Here's another quick sneak peak, this time from Elizabeth & Ryan's gorgeous wedding down in Marion, MA! I can't wait to finish the edit when I get back from vacation to show you more of this picture perfect wedding!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Britt & Mike's Wedding - SNEAK PEAK
I'm not quite finished editing the images from Britt & Mike's fabulous wedding on Cape Cod, but I thought I'd share a couple from the day as a little appetizer :) They're such a fabulous couple and I LOVED their wedding so much! Lots and lots more images to follow after vacation...
Could they be any happier??
A few moments alone after the ceremony
Um, this is my FAVORITE!
They had an awesome bridal party, I'm glad they were willing to put up with some of my crazy ideas for portraits :)
Britt & Mike - I can't wait to show you the rest! As soon as I get back in town... :D
Could they be any happier??
A few moments alone after the ceremony
Um, this is my FAVORITE!
They had an awesome bridal party, I'm glad they were willing to put up with some of my crazy ideas for portraits :)
Britt & Mike - I can't wait to show you the rest! As soon as I get back in town... :D
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Out of The Office
Well, it's that time of year again! Time for Guenin Family Annual Vacation!! Which means, I'm heading to Indiana for a couple weeks :) First up, I'm shooting my cousin's wedding, then a week at home with my parents, a few portrait shoots while I'm in Indy, and then 3 lovely days in Cincinatti with my WHOLE FAMILY (see last year's family photo below)! It should be a great trip!
I won't be answering emails or non-urgent phone calls while I'm gone. But, I've got a couple blog posts brewing for you so you don't miss me too much ;)
Have a great couple of weeks, friends!!
I won't be answering emails or non-urgent phone calls while I'm gone. But, I've got a couple blog posts brewing for you so you don't miss me too much ;)
Have a great couple of weeks, friends!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Shoshana & Andy's Wedding - Newton, MA
My first wedding of this year was the wedding of Shoshana & Andy. Not only was it the first, but it was also the biggest wedding of the year, and has been the most arduous to edit! I ended up with THREE second shooters, so there were 4 photographers covering the wedding, and we had over 6,000 images between us when the day was done! My interns and I have gone through the images at least 4 or 5 times, and we've finally got it down to a manageable size for sharing with the world. In case you've been wondering where I've been, that ought to explain it :)
This was my first Orthodox Jewish wedding as the primary photographer, and it was so much fun! The energy and excitement throughout the day was contagious, and the details and traditions were so meaningful and touching. I'm excited to share some of my favorites at last!
Shoshana's father looking on as her veil is placed. She looked so beautiful :)
Her necklace was gorgeous, and a family heirloom, I believe
The happy bride
I love these next two shots that Ben of Avenna Studios captured while photographing Andy getting ready and during the Tisch.
The Ketubah, hand-made by a member of the family
Shoshana, her mother Teri, and Andy's mother waiting for the guests to come greet them during the Kabbalat Panim. I love the excitement between Shoshana & Teri!
After the Tisch, the groom is escorted by family and friends, singing and dancing, to where the bride is waiting for him. I love the moment as the bride is blessed by the fathers. In this photo, Shoshana is being blessed by Andy's father.
And this is the highlight of the Bedeken, the moment when Shoshana & Andy see each other for the first time and Andy lowers the veil over his bride. Vince from Avenna Studios caught this moment beautifully.
It's such an emotional part of the day!
waiting for the ceremony to begin
Giving her away
As Shoshana reached the chuppah, she circled Andy seven times
Andy placing the ring on her finger. (Another great shot from Ben, who got the prime spot on the bema during the ceremony)
The sanctuary at Congregation Mishkan Tefila is so beautiful!
Shortly after the cermony, we were able to take Shoshana & Andy outside for a few portraits. We were so lucky that the rain held off for us! (in case you're not from around here, it's been raining in Boston for like 6 weeks now...)
They're totally cute together :)
Vince captured this one, which I love
Their rings were totally unique (but the same as each other's). Andy's grandfather made them! Such a talented family!!
And this is what it looked like during portraits... I'd normally have more of the other photographers inside capturing the cocktail hour, but Shoshana's mother really wanted to make sure we got plenty of portraits of the two of them together. Apparently Teri's photographer forgot to get a single portrait of Shoshana's parents together on the day of their wedding. Can you imagine?!
We took a few inside the lovely sanctuary as well. The light was just so nice, and the stained glass so interesting and colorful!
Once we were done with portraits, the party really began! One of my favorite things about Orthodox weddings is that they REALLY know how to celebrate! Nobody else dances with so much enthusiasm and energy :) I love this shot Vince caught during the Horah.
Shoshana up in the chair
Gorgeous flowers by Sarah's Garden
During some parts of the reception, friends and family perform for the Bride & Groom. These ladies were dancing maniacs!
Shoshana's sisters tap danced for them
Andy singing for his bride
Cynthia captured this embrace after the song was finished. I love the faces of the guests cheering for them :)
Shoshana & Andy, thank you so much for having us as part of your day! We had a fabulous time, as you and your guests clearly did as well. Congratulations to you both! I hope you're getting settled and enjoying some better weather down there in Atlanta. I look forward to working with you on your album after you've had some time to look through all the photos! :)
If you'd like to see more of my favorites, check out the album on my Facebook Page :)
Many thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who worked on this wedding...
Catering & Coordination - Andrew Wiener of Catering by Andrew
Flowers - Sarah Burkstein of Sarah's Garden
Music - The Nafshenu Orchestra
Venue - Congregation Mishkan Tefilla
2nd Shooting - Cynthia Hauk
And a special thanks to Ben & Vince from Avenna Studios for all your help with the day! It was great working with you guys!
This was my first Orthodox Jewish wedding as the primary photographer, and it was so much fun! The energy and excitement throughout the day was contagious, and the details and traditions were so meaningful and touching. I'm excited to share some of my favorites at last!
Shoshana's father looking on as her veil is placed. She looked so beautiful :)
Her necklace was gorgeous, and a family heirloom, I believe
The happy bride
I love these next two shots that Ben of Avenna Studios captured while photographing Andy getting ready and during the Tisch.
The Ketubah, hand-made by a member of the family
Shoshana, her mother Teri, and Andy's mother waiting for the guests to come greet them during the Kabbalat Panim. I love the excitement between Shoshana & Teri!
After the Tisch, the groom is escorted by family and friends, singing and dancing, to where the bride is waiting for him. I love the moment as the bride is blessed by the fathers. In this photo, Shoshana is being blessed by Andy's father.
And this is the highlight of the Bedeken, the moment when Shoshana & Andy see each other for the first time and Andy lowers the veil over his bride. Vince from Avenna Studios caught this moment beautifully.
It's such an emotional part of the day!
waiting for the ceremony to begin
Giving her away
As Shoshana reached the chuppah, she circled Andy seven times
Andy placing the ring on her finger. (Another great shot from Ben, who got the prime spot on the bema during the ceremony)
The sanctuary at Congregation Mishkan Tefila is so beautiful!
Shortly after the cermony, we were able to take Shoshana & Andy outside for a few portraits. We were so lucky that the rain held off for us! (in case you're not from around here, it's been raining in Boston for like 6 weeks now...)
They're totally cute together :)
Vince captured this one, which I love
Their rings were totally unique (but the same as each other's). Andy's grandfather made them! Such a talented family!!
And this is what it looked like during portraits... I'd normally have more of the other photographers inside capturing the cocktail hour, but Shoshana's mother really wanted to make sure we got plenty of portraits of the two of them together. Apparently Teri's photographer forgot to get a single portrait of Shoshana's parents together on the day of their wedding. Can you imagine?!
We took a few inside the lovely sanctuary as well. The light was just so nice, and the stained glass so interesting and colorful!
Once we were done with portraits, the party really began! One of my favorite things about Orthodox weddings is that they REALLY know how to celebrate! Nobody else dances with so much enthusiasm and energy :) I love this shot Vince caught during the Horah.
Shoshana up in the chair
Gorgeous flowers by Sarah's Garden
During some parts of the reception, friends and family perform for the Bride & Groom. These ladies were dancing maniacs!
Shoshana's sisters tap danced for them
Andy singing for his bride
Cynthia captured this embrace after the song was finished. I love the faces of the guests cheering for them :)
Shoshana & Andy, thank you so much for having us as part of your day! We had a fabulous time, as you and your guests clearly did as well. Congratulations to you both! I hope you're getting settled and enjoying some better weather down there in Atlanta. I look forward to working with you on your album after you've had some time to look through all the photos! :)
If you'd like to see more of my favorites, check out the album on my Facebook Page :)
Many thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who worked on this wedding...
Catering & Coordination - Andrew Wiener of Catering by Andrew
Flowers - Sarah Burkstein of Sarah's Garden
Music - The Nafshenu Orchestra
Venue - Congregation Mishkan Tefilla
2nd Shooting - Cynthia Hauk
And a special thanks to Ben & Vince from Avenna Studios for all your help with the day! It was great working with you guys!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Meaghan & Steve's Fishing Engagement Session - North Reading, MA
When I first moved out to Boston, my sister insisted that I had to be friends with this girl named Meaghan. Kyla told me how hilarious and awesome this Meaghan was, and she wasn't kidding. She's got this dry sense of humor, and is just the kind of person that you can't help but like. Meaghan was part of my LIFEgroup at GENESIS for almost 3 years and has become a very dear friend. When she & Steve started dating, it didn't take any of us very long to realize that they were perfect for each other. I'm not sure if I've ever met two people better suited for one another. And what's even better is how ridiculously happy they are together!! I was totally pumped when they asked me to shoot their wedding because I couldn't wait to capture that joy :)
When planning their eSession, I told them (as I tell all of my clients) that we should do something that's very "them." I try to make the Engagement Session like a snapshot of the couple in real life. My hope is to capture them doing things they like to do together, and just being themselves. For Meg & Steve, I knew that we had to go fishing! These two go fishing all the time, and I find that so fascinating since I haven't fished in like 20 years :) Steve thought that was the best idea ever, so a couple weeks ago we grabbed their rods and headed out to the pond...
Meaghan
and Steve :)
He had to show us his "big catch"
Honestly, this next photo says more about their relationship than I can express. The way they're holding each other and still holding their own poles, the subtle smile on their lips as they kiss, every little detail speaks to who they are and what their life is like. I'm tearing up just looking at it - it's just so THEM!
After we caught a few fish, they let me take a few portraits in the nice warm light.
They're so cute :)
Meg & Steve, I love you guys! I'm so happy for you I could burst :D
When planning their eSession, I told them (as I tell all of my clients) that we should do something that's very "them." I try to make the Engagement Session like a snapshot of the couple in real life. My hope is to capture them doing things they like to do together, and just being themselves. For Meg & Steve, I knew that we had to go fishing! These two go fishing all the time, and I find that so fascinating since I haven't fished in like 20 years :) Steve thought that was the best idea ever, so a couple weeks ago we grabbed their rods and headed out to the pond...
Meaghan
and Steve :)
He had to show us his "big catch"
Honestly, this next photo says more about their relationship than I can express. The way they're holding each other and still holding their own poles, the subtle smile on their lips as they kiss, every little detail speaks to who they are and what their life is like. I'm tearing up just looking at it - it's just so THEM!
After we caught a few fish, they let me take a few portraits in the nice warm light.
They're so cute :)
Meg & Steve, I love you guys! I'm so happy for you I could burst :D
Monday, June 22, 2009
It's not all sunshine and roses
Sometimes I think this blog makes it seem like my life, and my clients' lives are so perfect and wonderful. It's probably because I mostly post about photo shoots - photo shoots of happy people in love. And that's the part of my job that really makes me happy. That's the part that makes the other parts worthwhile. And on the somewhat rare occasion I post about my life, I'm mostly posting things that were fun enough to take pictures. (I guess posting about my cat dying wasn't very fun, but you get what I'm saying, right?)
Well, it's not all sunshine and roses, and this past weekend was proof. I was scheduled to shoot 2 weddings this weekend and through different, and horrible circumstances outside my control, I wasn't able to photograph either of them...
Last week, I came down with chicken pox. Now, I've had chicken pox TWICE already (lucky me, huh?), so this third time was very mild. But chicken pox is airborne and that's not good for someone photographing other people's weddings. Even though I felt fine, and the lesions were starting to heal already by Friday, there was still a chance I could spread the infection. So, on Friday morning the bride and groom and I finally made the decision that it would not be wise to take the risk by having me there.
Thank God for the Boston Photographers Guild! The BPG is a group of local wedding photographers who come together online and in person for support, encouragement, and community. Before I had even contacted my bride, I sent word on the BPG forum asking for help. And with just a couple hours' notice, I had a great photographer to replace me at the wedding along with a fabulous second shooter and assistant!
I can't tell you how hard it was to send another photographer to shoot one of my weddings in my place!! I knew she'd do a great job, but I also knew she wouldn't take the same pictures I would. I'm a control freak and putting the event, my business & reputation in the hands of someone else, made me realize that I was totally not in control. Talk about humbling! I also knew I'd miss seeing it all come together. I'd miss meeting the families and seeing the couple enjoying their day. I realized just how much I enjoy getting to know my couples when I'm at their weddings! You just see such a different piece of people when you see them with their closest friends and family. And I love that. I was so sad that I couldn't be there.
Thankfully, the bride & groom were incredibly gracious and understanding. They even called me from the airport before they left for their honeymoon to let me know how wonderful the day went, and that while they feel like everyone did a great job, they still missed having me there. It was so comforting to know that we did the right thing, and they it worked out well - but it was also really sweet to know that they missed having me there as much as I missed being there.
I wish I could say that that was all that went wrong this weekend, but that was just Friday...
By Sunday my chicken pox were all but gone, and I felt very confident that I was no longer contagious. Thanking God, I headed down to the Cape excited to shoot the wedding of two friends. I arrived just in time to find out that they had called off the wedding :( It was so incredibly sad, and my heart aches for both of them. Everyone agreed that it is better they call it off than to go through with it with doubts and end up unhappy or divorced. But, that doesn't make it less painful or sad or awful.
My brother posted a blog the day before that turns out is unfortunately well timed. He wrote, "To my friend who is suffering right now – my prayer for you is not so much that you would have answers, but that you would see God. Despite the pain, confusion and hurt, my prayer is not for relief, but that you would see God with clarity. For I know if you can learn to see Him in the pain, you will never miss Him when there is peace. If you can see Him in the storm, you will never miss Him again in the calm. If you see Him, you will see a God who not only sees you, but you will see that He cares." I pray that for these friends as well - that they would see the God who is their strength, their comfort, their refuge, and the One who loves them.
These last few days have been stressful, and sad. There have been lots of tears. But this is real life. Things happen. People get sick. Things don't go according to plan. We have to rely on other people and let them help us. Sometimes we have to make decisions that hurt. And somehow, life goes on. And I think we're stronger in the end because of it.
I hope that this is not only the first but also the LAST time I'll have to miss a wedding I'm scheduled to photograph. And I pray that this is the last time one my weddings gets canceled. But, I am thankful that if that's not the case, God has a plan for all these things.
Well, it's not all sunshine and roses, and this past weekend was proof. I was scheduled to shoot 2 weddings this weekend and through different, and horrible circumstances outside my control, I wasn't able to photograph either of them...
Last week, I came down with chicken pox. Now, I've had chicken pox TWICE already (lucky me, huh?), so this third time was very mild. But chicken pox is airborne and that's not good for someone photographing other people's weddings. Even though I felt fine, and the lesions were starting to heal already by Friday, there was still a chance I could spread the infection. So, on Friday morning the bride and groom and I finally made the decision that it would not be wise to take the risk by having me there.
Thank God for the Boston Photographers Guild! The BPG is a group of local wedding photographers who come together online and in person for support, encouragement, and community. Before I had even contacted my bride, I sent word on the BPG forum asking for help. And with just a couple hours' notice, I had a great photographer to replace me at the wedding along with a fabulous second shooter and assistant!
I can't tell you how hard it was to send another photographer to shoot one of my weddings in my place!! I knew she'd do a great job, but I also knew she wouldn't take the same pictures I would. I'm a control freak and putting the event, my business & reputation in the hands of someone else, made me realize that I was totally not in control. Talk about humbling! I also knew I'd miss seeing it all come together. I'd miss meeting the families and seeing the couple enjoying their day. I realized just how much I enjoy getting to know my couples when I'm at their weddings! You just see such a different piece of people when you see them with their closest friends and family. And I love that. I was so sad that I couldn't be there.
Thankfully, the bride & groom were incredibly gracious and understanding. They even called me from the airport before they left for their honeymoon to let me know how wonderful the day went, and that while they feel like everyone did a great job, they still missed having me there. It was so comforting to know that we did the right thing, and they it worked out well - but it was also really sweet to know that they missed having me there as much as I missed being there.
I wish I could say that that was all that went wrong this weekend, but that was just Friday...
By Sunday my chicken pox were all but gone, and I felt very confident that I was no longer contagious. Thanking God, I headed down to the Cape excited to shoot the wedding of two friends. I arrived just in time to find out that they had called off the wedding :( It was so incredibly sad, and my heart aches for both of them. Everyone agreed that it is better they call it off than to go through with it with doubts and end up unhappy or divorced. But, that doesn't make it less painful or sad or awful.
My brother posted a blog the day before that turns out is unfortunately well timed. He wrote, "To my friend who is suffering right now – my prayer for you is not so much that you would have answers, but that you would see God. Despite the pain, confusion and hurt, my prayer is not for relief, but that you would see God with clarity. For I know if you can learn to see Him in the pain, you will never miss Him when there is peace. If you can see Him in the storm, you will never miss Him again in the calm. If you see Him, you will see a God who not only sees you, but you will see that He cares." I pray that for these friends as well - that they would see the God who is their strength, their comfort, their refuge, and the One who loves them.
These last few days have been stressful, and sad. There have been lots of tears. But this is real life. Things happen. People get sick. Things don't go according to plan. We have to rely on other people and let them help us. Sometimes we have to make decisions that hurt. And somehow, life goes on. And I think we're stronger in the end because of it.
I hope that this is not only the first but also the LAST time I'll have to miss a wedding I'm scheduled to photograph. And I pray that this is the last time one my weddings gets canceled. But, I am thankful that if that's not the case, God has a plan for all these things.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Shoshana & Andy's Engagement Session - Boston, MA
A couple of weeks ago, I photographed Shoshana & Andy's engagement session. It was a dreary day and as I drove down to meet them, it started to rain. I was afraid we'd have to do the session inside, but it turns out Shoshana & Andy were totally up for shooting in the rain! So, I put a plastic bag over my camera and we drove over to the Arnold Arboretum. Lucky for us, right as we pulled up it stopped raining and the sun came through the clouds. It was perfect timing!
Big trees, tiny little people :]
I love a playful couple
These two laugh, a lot
sweet
We found this very cool tree, and I had to put them in it!
They were troopers and went down into the swampy field for me. I was very glad I wore my sneakers this time!
How awesome is it that Shoshana's yellow shirt matched the flowers perfectly?!
Butterfly kisses
Amidst all the fun laughing shots, I really liked this quiet, subdued photo the best.
After we'd had our fill of trees and flowering fields, we headed over to JP Licks and filled up on some DELICIOUS ice cream! And just in time too, it started raining almost as soon as we got inside.
I realized as I was editing this that I'd shot yet another cow. Not sure what's up with all the cows lately...
The hardest part is choosing a flavor!
It's always nice to share :)
A perfect end to a fun afternoon
Shoshana & Andy - we had a great time hanging out with you two! I'm still amazed at our luck with the weather :) Thanks again for the yummy ice cream! Photos from the wedding will be coming soon...
Big trees, tiny little people :]
I love a playful couple
These two laugh, a lot
sweet
We found this very cool tree, and I had to put them in it!
They were troopers and went down into the swampy field for me. I was very glad I wore my sneakers this time!
How awesome is it that Shoshana's yellow shirt matched the flowers perfectly?!
Butterfly kisses
Amidst all the fun laughing shots, I really liked this quiet, subdued photo the best.
After we'd had our fill of trees and flowering fields, we headed over to JP Licks and filled up on some DELICIOUS ice cream! And just in time too, it started raining almost as soon as we got inside.
I realized as I was editing this that I'd shot yet another cow. Not sure what's up with all the cows lately...
The hardest part is choosing a flavor!
It's always nice to share :)
A perfect end to a fun afternoon
Shoshana & Andy - we had a great time hanging out with you two! I'm still amazed at our luck with the weather :) Thanks again for the yummy ice cream! Photos from the wedding will be coming soon...
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