On the first day of school, Jimmy started off by sitting a few rows back from Leigh, and little by little, week by week, worked his way up.  Some flirtatious moves on Leigh’s part, a blue highlighter, a long late-night chat and a shared birthday weekend, and it was love.  They knew almost instantly that they were meant to be.   And they were right.  Spending the day with these two is like having a front row seat for the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen.

We started off in the classrooms where it all went down, recreating a few key moments in their relationship and adding in a few new ones.  Then we went to a nearby field to play some football.  Leigh learned a few things, like how to narrowly avoid hitting your photographer with a football and perfecting the mean face!  I seriously can’t wait for this wedding!

Jessica and Marco’s wedding likely wins the award for the smiliest wedding ever.  Okay, I fully recognize that smiliest is *probably* not going to qualify as a real word, but there’s no better word to describe it!  From the very start of the day, smiles and laughter adorned the faces of everyone present.  We started the day in Jessica’s parents home, where everyone was getting ready…including Marco!

This big ol’ smile was the result of Marco seeing his bride.

My awesome second shooter for the day, Joe Sanfilippo, caught this shot while I captured the one below just a second later.

The traditional tea ceremony was held in the living room, where the smiles continued infectiously.

I always love the sight of a budding young photographer.

After the ceremony, we moved onto Windows on the Lake, which would set the stage for the rest of the days events.  We decided to take a few quick shots before the ceremony, and there wasn’t even a tiny little chance of me getting serious faces from these two!  I didn’t even have to try to make them laugh, because they were just so giddy that it happened naturally over and over again.

The ceremony was held outside on the water, it was absolutely breathtaking!

The toasts, while emotional, of course resulted in laughter as well!  Afterward, Jessica’s sister Anita shared a beautiful slideshow she had made, showcasing Jessica and Marco’s relationship.

And then…they danced!

One of my favorite parts of the night was the tradition in which the bride, groom, and their families went around to toast to each table.  It was fast, chaotic, and so much fun!

Jessica and Marco, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your amazing day!  I can’t stop smiling while I look at these images…kind of like how you two can’t stop smiling when you look at one another.  Cheers to my smiliest couple!

Leesa and I have known each other a while–you might remember her and Eric from their (Snooki-free) Jersey Shore engagement session.  I was so excited for their wedding day, as I knew it was going to be at a gorgeous venue and filled with amazing surprises…and knowing Lisa, I knew her dress would be absolutely stunning!  Leesa and Eric both got ready at a nearby hotel with their friends and family.  Leesa actually did her own makeup!

Isn’t she just absolutely breathtaking??

Leesa was actually one of the first to be ready, so while we were waiting for the others, we had a mini shoot in the hotel lobby.

Before I went in to shoot with Leesa, I stopped over to see Eric with my awesome second shooter for the day, Joe Sanfilippo.  I took a few quick snaps, and then left Joe with our handsome groom to get the rest!

Since the wedding was taking place entirely at one location, The Villa at Mountain Lakes, Leesa and Eric opted for a first look.  This allowed us to get all of the formals done before the wedding ceremony.  It doesn’t hurt that these two are posing naturals!

After the formals, we went back inside for the traditional Tea Ceremony, followed by the wedding ceremony.

I love the look on Leesa’s dad’s face as he’s giving her away.  Priceless!  The ceremony itself was beautiful, with heartfelt vows written by Leesa and Eric.

And finally, it was on to the party!  This crew definitely knew how to have fun.  As a surprise, Leesa brought in Lion dancers!!

Their wedding day was absolutely lovely.  It was hot, but not that blistering sun I had dealt with often last summer.  The day went by so quickly, which really just means we had a lot of fun!  It was such an honor to document their wedding day, and to get to know them a bit after those years of near misses!

http://pennylaneprod.com/livestream/

Planning a wedding can be stressful…the options, the lists, the timelines… The last thing you need is to do more work than you need to, and some websites tend to *over-prepare* you.  I lead a group called Fast Track Long Island, where photographers (wedding, portrait, nature, you name it!) get together to discuss, learn and share with one another.  One common thing we’ve noticed is that sometimes the lists of questions to ask vendors can be a bit overzealous.  When it comes to finding the perfect photographer, it’s often made out to be a bit more labor intensive than it really should be.  Finding the perfect photographer for your day should be fun and exciting, not exhausting!!  I’ve decided to take a few moments to help you narrow it down with what not to ask…and what to look for instead!  I hope this helps!

So here are some questions you don’t need to ask:

• “What’s your style?”  One thing my group recently discussed is style.  The difficult thing about asking someone what their style is, is that different people have different views on style.  The term photo journalistic in the purest form means absolutely NO posed images.  Yet I hear girls requesting this style often.  Why?  Because some photographers say their style is photo journalistic, but will take formal shots and posed images as well.  When I’m asked what my style is, I often find it difficult to answer.  Instead, I usually just show an album or a full wedding gallery, and ask potential brides to ask if they like everything they see.  If so, they like my style.  Anyone can call themselves anything they’d like.  I can call my style photo journalistic…I take a good deal of candids.  I can say my style is traditional…I take posed formals as well.  But when you break it down, the most important question is one you have to ask yourself.  Do you like what you see?  Are the poses flattering?  Is the lighting good, or are there awkward shadows on faces?  Can you see yourself in these pictures? If the answer is yes, you’re on your way to a good fit.  One important thing to consider is this…How many “Original Famous Rays Pizza” shops exist?  How many shops in Manhattan tout the “best coffee in town!”  They can call themselves whatever they like, but it all breaks down to personal taste.  So instead of asking “What’s your style?” look at tons of photos.  Learn what you like and don’t like before you set up meetings, and you’ll save yourself some time!  Do you like clean, vibrant images?  Edgy, sexy images?  Muted colors and the vintage vibe?  Once you narrow that down, search for photographers who fit that style…regardless of what they call their look.

• “How many pictures will I get?”/”Do I get all of the pictures??”   The goal for your wedding images should always be quality over quantity.  Sure you want to have as much of your day captured as possible, but you also don’t want to spend hours looking through 70 photos of your cake from different angles, and 43 pictures of your second cousin Brenda dancing to Thriller.  Choose a photographer who can tell a full story, not because they promise you 5,000 photos.  When you break it down, most wedding albums only hold 60-100 images.  Now imagine having to go through even 3,000 images to pick the best 3%?  And honestly, if they are including every single frame, they’re including too many.  Because with every frame, that means you yourself will need to sort through blinks and blurs to get to the good stuff, and who wants that task?  Leave that part up to us!  When I shoot formals, I take quite a few shots in a row.  It’s not because I think you want 15 of the exact. same. shot.  It’s because Cousin Brenda may blink, or Uncle Steve may look away for a moment to see what Cousin Jimmy is up to over by the bar.  And when Brenda is blinking and Jimmy is distracted, those will be on the cutting room floor.  But you can bet that when Brenda is smiling and Jimmy is staring right at me, those will be there!  Instead of asking how many and will I get them all, ask to see a full wedding gallery or two.  Do these galleries tell a complete story?  Is each picture fabulous?  Does it look like anything is missing?  If the first two answers are yes, and the second is no, you’re inching closer to a winner!

• “How will you act on our wedding day?”/”What’s your personality?”  This one should go without saying, but you NEED to click with your photographer.  Personality is huge in someone you’ll be spending 6-10 hours with, and maybe more!  If you don’t like the personality of your photographer, you may be irritated with them throughout the day.  And if you’re not comfortable and relaxed, it will show in your images.  If someone can make you smile and laugh, and you feel comfortable with them, you’re bound to feel more relaxed during your day.  One of the biggest compliments a bride can give me is that I helped her to be stress-free on her wedding day!  And I can’t even tell you how many people come up to me at weddings to tell me what a fabulous job I’m doing–before even seeing a SINGLE shot!  Why?  Because I’ve made them feel comfortable and happy to be having their photo taken.  So if you like the style, and the photos you’re seeing, set up an appointment to meet the photographer, or even Skype or call them if meeting up isn’t possible.

• “What kind of camera do you use?”  While I certainly never mind when a client wants to know about my gear, telling most people that I have a couple of Canon 5D Mark IIs, L-Line lenses, etc… doesn’t really mean much.  It’s way more helpful to find out if the photographer has back ups.  Back up cameras, flashes, batteries, memory.  Don’t assume that everyone will-if you’re going with a newer photographer, they may not have these things.  However, when I was just starting out, I learned fast that it was easy to rent them.  If the photos you’re seeing look fantastic, don’t worry as much about what they were shot with, but with what may happen if the primary camera fails.

• “How much?”  Okay, I’m not saying NOT to ask the price (as obviously, that’s something you’ll eventually need to know!),  and I’m sure this point will get me a few eye rolls…  While of course price should be considered, especially if you have a strict budget, it should never be the main deciding factor.  There are great photographers at every price point, and it’s always a matter of finding what works best for you personally.  You’re spending a good deal on your dress, your makeup, your decor and flowers…make sure to pick a photographer you love based on the above factors first.  Your photos are one of few aspects of your wedding day that will still be there long after the day is over, and if the difference between like and LOVE is do-able, do it.  I had a lengthy paragraph written here complete with examples, but I’m going to break it down to a single sentence:  If you choose your photographer based solely on price, there is a good chance the price is going to be the only thing you’re happy with.

A few great questions to ask:

-”How long have you been shooting?”  As much as I hated this one when I was starting out, I always answered honestly.  Regardless of our feelings toward this question, it’s always nice to know what kind of experience your photographer has.  If they’ve been around a while, maybe they’re familiar with lots of great locations for your formals, or can help you figure out that corset, and how to hold your bouquet!  (are the pearls on the front, or the ribbon?!)  But having someone newer, provided you love their work, isn’t a bad thing either!  Visiting a venue for the first time may mean a fresh set of eyes that will see things in a unique way.  And hey, maybe you’re booking the next big thing!

-”What if you get sick/are unable to come on my wedding day?”  As much as we hate to consider this, it’s so important that you have a photographer with a back up plan.  Or 20.  Involvement in professional organizations, and photography groups (like Fast Track) are a good sign.

-”What are my options for albums?” everyone offers different albums, so it’s important to see that you like your options! Also find out about album design processes.

It’s also important to check out the contract and make sure it includes everything you need it to.  Are there any add-on costs that you may be subject to?  Things that are common in contracts are model releases (so we can show off your gorgeous shots on our blogs!), a breakdown of the retainer and fees, and even details such as meals (because we usually require food at some point!)

Chat while you browse through photos.  Ask about past clients.  Ask what the photographer does for fun and learn a bit about them as a person.  It may sound tough to make sure all of the stars align…style, personality, price, etc… but when they do, you’ve almost guaranteed yourself a great experience.  Don’t get too caught up in the “must-asks” and just learn about what’s important to you personally.  No two people should have the same list, and what works for your best friend may not be right for you (or it very well may!)…  But remember that this is a big decision, and your happiness should take priority.

Hope this helps!!  Oh, and if you’ve read all of this and think we might be a great match, shoot me an email or add me on Facebook!  I’d love to hear from you!  Especially if you’re getting married somewhere tropical, like Aruba! 
And I can’t make a post without a picture…so here’s one of my gorgeous 2011 couples!

This is how Sara greeted me-

We stopped off at their hotel for Sara and the girls to get into their dresses, while Matt and the guys got ready down the hall.  Sara and I were the first to arrive, so we had a *tiny* bit of fun as we waited for the others.

As you can tell, Sara, Matt and their bridal party are a very serious group.

Since the ceremony and reception would both be held at the Valley Regency in New Jersey, Sara and Matt opted for a first look.  I always love seeing the couple’s first reactions to one another on their wedding day!  It also allowed us to take care of most of the formals beforehand.

The ceremony was filled with stories of Matt and Sara’s love, some adorable little kiddies, heartfelt words from friends, and finally to one another.

Next, it was time to dance, and dance we did!  You may notice my 2010 bride Jenna among the photos, and well…I had promised her and Sara a dance!  Don’t worry, I followed through!

Of course, as I love to do, we snuck out for some nighttime portraits.

Sara and Matt–I had SO much fun shooting your wedding (though, I still feel bad about the bee thing!)  You two are simply wonderful, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness, around the world and back!