Our Blog's New Home

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

http://ulyssesphotography.com/blog/

Have Wedding... Will Travel!

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

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!

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

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?"

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

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

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.

Thanks For Your Patience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Patty & Andrew's Wedding

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!