Marissa and Ricardo made this engagement session memorable. As a photographer you sometimes get caught up in worrying about the background or trying to make it an interesting shot. With these two they made the shot.

Marissa and Ricardo had some really great ideas about where to shoot in Brooklyn and I was so excited they wanted their session only in Brooklyn. But it became increasingly clear that I wanted to take pictures of them just being together because they obviously had a strong connection and it was showing through in the pictures. They are about to embark on their next chapter in their lives together, moving back to California and getting married, and they wanted some pictures of their lively urban neighborhood.  So we walked over the Williamsburg Bridge which they’ve crossed over many times into Manhattan and headed down to the East River Park. There is an amazing view of Manhattan there which comes along with some interesting characters hanging out playing guitar and others sneaking into my shot with pants hanging low and smoking. Typical Brooklyn. I’m sure they have plenty of memories to remember what Brooklyn looks like, but I hope they look back on these images after they’ve been married for 50 years and remember the obvious love between them. I think that’s the real power and joy of having great pictures from your wedding, civil ceremony, engagement session, birthday party, etc. because ultimately it’s the connections and feelings that we have for our loved ones that we want sealed forever in a  flash of an instant.

Even though the biggest storm of the year was brewing I managed to squeeze in a really fun engagement session with Valerie and Matt.  We had to be a little more creative with some indoor shooting, but we managed to fit in some nice outside shots as the rain dissipated for a few moments . It was actually really nice to walk around Times Square in the rain while our umbrellas turned inside out like 100 times. All the electronic marquees and advertisements were glowing against the cloudy and misty sky.

Which brings me to a good photography tip for colorful pictures. A cloudy, overcast day will actually make bright colors pop even more. So next time it’s overcast go take some pictures outside of some colorful flowers and notice the intense saturation of the colors.

It was another highly entertaining and confusing night in Brooklyn as I joined in on the birthday celebration of my fabulous friend Temis. Oh and Thomas Jefferson (the ridiculously talented Scott Bradlee) was there to pound out Yankee Doodle Dandy and Lady Gaga hits in ragtime style…JEFFERSON!

I had such a fun day with Jane, Chris and their friends and family. Jane told me she was going to surprise Chris with a white dress instead of the black one she intended to wear. Chris was definitely surprised and his reaction was priceless when he saw her walk into city hall. They are such a fun couple and looked fabulous together.

We all pilled into the van they rented and off we went to the Highline and around the West Village for some pictures. Thank goodness the weather has been cooperating!

I spent President’s day hanging out with my two favorite boys, Joshua and Micah. We asked them if they wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park on this sunny Monday afternoon and they said they just wanted to ride bikes. How simple.

Joshua and Micah are two boys full of energy and absolutely no fear. Micah who just turned 4 wanted to ride this skateboard which was taller than he was and he had pretty good form for a little guy. I can definitely see these two being snowboarders or surfers just like their dad when they grow up. It’s funny when you watch kids play and see  they have no hesitation in what they are doing. They just do it. It might lead to a face plant in the curb, but hey at least they got on that big bad skateboard and had fun trying. It makes you think where did we as adults loose that uninhibited way of doing things? I know we get smarter about choosing our actions and thinking them through, but maybe we think way too much and hold ourselves back from taking action and risks. We get way too comfortable. I guess that’s what it means to be an adult, but does it also mean we have to loose our playfulness and desire to attempt new things?

That means Welcome Orla Mary Hayes in Gaelic. This is the christening of beautiful Orla Hayes. I have never been to a christening and Orla made it look like no big deal. She fell asleep right away and didn’t even wake up when the priest poured water over her head. She really is the best baby I have ever encountered and I hope to document many other milestones in her life.  Here are some pics of the day with her family including her equally adorable big brother Ned.

I am so excited to announce that I have been accepted to the prestigious Wedding Photojounalist Association!

The WPJA describes themselves as:

A professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets our members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.

I have been preparing my portfolio and honing my photojournalism skills in order to be ready to apply to this association and I got in after my first attempt. This really is a milestone in my career and I’d like to thank all my clients who chose me to document their weddings. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t even have this great body of work that I am so very proud of. Thanks everyone!

Here’s what I feel like doing…

…wear a short dress?

This segment of  Why Not? is driven by the Technical Designer in me.  I’m a stickler when it comes to properly fitting clothes that suits ones body type for every day wear and I believe this should also extend into the category of bridal wear. You should be wearing something that is not only fabulous but flatters your figure and you feel comfortable in. But I say take it a step further and show off your best feature. If you have great curves then try a mermaid style dress that will hug you in all the right places, if you have fantastically toned arms and chest area then show them off with a strapless or spaghetti strapped dress and if you have long, shapely legs then opt for a short gown so we can admire them and your stylish shoes!

A short gown is appropriate for a city hall wedding, a beach wedding, or garden wedding and is so modern. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing long dresses in your normal day life then a short or tea length gown might be an option for you. If you are petite this style would be so flattering instead of loosing your figure in an overwhelming ball gown. Don’t rule out a short dress as a wedding dress option because of tradition.  Why not get a short dress to change into during the reception so you can dance more comfortably in?

Ultimately, this is about choosing a gown that is right for your body type and your occasion.  There are many gown options out there so think about what you feel comfortable in your every day wear and pick a style that will enhance your figure and maybe even show off your best feature. Live it up, it’s your wedding!

1) Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston; 2) BCBG; 3) Priscilla of Boston; 4) Jenny Packham

Here’s one of my modern brides, Amy, who got married at NYC City Hall in a super chic BCBG dress that was spot on appropriate for the occasion and showed off her lovely legs.

And if course my non-traditional bride Liz  in her pink and white Betsey Johnson dress that worked out perfectly for her fun wedding at a roller rink.