Amanda and Drew made the celebration of their love a weekend affair. The Inn had more than enough space to house their bridal parties and families for their celebration. The minute I walked into the Inn, I was greeted with the smell of freshly baked cupcakes, lots of happy and beautiful faces and a dance party in the bride’s room.

My favorite images from the wedding day are the ones above comparing Cruz and Drew’s reactions to seeing Amanda for the first time. These images simply make my heart smile.

Many Thanks and Hugs to Amanda and Drew for inviting me to document their wedding day. The talent that those two have will prove their future limitless, especially with the unlimited love and support from their friends and families.

Artists/Vendors who made their wedding day perfect:

Ceremony/Reception: The Raritan Inn at Middle Valley 

Day of Coordinator: The Bride Organizer

Invitations & Programs: The Bride! Will share Etsy Shop as soon as it opens

Flowers: The Bride!

Cake: Woodland Bakery

DJ: Tri-State Unique Productions

Hair/Makeup: Ore Makeup Design

And last but CERTAINLY not least, my fabulous second photographer: Cassidy Parker Smith

I met Kat and Brian for their beautiful portraits in Verona Park, NJ. I knew the images were going to be beautiful before we even started. How could they not be with a stunning couple, cute-as-a-button pup and cherry blossoms? We had a lot to chat about, especially when it came to making their dreams a reality.  Brian recently graduated from the police academy, a moment he dreamt so long for. Kat has also been busy making her dreams come true by launching an event planning business, Creatively Yours, Kathleen.  “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Pavithra and Dustin’s two day wedding affair was beyond anything that I have ever experienced. It was my first time photographing an Indian engagement and wedding ceremony, and I can say that it will DEFINITELY not be my last. The moment I walked in to Pavithra’s hotel room, I felt as though I was walking into a room of my own family. This set the theme for the entire weekend. It was a weekend that would not only be about celebrating the love of two wonderful individuals, but also the love among their families. Their celebration was accented with bright, beautiful and colorful attire; meaningful and heartfelt ceremonies; and speeches that left the entire room in tears.

Pavithra and Dustin are bound for a beautiful life as husband and wife. They are bound for many more life defining moments with their families and the support from their families to make all of their dreams come true. I am not only immensely thankful for being able to document Pavithra and Dustin’s wedding day, but being able to meet a room full of people who have showed me that love is boundless. “True love is boundless like the ocean and, swelling within one, spreads itself out and, crossing all boundaries and frontiers, envelops the whole world.” – Gandhi

Artists/Vendors who made their wedding day perfect:

Venue: Ocean Place Resort & Spa

Caterer: Bombay Talk

Cinematographer: Nayeem Vohra

Officiant & Friend: Emilia Allen

Violinist: Beth Holub

Hair: Michelle Reposa

Makeup: Michael Flowers

Florist: Alexia Cox

And last but CERTAINLY not least, my fabulous second photographer, and friend: Angela Newton Roy

Amy and Dennis met in law school. Long before they began dating, Amy recalled a time where she kept thinking how great of a husband Dennis would be. Dennis is charming, intelligent, and most importantly, makes Amy the happiest woman in the world. There is one thing I will never forget about Amy. I will never forget the moment I met her and what her eyes looked like when she spoke of Dennis. They sparkled. The kind of sparkle you see when you are just on the verge of shedding a tear. A happy tear. It is simply beautiful. She is beautiful, kind and most importantly, makes Dennis the happiest man in the world.   One day in December, they were decorating their Christmas tree and a surprise box appeared. That surprise box contained a different kind of sparkle to further solidify their happiness, as a couple.

All my brides (and some of the grooms) know that I am just a tad bit addicted to Pinterest. I follow all my brides to get the latest and greatest updates on their dreams, ideas and “must have” details for their wedding day. I pinned a picture of a cherry blossom to Amy’s board with the caption, “Cherry blossoms for your engagement? The only place more beautiful than DC for cherry blossoms is in Newark!” Well it turned out that Amy was JUST about to email me about doing their engagement in Branch Brook Park in Newark. It is not only a place of beautiful cherry blossom trees, but a place where Amy spent her Easter Sundays with family. We planned an early morning engagement in Branch Brook Park to avoid the crowds that were to attend the annual festival that was planned for that day. The morning was a perfect blend of beautiful light, blossoms and a gorgeous couple.

Next March, I know that Amy and Dennis will both have sparkles in their eyes. Sparkles to showcase their happiness on their wedding day, which I am truly blessed to be a part of.

Amanda and Drew’s engagement began during a long, uphill and extremely challenging run in Hacklebarney State Park. At the top of the hill, Drew proposed with a stunning ruby and diamond engagement ring. I can’t even imagine the happiness that came from running an uphill mental battle (as any runner knows) as boyfriend/girlfriend, followed by a downhill blissful delight as an engaged couple.

The moment I met Amanda for coffee, I knew I would love her family of three. She absolutely glowed when we chatted about Drew, their beautiful baby boy, and their amazing families. My heart melted when she told me that her and Drew met while in training for Teach for America. Not only are Amanda and Drew a drop dead gorgeous couple, they are unbelievable parents and have hearts made of gold. I left their mini engagement/family session feeling thankful for couples like them that make me a better person.

I am truly blessed to be able to document Amanda and Drew’s wedding this Spring. I am not only excited to meet their families and listen to Amanda and Drew exchange their vows, but I cannot wait to see their little cutie, Cruz, smile from ear to ear at his parent’s wedding.

I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. The night that Clare and John was no exception. An urge for one of Clare’s favorite foods, brought her to a pub where she would meet her prince charming. An exchange of glances from across the room was more than enough for John to give Clare his number. John thought it would be the last time he saw Clare, as he misunderstood the length of her vacation back home to Australia. Clare safely kept his number and called him as soon as she returned to New York City. And that, ladies and gentlemen, was how it all started.

The moment I met Clare and John at one of their favorite restaurants, I knew that it was the start of a new friendship. Their Irish and Australian accents were comforting. Their personalities were charming. Our conversation would have continued all night if it were not in the middle of the workweek. I left with a huge smile and knowing that the celebration of their love would be beautiful. And the word beautiful, does not do them, or their wedding justice.

As soon as I walked into Clare’s getting ready location, I was greeted by happiness and hugs. (Side Note: Anyone who knows Clare, also knows she gives great, meaningful hugs.) A vintage Pride & Prejudice book and pair of diamond earrings were gifts from her prince charming. A handkerchief with blue initials were her pop of something blue. Her Mum’s pearl earrings were her something borrowed. Her Mum’s mink coat was her something old. Her gorgeous dress (with pockets!!!) was her something new.

Clare and John were glowing with happiness on their wedding day, which took place at the New Leaf Restaurant in Fort Tryon Park. They both looked stunning. Every single detail was perfect. Did I mention that Clare created a custom embroidered handkerchief for EVERY SINGLE loved one who came to celebrate their wedding day with them? Each one took over an hour and a half to create!

A special thanks to Clare and John for your friendship and sharing your love story with me!

Artists/Vendors who made their wedding day perfect:

Reception/Ceremony: New Leaf Restaurant in Fort Tryon Park

Hair: StylesOnB

Makeup: Nicole Sievers Makeup

Florist: Kate Woodhouse

Cake: A Simple Cake

And last but CERTAINLY not least, my fabulous second photographer: Cassidy Parker Smith

Why should we have hired someone else to do it?

Attachment to Every Image:

It was our wedding, a wedding we planned meticulously for. Ok, maybe Mathias really only planned meticulously when it involved food, especially chocolate, but he supported every decision made He was also on a separate continent for most of the planning period. Back to the point, every image was special to us. How was I just to choose a few images from the reception, when the album software allowed me to squeeze in all the images? Almost to the point where you have to squint to see who is even in the picture.

Wedding photographers and album designers, while some may be attached to those images, their job is to tell the story – and not to fit every image from the wedding day onto a single page.  They have experience in telling love stories. Collaborate with them to tell YOUR love story as it should be written in a beautiful book, in this case, an album.

Accessibility to High Quality Albums:

Again, I used a Groupon for our wedding album and had no idea if the album company was any decent. While I love Groupon, there are some things that you shouldn’t use it for, unless absolutely necessary. A wedding album is one of them. I should have saved it for an album documenting our honeymoon. After comparing our own wedding album to some of the sample albums from companies that wedding photographers have access to, it was kind of like comparing a cubic zirconia to a diamond. The cut, color and clarity were FAR better.

Wedding photographers have access to a breadth of album companies that are only available to professional photographers. We go to expos, album viewing events and order sample albums to make sure that the albums are great quality and will last for generations to come.

Time:

The last thing I expected was to spend two entire days designing my album. I never used the software, was very indecisive when it came to the layout and didn’t fully understand the cropping ratio. So much so, that I have alternating black and white backgrounds (kind of psychedelic) and some limbs were cut out of pictures.

Wedding photographers and album designers have this experience with the software, layouts and cropping ratios so that these issues do not come up. Most have multiple reviews with the client to make sure the design exceeds the client’s expectation.

I hope my experiences as a bride before a wedding photographer have been somewhat entertaining. If you wanted to know, I do plan on redesigning my album. Especially since my album design experience level went from the pee wee league to the major league. Reach out to your wedding photographer to see what album design and types of albums they offer.

Our album. Our wedding was documented by the fabulous Casey Connell Photography.

Squeezing in as many images that the album company software allowed me to!

An example of a Michelle Lange Photography album spread.

Just this week, Brittany and Jordan jumped at the opportunity to move back to North Carolina, close to where Brittany grew up. While hoping to move there in the future, the opportunity came sooner than expected. This sparkly, beautiful and love filled session not only showcases who they are as a couple, but who they are as West Village residents. They will take their memories and, now, further documented NYC life with them on their new adventure. I will miss them immensely, but I know they have nothing but great things waiting to greet them in Charlotte. Xo.

Cherie of Cherie Mariko Photography

Kendra of Kendra Cole Photography

Alison of Alison Mish Photography 

Mike of Alison Mish Photography

Alison AND Mike of Alison Mish Photography

Jenn of Spotted: Stills Photography

Rick of Star One Photography

Lindsay of Lindsay Vallas Photography

Brittany of Brittany Meng Photography

Michael of Michael Nolen Photography 

As photographers, we often talk about our love of documenting other’s personalities, stories and lifestyles. We quickly brush away, or de-prioritize the idea that we should also document our own personalities, stories and lifestyles. While in Las Vegas, I wanted to treat other photographers (and now my friends ) to 10 minute headshots to use on their websites, blogs and social media pages.  One of the biggest things I learned was having confidence in front of the camera is equally important as having confidence behind the camera. These guys and gals sure brought it like Sophia Grace and Rosie on Ellen. Many thanks to Brittany Lauren for flawlessly documenting more of these talented photographer’s personalities (go check them out!), Kendra Cole for helping to keep these 10 minute sessions run so smoothly and, most importantly, the 9 incredibly talented photographers for being so friggen awesome! XOXO

Expo
The first two days of the expo, I walked in and out very quickly. It was way too crowded. I finally spent a couple of hours at the expo on the third day. There were half the number of people AND there were some great deals, as some companies were trying to clear out their remaining stock. I was able to pick up pocket wizards that were used as demos during workshops for about 20% less then retail. A pocket wizard is a remote trigger for flashes, not what some of my non-photographer friends thought it was. Some of my favorite booths:
- Miller’s definitely won the award for prettiest display.
- Photobooth Supply Co for offering a photo booth package. I have had a lot of clients ask if I offered photo booths, so I may be giving these guys a call in the near future.
- Red Tree for being the best album company ever!
- Cypress albums has been an album and other high-end product company I have always wanted to check out in person and their selection of products was great. I was loving their presentation boxes.
- Artifact Uprising is a new album company that offers albums that have 100% recycled pages. I would love to offer these for engagement sessions and would love to print some of my own, personal images using this company.
- Kelly Moore was selling their fun new Songbird bag.
- Fujifilm was showing off their new X100S, which will be making an appearance on my Pinterest wish list.

Hotel
I used my AMEX points to get my own room at The Signature Towers. The Signature Towers were quiet and SMOKE free. The tower I stayed in was the closest hotel to the conference center. The rooms were nice, beds were comfortable and there was a mini kitchen so that I could get some grocery’s and eat some of my meals in my room. The first night I arrived, I ordered groceries from Von’s and had them delivered to my door the next day. A few tips for next year:
- I definitely ordered way too much food from Von’s, so next year I plan to order only what I KNOW I will eat. Don’t skimp on those granola bars though, because you will need them!
- Bring a portable humidifier. The air is extremely dry and smoking is allowed in the casinos. These two did not mix well with my little lungs. I was stuck with a dry cough all week.
- I feel like I say this EVERY time I travel, but this is especially true when going to a photography expo. DON’T overpack. My bag was already overweigh and after purchasing a few things, it was REALLY overweight.
- Bring cash. Since I live near NYC, I never have a problem paying with my Credit Card or finding my bank’s ATM. I didn’t see one non-casino owned ATM while I was in Vegas, so I had to pay the ridiculous casino ATM fees.
- If you want to set up a shoot with friends at the MGM or Signature you may need to get approval from public affairs. Two nights before a friend and I were scheduled to shoot free headshots for 2 hours on Tuesday, I went outside to shoot with my friends and was kindly asked to find an off site location. This may sound a little crazy, but professional cameras are technically not allowed to be used on site. While it sounds a tad strange, especially for a photography convention, I reached out to public affairs and they were more than ok letting us use a courtyard for our shoot.

Classes
I wish my lungs would have allowed me to go to more of my pre-registered classes, but mornings were especially tough on my cough and new ‘man’ voice. The classes I did go to were FULL of information and inspiration. A few tips for next year:
- Go to a class you wouldn’t normally go to. Whether it be a photographer you have never heard of or in an area of photography you do not specialize in.
- The good news is (well some may say its bad news) that next year’s convention happens BEFORE the pools are open. The reason I say this is good news is because it is one less distraction

Special Events
If it wasn’t for my annoying dry cough or jet lag, I would have gone to more of the special events. Every single person should go to the award show. It was the single most inspirational, motivational and moving event that I went to. Plain and simple. AND don’t forget a box of tissues. The images and albums that won awards… jaw dropping. I would love to submit some of my own images into the competition next year. Tuesday night was the night with the biggest events, including a WPPI hosted, all-white pool party, photographers ignite, a newbie soiree hosted by the fabulous Justin & Mary, a Bay Photo party and the awesome Lazers and Blazers. For next year:
- Get plenty of sleep on Monday night, as Tuesday is crazy busy and you do not want to miss out on all of the action.
- I suggest staying until Thursday so that you can spend Wednesday relaxing those sore dancing feet, visiting the final day of the expo and attending the award show.
- Buy tickets to Lazers and Blazers in advance and be sure you get there before 11:30pm, as they lock doors after that point. Bring cash for a cab and drinks! Your bartenders will thank you. I would know because I used to be one You do not find out where the party is until the day of and it is more than likely outside of a comfortable walking distance (at least in heels).

Other
There were a ton of informal gatherings that I saw on Facebook. Again, if I wasn’t in bed by 9pm the first few nights I was there, I would have definitely gone out to meet other photographers. I am one that prefers dinner over a big networking event, as I get a little overwhelmed at events with a lot of people I have never met before. I also get super nervous with putting myself out there, especially when meeting other photographers that I look up to. Hello social awkwardness. I prefer going out to dinner for a much more intimate setting where I can chat with smaller groups of people about all things life and business. Oh, and I LOVE food.  What I would do differently next year:
- Setup a dinner with a few photographers that I have never met before.
- Have a friends night in with close friends. The first night I got in, I went out to dinner with my dear friend Angela. We shared many laughs and tears while talking about all things life, photography and business. If I went to Vegas to only have that meet up, I would have came home just as inspired and moved.
- Attend a workshop!
- Do another headshot session! I will be sharing more info about these sessions soon

If you have any questions/comments about WPPI, I would love to hear from you!

1. Photobooth Supply Co / 2 Kelly Moore Songbird Bag / 3. Artifact Uprising Wooden Box / 4. Crypress Museum Box / 5. Artifact Uprising Hardcover Book / 6. FUJIFILM X100S