slideshow: my favorite wedding photos of 2011

2011 was another wonderful crazy-busy year for me. Photographing weddings and various photo sessions make up the majority of my work as a photographer. I also presented photography workshops across the USA; and 2 sold-out workshops in Dublin, Ireland! Another major event was that my 2nd book on flash photography was released in March ’10.

Most of what I do though, centers around the weddings that I photograph. This year again I met and worked with wonderful brides and groom and their families. As a thank you – and also to show off a bit – here is a slideshow of some of my favourite images of the year. Thank you to everyone who made me part of a most special day in their lives.

Justine & Kyle – their wedding day – The Palace, Somerset Park, NJ

I love doing the engagement photo session with a couple, primarily because it helps me establish a rapport with the couple ahead of time, and it helps the couple in knowing what to expect in working with me as their wedding photographer. But somehow, somehow, Justine & Kyle and I never quite got to the photo session in the busy time running up to their wedding. Not having met either of them before the wedding at all, I had no real idea of what I’d be in for … and what a surprise to meet such a photogenic couple. Full of energy and personality! Theirs was one of those weddings where I actually still feel energized afterwards! (It also helped that their wedding reception took place at The Palace in Somerset Park, NJ)

Justine and Kyle, it was such a pleasure meeting and working with the two of you. Congratulations!

to see more, view the album of photos on Facebook

Blonnie Brooks, a wedding photographer in Delaware, helped me photograph this wedding.

Nima & Peter – their wedding day – Liberty House, NJ

Nima and Peter’s wedding took place at the well-known Liberty House in Jersey City. Part of the draw is the magnificent view of Manhattan, which just becomes more entrancing as the evening progresses and the city lights come on. Of course, as their wedding photographer I just had to use that as a backdrop to some of the romantic portraits of this photogenic couple. With that, this is one of the sets of photographs I am really proud of. Nima and Peter, thank you, it was wonderful to work with you! And congratulations on getting married.

to see more, view the album of photos on Facebook

Lina & Mihir – an Indian wedding!

I just love photographing Indian weddings! Colorful sprawling events. A little bit of chaos, lots of friendly people. Add all the ceremony and rituals with joyous celebration and a big party .. and you have … well, all of the above! Lina and Mihir, it was wonderful working with you. Congratulations on getting married and best wishes for your future together!

to see more, view the album of photos on Facebook

Rula & James – wedding day – video & photo fusion

more images from Rula & James’ wedding day

other Fusion clips

Theresa & Jason’s wedding at The Crystal Plaza, Livingston, NJ

Theresa and Jason’s wedding is one that I really looked forward to – two total characters who are madly in love could only make for a fun wedding day.  And it was a gorgeous day ..

For more images, do check out the photo gallery on Facebook

The last wedding that I photographed in 2009 was Jennifer and John’s .. and it ended the year on a high note for me, working with such a wonderful couple.  This is one of those times as a wedding photographer where I am really proud of the images .. so I’ll let them stand on their own here, to tell the story of the day.

The entire day was a joyful celebration, although John does look a touch nervous here, waiting for Jennifer and her dad to walk down the aisle ..

Snow started falling by the time the ceremony ended.  Perfect for a December wedding!

.. and from there we went straight to the ...

wedding reception at The Tides, NJ

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Some touching moments during the formal dances of the evening ..
Ashleigh and Jonathan, then Ashleigh and her dad, and Jonathan and his mom.

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Jennifer’s dad made a star appearance, serenading the couple ..

Jennifer and John, congrats and the best of everything!

Ashleigh and Jonathan’s wedding ceremony and reception took place at The Manor – a venue known for its beautiful gardens.  This of course was a great place to have Ashleigh and Jonathan see each other for the first time on the day.  It’s always an emotional moment.

And then time for some portraits of our couple.  Easy-going and charming, Ashleigh and Jonathan were just fantastic to work with .. as is clear to see in these portraits of the two of them.

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Ashleigh and Jonathan’s first dance during the reception ..

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Jonathan, enjoying a cigar outside with the guys ..

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Some of the crazy partying that went on in the evening ..

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One of the things I, as a wedding photographer like about The Manor, is that there are all kinds of nooks and corners for romantic portraits in the evening.  And with these portraits, the intention is to show the couple as they are in a relaxed manner after the more hectic part of the wedding day has been taken care of .. when they can relax with each other and you get to see just how much much in love with each other they are.

Ashleigh and Jonathan, best wishes for your future together.

Rowena and Jared – wedding at The Manor, NJ

Rowena had a specific vision for her wedding day, with a retro styling.  Combined with lovely soft light, the beautiful gardens at the venue … and with the two of them playing around for the camera, it made the photography so much more exciting.

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Two of my favourite images of the day are these classic portraits of Rowena just after preparation.  The interestingly patterned wallpaper (and sweet light), just enhanced the beautiful hat that Rowena wore.

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Jared during his prep, getting help with the bowtie.

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Before the ceremony, time for fun with the portraits of the bridal party and the couple ..

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Rowena’s dad walking her down the aisle ..

I love Jared’s expression here, cleaning up after having cake smashed into his face.
(Oh, and he was a guilty party too.)

Rowena and Jared, congratulations!