Destination engagement photo shoots are becoming more and more popular. They are a lot of fun for me because I get to explore different locations, foods, and cultures, and they are also convenient for my couples with crazy schedules that don’t have the time to get away.  So of course I was excited when Anita and Chirag asked me if I would be interested in coming to St. Louis for their e-shoot.  They will be having a spectacular multi-day wedding on Long Island in a couple of weeks, and this was the first opportunity we had to shoot together.

 We took a few photos before Anita and Chirag treated me to an awesome Indian meal at Rasoi- the many flavors of India.  Then we went back out into the rain to do some more before calling it a night.  A few hours later we were shooting at sunrise to take advantage of the incredible morning light.  Chirag had to work at the hospital for a coupe of hours, and then we were back to shooting again.  We discovered the BBC: Banh Mi Boba Tea & Creperie in the beautiful Central West End.  Alexis Kim (the owner) made a delicious Japanese and Western inspired desert crepe for us to share after she found out we were doing an engagement shoot.  Wow, all I can say is I highly recommend this delightful crepe made right before your eyes, and stuffed full of Nutella and fresh fruits. I had to include the image of them feeding each other because Anita missed Chirag’s mouth and slammed him in the cheek with it on purpose.  I think the image is a classic because I love how he has just the right amount for her, and how you can see the surprise on his face when he realizes it isn’t going in his mouth.  He is trying to make it work right up to the last second, but she has other plans.  We also tried Boba Tea for the first time.  Boba are small tapioca balls used to add texture to drinks, they are also a lot of fun to chew.

 Next we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden, and then to Laclede’s Landing- the historic riverfront in old St. Louis.  Here I was introduced to baked ravioli, a hometown St. Louis favorite.  Yes, we shot a lot, and we ate a lot, and it is always fun to work with someone that enjoys food as much as I do.  We finished up at the one and only Gateway Arch.  What a magnificent testament to technology this thing is.  It can be difficult to photograph at the wrong time of day, so we waited for the right time and came away with some wonderful images. Four wedding parties were there at the same time as us, and I was surprised that none of the photographers took advantage of the most spectacular bounce light I have ever seen.  The arch itself is a huge metallic reflector that baths different areas with incredibly warm beautiful light.  Of course I couldn’t pass it up, can you guess which image was created in this unreal light?

 I also managed to put in a guest photographer appearance at my good friend Dan Watkins wedding.  It was great to see you Dan, hope your couple enjoys the little bit of New York love I created for them.

 Thank you so much Anita and Chirag for everything, it was truly a pleasure getting to know you and doing this together.  I so look forward to being together again for the wedding and the many fabulous images I know we will create together.  

Congratulations Jen and Hernando!

It was a pleasure to share this special time with you and your families.  It was exciting to be shooting a full blown wedding again too.  Most people don’t realize how much physical energy it takes to photograph a wedding.  There are always a few that come up to me at the end of the night and say that they have never in their life seen a photographer work like I do.  I’m usually soaked with sweat, running on my last ounces of energy, and happy to have made it through the day.  I really do appreciate it when someone takes a second to let me know that they saw the effort and dedication I put in for their friend or family member.  I always say, “Wait until you see the photos” but they usually say, “After watching you work, I don’t need to see the photos to know you did a great job!”  I have been working out for months in preparation for this and all of my weddings.  Nothing compares to squatting in unreal positions for extended amounts of time, or holding a monster camera, lens, and flash for over twelve hours.    Photographer muscles scream for days afterwards.  It is a good thing that we can work the larger, main muscle groups, and the heart beforehand, or these little, less known muscles would never tolerate the beating they take.

The ceremony was at Sage Chapel on Cornell University, and the Ithaca Country Club provided the perfect location for the reception.  Thank you to Laurie Chadwick for being such an attentive host (as always).  I tip my hat to you and the entire staff at the Country Club for doing such a great job.

Pastry Chef and cake artist extraordinaire Marion Cardwell-Ferrer from Sincredible Pastries created another masterpiece for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to Erich Camping for dropping in to shoot with me.

I wish you much love and happiness, now and forever Jen and Hernando.

Wow, sorry for the hiatus everyone.  This is the longest I have ever gone between posts.  Niiiiiiiicce, I get a new blog and then disappear.  Actually, things have been busier than ever, and I have a lot of things to catch up on so look for a bunch of posts to be coming soon.

Photo District News (the professional photographers bible) asked future brides to review five wedding photographers web sites. 

Brides Speak Their Minds About Photographers’ Web Sites

I didn’t know anything about it until the editor wrote me asking if they could use a few screen grabs from my web site for the magazine article.  I was a little apprehensive at first because who knows who would be doing the reviews, plus if they slammed me for something it would be on prime time in front of the whole world.  It turned out to be very educational for me, and I plan to implement some of their suggestions as soon as possible.  I was a little disappointed because the blog actually received the most criticism.  The redesign was already happening and about to be launched, but it was after the reviews so it wasn’t considered.

Recently, I did a couple fabulous engagement shoots in Buffalo and St Louis, and a wonderful wedding in Ithaca.  My schedule is off the wall crazy already, but I hope to have these posts up as soon as possible.  My friend Erich Camping gave a wedding workshop in Rochester and I dropped by to lend a hand.  The images with this post are from some of the shoots we were doing to teach people how to find beautiful light and pose your couples in a variety of different positions.  Thanks Erich and everyone for allowing me to share with you.  I hope you were able to walk away with some valuable information.  Thank you to Lynn, Dave, Haley, and Ryan for doing such a great job posing for us.  Especially when it started to rain pretty good, you all did an awesome job, and I look forward to photographing with you again.

I am so excited to share the new blog with everyone!  I have wanted large images for what seems like forever.  Unfortunately, the images were maxed out at my old host, and the only way to go larger was to move everything.  Please be sure to change your bookmarks, and links to point at this new address.

 I have been working non-stop since the season ended (did it end?) trying to catch up on things before the new season gets into full gear.  Then I met Jared Henderson from NetRivet Web Development and he told me that he had the solution to my problem.  I put my faith (and credit card) in his hands and gave him the green light.  Wow!  Jared, all I can say is Bravo!  I am so happy with the new look and really appreciate the work you did (at a fair price too).  Thank you again, and rest assured that I will be talking you up for a long time to come.

 As a photographer, I feel that my first post on the new blog must have images.  Actually, this is a great chance to share some photos I shot at the incredible Revolution Workshop in NYC a few months ago.  I was busy doing a couple of engagement shoots, so I was only able to shoot one of the sessions.  However, the couple I worked with did a fabulous job, and we produced some awesome shots.  Thanks again to everyone involved for allowing me to share a little time with you.  The first image is doing well in a couple of competitions.  It is a finalist in the Best of Weddings Contest and will be on display at the WPPI Convention in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks.  I am very disappointed that I can’t attend again this year because of my schedule.  This is the second year in a row that my work has been there but I haven’t.  I will miss all of my friends and hope to see you next year, if not sooner.

This is a bunch of us (inside and outside) shooting the third shot down from the top.  Can you find me?

The magnificently talented, and super niiiiiiiicce couple (I love these two) Chris+Lynn from Vancouver, British Columbia.  I think that per capita Vancouver has more of my favorite photographers than anywhere.  These two would certainly be at the very top of any list of great photographers though. 

I was looking forward to Heidi and Scott’s wedding, but even more so when Scott told me I had free reign to do what ever I needed in the church. “We have total confidence in you” are words I love to hear, and always put a smile on my face. This was also going to be my first wedding with a groom in his Marine Blues, so there was a lot to be excited about. To make things even more exciting, my friend Erich Camping saw their engagement shoot on my blog and offered to come along since it was in his hometown. It was a lot of fun doing this together, and we captured many wonderful images for the families to treasure.

Thank you to Peter Rogers at Locust Hill Country Club for looking out for us, and to everyone else for allowing us to share this wonderful day. I wish you many blessings Heidi and Scott as you begin your journey together. Please click on an image to see it larger, and click here for their slideshow. Please visit Erich’s blog too and leave him some luv.

It was a pleasure to meet up with Michelle and Jeff in Syracuse for their engagement session. We started out at the Everson Museum of Art. Usually, I will ask for forgiveness rather than beg for permission at a last minute location because no one in charge wants to be responsible for granting permission. We asked, and of course it was denied, so we decided to go outside and make the best of it.

More and more of my couples are either into the arts or have close friends that are. Sometimes their creative friends have a lot to do with choosing me as their photographer. Now and then, they will come along to help out. Jonathan is a designer, and he was with Michelle and Jeff for support and camaraderie. I am not one to shy away from working with another professional. So it was definitely a treat, and a lot of fun to have him with us.

We were right next to the Landmark Theatre and I was thinking it would be great if we could do some things inside this majestic place. The guys were finding nothing but locked doors and had given up when we saw Michelle inside waving for us to come around. The place was locked up tighter than a drum, but Michelle had convinced the maintenance guy to let us in. For future brides out there, I have to tell you that photographers love it when a bride does things like this! Well we only had about 240 seconds but it was better than nothing and definitely convinced me that I need to do an extensive shoot, or even a workshop there at some point.

Thank you Michelle and Jeff, and thank you for the awesome dinner at Wise Guys. The food/company were excellent, and I would strongly recommend both. Thanks also to the incredible Mother/daughter wedding consulting team of Ann and Andrea Crowley from Bellabrations Event Planning. Email: Bellabrations@yahoo.com for introducing us. I’m really looking forward to working together again. I know we are in good hands, and it will be a lot of fun for everyone.

Ariel, Adam and I met at a popular indoor/outdoor coffee house in Ithaca called Collegetown Bagels. Actually, not much happens outside right now as we approach our annual stretch of single digit numbers in temperature. It is so strange meeting people like this for the first time. It is kind of like a blind date (not that I have been on a lot of blind dates) but you instantly recognize each other with the first eye contact. I mentioned this before in a post http://frankdimeo.blogs.com/frank_dimeo_blog/2007/05/nora_and_eric_i.html and I think it is interesting to talk about. It is something that fascinates me, and I thought it would be nice to share it again. This time I even left my bag in the car so the 40-pound anchor around my neck couldn’t identify me. Maybe Ariel and Adam recognized me from my photo? Or maybe I just look like a lost photographer looking for an engagement couple, I don’t know. Could also be that everyone else doesn’t look like they are looking for someone.

Their first date was at Rulloff’s (I have actually photographed his brain) so we went there next. Edward Rulloff’s unusually large brain is preserved for public viewing in the Psychology Department at Cornell University. It is a crazy story about a local Cornell establishment so click on the links if you are interested. Of course we also took advantage of Cornell’s beautiful campus for a bunch of photos too.

We discovered some new places (even for me) and that is always exciting.
They said, and my couples say this quite often, “We had a great time and really enjoyed you showing us some unique locations that we didn’t even know existed in our old stomping grounds. It is obvious that you love what you do and your energy and enthusiasm is amazing.” This was my 3rd engagement shoot in six days (all over the state). I also did 2 days of weddings, a workshop and trade show in NYC, and photographed Sandra Day O’Connor for the Cornell Law School, all in the past 11 days. That works out to 10 major shoots in 23 days, and gives me barely enough time to back the images up properly before I shoot again. The post-production, blog posts, and everything else pile up really fast though. So yes, energy and enthusiasm are prerequisites, but determination, hard work, and resiliency are also essential ingredients. Isn’t that the case with everything worthwhile in life?

It was a pleasure meeting/photographing you Ariel and Adam. I’m looking forward to doing your wedding together.

As I do more weddings, it becomes evident early on if a bride and groom really want to work with me, or if I am one of the many photographers they are considering. Of course, no one likes to be one of the many, and nothing feels better than being “the one”. I felt this instant connection I’m describing with Jen when I first talked to her on the phone. Then the feeling was amplified when I met with her and Hernando, and confirmed at the engagement shoot. Once again, I am blessed, and thankful for another fabulous couple that I am excited to be working with.

Hernando purposed to Jen in the top of McGraw Tower at Cornell University. It is a special place for them so I didn’t hesitate when the asked if I would be up to climbing the 163 steps to the top of Cornell.

Autumn in New York has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The temperatures are perfect, the colors are luscious, and the sunsets are spectacular! My wedding schedule is also full at this time for the same reasons. I try to take advantage of the perfect conditions and shoot as much as possible. I call it “getting it in the can” while we have the opportunity, because to me the saddest part of the season is knowing the monochromatic, cold days are not far off. The reason I call it this is because I know that it will be some time before I can actually get back to the images and work on them. However, most people (including me) would much rather do them before it gets too cold. I will do them during the winter if we absolutely have to, but usually I will try to wait until spring whenever possible.

It was a pleasure doing the engagement shoot with you Jen & Hernando. I’m looking forward to the wedding and meeting your families.

This one is thanks to the wind goddess Rachel

I loved the way Steve looked at me. Pictures really do say a thousand words.

o.k. sometimes much more than a thousand

My favorite Mom of the year

Brothers

Dancing with Dad

Another great Mom

This is special for you Rachel, thanks for all your help

On the wine tour

Twins

I love the feeling in this image

Well, what can I say? I don’t even know what to say, or where to begin, everything was so fantastic!

I do know that Marti and Steve are one of the funnest, and classiest couples I have had the pleasure to spend quality time with. They are the most considerate and friendly couple I have ever met. Everyone, and everything was thought of. Nothing could have been better for this amazing weekend wedding in the Finger Lakes. I will always look back on our time together with admiration and fondness. Honestly Marti and Steve, it was an honor, and a pleasure to spend the weekend together with you and your wonderful families.

I thought it might be nice to unveil the new look (large images) of my blog for your post, as a kind of thank you for everything. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but haven’t had the chance to refigure yet. I hope you like it, and look forward to feedback from everyone about it.

I’m exhausted and traveling as I type this, but I wanted to write it while the memories are still fresh. It would have been nice to do the fog shot by the lake, but I was kind of glad you didn’t call. We can do it another time, if you/we are up for it. I think the main reason I am so wiped out is because of the band ATLAS. Wow! These guys have it going on, big time! They blew the socks off everyone there! If you are ever fortunate enough to see them and you aren’t grooving, then you may not be breathing either. Seriously folks, these guys are the best I have ever heard! They no doubt take over the top spot as my number one recommendation. They are an interactive band coming off stage to sing and play in the audience. Steve’s Dad and brother even sat in with the horn section! Believe me, the next time I see Atlas cannot come soon enough.

It was also my first wedding at the magnificent Heron Hill Winery. I must tip my hat to their amazing event coordinator Doni McCann, and her incredible staff. The strange thing is they were practically invisible, until you needed something, and then they magically appeared as if they were reading your mind. Every detail was meticulously addressed with the utmost of care. The winery also has some of the most spectacular views anywhere. It was a pleasure to meet you and your team Doni, and I look forward to the next time.

My good friend Shai Eynav was able to join us as a second shooter. It is always a pleasure for us to work together, and the bride and groom are very fortunate when ever this is possible. Of course, Shai captured a bunch of wonderful photos, but I decided to use only my images for the slide show. Mainly because, after spending so much time together shooting the engagement session, wine tour, and rehearsal dinner, I felt a special connection to Marti, Steve and their families.

As always click on an image to see it larger. Oh wait, I don’t have to say that anymore, Yeah! The slideshow (click here) is about twelve minutes long so please kick back, relax, and relive the weekend with us.
Thanks again Marti, Steve, and your families for everything. I wish you much happiness, love and blessings, today and always.

Edit; I knew I was forgetting something. Marti is an excellent writer and has been keeping a blog at http://becominglefthanded.typepad.com/becoming_lefthanded/ on what it is like to be engaged. I have been following it from the very beginning and have enjoyed it immensely! She has changed it to http://www.becomingwritehanded.com/ since the wedding, and it is now about everything and anything she wants to write about. Please check it out and leave her some blog luv.

Does it get any better than a beautiful fall day in the Finger Lakes for a wedding? I’m not sure, but days like we had for Nora and Eric’s wedding are always welcomed and appreciated.

I met Nora, her Mom, and the rest of the women while they were having their hair and make-up done at Satori’s Day Spa and Salon. They finished getting ready at the Statler Hotel, and then we enjoyed a gorgeous walk to Sage Chapel together. Reverend Kenneth I Clarke, Sr., Director of Cornell United Religious Work (and a great guy) performed another incredibly beautiful ceremony.

The flowers from Michaleen’s were beautiful! Hope’s Way presented cuisine extraordinaire (as always), and Just Deserts provided the icing on the cake. New York State top spinning DJ Nicky Wood was there to make sure everyone worked off this incredible meal, and had a great time. Of course, he didn’t let anyone down! It is always a pleasure to work with experienced professionals that are at the top of their game, and deliver like all of these people did.

Well I think Eric gets the award for the most groovin groom of the year. This guy can boogie! Just watching him will make you want to get up and join him. He lit a fire under a lot of feet, and it was fun to be a part of.

Congratulations Nora and Eric! I wish you many blessings on your new journey together, and thank you for trusting me to capture these special moments for you. As always, click on an image to see it larger, and click here for their slideshow.