Erin & Matt's Engagement

Erin & Matt commissioned us for their wedding many months ago. Since they were from Massachusetts and couldn't visit our studio themselves, we handled everything by phone and email, as we often do with long-distance brides. We were very anxious to meet them in person. This was our second engagement session for this busy weekend, and we had a great time getting to know them better.

We started out in a covered area since the rain had already started coming down, and we didn't want them to get too wet too early in the session. :-)

Erin had a gorgeous dress, and Matt's casual shirt easily matched her outfit with beautiful results. All we had to do was ask them to stay close to one another; the rest they did for themselves automatically. :-)

We got to talk about the plans for their elegant wedding, and we know we're going to have an incredible time with them. Erin & Matt's warm and friendly personalities are going to be the anchor for their much anticipated wedding day, and we can't wait to see them again.

Their engagement gallery will be released very soon, as will the rest from our Massachusetts series. Once again, keep your browsers pointed to Ulysses Photography in the Client Proof area there.

Chandra & Darrell's Engagement

Last weekend was a busy weekend, with not only a wedding to shoot in the Boston area but also two engagement sessions. Everything worked out beautifully for everyone.

When we met with Chandra & Darrell in the park, they were both ready for pictures. Though in Massachusetts, they were on the other side of the state. So we really appreciated their efforts to meet with us. They even brought a change of clothes (and Chandra had some cool shoes) for the e-session and were definitely excited about this first session together.

Cloudy skies didn't at all dampen their affection for one another nor their fun personalities. We joked about the rainy/drizzly conditions and made the most of it. In fact, we thought the gentle and even lighting was excellent for their skin and eyes. We've always found that weather is rarely a factor for great pictures. What matters most is being comfortable with one another and with your photographer. The rest is much less impactful on the session if you can simply enjoy yourselves. And based on how well this session went, we're looking forward even more to their wedding here in NY.

Chandra and Darrell's e-session will be released very soon! So keep a lookout for the Client Proof area of our main website!

Jaime & Brett's Wedding

We've actually known Jaime for many years. We first got to meet her at my brother's wedding, and we knew then that she was someone special. Years later, when we found ourselves excitedly talking about our photography, little did we know that she was already seeing someone and would soon be engaged. We could hardly wait to join them when she and Brett commissioned us as their wedding photographers! (click picture for larger version)

The night before the wedding, the forecast called for 80% chance of T-storms; by morning, that estimate had dropped to only 30%. And the actual day of the wedding, there was hardly a drop of real rain. With the bad weather all but behind them, they were really very easy-going and care-free about the day.

Jaime and her girls were having a great time during their prep. Then we followed Jaime's limo to the park where she would see Brett for the first time that day. We walked toward a lookout point over the Atlantic Ocean and captured some beautiful pictures. The ceremony was attended by all their family and closest friends, many of whom were wearing tears of joy for this special couple. The reception was lively, with plenty of tunes to get everyone onto the floor regardless of their favorite musical era. We especially enjoyed hearing from their friends little tidbits about how Jaime & Brett had gotten together and developed as a couple. Little things like this made shooting their wedding that much more precious to us. Thank you, Jaime & Brett, for allowing us to share in your day. We can't wait until you get back so we can show your pictures.

Their online gallery will be made available around the time of their return from the honeymoon. Keep your eyes on the Client Proofs area of our main website! While you wait, feel free to post your thoughts and well wishes for Jaime & Brett by clicking on the "Comment" link below this blog entry.

UPDATE: By the way, if you haven't seen some of their engagement pictures from earlier this year, you'll probably enjoy clicking this link to watch a brief slideshow (PC only, sorry not for Macs).

Jesyca & Bill's Engagement

Jesyca and Bill are a perfect example of what it takes for a couple to balance and support one another. As we walked up to meet them for their e-session, we saw that they were already hugging and touching and laughing together. So we knew we were in for a really good time on this beautiful afternoon. As they playfully teased one another throughout our time with them, we couldn't help but laugh along.

During this engagement session they gave us a number of different looks, which meant to us that they were readily able to feel more and more comfortable even with the two of us orbiting around them for the best angles and the best light. Whether they were holding on tightly to one another, or joking and having a good time together, or simply sharing a soft quiet moment, their varied expressions brought life to their photo shoot. We had a fantastic time with them, and we're so happy for the trust they put in us to capture their wedding.

Their online gallery of engagement proofs will be ready for viewing soon. Stay tuned to our main website, where you'll find their names in the Client Proof area.

Allegra & Jason's Engagement

We heard through the grapevine via sources that we cannot disclose at this time that Allegra and Jason were "devastatingly attractive". So there was no question about whether or not we were going to shoot their wedding. This just had to happen for all involved! But in all seriousness, it was wonderful to see how important photography is to them, and so they had our interest (click the picture to see a larger version). :-)

Allegra and Jason are two of the most lovable and affectionate people you'd ever want to meet, and their engagement session demonstrates that fact so well. Heavy storm clouds began to gather just as we were driving out to the location of our shoot. They wondered what we'd be able to do in thunderstorm conditions. We told them: 1) Don't worry... we always enjoy shooting in the rain, and 2) Don't worry... it almost never seems to actually rain during our sessions. We had some really cool ideas for things we wanted to do in the rain, and they were both game for whatever we wanted, so it was all good as far as everyone was concerned. We started off with some indoor shooting, and by the time we got outside — wouldn't you know it! — the rain had all but stopped. You could clearly see how in love this beautiful couple is. Their session was filled with fun and romance, and we enjoyed our time with them so much. The next couple of months will be busy for all of us, but we can't wait to spend the day with them for their wedding.

Their entire e-session will be available soon at our main website, in the Client Proofs area. Keep your eyes open for this fantastic couple!!

Marianne & Brian's Wedding

When we arrived at the beautiful home of Marianne's sister, set in the middle of a scenic spread of land, we knew the wedding day was going to be amazing. We found Brian hard at work helping set up for the big event... chairs for guests, flowers in the pool for decor, and other little details. Marianne was upstairs in the house, very relaxed and extremely happy that the bad weather had pulled away the night before.

When she finished applying her own makeup and got dressed with the assistance of her mother, sister and close friends, we were simply blown away by how beautiful she looked in her gown and shoes, both by Vera Wang. She was stunning, and we were able to take a few moments to get some portraits by the light of the large windows in the room. Her father came in to see her for the first time, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room as all watched his reaction of joyful tears when he saw his little girl, now a lovely bride.

The brief ceremony was attended by approximately 100 of their closest friends. Immediately afterwards, they gathered poolside for cocktails while Marianne and Brian dedicated some time for us to spend with them alone for some romantic and fun portraits out on the lawn. They were both in a playful mood — and who wouldn't be!? It was such a fantastic and easy-going day. Once we were done shooting, it was wonderful to see the warm hugs and laughter as Marianne and Brian joined their friends.

Dinner was served underneath a very comfortable tented space and was catered by the excellent services of The Fridge at Pound Ridge. With a warm and personable staff, they took care of the needs of everyone, including Jenni and myself. The food and incredible and couldn't have been more enjoyable (thank you, Marianne & Brian, for the meal and for making us feel so at home on this lovely day. We just love you guys!). The jazzy music was provided by the clubby style of Andy Schneider and two of his associates. I particularly enjoyed their freestyle jam sessions. With the such a relaxed and worry-free day, Marianne and Brian could enjoy a wedding that was absolutely perfect.

Their online gallery of photos will be ready for viewing when they return from the honeymoon. Until then, enjoy the photo above (click it to see a larger version). If you are on a PC, you can also click this link to take a look at their slideshow preview. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the day or the pictures by clicking the "Comment" link at the bottom of this blog entry.

Carol & Byron's Wedding Portraits

Carol called us a few months ago with a most intriguing request: She and Byron would be traveling to their homeland of Hong Kong for a reception with family and friends, but they wanted to take wedding portraits here in New York so that they'd have wonderful pictures to bring with them to Hong Kong. We were incredibly excited, and here's why: Imagine the thrill of dressing up for a wedding complete with gorgeous gown, beautiful hair, lovely makeup, knock-out jewelry, killer shoes, and a sharp tuxedo — all so you can spend a few hours with Ulysses & Jenni for a fun-filled session resulting in awesome portraits. We literally could not wait for the big day to arrive.

Carol and Byron were every bit as adorable as we knew they would be. To show how important this session was to them, they not only brought along complete wedding attire for the session, but they also each brought a more casual but fashionable change of clothing for a more laid-back look. That's right. Session "A", and session "B". They also employed a driving service to bring them from Manhattan to a cozy little town of our choosing, where we could take advantage of breathtaking views of the Hudson River and walk the streets lined with shops and tourists.

Carol was without a doubt a most beautiful bride, and Byron was the perfect gentleman and compliment to her. As people would pass by, they would take second and third glances at the joyous couple, and they would often give their "congratulations" while continuing to watch the photo session in progress. Whether it was dogs and their owners passing by, the ice cream lady watching from her cart, shop owners looking outside their doors, or other couples passing by, everyone who saw them was very happy for this special pair. Carol and Byron had no problem being themselves even when surrounded by onlookers, and in fact enjoyed every single minute of their celebrity status. So did we!

For the "B" portion of our photo session, we took a short trip to a park with incredible views of the Hudson and surrounding valley. A small beach gave us opportunity to enjoy the setting sun while Carol and Byron cooled their feet in the water that lapped up onto the sand.

I don't think any of us wanted the session to end. Even though they extended their time with us, we were each surprised by how quickly it all went. Carol & Byron, we are so glad you found us! You are beautiful people, and we can't wait for you to see your gallery of photos. We just love you guys, and we're going to miss photographing you. :-)

Check back at our main website, where you'll soon find their complete gallery of images. Feel free to leave your thoughts on this blog by clicking the "Comment" link at the bottom of this blog entry.