Jennifer & John's Wedding

When you choose to have your reception at the home of the US Golf Open for 2009 (and 2002), you've got to hope it doesn't rain, right? Well, I must admit I did have a few concerns when I was awoken at 4am on Jennifer & John's wedding day to the sound of pouring rain and thunder and actually spent the next 30 minutes or so lying awake and figuring out Plan B just in case!

Little girls just love brides and the whole production that goes into becoming a bride so it was no wonder that these two cuties (Rachel (one of the bridesmaid)'s daughters) stuck pretty close to Jen while she was being made up.



Bridesmaid dresses in the bridal suite...

...and the gorgeous bridal gown waiting for Jen!





While Jennifer was having her make up applied, John's sister Kathleen was making sure Michelle's hair looked picture perfect.





Cute moment spotted by Jen's mom - thanks Linda - of Maggie wanting to be a part of the action.



A couple of finishing touches...









...and the bridesmaids' approval!



Jen's dad showed up as Meghan was having her make up done..



So, as it turns out, the Gods smiled on us this day and decided to hold off on the rain. They also blessed us with some very nice cloud cover which enabled me to get some beautiful portraits of Jen!



...and her beautiful (and fun) bridesmaids: Kathleen, Jessica, Rachel, Meghan and Michelle!



Off to the church!





Jen's mom came prepared with handkerchief in hand!



This has become one of my signature shots this year it seems and I must admit I do look forward to this moment! John catches the first glimpse of his bride along with his brothers Kevin and Brian!





Then after the ceremony, a quick inspection of the ring!



I simply love, love, LOVE this next image of Jen gazing out of her limousine just before heading off to Massapequa.



Jen's father has a spectacular house that overlooks Massapequa's south shore so we headed there to photograph some portraits before going to Bethpage.











Then on to the Carlyle on the Green - home of the Bethpage Black golf course!









The sign in this next photograph cracks me up every time I see it and is no doubt familiar to anyone who recently watched or attended the US Open here. It seems like it is the sort of warning that should accompany a double black diamond ski run at K2 mountain and although I have no possible idea what the worst case scenario is of playing a difficult golf course, it is nice that they warn you ahead of time anyhow.



If anyone was going to be hoisted in the air for the reception introduction, it was going to be Kathleen! Whenever she decides to get married, I will be there with bells on and "cam" in hand - she promises it will be a lot of "messy fun"!!





Crazy dancing at it's best - this is what I love!





Not so sure about this though...



Jennifer and John, I'm sure it was your good energy and great outlook that secured you an amazing rain free wedding day and you were both a joy to spend the day with. Thank you for allowing me to capture all your great moments!

Olivia & Bryan's Wedding

On August 1st, one of Asharoken's finest (Olivia) married one of New York's finest (Bryan) at St Philip Neri in Northport followed by a reception at the beautiful Woodlands in nereby Woodbury. We had photographed Olivia's sister Dianna's wedding to Chris last September and were looking forward to spending the day with the Rubins again and meeting Bryan's family...plus we wanted to see if the rumors were true about Dr. Rubin's guitar prowess!!!

Kim met Olivia at her parents' home as she was getting ready. Nice shirt - it's always good to know who you are supposed to be focusing your attention on!



Cute moment between Olivia and her father after the dress was transported safely to the Bridal Suite!

The lovely Rubin ladies...



...and a couple of last minute tweaks and adjustments!....





...before the grand entrance!







Meanwhile at the church, I was waiting patiently with Bryan and his groomsmen.





After I shot the portrait above, I stepped aside so that somemone else could snap away and was able to get this interesting angle portrait of Bryan, his brother Sean and Olivia's brother Evan!



I simply love this next photograph of Olivia stepping outside her parents' house with the wedding bell decoration on the front door!



At the church, a little peak to check if the coast was clear...



...before walking down the aisle with dad!



Olivia and Bryan were pretty laid back and very easy to work with and I love that they didn't give us a list of 'required' images. However, Olivia did request that I take one particular photograph - that of Bryan's reaction to her walking down the aisle, so here it is - I think he looks pretty happy, no?....



Olivia and her sister/Matron of Honor Dianna..



...and the happy couple!









Crazy, funky dancing is always a good photo op!





OK, so this is where the reception got interesting! I was informed ahead of time that Olivia's father was planning on playing his guitar with the band and I must admit I had horrid expectations of a James Taylor type ballad grinding the party to a complete halt but, boy, was I in for a shocker. After a brief speech from Dr. Rubin, he pulled out his Gibson Les Paul and with the help of the band Renegade treated us all to an AMAZING rendition of an old Eric Clapton song - The Core and they completely rocked the house!!





Bryan and Chris weren't worthy!! He was seriously that good!



Olivia and Bryan - thank you for letting us share your special day with you and we look forward to seeing you both again soon!