Rock on!

This picture is by the fine editorial photographer Andrew Hetherington.

I just read this story in the NYT's Sunday edition. As cool as these guys sound, I'd have to say that the video they played showed me that there's more than enough good bands around who can belt out quality rock style. They don't have to be ex-hipsters to play without irony.

Fun story either way though.

Natoya & Marc | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

I was "on deck" for Natoya and Marc's wedding starting in 2006. I met Natoya at the gym when my wife, Caroline, and I were getting into shape for our wedding. She was studying for her PhD in Physical Therapy and working part-time as a trainer. I was thrilled when she looked at my site and told me that's what she wanted her wedding photos to look like. Natoya and Marc are both a perfect combination of smart, laid back, fun and even look like they were made for each other.

The photos are beautiful.

- Natoya

Norah & Joe | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

Norah and Joe are the first among their friends to get married so they stepped gingerly through their planning process, not having loads of friends with recent experience to rely on. One thing though they seemed confident about was that they wanted a certain kind of photography experience that I was happy to be there for. It was great to be able to see how well organized and clear they were in how they wanted things to be on their big day. If only I could say that their level-headed demeanor and easy going nature was refreshing but I can't, all of my clients are wonderful laid back folks completely void of drama. Sorry, no bridezilla stories to share here, there or anywhere.

We absolutely love the pictures!! Also, we have received many compliments on the slideshow - it truly captures the day perfectly.

Joe and I are still sorting through all of the gallery pictures, but I just wanted to say thank you for the awesome photos!

– Norah

A full slideshow can be found (here).

Breaking with traditional music

On today's Soundcheck on WNYC, they're going to be talking about breaking tradition when it comes to wedding music choices. This is always a great program so even if you're not in New York, you can always stream it or check it out on their website.

Jilian & Jay | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

I must admit, I was really looking forward to Jilian and Jay's wedding. Jilian and Jay are part of a great group of friends and acquaintances whose weddings I've been photographing since 2007. I won't go into the details but let's just say it's great to get passed around from one awesome couple to the next. So first, off I owe Whitney and Maurice from 2007 for getting this ball rolling.

Jilian, Jay and I had a great engagement shoot at their home and neighborhood of Northern Liberties earlier this year. I also happen to love the restaurant group where Jilian works in the office for Zahav, Xochitl and soon to come Percy Street BBQ.

I love having couples who fully embrace what I try to do as a photographer. I really hate formulas and love discovering whatever is unique about a couple and their situation and their wedding day and photographing in a style and approach that works for them and their day. There's an extra level of artistic freedom that comes from feeling really in sync with the moment as opposed to putting on a formula approach.

So as Jilian's getting her makeup put on I see she's in front of this gorgeous toned wallpaper with a perfect combination of light from the window and a nearby lamp. It just made for a gorgeous place to follow her range of expressions and emotions as the nerves and excitement progressed toward the big ceremony moment. I played with blur, color, traditional black and white and even some antique wet-plate negative look. (Anything you see here that is blurry is done so intentionally for a more impressionistic or abstract look. There's almost always a non-blurry version as well.)

From there the day, despite the massive rainstorm before the ceremony that soaked the ground, was light and fun and relaxed, just like they wanted. The location of Historic Waynesboro was lovely and gorgeous as the sun set.

A full slideshow is (here).

Woohoo!!!! I love them! Thank you thank you. We were enjoying them over and over together last night. I am especially happy to see that it really reflects us and our personalities, and is a great representation of the party we had. I guess this is "documenting.." :) We were thoroughly impressed and have so many favorites! Thank for for everything - you are awesome!

–– Jilian