ulyssesphotography.com

Our Blog's New Home

2007-02-09T05:07:00.000-05:00

Our blog now has a new home! Please visit and bookmark the new blog address:

http://ulyssesphotography.com/blog/

Have Wedding... Will Travel!

2007-02-02T23:46:00.000-05:00

Having recently returned from a trip to Europe, we've definitely got the bug for travel! It's a good thing we're photographers because often we find that travel is simply part of the joy of what we do. Our couples agree: Those that commission us are also willing to expend themselves just a little bit to travel to our studio, where they can see our incredible album samples, large wall prints, and enjoy some relaxed conversation as we begin building our relationship with them from the very moment we invite them in. The results in the photos are so worth that first meeting together. For those who don't have the option of meeting us in person, we're happy to take care of your needs via phone and email.

Whether your wedding is on the North Fork of Long Island, out in the middle of Pennsylvania, in the beautiful region of Saratoga Springs or the Finger Lakes region in upstate NY, or in the Boston and New England area, we're happy to join you to shoot your wedding! The variety of places we go definitely bring local flavor to your experience and to the pictures.

We've often joked that the farthest we'll travel is Australia. And it's true! So if you have some truly spectacular plans for your wedding, but think that it's too distant for us to travel... or for you to meet us... think again. You won't find anyone else as happy to be there with you to shoot your wedding.

Its your wedding. It's our planet. Let's take beautiful pictures together.

Kind Words From Chicago

2007-01-27T07:24:00.000-05:00

We were overjoyed by the time and priority that Evelyn & Michael gave to photography, and the results really shine in their photos. They recently received their album. Here is what she writes about the wedding book and their experience with Ulysses Photography:

Hi Jenni and Ulysses! We received the wedding book and what we have to say is...we knew it would be beautiful. We knew it would be elegant. We knew that it would be masterful. But we did not know it would be so grand. It is truly a book to behold. Our wedding day comes to life from those pages. It is a book to behold and protect. It is our very own treasure and it will be treasured by us and our family for the rest of our lives. What more can we say than to thank you once again for your talent, hard work, and endless enthusiasm for our special day. We could not have asked for more.

I do have to say that though our wedding day was a day of pure love and joy for us and though we thoroughly enjoy being married, having the wedding be over is a bit bittersweet for we do not get to see or spend more time with the two of you. Having the two of you as our photographers enhanced our entire wedding experience--throughout all the planning and preparation, the engagement session, before, during, and after the wedding ceremony. All of it, in its entirety was all the more fun, all the more special, and all the more memorable with the both of you, because of the both of you. That was truly unexpected and deeply appreciated. We will simply have to find new reasons to have our paths cross again in the future! We definitely have been and will be recommending you to any and all who are looking for wedding photographers.

We can't thank Evelyn & Michael enough for the enjoyable day we spent with them. Hearing words like these motivates us for each and every wedding we shoot.

We've Been Away; We're Back!

2007-01-27T06:39:00.000-05:00

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that Jenni and I have been through some difficult times recently. But besides the incredibly supportive friends that we've had around us to lift us up and support us, we've had some beautiful couples that have delighted us with their warmth and fun personalities, allowing us to create gorgeous images for their weddings and their engagement sessions. What a tremendous boost you guys have been for us! More on that in another post....

We kicked off our 2007 year with a trip to Europe, one that we've been wanting to take for a long long time, and it turned out to be no better time for it --- we went to London and Paris, and finished up by attending a photography workshop with our close friend and multiple award-winning wedding photographer from Australia, Jerry Ghionis, in the town of Manchester, UK.

We're brimming with images and ideas after this incredibly inspiring trip. More than a vacation, it was a chance to just sit back and breathe and reflect and to also look forward. We can't wait to tell you more about it.

For now, we still have a lot of unpacking and organization to take care of. But we'll be in touch real soon with some images and experiences from the trip. Thanks to all of you for waiting for some new stuff from us! Drop us a note by clicking on the "Comments" link immediately below. :-)

Megan & Paul's Wedding

2006-12-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Megan & Paul's wedding day had finally arrived! Their engagement session seems like it happened only yesterday. After we met some friends of the family at her parents' home, Megan came up to greet us and tell us about how the day was going. She was gorgeous in her gown by Eugenia Couture, with flowers provided by Cadden's Florist. The excitement was palpable, and we got right to work to capture everyone's excitement. It was fantastic being there with them.

Paul and his groomsmen were at the church, putting the finishing touches on their tuxedos and accessories. While we're accustomed to seeing Paul as the picture of calm, we could tell that he was just as anxious to begin the ceremony as anyone.

Following the ceremony, we spent some private time with Megan & Paul for photos at the Lackawanna Station Hotel, a place known for its grand historic beauty and excellent dining (thank you so much, Megan & Paul for the delicious meal. And a thanks to the exemplary service of the staff there). Paul LaBelle and The Exact Change provided live musical entertainment for young and old alike and did a fantastic job.

With all of their closest friends present and sharing in the joy of the event and treating us just like family, it was a true privilege not only to observe the faces and emotions there, but to show Megan & Paul how their day looked through our eyes. We can't wait to show them the full gallery of images.

For now, here is the promised early preview of a few images from their wedding day. Simply click the "PLAY" button to start the show.

We would love to hear about some of your favorite moments from the day, or your kind words for Megan & Paul. Click the "comments" link immediately below to share your thoughts. The complete gallery will be made available shortly, so keep your browsers pointed to the "Client Proofs" area of our main website.

"Where are the family photos?"

2006-12-23T15:19:00.000-05:00

We are not your traditional wedding photographers. So it's no surprise that on occasion we get asked, "Where are the family photos? I don't see many on your website or in your album samples." Another related question might be, "I enjoyed your photographers' photos, but I wish there had been more family groups." I'll take a moment to address each of these questions.

1. Where are the family photos? First of all, we love getting to know not only the couple, but also their families. We're frequently told by the bride or groom's mother or other relatives that "you didn't seem to be strangers to us. You felt like family." We love hearing that because we work very hard to make everyone comfortable with us and our shooting style. It's that comfort level that enables family photos to proceed with everyone in a joyful state, rather than dreading the photo session. Family photos are an important part of documenting your day, since it may be years before you see some of the individuals in your pictures again. We enjoy taking them.

At the same time, our photography is about much more than simply documenting people and events and facts. Simply put, WE WANT TO MOVE YOU. We want to give you something that moves the heart, that touches the soul, and that will make you fall in love with your wedding day again and again. Therefore, we tend to showcase the rarer intimate moments between the bride & groom, or between them and their family and friends. That's what you'll see in our studio and on our blog. The family photos are there if you look through our extensive galleries and album samples. Our photos of families will be relaxed and fun, as there's no need for anyone to feel stiff and forced.

2. I wish your photographer had taken more family photos. This is a statement that may sometimes be made by friends or perhaps even other family members, rather than by the bride and groom. :)

It's important to note that the list of formals are chosen by the bride and groom. The number of formals they opt to have us shoot will be impacted by the how much time they have, whether travel is required, and the schedule of the day. What others may sometimes forget is that the couple has worked closely with the photographer to plan the pace of their day. It's important to us that no one feels rushed. To that end, most couples find that they do not need every possible combination of family members in the pictures. This way they acquire the pictures they need - both family formals as well as important private time for portraits of the bride & groom, while still having enough time to enjoy their wedding day.

So, family portraits are definitely important to us. They are a valuable part of the wedding tradition. Just as important and impactful is the photography time spent with the bride and groom. We love that time together with them and we love to share those pictures with others, as we feel what we do sets our work apart. The couples that commission us feel the same way, so we've found a winning combination and a good balance for our studio.

(Click on any image to see a larger version)

Cory & Joe's Engagement

2006-12-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

What a gorgeous day we had today for shooting. Although a mild breeze put a chill in the air, there was no chill during our e-session with Cory & Joe. Since it had been a few months since our initial meeting with them, it was good to see them again. They were each in a great mood as we explored the grounds of our on-location shoot. Cory's eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and her radiant smile was a beautiful compliment to Joe's warm demeanor. They were just as excited about the session as we were, and the results were full of natural affection, as well as a lot of playfulness. We can't wait to show them the full gallery. But for now, here's a sample (click for a larger version).

The entire engagement session gallery will be released very soon, so point your browsers to the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Feel free to leave a comment about the pictures or for Cory & Joe by clicking on the "Comments" link immediately below this entry!

Jennifer & Greg's Engagement

2006-12-08T15:12:00.000-05:00

Jenni & I hit it off very easily with Jennifer & Greg. As they also have a very close relationship and even work together, we have a lot in common. So we found ourselves looking forward to our engagement session with them. They had each paid special attention to how they'd dress so they would complement one another. The camera loved Jen's long dark hair and beautiful smile; Greg provided a strong set of loving arms to hold her close. They were wonderfully natural together, making for a great time that we really enjoyed.

Their complete e-session gallery will be available very soon. Look for it in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website.

Jill & Adam's Engagement

2006-12-01T17:09:00.000-05:00

We get a lot of clients from the Boston area, so it seems like every time we head out there to visit family, we also get to shoot an engagement session. This time was no exception, and we had an absolute blast with Jill and Adam. Their infectious excitement about the session combined with their obvious feelings for each other made it easy to just be creative and have fun with the pictures. Even when Jill got pretty cold, she was such a good sport, and Adam was more than happy to warm her up. We can't wait for their wedding next autumn at Sheldrake Point Vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New York!

Their entire gallery will be released shortly. Until then, we hope you enjoy these preview photos. Feel free to use the link below to leave a comment for Jill and Adam, or to let us know what you think of the photos. (click any image to see a larger version)

Thanks For Your Patience

2006-11-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Our website's system for browsing and placing orders in the various client galleries is going through some minor upgrades at this time. If you experience some glitches while you browse around the different galleries, please be assured that these will be remedied as soon as our support team can take care of them. We know the changes will make the viewing experience even more enjoyable once these little kinks are worked out. Thanks for your patience.

UPDATE: If you're having problems seeing and ordering from the Client Proofs, then please use the following link. From here you should be able to view the galleries without problem.
Link to Proofing Galleries and Featured Galleries

Meet the Rest of the Family

2006-11-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

While visiting Louisiana two months ago for a celebration of my parents' 50th anniversary, we had the privilege of having Phil Colwart join us to take some beautiful portraits of our family. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of our favorites. It was a hot and humid day, but that didn't at all take away from our enjoyment.

Just click the "PLAY" button below to begin the slideshow.

Feel free to leave a comment by clicking the "Comments" link below.

In Loving Memory of My Father

2006-11-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

This is probably one of the most difficult things I've ever had to write. My dad fell asleep in death two days ago. He was loved by nearly everyone who knew him. As for the rest, they all respected him. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, and all who spent time with him.

If you haven't already seen it, I'd love for you to read more about my Dad & Mom's 50th anniversary (click here). Hopefully it will make you smile. I'm sure we'll have more to share with you at some point in the near future when we get back from our trip to Louisiana to be with family. But that's all I want to say for now.

Thanks for all the very kind thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way. Jenni and I — and my entire family — truly appreciate it. Feel free to leave a comment via the "Comments" link below.

Chandra & Darrell's Wedding

2006-10-27T08:41:00.000-04:00

I remember the first time we met Chandra & Darrell. When they made the decision to choose us, she said in a very quiet voice, "I'm so excited!" We felt exactly the same way! And we were so happy for them on their wedding day. Their trust in us was complete, giving us added inspiration for gorgeous photography.

Chandra herself was just beautiful, completely comfortable with all of her friends and her mom around her. Darrell has a twin brother, and I had to do a double-take (no pun intended) just to make sure I had the correct man as our groom! Their wedding day was free of worry and totally fun. We especially loved the way they invested in time for portraits of themselves. We're so proud of how well they did for their session and know they're going to be ecstatic about the beautiful results!

Here is the much-awaited preview of some scenes from their day. Just click the "PLAY" button to begin the slideshow:

We always enjoy working at the lovely Round Hill House, which served as a gorgeous venue and backdrop. As always, their service was excellent, and the food was delicious (thank you, Chandra & Darrell, for the tasty meal). The Bardavon String Quartet played beautifully during the ceremony. The delightful Pam Moran provided music for the reception, with some of Chandra & Darrell's favorites that were clearly enjoyed by them and their friends.

Their complete wedding gallery will be available upon their return from the honeymoon. Make sure to look for it in the "Client Proofs" section of our main website. Feel free to leave a note here on the blog by clicking the "Comments" link below. We'd love to hear your comments about their day and stories about your favorite pictures!

Megan & Paul's Engagement

2006-10-23T11:40:00.000-04:00

Megan and Paul are a warm and loving couple who are really excited about their upcoming winter wedding.

Despite being an incredibly busy couple, they wanted to make sure to spend some time taking some pictures together before their wedding. The late autumn weather still allowed for some beautiful color, and the Pennsylvania venue we found for them provided just the right romantic atmosphere for them to relax and be themselves for the photos. Sometimes the photos were about the two of them together, and other times just one alone. Occasionally, the pictures were simply about Megan's awesome red pumps!!

(Click on any of the photos to see them larger)

We're really happy that Megan and Paul chose us for their wedding photography. We know we'll have a blast with them. Their complete online gallery will be available very soon in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Stay tuned!

Erin & Matthew's Wedding

2006-10-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

Erin & Matthew's beautiful day began at the Grand Summit Hotel, where Erin was surrounded by excited and attentive bridesmaids. After exchanging and opening gifts with Matthew (who was in his own room at the other end of the hotel), Erin's bridesmaids began helping her put on her gown, an incredibly beautiful design by Ulla-Maija Couture. Erin was simply stunning to behold. Matthew's breath must have been taken away as he watched her come down the aisle to join him at the alter.

After spending some time at a nearby arboretum for romantic portraits, we headed back to the Grand Summit Hotel for a relaxed and enjoyable cocktail hour. We could go on about the excellent service of the staff and the delicious meal. We'd love to work with them again in the future. Erin's gorgeous flowers were provided by The Gilded Ivy. A special lighting display spelling out the word "LOVE" — the theme for the evening — was provided by Light Theatrics. And the music and vocals of the Starlyte Band were definitely top notch. It was simply a fabulous day to remember not only for Erin and Matthew, but for us as well (thank you so much, Erin & Matt, for chosing us and for taking such good care of us... we genuinely enjoyed spending such a good time with your families... they were so much fun!)

Here is the much anticipated preview of some of their pictures. Click on the "PLAY" button to begin the slideshow:

Their complete online gallery will be available very soon in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. I know Erin & Matt would love to hear from you, so leave a comment by clicking on the "Comments" link below. Let us know about some of your favorite images from the gallery when it goes live! We'd love for this blog to be an interactive experience for all of you.

Sue & Bob's Portrait Session

2006-10-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

We're usually so happy shooting weddings and engagement sessions that we don't often get to talk about our love for romantic portrait sessions. That's exactly the sort of session we had with Sue & Bob. We first met them at a fantastic wedding we shot last autumn. Having had some very friendly conversations with them at that time, we were really happy that they called us for some fun and romantic portraiture at the site of their new home. The soft early evening sunlight was just beautiful and really highlighted Sue's sparkling eyes. Bob joked about how his new cologne must be doing the trick, because he and Sue were easily entangled with one another for nearly the entire session. We had an awesome time with them.

Their entire online gallery will be available very soon in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website.

Kerry and Joe's Engagement

2006-10-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

We knew the minute we met Kerry and Joe that they were fun and friendly. They met with us initially with both friends and family in tow, and it was such a great group of people. Kerry has this bubbly, vivacious quality that perfectly harmonizes with Joe's cool and quiet nature, and made for some fabulous pictures during their engagement session. They are so obviously happy together! We had a great time going from site to site and finding the best light to show them off. We look forward to their wedding next year at the Eagle's Nest.

Their online gallery will be available very soon at our main website in the Client Proofs area. Until then, enjoy this preview photo (click to see a larger version).

Patty & Andrew's Wedding

2006-10-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Mix together in a shaker two parts Patty, two parts Andrew, and one part Ulysses Photography, and what do you get? You get a beautiful day of wedding photos! :-)

Patty's gown was by Paloma Blanca, and she was simply gorgeous in the light champagne color with mauve sash. As she put on the veil and other finishing touches, we could feel everyone's excitement building. Patty and Andrew are very close to their families, and each had an active share in making the day a success. There was a very close-knit feel to their ceremony as their guests found their way to the seats.

The reception was hosted at the Highlands Country Club, which is operated by the crew of The Garrison. As always, the food and service were a complete delight (thank you, Patty & Andy, for a fantastic meal). Patty's exquisite floral designs were by Lee Vasquez. We truly enjoyed the sound of the band, Energy Express. We recommend any of the above vendors if you need their services.

Patty and Andrew each shed tears of happiness as she read to him a poem describing how they'd met all the way until the present. It was so touching and heartfelt, and all in attendance couldn't help but feel overjoyed at how their story had turned out. The brief slideshow below will give you a preview of how beautiful their day was. Just click the "PLAY" button to begin.

Patty & Andrew's complete gallery will be available very soon at our main website in the "Client Proofs" section. So stay tuned! We're sure Patty & Andrew would love to hear from you, so leave a comment here on the blog by clicking on the "Comments" link below. Let us know your favorite pictures once the gallery is available!

Tanya & Craig's Wedding

2006-09-26T11:42:00.000-04:00

Finally! Tanya & Craig's wedding had arrived, and we were thrilled to be there. Tanya's mother met us as the door and greeted us with warm hugs and smiles, which told us right away about how enjoyable the day was going to be.

Tanya was absolutely stunning in her gown by Atelier Aimee that perfectly complemented her figure. She was scheduled to meet Craig at the church, where they would spend some time alone before the ceremony for a little romance and a few pictures. Craig had never seen Tanya in this way before, and his reactions were priceless. Everything went perfectly, and the quiet and emotive private moments seemed to put them at ease for the rest of the day. Even though he'd already seen her, Craig's eyes still filled with tears as he watched Tanya walk down the aisle. After a horse-drawn carriage ride, we spent more time with them for an awesome afternoon of photographs. You'll enjoy the preview of photos in the slideshow below. Simply click the "PLAY" button to begin the show.

We can't say enough about the outstanding services of the caterer, McKinney & Doyle. Their table settings, the quality of the food, and the attentiveness of the staff were of excellent quality, and we would love to work with them again in the future (thanks go out to Tanya & Craig, and the staff of M&D for the excellent meal). The lovely floral arrangements were the work of Parrino's Greenhouse Garden. The limosine drivers from Anna's Limousine Service provided excellent care and even stayed the day to serve as a shuttle service from the reception site at the top of the hill down to the parking lot near the horse farm. The romantic carriage ride was provided by Loon Meadow Farm. And the entertaining sounds of Paul Lacano and the Cocktail Shakers ranged from jazz to swing to rock & roll, ensuring the dance floor was always busy. Make sure you check out the respective web pages of each of the above excellent vendors if in need of their services.

To Tanya & Craig: Jenni and I want to give you each a huge thanks for putting so much trust in us and allowing us to have such an important role in your beautiful day. We truly felt like family, and this makes weddings a real joy for us.

UPDATE: Tanya & Craig's complete gallery is now available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. If you see any favorites from the slideshow or gallery, let us know by clicking on the "Comments" link below this blog!

Raves From Lauren's Mom

2006-09-20T12:28:00.000-04:00

We love receiving and sharing kind words such as those we received from Lauren's mom. Read on!

HI!! We just received the prints from the wedding and they are gorgeous!! I am still amazed at how you both allowed us to enjoy each moment of the day.

From the minute we first saw our daughter dressed in her wedding gown through the entire ceremony and reception, you both seemed to be enjoying the day as well; and this made us all so comfortable ...we hardly noticed you taking pictures.

I distributed many of your business cards after the wedding because I was so pleased with every detail and so impressed with how your pleasant and happy attitude would not allow any of us to feel rushed or stressed in any way. My florist delivered an arrangement to our home the next day on her way to another wedding and I gave her a handful of your cards.

AND of course the pictures at end of the day on the Long Island Sound were unbelieveable!!!! WOW! Thank you so very much for making our daughter's wedding so memorable! You are both wonderful artists! Thanks again. Liz and Ken

We wish we had even more time with not only Lauren & Justin, but also their families (see Lauren & Justin's wedding blog entry here). They each made the day such a pleasure for us. And knowing they were so pleased with our shooting style is the cherry on top of the cake.

Evelyn & Michael's Wedding

2006-09-19T14:47:00.000-04:00

Evelyn and Michael are among our most avid blog readers, and we honestly couldn't wait for their wedding day to arrive. Photos were extremely important to them, so they dedicated LOTS of private time for photos not only before the ceremony, but also afterwards so we could take advantage of the view of New York City across the river from the Hyatt Regency of Jersey City. We absolutely loved the contemporary feel of their photo sessions. As if on cue, the setting sunlight reflected off some surrounding buildings to cast a golden glow on their faces during their ceremony vows. Just fantastic! We were deeply touched by their displays of love and emotion throughout the day.

Their wedding day was a feast for the eyes. Evelyn herself looked incredible in her gown by Melissa Sweet. Evelyn's mother prepared all the flowers and did an amazing job, and the scent of the floral arrangements filled the air. While the music and sounds of OUO Entertainment filled the reception ballroom, Evelyn and Michael made their way to each of their guests and family, many having traveled from Korea and China to attend the festive occasion. The evening ended with Evelyn and Michael kissing underneath a burst of sparklers waved by their friends on the 9th floor veranda.

To preview their photos and see just a taste of why we enjoyed this wedding so much, click the "PLAY" button to begin the brief slideshow below.

Evelyn and Michael, we were so honored to be chosen as your wedding photographers! Jenni and I had such a wonderful time with both of you. After hearing so many kind as well as humorous words from your friends and family, we can't help but add our own praise for the two of you. Seeing the tender care you have for one another is truly inspiring.

Their complete online gallery of photos will be available in the "Client Proofs" section of our main website upon their return from the honeymoon. For now, enjoy the slideshow above; there are LOTS more beautiful pictures to come. And please, feel free to leave your own words for Evelyn and Michael by clicking on the "comments" button below.

It all happens so quickly!

2006-09-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

We're always amazed at how rapidly things can change during the course of shooting a wedding, particularly with regard to the quickly changing expressions in faces and eyes and smiles. You never know what's going to happen, so you always have to be ready for the shot! We usually shoot in series because we love the unfolding story that takes places over the course of mere moments.

Take Jesyca & Bill's recent wedding, for example. Bill was saying his vows, and Jesyca was clearly wrapped up in the moment. I couldn't hear what Bill said that caused this series of reactions from Jes, but it was awesome. This all happened in about two seconds or less. :-)

Whether very subtle or very obvious, we love it when we see the animation and expression in the eyes and faces of our couples, making the photography such a joy. (click image to see a larger version)

My Parents' 50th Anniversary

2006-09-15T19:16:00.000-04:00

Even though I've been in New York for many years, in many ways I'm still a southern boy at heart. My parents raised me, my brother, and my three sisters in an area just west of New Orleans. I've been back to visit on occasion, but this visit was different. It was to celebrate with my parents their 50th wedding anniversary.

The celebration was a bit belated partly due to Hurricane Katrina, which obviously changed the lives of everyone living in the Gulf region, and which put a temporary hold on our travel plans. The other reason was that three of us "kids" are now married and scattered across the continent with families of our own. It took a lot of coordination to bring everyone to get together for this occasion, but we were finally able to do it. In fact, one of my sisters and her husband surprised my parents by driving from an assignment in Mexico, so that we could all be together.

My mom and dad got married at an early age... dad was an athelete of 18, and my mom was an advanced school student of 16. They moved in with my mom's parents, who already had a large family. There was minimal electricity in the house, not enough room, and other conveniences were at a premium. But my mom's parents loved their new son in-law, and he helped expand the house. Since he knew some electrical work (learned from his own dad), he helped rewire their home and bring their place into the 20th century.

Clearly, my mom and dad didn't always have things easy. But they stuck together even though they were only kids who hardly knew anything about life. As each new baby was born to them, they learned a lot more about life than they expected. And through it all, they gave so much back to us --- a good work ethic, an honest concern for others, a sense of spirituality and who we are as people, and a desire to always do the best we could with whatever was given in to our hands at any point in our lives. We've each done that. And now some 50 years later, even though my dad has been through strokes and a broken hip, and my mom has suffered severe health issues of her own, I think my parents are perhaps more deeply happy than ever.

For this occasion we were all together again, along with our mates. My brother and his wife brought their two sons, the youngest one meeting his grandparents for the first time and who has the name "Ulysses" as his middle name (my father is also named Ulysses... I'm a "Jr."). My mom cooked meals for us that I haven't tasted in years. Mmm-mmm-MMMM!!! And we stayed up late talking about what they'd been through together, and how they were able to help their community post-Katrina. And sometimes, as families do, we all just talked about nothing at all. It was awesome. I appreciated every minute of it.

Here's something else that struck me: My parents in many respects are the same two people today that they were when the top image in this blog was taken. The same two kids. Maybe that ought to be so obvious. But as a photographer today, I can now see the young kids inside of them that I never really knew when I was a kid myself living under their roof. That's family. That's love. And that's what it meant to me to go home. I have so much to be thankful for, when it comes to my parents and family.

Jenni and I have a lot to be thankful for as wedding photographers. We know that what we do for others will only grow in value over time.

Marie & Sal's Wedding

2006-09-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

Anticipation for Marie & Sal's wedding was running very high on this beautiful day. After double-checking with his best man, Sam, to make sure they had the wedding rings, we went outside to check on the arrangements for the outdoor ceremony and to take a few pictures of the handsome groom. Meanwhile, Marie had arrived in the limo with her father and her bridesmaids. Her father had designed and created her wedding gown, and Marie looked positively radiant.

Following a beautiful ceremony filled with a range of joyful emotions, the reception started off with Marie and Sal delighting their guests with a waltz as their first dance. What a beautiful job they did, too! They were amazing on the floor together. We could tell that everyone had a wonderful time, especially Marie and Sal. Their intense love for one another showed every time they looked at one another. We were so glad to be a part of their day. (Marie & Sal, thanks so much for the delicious meal!)

Here is a preview of some of their wedding photos. Simply click the PLAY button to begin:

Upon their return from the honeymoon, Marie and Sal's complete gallery of wedding photos will be available in the Client Proofs section of our main website. Enjoy! And feel free to leave comments here about your favorite pictures or your thoughts on their day. :-)

Maureen & Andy's Wedding

2006-09-05T06:35:00.000-04:00

We were positively blown away by so many aspects of Maureen and Andy's wedding. They could not have asked for a more breathtaking view than that offered at the Onteora Mountain House. Never a couple to completely give in to tradition, Maureen and Andy chose to spend some time together before their outdoor ceremony. It was such a welcome time for them to catch their breath before the arrival of all their friends, and for us to produce unforgettable photos. We also got to steal away with them for an even more romantic sunset interlude during the reception, while they enjoyed holding one another close as they took in the scenic vistas of the NY Catskills.

Maureen's flowers were provided by Sara Gast Floral Designs, whose arrangements were both lovely and colorful. The music of Dave Leonard of JTD Productions Inc kept everyone on the dance floor with classics, as well as new favorites.

Maureen and Andy, we could not have asked for a better time with you. Everything worked out so beautifully. Thank you for your generosity, not only in giving us the time to create beautiful pictures for you, but also for the care you gave us during the rest of the day (thank you for the excellent meal... it was a perfect annniversary celebration for Jenni and myself!) We just love you guys and your families. We felt like friends and honored guests. We can't wait to show you your incredible photos. You were both so great!

For now, here is a brief slideshow preview of a few pictures we captured through the day. Just click on the PLAY button to begin.

The rest of the gallery will be available very soon in the Client Proofs area of our main website. We'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment here by clicking on the "Comment" button below!

Jesyca & Bill's Wedding

2006-09-02T20:31:00.000-04:00

Jesyca and Bill have such a good time together that we knew their wedding day would easily live up to everyone's expectations! We were greeted by Jesyca with warm hugs, and her excitement was infectious. After she and her bridesmaids got dressed, we went out for some photos. Moments later, two sensational 1959 Cadillacs rolled up to the house to take Jesyca and her girls to Bill's father's home for the outdoor ceremony. It was a friendly and very laid-back affair, where everyone had nothing but the most enjoyable time in honor of this beautiful couple.

After the ceremony, we were happy to spend some precious private time with Jesyca and Bill, along with the Caddies, for some fun and romantic portrait work. Jesyca looked *amazing* in her tea-length wedding gown, and Bill was a fantastic leading man for our celebrity session. Click either of the images to see larger versions. We can't wait to show Jesyca and Bill the rest of the photos.

Catering was provided by Woodstock Moveable Feast (thank you, Jesyca & Bill for a very tasty meal!).

The complete gallery will be made available very soon. Keep your eye on our main website in the "Client Proofs" area, where you'll see their wedding gallery listed. And please, leave a comment here on the blog for Jesyca & Bill. We want this to be an interactive experience for everyone who attended.

Allegra & Jason's Wedding

2006-08-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

From the time we first met with Allegra & Jason, we knew we were going to be their photographers. With their genuine passion for one another, as well as their devotion to their family and friends, it was bound to be a beautiful day.

Allegra and Jason chose to see one another before their ceremony, and we were so glad they invited us to photograph those private moments. With the whirlwind of activity that was going to follow for the rest of the evening, you could feel their joy and intensity as they embraced in the quiet wooded area that seemed designed for this occasion.

To Allegra & Jason: Thank you both SO MUCH for choosing us for your day. We couldn't help but feel moved by the words and expressions of your family and friends who surrounded you with such total affection. It was a privilege to photograph your wedding! And thanks for the excellent meal.

Below you will find the brief teaser of a slideshow as a preview of the images to come. Simply click on the "PLAY" button to begin the slideshow.

Allegra and Jason's full gallery will be released upon their return from the honeymoon and will be found in the Client Proofs area of our main website. Until then, enjoy the show! And feel free to add your own comments to this blog. We love hearing from you, and we're sure Allegra and Jason would, too.

Michelle and Rob's Wedding

2006-08-21T13:36:00.000-04:00

When we arrived at the Saratoga Hotel, we found Michelle, her friends and her mother opening gifts and a card from Rob. The excitement and emotion in the room was just wonderful to be a part of. There were tears of happiness and joy in Michelle's room, while the guys were enjoying their own close-knit brand of fun and humor in Rob's room.

Michelle and Rob saw one another for the first time that day during a private session that was designed to allow them to simply enjoy one another's company, to hold one another closely, and to spend some intimate time together without anything else interfering. The pictures that came from that session were very moving, and we know they'll enjoy seeing them, along with all their other wedding pictures. Here is a preview to share with all of you, just a teaser for what is to come (click image to see a larger version):

We always enjoy revisiting beautiful venues that we've shot before, and the fabulous Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs is absolutely one of the more enjoyable for us. This venue had special meaning for Michelle and Rob because this is where they got engaged. Not only is there the grandeur of the hall itself, with its massive columns, but the catering provided by Glen Sanders Mansion along with their friendly staff is first-rate (thank you, Michelle and Rob, for the delicious meal provided.) Music entertainment by DJ Mike Garrasi of Music Man Entertainment kept their fun-loving friends on the floor. It was a great party!

Michelle and Rob's wedding gallery will be available very soon, so continue checking our main website in the Client Proofs area. Michelle and Rob, thank you for choosing us. We had an incredible time with you!

Sarah & Greg's Engagement

2006-08-13T23:34:00.000-04:00

With our summer heat wave seeming to be behind us, we were welcomed today with a perfect day for shooting the variety of pictures that we enjoy so much. Sarah and Greg greated us with hugs, and we caught up on how their wedding plans were going. With Sarah dressed in a cute and colorful dress, and Greg in comfortable shirt and shorts, they were both ready for a completely new experience for them - modeling for their pro photographers! And they did an awesome job.

We had a great time with this warm and fun-loving couple. The time really flew by for us. We were so thankful for their trust they showed in us, and this quality is going to make hanging out with them on their wedding day that much more enjoyable.

Their online gallery will be available very soon at our main website in the Client Proofs area. (Click the pictures above to see larger versions)

Edwina & Ryan's Engagement

2006-08-07T22:56:00.000-04:00

Edwina is an energetic and fun-loving bride who captivated us with her sparkling personality the very first time we met her. She truly values photography, and we're so glad she found us in her search for a photographer. Ryan is a professional basketball player with a team in Italy and has this cool quiet bearing that made him a joy to shoot. They were just right together, keeping one another laughing with their friedly joking and teasing. We know our time with them on the wedding day is going to go beautifully.

We had an awesome time with Edwina & Ryan. There was a 50% chance of heavy thunderstorms, but there were no heavy clouds in sight during our session. In fact, the sun came out for near-perfect timing. We even had time to take some of the infrared photos that Edwina loves so much. We know she's going to love them and can't wait to show them the pictures.

Their complete gallery of e-session photos will be available very soon at our main website. Just go to the menu and click on "Client Proofs".

Click on the picture above if you'd like to see a larger version. And feel free to leave a comment in our blog.

Lela & Chris' Wedding

2006-07-31T12:52:00.000-04:00

The fabulous gardens of Round Hill House served as the backdrop for the emotional wedding day of Lela and Chris. It was warm, and the day was filled with love and energy. Lela was anxious to see her groom before the ceremony in a very private and intimate session where we would capture their first moments together on that day. This was the perfect way for them to spend some time to concentrate on their feelings for one another. Afterwards, Lela led her groom-to-be towards another area for a surprise picnic, where she and Chris enjoyed some snacks and a bottle of champagne. The results were absolutely beautiful and it was a true privilege to photograph with them.

Lela & Chris, you are very special people. Our sincerest thanks to both of you for making us feel like family at your wedding, as well as for the tasty meal. We couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable day with you. It was just perfect!

We have prepared a brief slideshow below as an early preview of some of their wedding images. Their complete gallery will go online upon their return from the honeymoon. Keep your browsers pointed to the "Client Proof" area of our main website. Until then, feel free to post your comments on this blog as we love hearing from you. Enjoy the slideshow by clicking the "Play" button below.

Jan & Greg's Wedding

2006-07-31T12:37:00.001-04:00

Jan looked cool and collected during her preparation, but we could tell that her excitement over the day was just beneach the surface and waiting to bubble forth. We found her with her wonderful family and were glad to spend some time with them. When we arrived at the beautiful venue of Beckwith Pointe in Westchester, there was heavy lightning on the horizon as a strong thunderstorm approached. But it passed quickly, and to everyone's surprise, we were able to hold the wedding outdoors. The sun even came out, lighting the ceremony beautifully. A mild breeze gently blew Jan's veil across her face as she and Greg smiled at one another during the ceremony. We loved it! We couldn't have been happier for Jan and Greg that the day turned out so pleasantly.

Jan & Greg, thanks so much for choosing us to have a share in your incredible day. And many thanks for the delicious meal. We can't wait for you to see the photos. : )

Below, you'll find a brief preview of some of their wedding day pictures. Simply click the "Play" button to begin the show. Their complete gallery of wedding images will be posted in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website when they return from their honeymoon.

Patty & Andy's Engagement

2006-07-26T22:12:00.000-04:00

It was a humid but otherwise beautiful evening when we met up with Patty & Andy for their engagement session. With a very busy summer for all of us, everyone worked extra hard to make sure we were able to get our schedules coordinated for this important e-session.

Patty & Andy are an adorable couple with whom we fell into a very comfortable rhythm. It felt as if we'd known them for much longer than we actually had. I think part of the recipe for what made this session work so well is that they've known each other for many years. And it was their friendship and deep devotion to one another that showed through quite easily, making photographing them a pleasure. They were able to relax together, get close, and to just let go of any of the day's events so that they could concentrate on one another. That's when the pictures work out for the best. Jenni and I are sure this bodes well for their wedding day.

Patty & Andy's complete session will be posted very soon, so keep your browsers pointed to our main website, as usual.

(Click either picture for a larger version)

Marie & Sal's Engagement

2006-07-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

When Sal found our studio during an Internet search, he couldn't wait for Marie to get home so that he could tell her about us. I can't tell you how glad we are that they chose us for their wedding photography, because Marie and Sal are an energetic, vivacious couple who have a love for life and for one another. Even with a busy schedule, they decided to take a day off from work and drove a couple of hours so that we could get together for their engagement session. The time we spent with them was incredibly rewarding.

We got to see just how much fun they have when they're together. Not only are they a very romantic couple, but they also have a mutual passion for physical fitness. They even demonstrated their awesome technique for us when we joked, "okay, get down and give us some push-ups!" To our surprise, down they went, counting off a few while even having teasing fun with one another. Too much fun! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Marie and Sal are obviously made for one another, and we can't wait to have another photo session with them on their wedding day.

Marie & Sal's e-session gallery will be available very soon in the "Client Proof" area of our main website. Keep your eyes open for it. We know you're going to enjoy it.

(Click on either image for a larger version.)

Lauren & Justin's Wedding

2006-07-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

From our first moments on Lauren & Justin's wedding day, it kept getting better and better. We arrived at Giorgio's Restaurant, one of the catering facilities of Long Island's beautiful North Shore. Justin arrived with his entourage of energetic groomsmen, and they quickly got ready for what promised to be an exciting day. The couple wanted to spend time together first seeing one another before the ceremony and to take some romantic pictures in a private photo session. So, after spending some fun time with Lauren and her bridesmaids, we escorted her out to meet Justin. It was just as beautiful as we knew it would be.

After they were pronounced as man and wife, Lauren & Justin strutted back down the aisle, completely pleased with themselves and Lauren repeating to Justin, "We're married!"

The highlight of the day for us personally was when we were able to secretly steal away with Lauren & Justin for a very special set of photos that they had been planning for almost a year. Lauren had one of the most beautiful gowns we've seen this year (and as is the growing trend, it was NOT WHITE — we were so excited for her and will be blogging more about non-white gowns in a later blog entry!!). And she wanted to to go out into the Long Island Sound for some really romantic and really WET portraits with her groom. A little crowd gathered around us as we started shooting. It was awesome! They couldn't believe their eyes as they saw Lauren & Justin going out into the water, lying on the shore, and simply having a blast with it all.

As we started to walk back towards the car, a man with a Waverunner and tubes asked if they wanted to get on the tubes. We thought they were going to simply pose for a final shot or two, but when he asked if they wanted to go OUT, they said "yes". And away they went!!! UNBELIEVABLE! What a fantastic way to end the day!! Tubing together into the sunset!! :)

Lauren & Justin, thank you so much for the way you've trusted your "crazy photographers" from Day One. The day exceeded even our own expectations. And we're so proud of the way you guys were able to accomplish everything that you'd planned with your day. Thank you for your kindness and the tasty meal. We had a wonderful time with your family and friends.

Their online gallery will be made available upon their return from the honeymoon. Stay tuned to our main website in the "Client Proofs" area. Enjoy the pictures above by clicking on them to see larger versions. And feel free to add your own comments to this blog by clicking the "Comments" link immediately below.

Kristin & Bryan's Beach Wedding

2006-07-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Kristin first heard about us from her friend Nicole, who was one of our fabulous brides last year. When Nicole heard Kristin was getting married, she showed off the pictures we took of her wedding and told her "you have to have them!" The amazing thing was that Kristin was getting married exactly one year later, at exactly the same place! Not only that, but after Kristin saw Nicole’s pictures in the ocean in her wedding gown, she decided she wanted to get in the ocean, too!

Well, we are SO happy Kristin called, because her wedding was amazing. She had a gorgeous beach ceremony at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ. It was a perfect day, and we could not have enjoyed it more. I mean, how can you not love it when you can photograph while barefoot? — Anyone who has seen me work knows how often I lose my shoes. Even Bryan took advantage of the sand, digging his feet in so he could be closer in height to his bride during the ceremony. :) Everything centered around the beach, with a starfish theme for the wedding, the guys in seersucker tan & white suits, and the girls in pink dresses. After the ceremony, all went indoors for the reception, where flip-flops were available for everyone. Kristin and Bryan danced the night away with their many friends and family.

As great as the wedding was, though, the next morning was even better. Kristin and Bryan had us stay for one of our Morning After sessions on the beach. Kristin put her gown back on, and Bryan wore his suit & tie, and we enjoyed yet another perfect day with clear blue skies. With the wedding day behind them, Kristin and Bryan were able to just be themselves and enjoy each other completely. They had so much fun, we literally had to tell them to stop smiling! At the end, we all wound up soaked in the ocean. All I can say is ... the pictures are incredible. Kristin and Bryan, thank you so much for your total confidence in us, for doing absolutely anything we asked of you (no, you weren't being punished for anything), and for even inviting us to your family brunch. It was an absolute privilege to spend the weekend with you and your wonderful families.

Kristin and Bryan's full proof gallery will be available shortly at our main website. Until then, enjoy these teaser images (click to see larger versions). And feel free to post your thoughts about their day by clicking on the "Comments" link below.

Kind words from a recent bride

2006-07-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

We get the most amazing thank you notes from our clients, and we deeply appreciate all of them. Here's one we just had to share with our readers ...

Dear Ulysses & Jenni, Where to start. We have to be honest, we met with you on a whim. We were working with a budget, as most engaged couples are, and knew your work was out of our price range. But we were blown away by the originality of your website and felt so comfortable with you after our initial conversation, we decided we would meet with you. You basically had us at hello!

There are so many components to planning a wedding, I guess at first we didn't realize how important the photography is. I realize now that it is because all of the photography we had seen prior to your work had been average and ordinary. Your talent is beyond amazing and your professionalism has been truly remarkable. You put us at ease throughout the day and in many ways it set the tone for the whole event.

We couldn't believe that as little as we saw you during the excitement of our wedding day- you caught everything! Were you wearing camo? We are so grateful for your honesty, patience and guidance and cannot thank you enough for capturing the happiest day in our lives and allowing us to revisit every time we open up our album. We cannot even begin to tell you the response we have gotten from our friends and family. Every aspect of working with you has been nothing short of exceptional and words cannot express how satisfied and impressed we are with your creativity and vision. It is so obvious that your love and respect for each other is the underlying force for why your work is so phenomenal.

Thank you for everything- You're the best!

Love, Brian and Stephanie McCormack

Tanya & Craig's Engagement

2006-07-02T07:57:00.000-04:00

We met Tanya and Craig at a beautiful park where we could take advantage of the wide outdoor spaces because of their love of sports. But during the summer months, there always seems to be a 50/50 chance of rain, and this time we were hit by a nice thunderstorm upon our arrival. But they were both game for getting out in the rain (fantastic!!). We took them to another location so that we could at least start off with some cover for the early shots. As soon as we'd gotten to the new location — you guessed it — the rain stopped.

We fell into a very comfortable shooting routine with Tanya and Craig. Even if they felt a few initial jitters about their e-session, they certainly didn't show it. Tanya is a medalist and champion of Taekwondo, and Craig is himself a Master of the same martial arts. So when we asked them to "get closer... hold each other", it gave an entirely new meaning to the photo session (thanks for bringing so much fun and personality to the shoot, guys!). :-)

Their entire engagement session will be posted online very soon at our main website in the Client Proofs area. (click the picture above for a larger version)

Kobe Ulysses at 5 months

2006-06-28T18:22:00.000-04:00

Get ready to see the world's cutest baby!! While we were in the Boston area shooting this weekend, we got to see our nephew Kobe. We did a 2-minute impromptu portrait session by a window, and Ulysses made a quick slideshow. Enjoy!!! : )

Erin & Matt's Engagement

2006-06-28T16:30:00.000-04:00

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

2006-06-28T16:17:00.000-04:00

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

2006-06-28T01:45:00.000-04:00

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

2006-06-22T12:07:00.000-04:00

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

2006-06-20T16:44:00.000-04:00

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!!

Meghan and Lou's Wedding

2006-06-20T09:56:00.001-04:00

We first had the pleasure of meeting Meghan and Lou after Meghan’s brother attended another one of our weddings early last year. We knew immediately that we would enjoy working with this fun and warm couple. Since they’re both in school in Boston, we got together for a wonderful beach engagement session in MA last summer, and finally their wedding day came along last Saturday.

Surrounded by their large families and lots of friends, they had a beautiful wedding ceremony, where we all got to hear the moving story of how they first met. These two are such romantics!! Afterward, we headed to another location for some relaxed formals. Their large wedding party was so much fun, and we were able to create some great pictures with them. By the time we were done, they all felt like celebrities. We were then able to spend some private time with Meghan and Lou for some creative portraits, like the one you see here (click to enlarge).

At their reception in Park Ridge, NJ, everyone enjoyed the music by the JK Band and danced the night away. Meg and Lou, thank you so much for a great day and evening!! If you would like to see some more pictures from their day, check out our slideshow preview here. The rest of the proofs will be available on our main site, in the Client Proofs area, once Meghan and Lou return from their honeymoon. Click the "comment" link below this blog entry to tell Meghan and Lou about how much you enjoyed their day or to comment on their pictures! :-)

New products have arrived!

2006-06-16T12:58:00.000-04:00

They're here!!! I'm so excited to say we just received our samples of our two new products: The Art Box and the Folio. These beautiful handcrafted items are perfect for showing off your favorite wedding or engagement pictures, and both make amazing gifts. I described them in detail in a previous post here in our blog, but now I have sample pictures to share with you!! I'll start with samples of the Large Art Box:

And here are some sample images of of the Small Folio:

These items are SO beautiful, so rich in texture, and come in an amazing variety of colors. They simply must be seen in person. If you would like to make an appointment to come by and see them, as well as all the fabric and ribbon swatches available, please contact us and we would be happy to show them off. We know you'll love them.

You can order either of these items if you enter your proof gallery, and then scroll down under any enlarged photo. If you need any assistance, just give us a call or email.

Marianne & Brian's Wedding

2006-06-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

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

2006-06-12T16:27:00.000-04:00

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.

Lynn & Bryan's Wedding

2006-06-05T15:12:00.000-04:00

Our second wedding of the weekend was also a total joy. After she had her hair and makeup done at the Pineapple Day Spa in Pine Bush, NY, we met Lynn and her girls at their hotel. Both Ulysses and I immediately noticed an air of total excitement - everyone was just SO happy for Lynn, and she herself could hardly stop smiling. We especially enjoyed seeing Lynn’s father come in to see her for the first time fully dressed for her wedding - their family is obviously very close, and it was so touching. We took some beautiful bridal portraits, then headed to the Stone Church in Cragsmoor for the ceremony.

After the formals were completed, again the rain stopped just in time so that we could spend some private time outside with Lynn and Bryan. We could see them visibly relax and simply enjoy each other, which made for some incredible photos. Their evening reception was at the Wallkill Golf Club. Again, the excitement and joy everyone felt for Lynn and Bryan was so heartwarming and made for fabulous pictures. DJ Pete Lopez played great music all night long, and the gorgeous flowers were provided by Flowers by David Anthony.

Lynn and Bryan, we hope you have a fabulous honeymoon, and can’t wait to show you the pictures when you get home. The entire proof gallery will be released on our main website under Client Proofs upon their return from the honeymoon.

Jennifer & Robert's Wedding

2006-06-05T14:53:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was a busy week of weddings for us. The first wedding was Jennifer and Robert’s. We were first invited to their home, where we were able to document Jennifer busily preparing, getting her makeup done, and then dressing. It was so nice to see her reaction to her dress - she was so excited about it! Once her girls helped her get dressed, we all headed to the church for the ceremony. There was a bit of rain, but it just made for some very pretty arrival photos of Jennifer getting out of her limo under an umbrella.

Once the ceremony was over, we all headed to the lovely Gardens on Catlin Creek in Slate Hill, NY. With 5 acres of gardens, pathways, fountains, waterfalls, and bridges, it was the perfect setting for the family photos and photos of their really fun wedding party. The rain stopped just in time, so we were able to take advantage of all that beauty. We also got some amazing pictures during our private time in the garden with Jennifer and Robert, and we know they’re going to love the results. Everyone had a great time at the reception. The food served by Catlin Gardens was also fabulous, from start to finish - thank you, Jennifer and Robert, for the wonderful meal and a great evening. Enjoy your cruise! : )

Jennifer and Robert’s entire proof gallery will be available when they return from their honeymoon, on our main website in the Client Proofs area. Until then, please enjoy this preview.

Melissa & Ethan's Wedding

2006-05-31T17:54:00.000-04:00

Melissa & Ethan's wedding thrilled us! When we'd first met them many months ago, Melissa told us she was shy about photography. But we quickly gained her confidence and trust, and she is such a natural that we were not at all surprised at the amazing results on their wedding day. :-) (Click image to the right to see a larger version.)

It was a beautiful May afternoon as we headed to The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. This premiere venue is known not only for its incredible views of the Hudson River, but also for its first-class treatment of guests. We absolutely cannot debate that excellent reputation. We arrived at The Lighthouse and were escorted to the bridal suite, where we met Melissa and her hairdresser. We immediately began photographing since Melissa didn't want to miss a single detail. Soon, the suite was filled with family members. We enjoyed ourselves immensely because we got to mingle and meet everyone, all the while capturing everyone's excitement. As Melissa's incredible flower arrangements were arriving (provided by the exclusive services of Banchet Flowers) and the details for the ceremony were finalized, the family was ushered out so Melissa could finish preparing for her private meeting and photo session with Ethan.

Ethan was waiting outside The Lighthouse on the pier. It was warm but also breezy, perfect conditions for him to see his incredibly beautiful bride for the first time. Melissa slowly came behind Ethan to give him a hug. We let them enjoy a few moments together privately, and then began our portrait session with them — a bit of fashion, with a generous amount of playfulness, and allowing them to simply be themselves. It all made for a really, really cool and totally enjoyable time for everyone. We can't wait for them to see the gorgeous results.

We can't say enough positive things about The Lighthouse, and particuarly the attention to detail that the event coordinator, Eric, gave to every phase of the day. Abigail Kirsch is the exclusive caterer for The Lighthouse, and the service and food were exquisite (THANK YOU, Melissa & Ethan, for making us feel so at home as guests there). The live musical entertainment was provided by the soulful sounds of the Hank Lane Music, who kept the happy audience on the floor all night, both young and old.

We had an amazing time on this day. And we could tell that Melissa & Ethan, no longer shy about photography, enjoyed it immensly, as well. This day capped off an incredible weekend of wedding photography for us. We know you're looking forward to seeing the extensive gallery of photos, and you can rest assured that they will soon be available for everyone to enjoy in the "Client Proofs" section of our main website. Feel free to click on the "comment" link beneath this blog to leave your own thoughts about the day!

Heather & Damian's Wedding

2006-05-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

Heather & Damian's wedding day was eagerly anticipated by Jenni and myself. We'd gotten to know Heather well over the past several months via phone calls and emails. The first time we met her we knew without a doubt that we wanted to be her photographers. It's amazing how things worked out to bring all of us to this day. (Click the picture to the left to see a larger version).

Preparations began at the incredibly lovely home of her friend, Cindy, who kindly took care of every detail and need for Heather and the rest of us there. The relaxed and spacious atmosphere was perfect, and Heather was able to take her time getting ready. As her mother and sister helped her put on her elegant gown, we could feel the charge of excitement in the air as they buttoned up the back. Flowers on the Porch provided her gorgeous flowers.

The church was a short trip down the road, making it easy for everyone to arrive and breathe a bit before the ceremony, which was conducted by Heather's uncle. As Damian and his groomsmen marched towards the altar, we saw the smiles of parents and grandparents in the front rows, all incredibly happy for the couple.

Immediately following the ceremony, we were delighted to meet Heather and Damian in the garden area of the incredible Round Hill House. This was particularly exciting for us because they had designated a full hour of private time to spend with us to create some beautifully exciting and romantic portraits. After only a few minutes, it was as if we were watching them fall in love all over again. There was such amazing chemistry between the two. (THANK YOU, Heather & Damian, for making room for such valuable time to photograph you. When you see the amazing pictures, we know you'll be just as thrilled as we are!!!). If you'd like to see a small teaser of some of the day's photos, click this link to see a brief preview slideshow (PC only).

When we finished their private photo session, we joined the rest of the family for photos, and then it was time for the rest of the cocktail hour and introduction of the wedding party. Damian led Heather in a wonderfully performed ballroom dance. The crowd went wild as Damian dipped Heather for a spectacular finale. Dinner followed immediately afterwards, and all were able to enjoy the expert services of the staff at Round Hill (thank you, Heather & Damian, for the excellent dinner!). Although Heather is an event planner, we were so glad to see her simply be a bride on her wedding day so she could enjoy every minute of it with her fun-loving groom.

Keep your eyes on our main website, where you'll soon be able to see the complete online gallery in the "Client Proofs" section. Once Heather and Damian have had the opportunity to see their photos first, the gallery will be opened for everyone to see.

Jan & Greg's Engagement

2006-05-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Jan and Greg were just perfect together for their engagement photo shoot. We met at a beautiful park on a gorgeous day that made for conditions perfect for spending some alone time together. To our surprise, there was also a car show at the same location. So after shooting with them in the woods for a while, we decided to take a stroll to see some old classic cars (Greg is a car buff), and we even got to take some pictures next to some incredible rides.

As Jan and Greg walked together by the lake, we couldn't help but feel privileged to have such an important role for their upcoming wedding. Traveling from Connecticut to meet us, they're a beautiful couple with true appreciation for photography. And we're so glad they planned their day so they could have a good time with us. Jan is a gorgeous natural in front of the camera, and we think Greg probably surprised himself by staying so close to Jan and holding her tight. That's what we love to see. :-)

Their online gallery will be available soon at our main website in the "Client Proofs" area, so stay tuned!

Enjoying Your Galleries, Part 2

2006-05-24T19:52:00.000-04:00

To make things easier for our clients, an update has been made to our proof galleries with a great new feature. You’ll now notice that when you access your gallery, you’ll be asked to enter your email address. This will improve reliability that any photos you add to your Favorites, your Album order, or to your shopping cart will be saved even if you leave our site and come back another time. Another advantage is that when you enter your email address, even from another computer, all of your choices for Favorites, Album selections or shopping will be saved. We hope this greatly improves the experience at Ulysses Photography for all of you.

Michelle & Rob's Engagement

2006-05-23T13:39:00.000-04:00

When we saw that the weather report called for not only rain, but even thunderstorms, Jenni and I thought: "Great!!" And I don't mean the sarcastic type of "great"... but the excited can't-wait to get out there sort of "great". Alas, the weather actually cleared up for Michelle & Rob's engagement session and we joked with them about how much we were looking forward to getting them soaked! ;-)

But rain or shine, we had a really really fun time with these guys. They'd travelled all the way from Boston, and we were so grateful that they chose to spend a good amount of time with us so we could get to know them better, talk about their incredible wedding plans, and most importantly to spend some time shooting. As we walked around, Rob wondered to himself whether it seemed conceited to say, "We're busy today walking around with our two photographers." And I have to say... while it's not conceited, it is DEFINITELY something special, something different. On this day, we were THEIR photographers, and we wanted to make it memorable for them. We had lots of laughs, lots of fun, and there was plenty of romance in the air, too. They had no problem at all staying close and allowing their love to show for the camera. We can't wait for their wedding in Saratoga Springs. They're going to make sure to give us time so that together we can produce incredible pictures. :-)

Their online gallery of engagement photos will be released within a day or so; keep checking our main website to find them in the "Client Proofs" section.

Roseanne & Jeff's Wedding (UPDATED)

2006-05-23T11:35:00.000-04:00

Roseanne must have been the bubbliest bride of May! And with her close friend, Denise, keeping everyone's champagne glass filled with the bubbly, it was entirely appropriate. We absolutely adored Roseanne's preparations. She and her two bridesmaids were as giddy as school girls and so much fun.

We arrived at the Old Stone Church, which was set atop a high hill overlooking an intensely green valley, and we found their family members waiting for the arrival of the bride. You could tell that everyone there was so excited for Roseanne and Jeff. It was as if it was the only wedding in the world on that day. As we thought about the day that we shared with them, we could not help but feel incredible happiness for them.

We spent some private time with Roseanne and Jeff for a romantic photo session, and created some stunning images for them. If you'd like to see a preview, click this link for a brief slideshow (PC only).

Following this session, we headed out to The Eagle's Nest, a venue with yet another beautifully scenic valley view. We always enjoy working with the staff there, and the dinners are superb (thank you Roseanne and Jeff for your kindness in this regard). We found a few more pockets of time to shoot some fun pictures of the happy couple, and then it was party time. The musical entertainment was provided by fun-loving DJ Erick Santana of "Right On Cue Productions". Roseanne's beautiful flowers were provided by Flowers By David Anthony.

The complete gallery of images will be available upon their return from the honeymoon. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the day or their photos, so post your comment to this blog!

UPDATE: The incredible responses to this wedding have truly touched us. We appreciate both the emails as well as the comments that you've left on the blog. So by popular demand, we're going to tease you with ONE MORE image from Roseanne & Jeff's private photo session. We hope you enjoy viewing it as much as we did shooting it! (and remember, you can click the image to see it larger).

Getting the Most out of Your Photos

2006-05-21T07:06:00.000-04:00

In speaking with a few of our brides, we have found that not everyone has been finding our recommended products for their photos. Since we offer extremely high-quality products that are not available elsewhere, we wanted to make sure everyone knows how to find them.

Once you enter your proof gallery, you will see a screen of thumbnail pictures. By clicking on any one of these thumbnails, you can see the photo enlarged. You will also see the print options to the right of the photo. If you scroll down underneath the photo, you will find a list of recommended products (just like the photo I have here on the right... Click to see it larger), including items such as our Art Box and Photo Art Cards.

If you have any trouble finding this list, or any questions about these products, please let us know and we would be happy to help. Enjoy!

Mary Ann and Benjeil's Wedding

2006-05-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

Jenni and I enjoyed a beautiful wedding day in Brooklyn. We found Mary Ann at the Akwaaba Mansion, a lovely bed & breakfast, where she was getting the final touches of her makeup applied. The warmth of the room and the friendliness of her bridesmaids set the perfect tone for photography of her preparations. She was absolutely breathtaking in her elegant gown and shoes, both by Vera Wang. Her flowers were designed and arranged by Benjeil's sister and added a beautiful splash of color that complemented the colors of the wedding. (Click the picture to the left to see a larger version).

There was so much richness to their wedding, both culturally as well as emotionally. Two musicians introduced the ceremony by walking down the long aisle of the church, beating a set of African drums while all eyes looked attentively towards them. After the wedding party took their stations at the front, Mary Ann was slowly escorted down to Benjeil by her father. And when the ceremony was over, there was a jumping over a broom by the extremely happy couple.

Once they'd spent some time receiving the greetings from joyous friends and family, we took some family and party photos, and then headed over to the Vanderbilt at South Beach in Staten Island. Since there was a beach right there, we asked Benjeil if they'd like to take some time to walk on the sand for some romantic portraits. Mary Ann didn't hesitate and rapidly nodded a definite "yes!" And we're so glad that we were able to spend that time with the two of them. While we didn't spend long, the pictures that came out of that time together are some of our favorites because they really showcase how intensely Mary Ann and Benjeil love one another.

Mary Ann and Benjeil, thank you so much for letting us share in this incredible day. The staff at the Vanderbilt were very kind to us, even making sure that we were provided with a wonderful multi-course dinner. We truly felt like your honored guests there. The music provided by DJ Shuttle was among the best, and we could tell that you and Benjeil definitely enjoyed your time on the dance floor, as did everyone else.

The full gallery of images will be released after Mary Ann and Benjeil get back from their honeymoon. You'll find them at our main website in the "Client Proofs" section. For now, click this link for a slideshow preview of a few images (PC only). And feel free to click on the "comment" button to add your own thoughts and well-wishes to Mary Ann and Benjeil. We'd all love to hear from you.

New Products: Art Box and Folio

2006-05-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

We promised that new products were coming after we attended the photography convention in Las Vegas, and we are excited to announce two new additions to our line of custom-made offerings. The first is the Art Box, which is a gorgeous handcrafted box made from the finest Japanese fabrics, filled with matted art prints that have been custom-treated by Ulysses. The Art Box itself is beautiful enough to display, but you can also take out individual matted prints to display on an easel in your home or office.

The second new addition is the Folio. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, this is it. Custom-made by artisans in your choice of Japanese fabrics and accented with a Swiss ribbon, it makes the perfect presentation for 2-4 of your favorite photos. Of course, these are so pretty, you’ll want one for yourself, too.

We can hardly wait for the samples we have ordered, and we’ll be sure to post photos once they arrive. In the meantime, if you would like to see or order any of these new products, they can be accessed via the "Recommended Products" listing underneath any photo in our proof galleries.

A Food tasting at Round Hill

2006-05-13T15:54:00.000-04:00

Ulysses and I were pleased to be invited to Round Hill in Washingtonville, NY, for a food tasting for Feast Caterers. We set up a table with some of our favorite wedding books, and enjoyed chatting with a number of newly engaged couples in the relaxed and beautiful atmosphere. It was a true delight hearing about each couple's plans.

We also got to taste some of the delicious food being passed around, and we can highly recommend it. Their shrimp is SO good. : )

A big thank-you to Peter at Feast Caterers for the invitation. We always enjoy working with you and your friendly staff.

Maureen and Andy's Engagement

2006-05-12T20:45:00.000-04:00

After we'd completed the engagement session with this lovely couple, Jenni and I looked at one another and each said, "I love what I do!"

Maureen and Andy are incredibly easy-going people whom we immediately liked from the first moment we met them. We first got acquainted by phone several months ago, and Jenni and I knew right away how important photography would be to them. We could tell that Maureen has a love and an eye for the arts. She and Andy also share a love for music. All of those common interests are probably what drew our personalities together even before we knew much about one another. We feel this is an important part of what helps couples feel at ease with one another — when they can trust one another and mesh well for capturing pictures such an important event.

Maureen and Andy took a day off from school and from work, and they came quite a distance to spend this afternoon with us. They did a beautiful job during their photo session. Keeping them close together helped them both find a comfortable "place" for this first-time photo session. If they hadn't had a train to catch for home, we would probably still be snapping away right now. :-)

We're truly looking forward to their wedding in the Catskill Mountains area of NY.

Their online gallery is available right now in the "Client Proofs" section of our main website! We hope you enjoy them. Please feel free to leave a comment for them or for us by clicking on the "Comment" link below. We love to hear your thoughts.

Enjoying Your Galleries, Part 1

2006-05-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

We're receiving great feedback from our clients who view their gallery images. Starting with this blog entry, we're going to periodically help you to enjoy the galleries even more by showing you features that you may not have noticed. This entry is all about the Slideshow feature.

Many of our engagement galleries run with 50 or 60 pictures; wedding galleries often run into the hundreds. When it's your first time looking at the gallery, we often recommend that you use the Slideshow feature so you can avoid having to click through each picture.

When you come into a client gallery, you'll see the grid of thumbnails and image names. Click on one of those thumbnails, and you'll see the following: A larger version of the picture, a list of print sizes and mounting options, other products available, etc., everything you need to place an order.

Immediately underneath the image, you'll see a short menu of options. For now, you want to click on the "Run Slideshow" option. Click this option with your mouse.

A small pop-up window will open, and you will have the ability to play the slideshow, which starts from the image that you initially clicked in your gallery session. You can click any of the numbers at the bottom of the window to see a different picture; you can navigate to the end or beginning of the slideshow; you can pause or begin playing the show again. You can turn the sound ON or OFF, as well as control the volume of the music. The options are yours to control, whether you're at home or at work.

The idea is that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing the pictures for the first time without having to do a lot of clicking with your mouse. When you're done, simply close the window and browse through the gallery as normal.

Lela and Chris' Engagement

2006-05-09T00:26:00.000-04:00

Today's engagement session with Lela and Chris rounded out our triple-header of shooting over the weekend. And we truly felt we hit a home run with this wonderful couple. They drove quite a ways to meet us for the session, and as soon as we'd gotten out of the car, they were each there to greet us with open arms and warm hugs. Though the skies were overcast, we knew it was going to be an incredible day.

After sitting to talk and get better reacquainted to go over their wedding plans and timeline, we got our gear together and began walking towards an ivy-covered stone wall. It might not at first have looked like the ideal spot to many for the beginning of our photo shoot, but we thought it was perfect. Lela and Chris hardly even needed prompting from us, because they immediately fell into a fit of simultaneous giggling, holding and squeezing. We made sure to capture it all.

Lela mentioned something to us that was completely untrue, however: She said she didn't feel she was photogenic. We found that to be extremely inaccurate! When a couple is relaxed and simply enjoying their time together and naturally demonstrating their love for one another, there is no such thing as an unphotogenic person. Lela and Chris have this incredible bond between them that we felt immediately, and it helped them both shine in front of the camera. We feel so privileged to have had the chance to capture so many beautiful sides to their personalities. They are TOTALLY photogenic, and it was a complete joy to be there with them. We shared a happy group hug as we said our goodbyes. :-)

Click on the above picture to see a larger version. Their online gallery will be made available soon in the "Clients Proofs" area of our main website. Feel free to leave your comments on this or any other entry of this blog. Jenni and I love hearing back from you! :-)

Kristin and Bryan's Engagement

2006-05-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

What to say about Kristin and Bryan... Well, I suppose I can begin by saying that we adore this couple and cannot WAIT for their wedding on the beach to arrive. Kristin found out about us through the very kind words of another awesome bride whose wedding we enjoyed shooting last year. We love it when that happens! :-)

Kristin and Bryan were so jazzed about their engagement session that they actually drove 1-1/2 hours to meet us at a beautiful spot we'd found. After a little time spent getting to know one another, we told them, "Prepare yourselves." Their eyes flashed with happy smiling expressions, and the shooting began. What a fun couple they were, too. They fell into a very comfortable rhythm with us, and we were able to capture a wide range of expression and emotion with them. Sessions like this get us so pumped for their wedding day.

Towards the end of our e-session with them, we asked Kristin to hop up onto a stone ledge. While getting in position, she ripped a small hole in her turquoise sundress. Jenni and I felt horrible about it and apologized profusely. But Kristin's reaction? — "It's okay... really... no REALLY!!" And we could tell she truly meant it. Kristin and Bryan were up for WHATEVER ideas we had in mind for them, whether it meant needing to do a little laundry later or even if it meant some sewing. Got to love that. Bodes well for the wedding day. Kristin and Bryan... Prepare yourselves. (hahah!).

When we told them the session was over, Kristin said, "Awwww..." We were sorry it was over, too. :-)

Their gallery of photos will be online soon, available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Until then, enjoy the sample above. (click on the image for a larger version)

Amy & David's Wedding

2006-05-07T19:43:00.000-04:00

Amy and Dave are obviously the best of friends. They were so relaxed and happy from the first time we met them, and we’ve been looking forward to their wedding day ever since. They had a great day full of laughter and good friends who adored both of them.

Amy and Dave had a private photo session at a nearby park so they could spend some time alone together before the ceremony. Despite some showers early in the day, their anticipation and excitement showed on their faces and made for some beautiful pictures. Later we joined their family and wedding party. Since Dave comes from a family of cowboys and farmers, his brothers all brought their cowboy hats and boots. Dave’s restored 1950 Chevy pickup also played a key role in many of the pictures we took that day, and we loved playing around the truck during the wedding party photos, as well as when we had another private portrait session with the couple.

Their entire proof gallery will be made available on our main website under "Client Proofs" when Amy and Dave return from their honeymoon on 5/22. Until then, please enjoy the preview photo above. Click here for a brief slideshow preview, and feel free to post your comments below.

Penny and Bob's Wedding

2006-05-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

Since Penny and Bob had planned their ceremony to be held on the top deck of the yacht, Romantica, with a scenic cruise around Manhattan with their family and closest friends, we were hoping for a lovely day. With cloudless blue skies above our heads, we couldn't have asked for better. We met Penny that morning and were able to board the yacht early to get some shots of her final preparations. It was fun to see her so excited as she got herself ready to see Bob for the first time that day. As she walked up the stairs behind him to greet him, you could see Bob's happy anticipation and a range of other emotions as they finally melted into one another's arms for an unforgettably romantic time together before their guests arrived. What a joy it was for each of us to spend some time enjoying beautiful photography!

The ceremony was a warm and intimate affair, with some 75 of their smiling friends and family clustered around them on the upper deck. Penny's dress was absolutely gorgeous. Her AMAZING fiery red hair was accentuated with white flowers. Between her glamorous style and Bob's classic good looks in his black tux, they looked ready for a NY red carpet event. (click the picture on the right to see a larger version)

Flowers by Joan provided Penny's wedding bouquets and petals. We truly enjoyed ourselves aboard the Romantica, one of the fleet of yachts operated by the East Coast Yacht Charterers. The staff was very friendly and attended to everyone's needs during the tour. We were also thankful for the well-prepared meal and the variety that was served (thank you, Bob and Penny!). The tour took us from the pier at Weehawken, NJ, north towards the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and then back south again towards the Statue of Liberty, after which we headed back past Ellis Island towards the pier. Both Bob and Penny love the water and sailing, and we were privileged to be there with them for such a scenic wedding.

We'll soon have their entire gallery available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. If you were there on Bob and Penny's wedding day, we'd love to make this blog entry an interactive experience for you by hearing your comments on what you enjoyed about the day. So feel free to post here!

Evelyn and Michael's Engagement

2006-04-22T17:42:00.000-04:00

Evelyn and Michael are the sweetest couple you could ever meet. Even though they've been extremely busy with school and work, they've been working hard to get ready for what promises to be a beautiful September wedding. To show just how much they value pictures, they took the time to come all the way from Chicago to New York to meet us for their engagement session. We were thrilled to see them again and took the chance to spend a little extra time with them.

Both Evelyn and Michael are very gentle souls, and they showed complete trust in us even though Jenni and I are sure they must have at times been wondering what it was we saw through our lenses and no doubt wondered how the pictures would turn out. There was a lot of fun, a lot of romance, and plenty of memorable moments as we spent time walking through a beautiful park during the late afternoon. As we said our goodbye's, Evelyn said with anticipation, "I can't wait to see the pictures." She visits our blog regularly, and so we can't wait for her to see them either!

For now, enjoy the image posted here on the blog (click to see a larger version). In the meantime, we'll be working to get their gallery online as soon as possible. You'll find it in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website.

Melissa and Ethan's Engagement

2006-04-21T12:46:00.000-04:00

With their wedding only a little over a month away, we were anxious to join Melissa and Ethan for their engagement session. When we were talking with them about what they wanted to see in their portraits, Melissa made it clear that she wanted to stay close to Ethan. As regular readers of our blog already know, our most common encouragement to couples is to "Get CLOSER!!" So we knew the day would go smoothly. :-)

Melissa's quiet intensity really energized the pictures. The camera loved her; we loved her; and we truly can't wait to see her again on her wedding day. Ethan's boundless personality and friendly smile also made the session a complete joy for us.

We'll post their online gallery shortly, where you can enjoy the rest of their pictures. Go to our main website, and access the "Client Proofs" area in the pullout menu.

Jennifer and Robert's Engagement

2006-04-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally here! We couldn't think of a better way to spend a warm, sunny day, than outdoors in a beautiful location with two people in love. We're so glad we had plans with Jennifer and Robert for their engagement session. The new spring green on the trees and the tulips blooming were the perfect backdrop for some romantic images. They obviously have so much fun together, and it was a joy to get to know them better and to see them interact with each other. We really look forward to their June wedding.

Their entire engagement gallery will be available shortly, accessible from our main site under "Client Proofs".

Our "Married With Camera" Seminar in Las Vegas

2006-04-16T17:20:00.000-04:00

If we’ve been quiet over the last week, it’s because we were away in Las Vegas at our annual photographer’s convention. We had such an amazing time, I don’t even know where to begin. The first day, Ulysses and I walked the strip and saw some incredible sights. There was also a huge trade show, where we got to see lots of new products from all over the world, from albums to photo jewelry. Look for new offerings coming soon - there were some items I completely fell in love with.

We attended 4 days of seminars by some of the top photogs in the world, including an opening Keynote address by Jerry Ghionis of Australia. There were over 600 of us in attendance, and Jerry surprised us by having Ulysses and I come to the stage to direct us and illustrate how he made some of his pictures. After kissing in front of 600 people cheering us on, we definitely can say we know how it feels to be in front of the camera. (hahah). If someone sends us a picture from that evening, we'll post it for you. :)

It was good practice being in front of a crowd, however, since we also had the privilege of giving a seminar entitled Married With Camera. We spoke along with a panel of two other couples about the joys and challenges of working together in the photography business as a married couple. The seminar was originally slated as a special-interest seminar for only 50 attendees, but there was so much interest that it was opened up to 250. The response afterward was wonderful. It was so much fun to talk about a subject so close to our hearts, and we hope to do so again soon.

We had such a great time, being reunited with photographers we know from literally all corners of the earth. We learned from each other, inspired each other, and came back ready and eager for the busy wedding season. We know this will be the best year yet and look forward with anticipation to seeing and working with our couples for the 2006 wedding season.

Lynn and Bryan's Engagement

2006-04-03T10:42:00.000-04:00

When we met up with Lynn and Bryan for their engagement photo session, I know we were all in a great mood. How could we not be happy, with clear blue skies and near-perfect conditions for their informal and relaxed shoot (BTW, the first azaleas of the year are starting to bloom — it's going to be a lovely spring season!). Bryan was totally cool with whatever we asked him to do. Since his biggest job was to simply keep his eyes and attention on Lynn, he had no trouble at all. Lynn had the giggles early on in our session, which actually made things really fun for us from the start. She held on to her groom and looked at him with loving eyes, and we could easily see how well they were made for one another. Both of them were absolutely adorable, and we had such a good time getting to know them better.

Their online gallery will soon be made available, so keep your eye out on our "Client Proofs" area at our main website. Click on the preview picture above for a larger sample. Enjoy!

Stephanie and Brian's Wedding

2006-04-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

Stephanie and Brian are definitely our kind of couple!! We've enjoyed them for months, ever since their engagement session with us in the autumn of 2005. The wedding day was bright and sunny, and their party of some 19 others contributed toward a lively and completely enjoyable day. What a fantastic group, each and every one! We were so happy for the way everything went for these two.

Warm sunlight poured in through the stained glass windows of the church as they said their vows to one another. After being pronounced as man and wife, we all drove to the grounds of a local mansion for some fun wedding party photos. Once those were done, we got some "alone time" with Stephanie and Brian. The gorgeous setting sun provided the soft lighting that worked so beautifully for their romantic mood. We couldn't have asked for better.

The reception was held at Patriot Hills in Stony Point, NY. What an excellent and friendly staff they have there. We've always enjoyed the food and helpful service there and knew they would take good care of our couple (Steph & Brian, thank you for the incredible meal. You made us feel like honored guests at your party!). Music was provided by DJ Dalen, and the sounds of soulful jazz played in the background until it was time for everyone to get onto the dance floor. Video services were expertly handled by Jennifer Cassaro of Masterpiece Video Productions.

As the evening drew to a close, Stephanie and Brian pulled us aside for a private and romantic photo session to close the evening. What an awesome time we had! They mentioned how they were able to forget any nervousness about being in front of a camera, and simply enjoyed themselves. We know they're going to love the results that came out of these small pockets of time they created through the day. Thanks so much, guys, for allowing us to be a part of it all. We love you both, and appreciated your call from the airport!! It meant a lot to us. :-)

Their online gallery of photos will be released following their return from their honeymoon. So in about a week or so, look for them in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Until then, enjoy the photo included in this blog entry for a taste of just how much fun we had with this awesome couple! Feel free to click it for a larger version.

Tip: Give your photographer time

2006-03-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

All of the couples who work with us will no doubt notice that we emphasize spending some time alone with the bride and groom during some segment of their wedding day. We cannot state enough how important this is. Of course, we will get plenty of candid moments of you two throughout the day. However, there is no substitute for beautiful portraits. We get lots of feedback from couples about how much they enjoy this photography time, as we keep it fun and relaxed. One bride even called us on the way to her honeymoon to tell us how much fun she had taking pictures! It becomes a nice quiet break in the day for you two, away from all the people and pressure – a time when you can just concentrate on each other and how you’re feeling at that moment.

To help make sure this time is available, we are more than happy to help you develop your wedding day schedule. The biggest mistake we often see is planning something for every single minute. You’ll want to make sure there is buffer time in case things run a little late so that you’re not stressed. Your day will go so quickly it will be a blur, so planning in advance will help to ensure that everything important to you is accomplished. If you’re currently at the stage of planning your schedule, please call us – we look forward to hearing from you!

Here is a beautiful example of a couple who gave us time before the wedding...

One who stole away with us time during a quiet time in the reception...

And one who planned a sunset getaway with us...

Amy and Dave's Engagement

2006-03-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

Amy and Dave met us at a park that we'd never been to before. Although we don't have much greenery yet in our area of NY, we were ecstatic that we had clear blue skies and warm temperatures. But it's not as if Amy and Dave needed the more cooperative weather to put them in a loving mood. They were simply happy to be there together as we enjoyed a warm and cozy photo shoot together. They shared a natural ease with one another that translated beautifully through the camera. We can't wait for their spring wedding day to arrive.

Their online gallery is now available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. We've also provided this preview slideshow (PC only). Thanks in advance for any comments you'd like to leave on the blog; just click the Comment button below this entry. :-)

Artist's Choice... What's That???

2006-03-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

Jenni and I love taking pictures. Whenever we meet with clients, we always talk about how the shooting is only one part of the creative process. Images captured in camera, whether film or digital, still need to be "finished". This is the case with our own photos, as well. While our focus is upon the couple's deep feelings for one another, their expression of affection for one another, and producing the best moment frozen in that image, we also enjoy working on these photos to bring out their best for color, mood, and emotive impact. A proof alone will not completely convey the vision that Jenni and I have for that particular image in its finalized state. So what do we do? How can we convey our ideas to you, while also helping you enjoy your photos?

When we have the time available between shooting sessions, we create a little preview slideshow (for PC users only... no Mac version available at this time), which includes select images to demonstrate the way we "see" your photos. This slideshow gives you a chance to slow down, stop and drink in the beauty of your images in a way that the proofs may not. If it is a wedding slideshow, we also might be hinting at images that would look superb in your wedding album or as larger artistic wall prints. ;-)

A preview slideshow here at Ulysses Photography lasts only about a minute. But we also offer an Artist's Choice Slideshow on DVD for engagement sessions as well as for your wedding images. This is what you might consider as a "director's cut" of images (about 25 from an engagement session, and about 100 from a wedding), chosen by myself and Jenni, and then given a large dose of TLC during post-processing to produce a one-of-a-kind commemoration of your day together. Our emphasis is upon the pictures and the way these make you feel, rather than upon the show itself. But instead of using more words to describe it, why not take a look at a few recent examples of preview shows. The DVD versions of these shows are somewhat longer, with more images, but very similar in feel:

Jaime and Brett's Engagement Preview

Jamee and Jeff's Wedding Preview

Vivian and John's Wedding Preview

We hope you enjoy shows like these. They are our way of providing another way to enjoy your photos. If you'd like to find out more about these, feel free to write and ask about them. Or request your very own Artist Choice Slideshow on DVD when going through your proof gallery. We think you'll enjoy it immensely.

Jaime and Brett's Engagement

2006-03-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

We love the Boston area. We have family there and always enjoy visiting. This time, we were there to spend some time with two beautiful people, Jaime and Brett, whose wedding we'll be shooting in a few months. They are a wonderful couple. Jaime was simply radiant, her bright blue eyes flashing and her smile beaming on this rather brisk day. Her fiancé, Brett, kept his eyes on her and his arms wrapped around her to keep her warm. All of his camera shyness just melted away during those moments — just as we'd planned — and we were able to capture some lovely images for them. Their day promises to be a day full of emotion and meaning for so many, including the two of us. We just love them and can't wait for their wedding.

We're working on getting their gallery online soon. Stay tuned to the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. In the meantime, click the image above to see a larger version.

UPDATE: Online gallery now available! Enjoy!

Jamee and Jeff's Wedding

2006-03-21T01:26:00.000-05:00

No doubt you've heard the following story: Girl meets boy... boy makes girl laugh... they fall in love... they marry for love. And they live...? Well, if you know the story, then you also know the ending. The amazing truth is this is precisely Jamee and Jeff's story. She loves the way he makes her feel, and that she can always depend upon him to help her laugh in both the best and worst of times. They're simply made for one another, and it shows when they're together.

When we first met Jamee, she was clearly "our" bride. She'd found us through the sister of a groom whose wedding we'd photographed in 2005 (see Jen & Ed's wedding). We spent lots of time together talking about how she and Jeff met, their lives together, and how much she loved our photography. We were truly impressed by how in charge they were of their wedding plans. The primary thread that came out of our conversations was how important it was that their pictures remind them of the *people* that surrounded them on their wedding day. So we worked with her to design a timeline that would help Jamee and Jeff relax and have fun during a natural portrait session, and we also kept on the lookout for the great variety of faces of their family, friends and guests. One beautiful segment of the day involved the signing of the ketubah while surrounded by their closest family and friends, followed by Jeff's veiling of his bride before their public marriage ceremony (click the picture above for a larger version).

Anthony's was a very accommodating venue, and the staff was very cooperative. Jamee and Jeff made sure we were very well cared for and fed with an excellent multi-course meal (thanks so much! we really appreciate it!). And we loved the music provided by Ed Michaels Orchestra, complete with horn section and the incredible vocals of Debbie Major.

We're hard at work preparing their online gallery, which will be available soon in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. But until then, enjoy this slideshow preview of Jamee and Jeff's wedding (PC only... sorry, no Mac). It will give you a good idea of the beautifully touching and heartfelt moments that Jamee and Jeff shared. Feel free to leave your comments on this blog, as we'd love to hear your feedback. Enjoy!

Mary Ann and Benjeil's Engagement

2006-03-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

Mary Ann and Benjeil share an abiding love for one another and for people. I think that's the quality that drew us to them, and which also set the tone for our engagement session with them. Mary Ann's bright and infectious smile and Benjeil's quiet intensity provided us with ample opportunity to create some beautiful images for them. They were so easy-going, having made the effort to travel quite a distance to spend valuable time with us for this session. We really appreciated this, and their efforts paid off well. They patiently endured the cold and wind with us. When we needed to find shelter in an iron-gated foyer, we took advantage of the interesting light for an emotive fashion session. It was not at all a problem for them to get closer to one another! Their upcoming wedding is going to include some culturally unique and joyous elements that we can't wait to see.

Their online gallery will soon be available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Until then, enjoy the picture above (click for a larger version).

The Beam Kids

2006-03-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

The three Beam Kids are a wonderful set of siblings who love life and who enjoy spending time with people. In fact, we felt as if they were family. Today they were the subjects for our cameras and lenses. They put up with a lot, too, with the breezy and cool weather. But since there was such good sunlight out, they braved the chilly air and had a really good time with us. It was so worth it! We tried to keep things fast-moving as well as kept them close together so that they would stay warm. Love you guys! Thanks for being the highlight of our day!! :-)

Click the picture above to see a larger version. Their full gallery will be made available within the next day or so. Go to our main website, click on the Menu to find "Client Proofs" for the Beam Kids. We hope you enjoy them!

Sonyalis' Maternity Session

2006-03-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

A referral from a previous bride brought us together with Sonyalis and Jim, who are expecting their second baby to arrive any day now! We had a wonderful time at their home. The living room was warm and comfortable, and the large windows allowed a lot of sunlight to poor in. They and their 3-1/2 year old son were adorable. We enjoyed a few traditionial family portraits, and they also allowed us to try a few untraditional and totally joyous things for a memorable maternity session. Sonyalis didn't want to regret not taking the opportunity to capture herself and her unborn baby in pictures at this most precious time. We were so happy that they found us. Congratulations, guys!

Their full gallery of photos will be made available today. Go to our main website, open the menu, and click on "Client Proofs" for Sonyalis' Maternity Session. Feel free to leave your own comments here on the blog, as we love hearing from you! Enjoy!

Marianne and Brian's Engagement

2006-03-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

What happens when the photographers and the clients meet for the first time... on the day of their engagement session? Something INCREDIBLE, that's what!!! :-)

Though we had lots of correspondence with Brian and even had a small snapshot sent to us so we'd recognize them, we were intensely curious to find out what they'd be like in person. We were so happy to finally meet them. We clicked with them instantly, and we sat to discuss some of the details of their wedding. I won't spoil it by telling you about those details, but it's going to be an amazing experience for everyone, while at the same time being very personal and intimate. Keep this blog bookmarked to read more.

We knew how much they appreciated photography since they'd traveled quite a distance, even borrowing a car so they could meet us at the designated location. The time flew by, and though we wanted to continue shooting, we had to break for the evening so we wouldn't wear out our welcome. They gave us plenty of time to play and experiment a bit (THANKS for trusting us, guys... just wait until the BIG DAY!!).

Their full gallery of photos will be posted soon on our main website. But click on the image here to see a larger photo of this loving couple.

Roseanne and Jeff's Engagement

2006-03-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

"I love you..." We could tell that those three little words mean so much to Roseanne and Jeff. They were heard using them often during our photo shoot with them. And what better way to feel when you're holding on so tightly to the one you love!

When we'd taken a half-dozen shots, Roseanne thought we were all DONE! But she was in for a surprise as we asked them to switch positions, move here or there, to GET CLOSER! We're pretty sure they could tell we enjoyed ourselves just as much as they did. We were on the grounds of the Old Stone Church in Cragsmoor, where their wedding will be held in just a couple of months. We made use of the fantastic view and rustic scenery there, which juxtaposed beautifully with their smiling faces and loving embraces. We can't wait for the wedding day of these two very special people. (click the picture to the left to see a slightly larger and even clearer version)

Their online gallery will be made available soon. Go to our main website, and click on "Client Proofs" to enjoy their photos.

The results are in!

2006-03-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

The results just came in for the 2005 end-of-year contest for the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). In among an amazing group of talented photographers from all over the world, we are excited to say that three of our photos placed in the top 20 of their categories. I will show them below (you can click on them to enlarge and see them better):

The first was taken by Ulysses, which placed in the Reception category. This photo was taken at Terri and Brian’s wedding, and I think the excitement and joy are infectious. Ulysses captured such a wonderful moment!

The second is a photo of mine, which placed in the Ceremony category. This was again from Terri and Brian’s wedding. I just loved the expressions on all three faces, and immediately had this one in mind for this particular contest since it tells such a story.

The third is also one of mine, and placed in the Creative Portrait category. This was from Kalan and Mike’s wedding. It was actually taken after their wedding, when we headed up to their room at Monhonk Mountain House for some relaxed photo time. We had such a great time these two – I’m sure people could hear us all laughing out in the hallway. : )

Thanks again to all our incredible couples, who trust us and give us the opportunity to create such beautiful photographs.

Sheeba and John's Wedding

2006-02-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

Although we had only met Sheeba a month before, Ulysses and I felt privileged to be invited to photograph her wedding to John. We started with the preparations at her home, where her friends and family all gathered around her, and the warmth and closeness was apparent. Theirs was a beautiful Indian wedding, with Sheeba wearing three different gowns throughout the day, each one more beautiful than the last.

They had a grand reception at the elegant Florentine Gardens in River Vale, NJ. There were thousands of pink cynbidium orchids to decorate the hall, and beautiful traditional Indian dances to entertain. Thank you, John and Sheeba, for the fabulous meal! It was truly a joy to be among such warm and friendly people. Here is a preview from the wedding photos. The entire photo gallery will be released shortly in our Client Proofs area.

Penny and Bob's Engagement

2006-02-11T21:12:00.000-05:00

New York is expecting a blizzard this evening, so you might expect we'd hunker down for the day and prepare for the coming Nor'easter.

Nope! So what did we do?

We went to meet Penny and Bob for their engagement photo session. We had such an enjoyable time with them, too. With her gorgeous waves of beautiful red hair, Penny was the very picture of contentment and love as she easily settled into Bob's arms. Bob didn't at all seem to mind the holding, hugging, and pampering from Penny.

It always means a lot to us and our style of shooting when our couples feel enough trust in us to "let us in" so that we can capture those momentary and fleeting glances of devotion towards one another. And that's definitely what we saw with Penny and Bob. Jenni and I anxiously await their wedding day, which promises to be an incredible and unique event.

Many thanks to Penny and Bob for choosing us as your photographers, and especially for braving the below-freezing temperatures. You were totally committed to this session and to one another. We just LOVE that about you.

Their gallery of engagement photos will be available on Monday morning (2-13-06). Go to ulyssesphotography.com, and then to our "Client Proofs" area. Additionally, feel free to leave your comments about the gallery on this blog. We want this to be an interactive experience for everyone to enjoy.

Jenni's new favorite indulgence...

2006-02-06T12:59:00.000-05:00

I tried out a few services recently at the Soul Therapy Spa in Fishkill, New York. What a wonderful place! I’m a strong believer in massage therapy, so first I got a massage done by Lori. She does a great job, and every muscle was relaxed afterward. The quiet and calming atmosphere of the spa contributes to releasing any shred of tension you may have.

I also had my first facial - ever! I tried their Champagne facial. What a treat! Kelly is fabulous, and obviously loves her job as much as we love photography. Besides being incredibly relaxing, my skin felt wonderful afterward, and she helped with specific suggestions for skin care. Soul Therapy also carries all-natural skin care products, which is very important to me.

Other services available there include hair care and nail care (including their fabulous Shiatsu pedicure chair). If you’re looking for a spa to enjoy with your girls on your wedding day, or just for a luxurious treat, give Soul Therapy a call at (845) 896-SOUL.

Introducing Kobe Ulysses!!

2006-01-25T11:38:00.000-05:00

The second segment of our East Coast travels took us to the Boston area for the scheduled birth of our nephew. Ulysses’ brother Eric and his wife Chrissy were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second son. We arrived a few days early so that we could be there from the start. We weren’t allowed in the operating room, but we documented everything else, from the bagels and coffee that morning, to arrival at the hospital, to everyone’s first peek at Kobe’s face. Ulysses was so excited, he woke me up at 5:20 am with a loud whisper: "Jenni, get up, IT’S TIME!!" What a special thing to be a part of his first day in the outside world. Everyone is just totally in love with him.

Here is a collage of photos - you can click on it to see it larger if you’d like. If you want to see more, Ulysses also made a brief slideshow of some photos of Kobe - enjoy!

Off to Florida

2006-01-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

If you haven’t heard from us much lately, it’s because we’ve been busy traveling the East Coast! We spent about a week in Florida, first visiting my family. It was nice to be together, and we spent a fun day at Epcot Center before heading down to Miami. There we attended a photography seminar by two good friends who are two of the top photographers in the world: Yervant from Australia, and Joe Buissink from L.A. They are amazing photographers and gifted teachers, and we were thoroughly inspired by their imagery and their love for photography. Ulysses and I even had an impromptu photo shoot by Yervant - here is a photo of him shooting Ulysses.

We had a great time in Miami - we loved the culture, the architecture, and the people. We found a great Uruguayan-Argentinian restaurant where the locals go, and the food was incredible. On the last day of our trip, Ulysses and I headed to the Miami Beach area and just walked and walked, enjoying the 78 degree air and the wonderful surroundings. We would love to go back and spend more time - it’s a great vacation spot. We came back refreshed and inspired, and eager to get back to work. Click here for a slideshow of the seminar and the architecture of Miami (sorry, Mac users - PC only).

Leslie and Felipe’s Wedding

2006-01-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

What a perfect January day for a wedding! Leslie and Felipe got married at the beautiful and elegant Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, New Jersey. There we started the day with Leslie and her girls in the bridal room, where she busily prepared to meet her groom. When makeup and hair were just perfect, Leslie slipped into her gown and fur stole, and we slipped outside for some privacy so that Leslie and Felipe could see each other for the first time. The love and affection they have for each other, as well as their excitement that this day had finally come were obvious, and made for some wonderful photographs. Afterward we had time to create some beautiful portraits, and some playful pictures, as well.

From that point on, the day went quickly, from the ceremony through the reception. Many longtime friends had traveled to be there for the couple, and we could tell how excited everyone was to be together. I’m sure it’s a day Leslie and Felipe will never forget, and we’re so glad they will have the photographs to remind them for years to come of the fun they had. Their complete gallery of photos is now available on our website under "Client Proofs". And feel free to post your comments here - we love to hear from you!

Leslie and Felipe's Engagement

2005-12-17T18:36:00.000-05:00

Spring, summer, fall... and WINTER. Love knows all seasons, and the winter time is certainly no exception for Leslie and Felipe. When we met at our planned location, we were very happy to see this quiet and dignified couple. Leslie looked fantastic — hair, makeup and clothing all came together for a beautiful session. And Felipe had no trouble keeping up with her, as they both looked like they'd done this before.

We had a fun time walking around the mansion location, which had been decorated especially for an open house over the weekend to celebrate the historic home's restoration. The sunlight streaming into the windows was just perfect for capturing their warm smiles and expressive eyes. Though it was cold outside, we also took the opportunity to go for a little drama and fashion. When Honduras-born Felipe got a little chilly, it was a good excuse for him to hold Leslie even closer. The result? A photo session of joyful memories and everlasting love.

Their gallery of images is now available in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. We're sure you'll enjoy seeing them as much as Jenni and I enjoyed taking them.

Jenneen and Gregory's Wedding

2005-12-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Jenneen and Gregory do everything in a big way. Their wedding was absolutely no exception. In one evening, they somehow managed to roll celebration after celebration into one gala event that their family and friends will never forget.

We first spent time with Jenneen for last-minute preparation at her home, where Jenneen showed us the fabulous shoes that she MADE for her wedding. We then arrived at Reid Hall, located at Manhattanville College. This six-story, 84-room mansion served up fond memories for the couple, and the chapel next door was where they would be wed. With parents and grandparents looking on, Jenneen and Gregory said their vows to one another. While the event was certainly full of dignity, Jenneen and Gregory also enjoyed themselves, with humorous glances towards the front rows of family.

After taking a few brief pictures of their family, the happy couple spent a little time with us taking some less traditional photos, which they clearly enjoyed doing. To our surprise, Jenneen had some ideas for photo ops that she wanted to try out. She had the energy and the spirit, and so we just went with it! Gotta love a bride who isn't afraid to express herself in front of camera (we laughed about how she could easily replace Madonna in some of her videos!)

Finally, it was time to go to the incredible V.I.P. Country Club. What a beautiful place, and what an even more excellent staff they have there. We couldn't say enough positive things about them for the way in which Debbie (the coordinator) and the wait staff treated us. We look forward to working there again. We walked around and took some details of the dining room, where there were TWO cakes, one in the form of stacked and ribboned boxes, the other with a Ferrari logo. The meal was out of this world, too — several times throughout the night, Jenneen and Gregory INSISTED that we eat. With that kind of pressure, we just had to give in (thank you so much, J & G, for making sure we were very well cared for). :-)

We love live music, and the sounds of the Carozza Brothers kept everyone entertained with music ranging from old Sinatra classics to more modern beats. This accomplished group of musicians, along with very talented vocalists, kept a large number of guests on the floor. Toward the end of the evening, Carozza Brothers thrilled everyone by firing off streamers and confetti into the crowd. The smiles on Jenneen and Gregory's faces lit the entire room. It was an amazing and fun-filled night.

There's too much else to describe about their evening — cigar rolling, an awesome Viennese hour, and more! So why not simply go to their gallery of images to see for yourself. A link should be available very soon in the "Client Proofs" section of our main website.

Sheila and Roy's Wedding

2005-11-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

Sheila and Roy had planned their wedding as a Grand event (with a capital 'G'). From beginning of the day to its end, it turned out exactly as planned.

When we arrived at her apartment, Sheila was excited to see us and introduced us to everyone there. Being the cool and collected person that she is, everything was well under control as she and her sisters got prepared. Her hair stylist (Christopher Morris 551.655.5285) and makeup artist (Natalie DiStefano 856.952.5726) did a beautiful job. Sheila's wedding gown was hand-finished, and her mother and father helped her fasten the final row of buttons on the back of her dress.

We arrived at the church only a few blocks down the road, where Roy was already waiting with his groomsmen. There were nice touches during the ceremony that included several of their family members, which made everything that much more heartfelt.

The reception was held in the Great Hall at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, NY. What an incredible venue and space for a reception! The high vaulted ceilings curved overhead, and the floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows reminded us of what a great feast must have looked like here in the early 1920s. We couldn't have been happier with the way the staff there worked with us, and we'd love to shoot there again in the future. (Thanks, Sheila and Roy, for the incredible meal!)

Sheila and Roy's online gallery will be available soon. Keep checking the "Client Proofs" section of our main site over the next few days, and we'll have lots more pictures for you to enjoy. In the meantime, there is another picture in the "Tell Others" section of our site, which you can attach to a message to your friends as you excitedly wait for the rest of their photos. As always, feel free to comment here on the blog with your thoughts about their wedding day.

Terri and Brian's Wedding

2005-11-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

When we first met Terri and Brian, their excitement about their wedding was positively infectious. We knew we would love working with them. After getting hair and makeup done at the Water's Edge Salon, Terri joined us at Round Hill to get dressed and see her groom for the first time. She had me (and even Ulysses) positively squealing when she showed me her incredible Kate Spade shoes, complete with sparkling dragonflies. I have to show you a picture here. Aren't they gorgeous? (click the image to see a larger version) Although there weren't many leaves left, we were able to do create beautiful portraits with Terri and Brian outside at Round Hill before heading to the church.

There was an amazing amount of work put into every detail of this wedding, including a personalized runner with their monogram, gorgeous flowers by Flowers by David Anthony in beautiful vases found by the bride, tiny apples accenting the tables, even a personalized sash on the bouquet. All those details, combined with the warm friendliness we were shown, made this wedding a delight to photograph.

Their online proof gallery is now available in our "Client Proofs" section. There is also a photo from their wedding in "Tell Others" that can be used to e-mail others. Please also feel free to comment here - we'd love to hear from you!

Where have we been?

2005-11-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

Ulysses and I had the opportunity to go to a photography seminar this week given by the incredible Joe Buissink. Joe photographs weddings all over the world, including many celebrity weddings, and is a fabulous teacher and friend. We came back home inspired and eager for the next wedding.

While we were there, we met up with many photographers we’ve known, as well as made new friends. We were able to see the latest albums at the trade show while there. We were also treated to wonderful food all day long courtesy of Bezalel Gables Catering. It was truly fabulous and the staff was very friendly, so if you’re looking for a location for your wedding, or a New York caterer, check them out.

We love attending seminars like this, which keep our photography fresh and up-to-date, and remind us that what we do as photographers is such a tremendous privilege. Thanks to all of our brides, past/present/future, for allowing us to be a part of your lives in this way.

Loving What We Do

2005-11-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture that Jenni took of me while on a recent photo shoot. My cheesy smile while working probably says it all (just click on the picture to see the smile even larger!). All of our couples who meet us can tell instantly that we absolutely love what we do. There's no question about it. When we get to meet a new couple who are hopelessly in love and can help them bring their inner joy to their photographic session, then we know we have a wonderful thing going with them. The results are unforced and genuine.

It all begins with establishing a good relationship with our clients, and continues when we have the opportunity to invest in time spent with them both during their engagement sessions AND on their wedding day.

If you want the best possible pictures of yourselves, make sure that you allow time for yourselves on your wedding day. It's so often forgotten during the planning stages. And we'd never want for your pictures to be short-changed without some fun and romantic portrait time built into your schedule. Ask us about helping to plan your timeline for your wedding day so that you can get the most out of your valuable photographic time with us.

Jamee and Jeff's Engagement

2005-11-05T21:54:00.000-05:00

Effervescent! The word means to show high spirits and animation. That word fits Jamee and Jeff right down to every letter. They'd both been looking forward to this session for months, as we'd wanted to make sure to get some of the autumn colors. We were not disappointed by the weather.

We took a stroll outside in the 68-degree weather. Jamee and Jeff entertained us with some of their ultra-cool dance moves while Jenni and I continued to snap away. Though the park that was chosen was full of people, we easily found quiet spots to get away for some romance and fun; and there were times when we continued shooting even when there was a little bit of a crowd around. These two didn't care because they were a private little crowd of two people with eyes only for one another. :)

As is our custom, we've provided a slideshow preview (PC only) so that you can enjoy some of the pictures from their fun and loving photo shoot. There is also a picture in the "Tell Others" section of our main website that you can enjoy sharing with friends and family. Their complete online gallery will be available shortly in the "Client Proofs" section of our site. If you've enjoyed these pictures, feel free to drop a comment here in our blog!

Stephanie and Brian's Engagement

2005-11-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

We had such an enjoyable time with Stephanie and Brian, just walking around and enjoying the remaining autumn leaves at a local park. They are obviously in love, and so excited about their upcoming winter wedding, only five months away now. We really look forward to it, too.

While Ulysses is hard at work preparing their proof gallery, here is a slideshow preview for you to enjoy.

There is also a photo available from their session in the 'Tell Others' section of our website that can be used to e-mail anyone who might enjoy seeing their photos and blog entry. Their full proof gallery from the engagement session will be available shortly in 'Client Proofs'.

Erica and Dom's Wedding

2005-11-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

Erica and Dom had exactly the kind of wedding day they were hoping for ... happy and relaxed, and full of friends and family. They had beautiful clear skies and the remaining soft muted colors of autumn as a backdrop for their lovely wedding at the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg, NY. Erica and Dom like to be original, so we knew there would be a lot to enjoy. For starters, Erica wore a burgundy dress. They also had two sets of weddings rings ... a traditional set, and a black titanium set that was really unique. Their beautiful cake was also chocolate - inside and out. The chocolate scent was incredible every time I walked past it.

Erica and Dom had their very nontraditional ceremony inside to keep warm, but the beautiful valley was visible through the large windows all around. There was tons of food, from lobster to vegetarian dishes, all wonderfully prepared by the staff at the Eagle’s Nest. We always enjoy working there. : )

Erica and Dom, we could see that you just adore each other, and we know you will be very happy together. We really appreciate the privilege of being part of your special day.

While the proofs are being processed, please enjoy this slideshow preview. The entire proof gallery will be available shortly in the Client Proofs section of our website. There is also a photo from the wedding now available in the Tell Others section, which can be e-mailed as a notecard to your friends. Enjoy!

Jenneen and Gregory's Engagement

2005-10-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

We got together with Jenneen and Gregory for their engagement session on a brisk October day, but they were bundled up well, and we kept them real close to each other to keep warm. : )

We had a great time exploring a beautiful mansion in Middletown, New York, which was the perfect backdrop for a romantic session. Jenneen and Gregory are both scientists for a living, and there was an obvious chemistry between them. We're really looking forward to their December wedding at Reid Hall, located on the campus Manhattanville College in Westchester, and reception at the V.I.P. Country Club in New Rochelle.

Their entire proof gallery is now available in the "Client Proofs" section of our website, and be sure to check "Tell Others" for a photo that can be e-mailed to friends and family.

Vivian and John's Wedding

2005-10-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

One word is all it takes: Incredible! But I'm not going to stop there, because there's simply so much else to say about Vivian and John, their gracious family and friends, and their beautiful wedding.

Vivian started her day in the spa at The Garrison, a resort located on the Hudson River in Garrison, New York. With bright airy rooms and beautiful views of the Hudson River seated in the changing autumn colors, the scene was set for an impossibly romantic wedding day. We were excited to see Vivian, as she sat in the hair salon where her stylist prepared her with a vintage 1920s hairstyle that suited her sense of style and elegance just perfectly. Her look was completed with a silken gown which was overlayed with a beautifully detailed lace top portion that formed its own train at her feet. She looked simply stunning. John came to meet her in the bridal suite, where we were able to capture some of the most lovely pictures of them alone together during the day.

We marveled at the richness of their shared Italian culture, as we heard young and old around us speaking Italian, greeting one another with warm hugs and kisses, and even treating Jenni and myself as if we'd known them all for years as family. What a privilege it was to spend the day with them all.

A highlight of the day came after Vivian and John's first dance. Vivian's father had passed away years earlier. To keep his memory alive at their wedding, a brief slideshow was seen on a large screen while Vivian and her mother danced together to the music and vocals of the group, A Touch of Jazz, as they played Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable". I do not believe there was a single dry eye in The Garrison as we watched this touching presentation.

The marvelous staff of The Garrison served some of the most delightful meals we've had the pleasure of enjoying: Roasted striped bass with grainy mustard sauce, and then an amazing plated dessert designed by John especially for the wedding. Since both Vivian and John are chefs with a keen eye for creativity and art, it was no surprise that the meals were as delicious to look at as they were to taste (thank you to Vivian and John, and to the staff of The Garrison — we could not have enjoyed ourselves more). The flowers by Artfool were breathtaking - some of our favorite ever.

The skies were overcast for most of the afternoon. But one of the highlights of our day with Vivian and John was when the clouds opened up to reveal a spectacularly golden sunset. As they basked in the rays of the sun, it warmed our hearts to hear Vivian say about our portrait sessions together, "I'm really going to miss this." We're going to miss photographing them, too.

As everyone said their tearful goodbyes to the couple, we were reminded of how precious it is to have in your life a soul-mate with whom you can share your loves, joys, and dreams. Our wish for Vivian and John is that their love and enriched lives continue to inspire all who know them. We know they have done so for us. We love you guys!

Their online gallery will be available soon in the "Client Proofs" area of our main website. Until they are available, however, please enjoy this slideshow preview containing a few romantic moments from their day.

Also, we would love to hear from you if you attended Vivian and John's wedding or saw these pictures. Feel free to post a comment by clicking on the Comment icon at the end of this weblog entry. We want this shared experience to continue with your help! Thanks!