Stephanie did an amazing job on her wedding she used her sense of style and got creative with some DIY on her wedding day thanks to the help of her bridal party.  After the rehearsal dinner the girls retired back to the brides suite at the Historic Smithville Inn and worked as a team to create the flowers for the wedding day.  Stephanie ordered cut flowers from an online company and had them delivered to the Inn and she and her girls got crafty and made their own bouquets.  The fun didn't stop there they also created the centerpieces for the dinner tables and made a great replica of the wedding cake to hold the cards.  They also made the guys boutonnieres. Stephanie, a graphic artist also designed her own logo and graphics and these were used for the stationary, invites, escort cards and table signs, favors and we even used the graphics in the design of her bridal album.

One of the most fun and overwhelming locations to photograph weddings is in NYC it's easy to go into overload with all the photo opportunities.  I met with a future bride Lisa and we talked about her wedding that would be taking place in NY this year and after the meeting I got to thinking abut the weddings I have done in the past in NY and decided that I wanted to share some of my fav images from over the past few years.

I was voted the one of the top Picks for the Knot's "Best of Weddings" you can check me out online at theknot.com under 2010 Best of Weddings under Photographers.

Stacy's Bouquet as seen in "The Knot New Jersey"  Flowers by Seasons in Bloom Photography by Rita Rojas-Sullivan

Check out Stacy's Bouquet in the Purple story in The Knot New Jersey

It's been almost 11 days since my last post I have been very busy working on new sample albums and getting ready for the bridal shows in February.  And also working very hard at the gym trying to keep up with my new years resolution to get healthy.  So check out the new album I just did from Laura's Wedding that took place at the Pine Hill GC in Pine Hill, NJ.  Here are the first few pages. 

Stephanie & Keith...... Glen Foerd Mansion on The Hudson

Stephanie and Keith used the images from their engagement sitting to design custom wedding day stationary.  They made amazing and simple wedding day programs that were handed to the guests as they arrived to let the everyone know how the elegant and relaxed day would flow.  They chose a scene setting shot walking down Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia rather then your traditional image looking into the camera.  This a a simple way to personalize those blah wedding ceremony programs.  Stephanie & Keith planned an amazing purple themed wedding at the Glen Foerd Mansion in Philadelphia the Georgian style mansion was a nod to Keith's Southern roots. To get more info about Glen Foerd check out http://www.glenfoerd.org/

After scouring through all my DVD's and hard drives looking at images for my new sites I came up with the idea of doing some posts on my most memorable weddings.  Now I know what you are thinking but unfortunately I don't have any bridezillas to speak of so it will be brides who are memorable for different reasons.  They stand out because they made their own flower arrangements, made their own wedding dress and one bride made her own wedding cake.  They also got married in unique locations and did things "their way".  So over the next twelve weeks I am going to reminisce about my top twelve most brave brides who got creative for their wedding day.  

A shout out to all my brides.  As the new year approaches I have been thinking back over the past few years remembering all my brides.. I have to say I am very lucky to have had the honor to work with all of you.  Not many people can say they built a business solely on word of mouth but because of all of you I can say that I have.  I have never up until this point advertised.  I like to think that I fly under the radar so it came as a surprise on the eve of Thanksgiving that I got a call from "The Knot" saying that I was chosen as one of theknot.com "Best of Weddings" for 2010.  So after being perplexed, curious and confused I called around found out that this was a real thing and then got excited.  I won this award because of you this was done via online poll and I must thank all of you even if you didn't vote in it.  As a winner I will be listed on theknot.com as a knot pick and will appear in the Spring/Summer Printing of "The Knot" New Jersey.  I am honored and excited plus who doesn't love free stuff.  I decided to delve into my archives and below you will find some pics see if yours it there.  As always if you have requested that I not use your images online for privacy reasons you will not find any images from your wedding but I am just a grateful for the privilege of photographing your wedding.

Winter is the best time to start your albums.  Most people get the itch to design their albums in the summer as they will be spending time visiting family and friends but most everyone hates the wait.  It takes and average of 8-12 weeks to decide on a layout and have the book printed and bound.  Most everyone says "we are gonna be easy" or "we are not picky" but in the end this is what you are gonna look at on every anniversary and show your children one day so you should be picky!  I suggest most couples choose the pics for the album and as a couple work with me to finalize the layout many people choose one person to spearhead the design and once that person is happy they then show it to their spouse who has a list of changes they want made.  I speak from experience I did all the work for my album and only after it was "perfect" showed it to my husband who made many good suggestions and well we had to start from the beginning.  So with the holidays behind us lets get started on your album.

Modern Image Album

Modern Image Album

Modern Image Album

Black Magic Frame with Double Mat

4x5 Thank You Folded Card

5x7 Post Card Sample

Thank You Post Card Sample

Please be sure to check out my booth if you are visiting the Imperia in Somerset, NJ on February 16th or The Doubletree Hotel in Princeton, NJ on February 18th. The Show is being hosted by Elegant Bridal. As always there will be great door prizes.


To register for either of the shows visit www.elegantbridal.com

Engagement Sittings

  Of all the questions people ask me the most asked ones are about the engagement sitting so I thought it would be helpful to address them.  An "engagement sitting" is simply a thirty minute portrait session of the future bride and groom and can be done either indoors or outdoors.

  These photos are then used for a few different things, like a newspaper announcement of the engagement, a framed portrait to display at the engagement party or wedding reception, a guest book or signature board, save the date cards, wedding programs and wedding invitations or, you may just want to have some photos to display in your home that capture the love and excitement you felt during the engagement.  Once you decide if you want to do one the next thing you should decide is what are you going to do with these photos and be sure to tell the photographer what they are for as this will effect the poses taken during the session.  Many newspapers will reject photos if they do not meet a certain criteria so be sure your photographer knows what they are looking for.

  As for the hot button issue of location most people choose an outdoor session at the Shore with the two leading spots being the beaches of Sandy Hook or the Boardwalk of Point Pleasant Beach the first being classic and romantic while the latter is quirky and fun.  Not everyone is a beach person and some choose to go to a local park or a special spot like the college campus they met at for photos but be sure to call the parks department/land owner to be sure you can take photos there.  Some parks require you to get written permission or pay a small fee in order to take photos there and if you don't have one the park ranger will escort you back to your car (I speak from first hand experience on this).

  As for the question of "what do I wear" you should always take into account a few things, like, the weather, the location, and what the images will be used for.  If you are doing a sitting at the beach you may want to wear your hair pulled away from your face as it will more then likely be a bit breezy and a cocktail dress is not recommended nor is a suit and tie as it doesn't fit with the surroundings but a swim suit is not appropriate either.  Consider wearing clothing that have similar tones and fabrics, avoiding patterns, and keeping in mind your surroundings when choosing strong colors.  A red dress at the beach is not the best idea but a red dress for you and a red tie for him and a large Christmas tree in the background is GREAT! Also, keep the sunglasses, purses and cellphones in the car and heavy coats are never recommended try a cute scarf and gloves for a great fall/winter look.  Below is a list of ideas but when in doubt just ask your photographer for recommendations.  That is why you hired them to give you their opinions as professionals.

Keep in Mind
coordinate your clothing but don't match, your engaged not twins
avoid strong patterns
dress appropriately for the location and look you are trying to achieve
ladies get a manicure your hand and amazing ring will appear in most of the photos
make sure you have permission to take photos at the location

Some Cute Ideas
khakis and a polo are always a great choice
jeans are great when paired with a blazer for men and a cute top for ladies
a scarf and gloves add a splash of color and keep you warm while taking photos
a more formal look of suit and tie for men and a cocktail dress for ladies works best for studio portrait sessions