Mari + Joe | Long Island Wedding Photographer
Mari and Joe had a beautiful wedding at the Sea Cliff Manor on January 30th. Getting married in 2020 and 2021 definitely presents some challenges, but they had a wonderful, intimate ceremony immediately followed by a fun reception.
Mari and Joe arrived at the venue while I had the opportunity to walk around the property to take some images of the details they chose. It was a very cold day and the wind was strong, so the entire event was held inside. Sea Cliff Manor is really an amazing location - elevated from the shoreline, there is a beautiful, unobstructed vista of Hempstead Harbor.
After Mari and Joe were ready, I had the opportunity to take some images of them during their final prep. Mari bought some stickers for the bottom of their shoes, and it made a perfect prop for one of the few images she said she wanted.
Right before Mari, Joe, and Sebastian went downstairs to welcome their guests, Joe helped Sebastian finish getting ready, and then he presented him with a gift - a beautiful pocket watch that is definitely going to become a treasured heirloom.
As guests were starting to arrive, we took some family images of Mari, Joe, and Sebastian. I love the antique mirror Sea Cliff Manor has on the landing of their staircase. It provided an interesting way to frame Mari, Joe, and Sebastian. We also went downstairs to take advantage of some more open areas on the property.
The wedding ceremony was incredible. As the guests were seated, Mari and Joe exchanged vows during a beautiful sunset. Sebastian stood right next to them, and their closest family was able to share at the moment.
As the ceremony ended, the cocktail hour began. This part of the evening concluded with Mari and Joe sharing their first dance as well as Joe and Mari dancing with their parents.
When Mari first called me, one one of the first things she mentioned was the newly renovated speakeasy bar at the Sea Cliff Manor. Her dress fit the style of the room perfectly, and we arranged for a small session right after dinner.
After the cake cutting, the evening continued. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. Joe and Mari had the opportunity to spend time with everyone.
One image that was important to Mari was taken at the after-party. She showed me an image of her eating a burger at another family member’s wedding, and she wanted the same shot at her own wedding.
I enjoyed being part of Mari and Joe’s special day. They are such a phenomenal couple!
If you would like to more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
How To Prepare For Your Wedding Photos | Long Island Wedding Photographer
The big day is almost here! After months of planning and waiting, you finally get to marry your partner in front of your friends and family and spend a day—or even a whole weekend—celebrating your love and commitment. But being the center of attention can be a little daunting, especially if you’re not used to having your photos taken. That’s why I put together a few suggestions to help you feel how to prepare for your wedding photos.
Do your best to relax
If you’re not super comfortable in front of the camera, you’re definitely not alone. But if you don’t feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Take a deep breath and focus on your partner and how much the day means to both of you. The more comfortable you feel the more natural your body language and smiles will be, and the better your photos will turn out.
Get a little closer
Whether you two are constantly snuggling or you’re anti-PDA, be sure to take some time before your wedding day to practice a little more affection. The best wedding portraits show the couple’s connection, whether it’s holding hands or wrapping your arms around each other. The more comfortable you are with getting close, the more natural these poses will look in your wedding photos. Plus, it never hurts to snuggle a little more!
Spend some time at your venue
As you’re planning and preparing for your wedding, take time to walk through your ceremony and reception venues and keep an eye out for scenic photo spots. Look for places both inside and outside, such as gorgeous trees, lush gardens, and cool archways and architectural details that would make great backdrops for your photos. And try to do this walk-through before you’re rushing to get everything set up—a leisurely stroll will allow you more time to really observe and see the best spots.
Pause and be present
You’ve probably heard people say that your wedding day goes by in a blur, and that’s true. After all your planning, the day will just fly by, and you’ll find it hard to remember specific moments. Try to take time post-ceremony to just be with your partner and enjoy the moment. Find a space away from your guests and the busyness of the wedding to really take in the fact that you’re married—and to capture some intimate photos of the two of you.
Be open with your photographer
If there’s something specific you want out of your photos, like certain shots or family portraits, be sure to talk to them ahead of time. Your photographer’s job is to create the wedding photos you want, photos you’ll love for years to come. That’s why it’s so essential to communicate your desires and expectations.
If you’re nervous about your wedding photos, take a little time to prepare so you can feel more comfortable and get the natural, gorgeous images of your dreams!
If you would like to learn more about the services and packages I offer for your special day, please contact me at any time! I would love the opportunity to explain how I can work with you to understand your vision and exceed your expectations. You can also find out some more information about wedding photography experience here.
Short Engagement Timeline
Every bride and groom’s situation is different, and not everyone has a full year to plan their wedding - especially right now. If you’re expecting a short engagement, this checklist can help you make sure you don’t miss a single detail.
4-5 Months Before:
Get organized. Put together a binder for all your wedding information. It also helps to create a wedding email to keep all vendor information and details from getting lost in your personal email account.
Create a budget. Talk to your families, if they’re contributing funds, and sit down and figure out how much you can spend.
Pick the date. Only choose a date and time once you’ve cleared it with your most important guests, like immediate family.
Book ceremony and reception sites.
Book your photographer.
Book your videographer.
Book an officiant.
Find good food. Book a caterer and figure out an estimated cost per person.
Figure out flowers. Interview florists in your area to discuss flower options. These will vary depending on the season.
Book your DJ or reception band.
Build your wedding website. You can start with the “How We Met” story and the story of your engagement and add more details, like venue and hotel information, as you have them.
Choose outfits for the men.
Interview and choose a wedding coordinator. This may seem non-essential, but a coordinator can be a huge help when it comes to booking vendors and keeping everything running smoothly.
Figure out who’s in. Choose bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the flower girl and ring bearer, and any other roles for family and friends, like ushers or guest book attendants.
Purchase bridesmaid dresses.
Create a guest list.
Send out save-the-dates. If you don’t have enough time to order and mail cards, consider emailing an announcement.
Order invitations.
Book hotel rooms. Make sure to reserve some rooms at several hotels for out-of-town guests. This info should also go on your wedding website.
3 Months Before:
Register for gifts. Create a registry at a minimum of three different stores to give your guests options.
Order wedding bands.
Get your engagement photos taken.
Determine ceremony details. Talk to your officiant about how you want the ceremony to go. This is also a great time to set up premarital counseling, if that’s required.
Start researching and planning the honeymoon.
Purchase your wedding dress and make fitting appointments.
2 Months Before:
Mail invitations. These should go out 6-8 weeks before the ceremony.
Finalize your rehearsal menu. And enjoy a tasting to make sure the food is just as you want it.
Book a hair and makeup artist.
Finalize flowers. Make sure all your blooms are set with your florist.
Book your honeymoon. Make all your travel reservations, from flights to hotel rooms. And be sure your passports are up to date, if needed.
Choose shoes and sparkle. Make sure your bridesmaids have their footwear and any jewelry.
Book a wedding night hotel room.
Buy gifts for your wedding party.
Choose wedding favors.
1 Month Before:
Get your marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you’re getting married.
Pick up wedding rings.
Go to final dress fitting. Bring your shoes and accessories to get the full look.
Create and print programs.
Track down anyone who hasn’t responded to your invite.
2 Weeks Before:
Choose your must-have shots. Give your photographer and videographer a list of shots you want to make sure they catch. You should also include a list of who should be in formal family portraits.
Pin down the music. Give your song list to your DJ or band. Be sure to include special song requests and any specific songs you don’t want to hear on your big day.
1 Week Before:
Know the number of guests. Make sure your caterer has the final head count. Don’t forget to include vendors like your photographer who will expect a meal.
Choose the seats. Create a seating chart for the reception and print place and table cards.
Confirm everything. Contact all your vendors and make sure everything is set.
If you would like to learn more about the services and packages I offer for your special day, please contact me at any time! I would love the opportunity to explain how I can work with you to understand your vision and exceed your expectations. You can also find out some more information about wedding services here.
Reena and Dylan Engagement Session | Long Island Wedding Photographer
Every time I go to Planting Fields Arboretum, I find something new. There are so many details throughout the property that are absolutely stunning. From the architecture to the open fields to the gardens, it really is such an amazing place. That is why I was so excited when Reena and Dylan chose Planting Fields as the location for their engagement session.
We started at some of the architectural features of Coe Hall. I love the natural framing elements in their covered walkway. It is so easy to forget that you are on Long Island. The colors on Reena’s dress were incredible!
I really valued the time I spent with Reena and Dylan. Spending time with a couple before their wedding is so important, and that is why I include an engagement session with every package I offer. It gives me the opportunity to go over posing as well as other details that will make their wedding imagery look amazing - all with no timeline to worry about!
In addition to learning about how to be in front of the camera, you will end up with imagery that you can use throughout your engagement - including save-the-date-cards, your wedding website and social media.
After our time around the building, we went to the Italian Garden. No matter the time of year, the gardens on this property are beautiful. This session was in late fall, and I love how the neutral palette provides some great texture while allowing Reena and Dylan to stand out.
After a quick outfit change, we started walking throughout the property for some images with more natural elements. Soon after we started, we encountered some light rain. So we took up some space underneath a willow tree and made the best of our time.
As the rain grew stronger, we went back to some covered areas of the property where we were able to finish our session.
Reena and Dylan were absolutely so much fun to work with, and I can’t wait for their wedding.
If you would like more information regarding engagement sessions, you can find more information here.
If I can help you with any of your photography needs, you can contact me at any time!
Wedding Planning Timeline | Long Island Wedding Photographer
12-18 Months Before:
Get organized. Put together a binder for all your wedding information. It also helps to create a wedding email to keep all vendor information and details from getting lost in your personal email account.
Create a budget. Talk to your families, if they’re contributing funds, and sit down and figure out how much you can spend.
Determine your style. Figure out what colors you’d like to use and the vibe you want your wedding to have: Classic? Modern? Whimsical? This is where that wedding Pinterest board may come in handy.
Pick the date. Only choose a date and time once you’ve cleared it with your most important guests, like immediate family.
Start that guest list. Your first list will probably be long, but write down everyone you’d like to invite.
Begin looking at ceremony and reception sites.
Build your wedding website. You can start with the “How We Met” story and the story of your engagement and add more details, like venue and hotel information, as you have them.
Book any must-have vendors. If there’s a band you’ve been dreaming of having at your reception, contact them now to make sure they’re available.
Interview and choose a wedding coordinator. This may seem non-essential, but a coordinator can be a huge help when it comes to booking vendors and keeping everything running smoothly.
12-14 Months Before:
Reserve your date. If you’re saying “I do” in a house of worship, make sure to reserve it well in advance.
Book your reception venue.
Choose an officiant. If the minister at your chosen religious venue won’t be marrying you, contact and book the person who is.
Figure out who’s in. Choose bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the flower girl and ring bearer, and any other roles for family and friends, like ushers or guest book attendants.
Find good food. Book a caterer and figure out an estimated cost per person. This is also a good time to start planning your reception menu.
Start looking for the dress.
Look into photographers and videographers.
Talk to potential DJs or bands for your reception.
Figure out flowers. Interview florists in your area to discuss flower options. These will vary depending on the season.
6-12 Months Before:
Order your wedding dress. It will most likely have to be altered, so you want plenty of time for fittings.
Register for gifts. Create a registry at a minimum of three different stores to give your guests options.
Determine ceremony details. Talk to your officiant about how you want the ceremony to go. This is also a great time to set up premarital counseling, if that’s required.
Book your vendors.
Florist
Photographer
Videographer
Reception band / DJ
Get your engagement photos taken.
Start researching and planning the honeymoon.
Figure out your hairdo. Look at possible hairstyles and start interviewing hair and makeup artists.
Choose bridesmaid dresses. And don’t forget to let your girls know, so they can schedule their own fittings.
Book hotel rooms. Make sure to reserve some rooms at several hotels for out-of-town guests. This info should also go on your wedding website.
Order save-the-dates and invitations. Your save-the-date cards should be mailed about six months before the wedding. The invites can wait until 3 months out.
4-5 Months Before:
Finalize flowers. Make sure all your blooms are set with your florist.
Choose outfits for the men.
Book your honeymoon. Make all your travel reservations, from flights to hotel rooms. And be sure your passports are up to date, if needed.
Address invitations. Plan not to do these all at once, especially if you’re doing them yourself. Save your writing hand and space them out.
Book a wedding night hotel room.
Finalize your rehearsal dinner menu
2-3 Months Before:
Choose shoes and sparkle. Make sure your bridesmaids have their footwear and any jewelry.
Take care of the details. Buy or rent any additional decorations, like program baskets or garlands.
Order wedding bands.
Mail invitations. These should go out at the three-month mark.
Choose wedding favors.
1 Month Before:
Get your marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you’re getting married.
Pick up wedding rings.
Go to final dress fitting. Bring your shoes and accessories to get the full look.
Create and print programs.
Track down anyone who hasn’t responded to your invite.
2 Weeks Before:
Choose your must-have shots. Give your photographer and videographer a list of shots you want to make sure they catch. You should also include a list of who should be in formal family portraits.
Pin down the music. Give your song list to your DJ or band. Be sure to include special song requests and any specific songs you don’t want to hear on your big day.
Get one last pre-wedding haircut.
1 Week Before:
Know the number of guests. Make sure your caterer has the final head count. Don’t forget to include vendors like your photographer who will expect a meal.
Choose the seats. Create a seating chart for the reception and print place and table cards.
Confirm everything. Contact all your vendors and make sure everything is set.
If you would like to learn more about the services and packages I offer for your special day, please contact me at any time! I would love the opportunity to explain how I can work with you to understand your vision and exceed your expectations. You can also find out some more information about wedding services here.