Candid Moments Photography

Last month Adam and I went down to Philly and enjoyed the day with Theresa and Patrick.  They had chosen three great locations for photos.  The Holiday Inn in Philadelphia, Old Saint Joseph’s, and Cescaphe Ballroom.  We had a great time during the getting ready photos.  Theresa and her bridesmaids were so much fun.  They were having a blast.

Everyone except Theresa had sunglasses so we had to ask a stranger for a pair.

These are the details that really personalize a wedding and make it fun.

FLAMBE!

The best man speech.

I found this cool door that looks over the Cescaphe.  I really like this place a lot.

Theresa and this guest were really really good swing dancers.  They put on an awesome show.  The little girl to the right is being held upside down by her dad.

I love fun dancing shots.  Look at everyone’s expressions.  It cracks me up.

I am so excited to tell you about Seema and Luqman’s wedding.  I had never photographed an Indian wedding before this and was very excited to be a part of Seema’s.  While the majority of Indian’s are Hindu, Seema and Luqman are practicing Muslims and while many of the traditions are the same there are differences.  Thankfully Seema was very excited to teach me about Indian and Muslim traditions.  There are a few days worth of celebration and I was lucky enough to be invited to the Henna Party.  I was so excited about experiencing this that I did it for free.  The Henna party is for women and children only so it’s not something that I would ever see otherwise.  The Henna is applied and the women in the bride’s family celebrate by singing, dancing and playing games.

The henna artist is Madhurya Shroff.  She was really talented and super nice.  You can e-mail her at madhurya@msn.com or call her at 610-209-0222.  I was absolutely floored at the detail.  This was all done all free hand and she made it up as she went.  Very cool.

I love these two shots together.  They tell a nice story of the family.

This is all the women playing a well known game.  There are two teams.  One has to sing a line from a Bollywood Musical.   Then the other team has to sing another line starting with the same syllable that the last line just ended with.  I didn’t understand a word of it but there was lots of laughter.

This is the day of the wedding at the grooms home.  The families begin at separate locations and there is lots of fanfare when the groom’s family arrives at the ceremony.  I have to say that the colors at an Indian wedding make a black tie affair appear a bit dull.  The dresses (not sure if that’s the right term) were gorgeous.

Seema was very nervous waiting for the ceremony to begin.  She look amazing in the traditional red dress (Once again not sure of the name).  I felt like I was photographing a princess.  It was all really stunning.

The groom enters the ceremony first and is escorted by his whole family.

Then Seema comes in with her parents.  Her family is lining the aisle and presenting rose petals.  There is lots of noise and excitement.

The ceremony is finished and each family congratulates the couple.

Now friends and family toast the couple.  There are many many toasts and it lasts about 30 minutes or longer.

One of the interesting things about a Muslim wedding is that there is no kissing the whole night.  And that was okay with them because they hadn’t even held hands until after they were married.  So, kissing would have been a bit awkward.  I have never photographed a wedding with no kissing but I feel like we still got some very romantic shots.

This is the groom and his sister.  In the news it’s been said “if it bleeds it leads” in photography I say “if there’s cryin’ then I’m buyin’”.  Okay that was really stupid.  But I love tears.

This wedding was on the fourth of July.  So we had to have sparklers.  Sadly most of them went out while they were waiting for the bride and groom to come out.

As a photographer I meet many different types of people. Many brides are very into being princess for the day. They love the dress and the attention and the red carpet treatment. Some brides just love to be in front of the camera. Then there are brides like Lauren. I think she loved the day and was very happy through the whole thing but for the most part was happy to be out of the spotlight. I was at her house for an hour of getting ready photos. After 55 minutes the bridesmaids finally forced her to get in the dress. She was just as happy not having to put it on. I’m glad she finally did because it’s an awesome dress.

I forget where Lauren is from but it’s not Philly. This is the first time she was ever at the Art Museum.

City Hall: must take shot.

LOVE THIS SHOT! Lauren wasn’t really into taking photos but when I visualized this one I just had to make her. She loved it in the end On a side note. Many times after I pose a bride she will say “I never stand like this”. This is what Lauren said before I took this shot. I always promise the couple that they will love it.

This reminds me a bit of an old time photo. I like it.

We have been so busy this summer that I just can’t seem to keep this blog updated.  Thank you to everyone who keeps us working!  Alison and Joe were married back in June (I told you I’m behind with my blogging) on a hot Friday afternoon.

While we were escaping the heat we decided to photograph the girls in the living room.  Adam took this photo.  How do I know?  Because if you look just below the lamp you will see my camera.  Oops.

Adam also took this amazing shot.  I love how Alison’s looking at Joe and her father is looking at her.  I also love the lady’s expression in the back row.

Adam and I were told that we had 5 minutes to photograph Alison and Joe alone.  5 minutes is never a good amount of time but I think we grabbed some pretty cool stuff.  By the way, when I tell you “just one more shot” it’s a lie.  I will say that about 10 times when I only have 5 minutes for pictures.

Sugar!

Alison’s mom and dad.

Lemon Drops are served.