Marissa and Justin's Trash the Dress shoot

On Memorial Day weekend, I had the pleasure of doing a Trash the Dress shoot alongside Jennifer and Michael Walker of Beautiful Memories Digital videography. We had shot Marissa and Justin's wedding last year, and so enjoyed them that we were thrilled when they expressed interest in doing this type of shoot!
We started out in Poughkeepsie along the waterfront and then by Mahoney's Irish Pub for some portraits before we got them REALLY dirty.

We then moved on to the creek near The Overlook Drive-In in Poughkeepsie where we continued doing portraits and just started easing them into the wetter, dirtier part of the shoot. I had no idea it was so beautiful back there and both of them were open to all of the ideas we had.

We had one more portrait sitting in mind before we completely trashed the dress. I had purchased an old rust-red leather chair from a yard sale and really wanted to try an edgy shoot in the woods behind my house using that chair. A totally natural setting, but a little different and upbeat. Marissa and Justin took to it like fish in water! (and then we moved on to the REAL water!!)

Our last location was Pine Woods Park in Hyde Park. I had been there many times but never ventured beyond the swingset, so I was stunned when I saw the waterfall and beautiful creek running through. I snapped a portrait of Marissa on a log stretching across the creek that I am particularly fond of. She is stunning!

And then, we got to it! The waterfall was a little tricky to get to, but they made it and it was well worth it!

By the end, Marissa's dress was filthy, and all of us were so excited to see the images and video we had made throughout the day. We all had a great time, and Marissa was totally pleased with her complete and total trashing of the dress!!!

Stay tuned to Beauiful Memories link on the right for the video portion of the day. I am sure Jennifer and Mike are cooking up something amazing!

Marissa and Justin's Big Fat Greek Wedding Album!

Marissa and Justin were the so happy on their wedding day, and it was the most beautiful wedding! Their ceremony took place at Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie, which was rich with beautiful gold accents and artifacts of all kinds. The reception was at The Poughkeepsie Grand, and we had the opportunity to stroll in the streets for some pictures before their grand entrance, which included fireworks on every table! It was pretty exciting, and the rest if the evening was a non-stop party for a large group of close-knit, loving family and friends.
Photographing their wedding would have brought a tear to anyone's eye. To see such a profound sense of family and such love between them was inspiring to say the least.

Favorite Wedding trend of 2009- Seeing RED!

I have to say, I think my favorite trend this year was red flowers and accents. Yes, it's tried and true, and it is done alot, but you cant beat the color punch you get from red. It complimetns a bridal gown or a tuxedo nicely, and just sets everything off.


With red tablecloths, red ribbon, this wedding at The Links At Unionval was very impressive...


Red just seems to POP right out of any image!

So if I had to pick a second favorite trend??? DEFINITELY hot pink!!!!!! These shoes from a wedding I did at Christo's in Poughkeepsie ROCK!

Robin and Matt's October 16th Wedding

Robin and matt's wedding was certainly a nice affair, with such a beautiful couple and a nice (albeit COLD) fall day, everything seemed to turn out perfectly despite a few gliches here and there.

Robin was a lovely bride, and looked perfect down to every detail. her bridesmaids were so attentive to her needs and made sure she looked radiant!

Matt was handsome in full dress, and I think

the ensemble is very impressive on a groom,

as much so as any tuxedo could be.

The gardens at Locust Grove were still in bloom and made for a beautiful location to take pictures.

Robin, a pastry chef, showed excellent taste in every detail of her reception. The food, the cake, (well, THREE cakes) were both beautifully presented and delectable!

Locust Grove is as lovely as I remember it, the landscaping is just perfect and the hall itself really is very elegant inside.

It was the perfect setting for Robin and Matt's party and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Jeff and Stephanie from The DJ Solution made sure that the party went perfectly, and that the right music was played at all times. As usual, they are the utmost in professionalism, yet so accessible and accomodating.

Eventually, they had to cut those beautiful cakes!!!!!!

Congratulations, Robin and Matt, and thank you for the opportunity to photograph your wedding!