of trees over them in this one specific place.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE how she had a photographic vision!

I was really excited to shoot here and so appreciative that they carved out time!

The reception was fabulous and Valentino’s really put on an awesome event.  They took care of everything!

One of the last pictures of the night.  Man I adore these two…

Julie and Aaron, from the moment I met you two I knew there would be magic.  I am so honored and appreciative I got to document your amazing day!

Ceremony venue: New Hartford Town Park

Hair: Hair’s the Deal in Clinton, NY

Dresses: David’s Bridal

Reception venue: Valentino’s

Reception DJ service: Big Beat DJ

The day started off with sprinkles.  (For those of you counting, that’s 5 for 5 rainy weddings this year…go me) She was unconcerned, though.  When I met up with Julie and her fabulous girls at Hair’s the Deal in Clinton, NY, they were laughing and completely carefree.  The room was filled with laughter, love, and smiles.  It was clear the only thing that really mattered was already in place.  By the time we left, the rain disappeared and the sun streaked through the windows…

The dress and all of the details were gorgeous.  While the girls were prepping upstairs I snuck downstairs and found a Princess in my presence…

I really couldn’t take enough close up shots of the dress.  The delicate ribbons and embroidery detail made Julie look radiant!

The girls could not have been nicer.  They took tremendous care with their bride and it was a beautiful moment to witness!

Meantime, I took a little stroll next door to see what the guys were up to.  An equally personable and fun set of guys greeted me! They were awesome, also taking extra care of their groom…

Similar to Julie, he was relaxed and jovial.

The warm hellos and outstretched arms that greeted me and the other guests were humbling.

It was as if this day was part of the universe’s plan and everyone was just happy to show up and be a part of it.

Including me.

Part two tomorrow!

The afternoon was filled with what truly matters in life: the love, support and well wishes from family and friends.  Jen and Chris greeted each guest as if they were their most prized possession.  One by one, guests were welcomed with a cute introduction from Jen through the sound system. The couple lit up as guests filed through the grass into a haven of fun, games and smiles.

I was honored to be able to witness so much support from dozens of people who came from all over the east coast to cheer, congratulate and even roust this magnificent couple!

Here are some of my favorites during the afternoon…

The reception had a backdrop of golden fields and a farm nearby.  There was not a prettier place to shoot that day!

It was raining ever so slightly, but it didn’t affect them in the least.  They frolicked and smiled the entire day!

A school bus brought guests to and from the celebration.  (Yes it WAS epic!)

Probably my favorite photo of the day: mother of the bride and bride twirling around.  Love it.

Cupcakes, ultimate frisbee and of course, champagne dotted the afternoon!

Perhaps my absolute favorite part of the day was when guests were invited to take the mic and say a few words about this amazing couple. Gratitude, funny jokes and memories flooded the backyard tent.  I wish all couples would do this, it was such a sweet way to cheer on Jen and Chris!

With rain, comes rewards! Their remarkable attitude toward the sprinkles was compensated with a bright rainbow! As I drove away, I spotted this in my rearview mirror, so I pulled over about a half mile from the reception site and jumped out of the car.  What a perfect representation of their love.

Jen & Chris, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It was an honor to document you two and this monumental event! Much love to you both!

There was a murmur of chatter and laughs in the courtyard before it ended in a second.  You could hear your own heartbeat.

When she walked down the aisle, the silence was only interrupted by a few gasps among the crowd.

She was beaming, a precedent Jennifer set and continued throughout the day.

Some of my favorites…

After I grabbed some shots of Jennifer and her father, I whipped around to grab her soon to be husband.

The enthusiasm, hope, dreams, anticipation and excitement was all wrapped up in that gorgeous grin…

This beautiful couple, Jen and Dan, committed their life to each other in front of a backdrop of pink roses, smiling faces and love.

Much thanks to The Desmond Hotel in Albany, whose staff and accomodations made for a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon!

After they were married, there was a moment they just stared into each other’s eyes with ease and joy.  It was spectacular!

The reception was fantastic.  I was eagerly anticipating what they had up their sleeve for their first dance.  Word was they had practiced…and it didn’t disappoint!

They looked like ballroom dancers up there, look at these moves!

The guests had some moves of their own.  here’s the maid of honor being swung around by her lovely man…and she’s looking fab doing it!

Special shouts to the awesome dj, who kept people on their feet all night! Mike Sylvia was amazing!

The surroundings inside the Desmond gave a little west coast, tropical kind of feel to the formals! Not that this couple needed to heat things up anymore!

Bridesmaid dresses by David’s Bridal. Bride’s dress by Paloma Blanca, bought at Angela’s Bridal in Guilderland, NY.  Makeup and hair by Kimberley’s in Latham.

I alway try to get a few shots when they’re unaware I’m still shooting.  Holding hands, about to face the world.

Much love to you both, I am so honored I got to meet you, know you, and photograph your perfect day!

The instant Jennifer e-mailed me, I knew I would like her.  And through our hundreds of e-mails – some work related, some definitely not! – her spirit came through.  She is fun, personable and kind.  Of course when I met Jen and Dan at the Capitol for their engagement session, I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s hard for me to explain how awesome these two are, or how apparent their love is for each other.  But when I was culling images, I found this one photo, and I thought…that’s SO her!

So, here is the photo.  It’s the morning of her wedding day.  She is relaxed.  Adoring people around her.  Smiling.  Happy.

That’s just how she is…and how she was the entire day…

Most of the time, I have to wait for the moment when a bride smiles at something going on…with Jennifer…she smiled the entire time!

Makeup and hair by the very talented and wonderful gals over at Kimberley’s.

The dress was gorgeous, classic, timeless…Jen added some personal touches as well…

Getting ready for the big moment…

After the stunning bride was ready, I snuck over to find her lovely hubby to be…

Looking sharp my man!

Billiards time!

The best man tries to show us what he’s got.  Everyone had pretty impressive form!

A big thanks to all who made the day smooth, fun and memorable:

Hair & Makeup: Kimberley’s in Latham, NY

Dress: Paloma Blanca by Angela’s Bridal in Guilderland, NY

Venue: Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY

Part two on its way!

It must have been almost a year ago.  I was waiting for a bride and groom to make their grand entrance at the reception and a guest at a wedding stood next to me and made small talk.  He asked me curiously, “What’s the worst thing about shooting a wedding?” I knew what he was going for.  Everyone wants to hear juicy horror stories.  I don’t have any.  My brides are spectacular.  I told him the only thing I know…the truth.  “I miss saying goodbye to my brides, which end up being my friends.  In a way I feel a piece of my heart is gone when the reception ends.”

It couldn’t be more true with Kathy.  From the moment I met her, through the phone calls and what seems like hundreds of texts, I fell in love with her and Willie.  They are nothing short of magnificent.  They are the type of people who make a party epic, who feed your soul, who smile and greet you with excitement each and every time they see you.

I knew their wedding would be epic.  Here are some of my favorites from a glorious NYC day:

Above: He waits patiently for her and then she appears like an angel at the head of the church.

Below: One of the kids charms up a storm on his way down the aisle!

I love the grand elegance of the church.  I adore these old NYC churches! It made the event that much more spectacular…

Bubbles greeted the couple as they took NYC by storm…

I usually don’t put formal posing on the blog, but I love their smiles, the dress, the venue…it’s all perfection…

The details were phenomenal…

We were waiting for the boys (natch), and I had the girls give me some FIERCE.  Clearly they brought it!

Love the perma-grin Willie sported throughout the day once he had that wedding band on! We went to the South Street Seaport and I was absolutely THRILLED.  I love when brides make lots of time for formals and poses and they are never sorry they did! Of course Willie and Kathy kicked it up a notch with some hotdogs along the way and some spontaneous dancing!

More reception details… LOVE!

Kathy had an outfit change…(SUCH a great idea…everyone went wild!) And the second dress? Heart palpitations… GORGEOUS!

The groom was as surprised as everyone else.  His expression was priceless…

Ill leave you with one of my last absolute favorites from over a thousand images.  Willie and their sweet, sweet girl…

After a wedding, it’s always bittersweet.  I say goodbye and good luck to brides and grooms who have forever changed me, made me love a little more, made me smile a little harder.  But this couple, I am delighted to say, I WILL see again! Later this year their little angel is turning 1 and I’m going to shoot it! You know it’s gonna be epic! Thank you Kathy and Willie for a perfect day that will go down in history as one of my favorites!

Much love ’til we see each other again!

Church: St. Teresa’s

Makeup: Glamour Girl Artistry

DJ: DJ Choko

To say the day was perfect would be a major understatement.  The bride was classic and stunning.  The bridal party was over the top gorgeous and fun.  The church was grand and traditional.  The dress, shoes and, yes…even an outfit change… were elements of a sunny Saturday afternoon that will go down in history as a great day in New York City.  All I could see was continuous love, smiles, and laughter.

Some of my favorite photos (and trust…there were a lot!) of Kathy and Willie’s blissful day…

The dress was timeless and elegant, just like Kathy.  When she floated down the aisle, it looked like it was made just for her.

Let’s start the makeup shots with these two lovelies…the mothers of the bride and groom!

Loved the light that was streaming in through the window…the girls were further beautified by the lovely and talented Amber Martin of Glamour Girl Makeup Artistry!

This little one patiently waited while the women in his life rushed around to get all of the little details together.  He was too cute, tying his shoes and showing off his vest and tie.  I know where he lives, and will be back to take him home with me!

The Maids of Honor get busy with the dress!

The bride looking unbelievably stunning.  On the right, one of the bridesmaids who could not have been more lovely…

Tomorrow, the wedding!