Gilda and Fady’s wedding day was truly uniqe in its combination of two families cultures and traditions.  They had two separate ceremonies at two churches -  a Coptic (Egyptian) ceremony and a Catholic mass.

The ceremonies began with the wedding service at Fady’s church. The Coptic churches are especially beautiful  to photograph with their rich detailed settings and fascinating rituals.

.
This was followed by a traditional Philippine Catholic mass at Gilda’s church.

.
And from earlier on in the day, during Gilda’s preparation ..

.. and the portrait session at Lambert’s Castle on Garret Mountain :

.
Gilda and Fady’s wedding reception was held at The Valley Regency here in NJ.
This image of the bridal party with fireworks was taken by Elisabeth Millay:

.
Two images from the reception itself:

Gilda and Fady, thank you for being such a wonderful couple to photograph, and for sharing your wedding day with me. 

Jodi and Eric are quite simply one of the nicest couples I’ve photographed this year. Their entire wedding day had a relaxed air to it as they mingled with their friends and families.

.
This photo though is a favourite image from Jodi’s dress fitting, a few weeks before the wedding.

.
And on the wedding day, Jodi’s priceless expression as her bridesmaids help her get dressed …

.
Seeing each other for the first time on the day …

.
The following image was taken by Elisabeth Millay, who helped me on the day.

.
A moment before the first kiss …

.
The first dance during the reception …

.
Jodi’s reaction at an amusing anecdote during a speech …

Jodi and Eric, congratulations, and best wishes for your future together.

Michelle and Nick braved strong winds and rain for their engagement session this past weekend.  Thank you, Michelle and Nick for being such troupers! 

A perfect outdoor Fall wedding; no other words are necessary to describe Caisey and John’s celebration at the Pleasantdale Chateau here in New Jersey.

.
Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day …

(The photo above is by Elisabeth Millay, who worked with me on this wedding day.)

.

During the portrait session we had beautiful light, and the grounds of the Pleasantdale Chateau  made a gorgeous setting.

.
The ceremony was held outdoors at dusk, with the pond and the evening sky as a beautiful backdrop to the proceedings.

.
The First Dance during the reception.

.
Caisey’s parents during a touching speech to the newly-wed couple …

.
… with Caisey’s expression saying it all.

Caisey and John, thank you for being so wonderful to work with.

Each time I teach others, whether in a workshop format or in a personal mentoring session, it also provides me with a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. My approach to teaching shifts as I redefine the material I present.

With the most recent workshop in Manassas, I realised I have moved from a viewpoint where I want to teach other photographers what I do, and how I do it …. to an approach where I want to teach other photographers how to achieve what they want to do.

(photo by Brian Knapp)

Also, something truly affecting for me with this workshop, was when I realised that two attendees had travelled all the way from Michigan to attend … and then said it had very much been worth it.

Thanks to the Candy Factory Art Center in Manassas, which was a fantastic venue for a sold-out workshop.  And also thank you to Ashlea, our gorgeous model who was so patient.

Thanks to everyone who attended. Do keep in touch!