Munroe Photography

Time for a change

2009-02-26T01:45:00.003-05:00

Ok, as the title states, I felt I needed to switch it up a little. So the blog is taking on a new look. And just to make sure you find it, you can click on any word in this post. Ha, Ha

Two Chances at Two Minds

2009-02-09T02:23:00.004-05:00

In March, Joe Buissink and Jason Groupp will host (2) one day workshops here in New York City. Sharing their skill and passion with those whose passion matches their own. If you haven't had the opportunity of attending a workshop with these two great artist, and awesome people, I highly recommend it.

Out for a day

2009-02-08T04:46:00.010-05:00

I know it's been a little while since the last post so please forgive me. Today Simone decided to take me out on a lunch date to one of our favorites spots "Chance" I always love eating there. After that we walked around and enjoyed the day. But at some point I think her heart went to someone else. I have the evidence below. And I don't think he was trying to hide the fact that he has the hots for her.

Natalie and Richard

2008-12-17T03:03:00.005-05:00

When I first met Richard and Natalie it was one of the most unique meetings I've ever had with a couple. The first location they asked me to meet them at turned out to be a lounge with a bouncer at the door. Needless to say that didn't work out to well since there was no where to sit and we wouldn't have heard a thing we discussed because the place was packed and loud. So from there we went to a second location suggest Richard. It was then I noticed food was something high on their list of priorities for the evening. They tried..... to bribe me with king crab legs. Did it work? I don't remember. (that's my story and I'm sticking to it) But will say it was a cool meeting.

The Rockleigh Country Club, in Rockleigh New Jersey, (where else) hosted their wedding day. After an awesome ceremony, Natalie suffered a minor technical difficulty that temporarily almost rendered her blind. (for more on that you'll have to ask her) But like the trooper she is, Natalie insisted we still get some shots taken. I was impressed. The celebration soon commenced and the food flowed. Did I mention these two love to eat? Enjoy some of the images from their day.

Oh Canada........

2008-12-14T17:51:00.010-05:00

Some time ago, before today, (ha,ha) I boarded a plane and met my friend Ryan Jensen in Canada to help him shoot the wedding of Keaton and Oliver. This weekend event took place at a lakeside resort in Muskoka, Ontario. It rained a little on the wedding day, but that couldn't stop this show, Keaton even arrived on cool launch boat. Their ceremony was capped off by one heck of a celebration, which ended sometime in the AM, in a hot tub full of about 20 people, singing whatever song came to mind. (I didn't get in, I just sang)

These are a few of my favorites shots through out the weekend. Be sure to check out Ryan's blog for a slide show.

Shavonne and Carlos

2008-12-14T14:44:00.004-05:00

Well as part of my "Catching Up" series, LOL Here's another post.

Carlos and Shavonne said "I Do" at the Swan Club before family and friends. Considering it rained like cats and dogs the day before, they were truly blessed with a great wedding day. I really have to admit. My hero of the day had to be the ring bearer, he was everywhere, which really means everywhere with his mother at all times. He wasn't trying to leave her side.

Ligia y Gilles Consiguieron Casado!!!!

2008-11-23T16:29:00.014-05:00

I sure hope that title came out correct, I used a widget on my MAC to figure out how to say Ligia and Gilles got married. And if it isn't correct don't tell me so quickly, give me a moment here. It's been so long since I've posted I thought I'd do something like that.

Ligia and Gilles were actually married during the monsoon of 2008, anyone that got married that day, or in the case of my peers, covered a wedding that day here in New York, know exactly what day I'm speaking of. One man heard of the approaching storm, cleaned and drained his pool, and let the rain water fill it back up in 2 hours flat. Ok, I totally made that up, but you should get the picture, (no pun intended)

This awesome couple exchanged their vows at the Church of Our Lady of Esperanza, then took chartered a boat down to the United Nations, where after running from the front gate through the monsoon, proceeded to celebrate their union in the Delegates Dining Room. Yeah, I didn't know you could do that either. The plan was to take some beautiful shots in the Japanese Garden in the UN, but that monsoon had other plans. So to make up for mother natures abundant blessing of H2O, we decided to meet up at a later date and take some pics. Check back later for those, and for now enjoy these.

Trina and Leo: The Marriage Begins

2008-09-15T02:49:00.005-04:00

It was not too long ago that Trina and Leo were with me in Brooklyn being passionate in front of my camera, and the rest of the world. Now they've taken their relationship to yet another level. They exchanged their vows at Windows on the Lake, in Lake Ronkonkoma, in New Lake, Lake City.... Ok, I'm just joking about everything after Lake Ronkonkoma. At the beginning of her day Trina kept trying to figure out why she didn't feel nervous. Besides her beautiful mother, she was about the coolest person there the whole day. I'm not going to talk about the start of Leo's day, "lol" but I heard a couple of things. But us "MEN" must stick together, so Leo, your secret about the socks is safe with me. Now weather or not James Ravenell will write to the tabloids about it is up to him. Jame blessed me with his presence, and his camera that day. Thanks James.

All in all it was a beautiful day, and a serious honor documenting the union of this great couple.

Ligia and Gilles: They're going to do it!

2008-08-22T17:27:00.002-04:00

I met this couple through a mutual friend and I'm truly honored. Ft. Tryon Park up in Inwood is a really cool spot that over looks the Hudson River. This park seems endless, a couple of hills here and there, but still a great park. Ligia kept bragging about being able to pick Gilles up, and I tried not to provoke her into doing so. I didn't want to take a chance in her hurting herself before the wedding. But after all is said and done on their wedding day, I may very well ask her to pick him up over her head when I tak their protraits. Put her to the test.

You can check back in a few weeks for their wedding preview, it should be a blast.

Anitra and Elijah: Made it Happen

2008-08-21T17:24:00.008-04:00

It was a great day when these two exchanged their vows. It was suppose to rain, and actually did twice. But during the course of the day it stopped every time Anitra stepped outside. Must have been a lot of praying going on. My friend Chad Pennington came out to shoot beside me for the day. Thanks Chad!!!!

Anitra and Elijah were married at St. Paul Community Baptist Church. This happens to be the church that I attend..... When I do attend church... That said, it was a great ceremony. From there we headed off to DUMBO to take some shots, and made a quick stop at BAM on the way. No for those of you not from this planet, DUMBO stands for Down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass, and BAM is the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

The celebration took place at the Midtown Loft & Terrace. It was a really cool evening, with friend's and family of Elijah and Anitra sharing in their celebration.

Down Time

2008-08-19T19:16:00.003-04:00

I took a few days off and made a trip down to Delaware with Avery and Simone for her family's reunion. It's the first time the three of us have taken off together and it was a blast. We stopped by our friends George and Audra's shop to pick up some of their awesome "Munchies" Oatmeal cookies. The cookies are all natural, vegan oatmeal cookies with chocolate chip and ginger flavors. Simone's mother ordered about 20 boxes of the cookies to give to family, and the three of us were scheming on how to hold back some to the cookies for ourselves. But good ethics and the samples Audra and George gave us kept us in line.

I had a great time in Delaware, which always the case around Simone's mom, you actually don't have much of a choice with her. I didn't take a lot of pictures, just wanted to relax. But below are some of my favorites of the ones I did take.

Simone, George, Audra, Avery and Me

My son is a sharp looking guy!

Thought I saw it all

Simone and Tip

Tip after a long day.

That's Simone checking her email and Tip dreaming.

Shanequa and Arthur Cory Terry: Married!!

2008-08-05T20:56:00.005-04:00

Shanequa and Cory have an energy about them that projects to all around them. Their wedding day was just what I expected and more. It was all about them and family, and that's a great thing. They reminded me once again why I love documenting the special day of couples.

Ryan Jensen attended as my guest shooter for the day, and it's always a blast having him around. When I met with Shanequa and Cory a week before their day, I asked them to help me play a joke on Ryan by calling him "Omar" A name he picked up from a previous couple of mine. That morning when I jokingly called Ryan "Omar" he laughed but said " don't do that" At that point I told myself to inform my bride and groom to forget the joke I wanted to play on him, but figured they'd forget about it anyway. Well as faith would have it, as I introduced Ryan to each of them that morning they both remembered and as I went from one room to the other they both proceeded to say "Hey Omar" before I could lift a finger to stop them. But it's cool,
Ryan being Ryan took it in stride. I'm sure he'll get me back one day. Since they both got prepared in the same hotel they asked to take some pictures together with out them seeing each other. Well, at least without Cory seeing his bride.

The Coral House is where the vows were exchanged and the celebration took place. And here during the ceremony Cory proved that true men, "real" men, do cry. The bond between them are off the scale.

Check out some of my favorite images (Ryan's included) below, and check back for a slide show. (I'm behind on those things)

Just for you Shallonda!

Nadia and Chauncey: Knot Tied

2008-08-05T18:25:00.005-04:00

They made it happen. In full view of family and friends, Chauncey and Nadia exchanged their vows at The Cathedral of the Incarnation, in Garden City, New York. Ryan Jensen worked with me to document their day and got some awesome images. Westbury Manor hosted their reception, and was able to contain the celebration energy.

Nadia and Chauncey, Thank You for sharing your day with me. You guys are great!!!

Chauncey being welcomed to the family!!!

Check back for a slideshow!!

Shavonne and Carlos: E Session

2008-08-05T00:50:00.002-04:00

While neither Carlos or Shavonne live in Brooklyn, they definitely have a connection to it. Around the corner from where I live is Brooklyn Tech HS, and Fort Greene Park where these two people met and hung out. Or day actually started when Carlos showed up early and we had to wait for Shavonne who was stuck in traffic. So headed back to my apartment, which at the time happened to be occupied by my neighbor and great friend Christalyn and some friends that came over to watch her work as an associate producer for an episode of MTV's "Made". As we headed to my apartment we ran into a film production set, and had to wait before crossing a street. And who did I see standing there in this fitting red dress looking very impressive? Brooke Shields, and I have to admit, she looked hot. But when I got back to the apartment and shared my sighting with Christalyn and her guest, only about half of them seemed impressed. And my son AJ had very vague idea who she was.

We had a great time in the park that day. And maybe on Shavonne and Carlos's wedding day, they will not only bless me with the honor documenting it, but invite Vanessa Williams and have her be my date. So what if I'm working.

Trina and Leo: E Session

2008-08-04T02:25:00.003-04:00

Our day started in Fort Greene Park, and ended with a bottle of water, a margarita, and a mojito in DUMBO. (I'm pretty sure I had a mojito, or maybe it was a Corona) Well what matters is that we had fun. As we heading over to DUMBO I kept telling Trina and Leo about this really hot mural that I wanted to get them in front of. We walked up and down a few blocks, and as I finally eyed this big plain grey wall that i didn't remember, I asked someone about the mural. And he basically told me I was looking at it. It seems for reasons unknown someone decided to splash some paint on it, so they just painted the whole wall gray. But I'm sure another artist is already planning the next master piece. And when it's created, I'm going to get some lucky couple in front of it.
Until then, check out some images from Leo and Trina's E Session and check back soon to see how their wedding day kick off.

A Quck Plug

2008-07-31T01:46:00.002-04:00

This will be the shortest post I've done to date. If your looking for a great band for your wedding day, or whatever day, check out "Mission Dance" I recently helped out my friend Roberto Falck at one of his wedding and had the chance to experience this band. "AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME"

Ok, that's all.... , And sorry, no pics, didn't carry my camera that day. Just take my word for it.

East Hamptons and Julia

2008-07-30T01:39:00.011-04:00

A few weeks ago I once again enjoyed the pleasure of shooting with my friend Julia Newman, as she documented the wedding of Phil and Jill out in the Hamptons, awesome people. And yes their names really are Phil and Jill. And if you don't believe me just look through Julia's blog.

Julia on the job, waiting to capture the moments.

Dress Whites Allways Look Cool

2008-07-29T18:53:00.006-04:00

Ok, your going to see a number of post about things I've been doing here and there. This one happens to be about part of my 4th of July I spent with Jason Groupp in the Meatpacking District. I helped him out as he did a shoot with Brandon and Kelly, as part of his "I Heart NY Session" If you've been following my blog, you probably know that Jason is a great photographer and a friend of mine. Here's a few images from that day. And "No" I didn't spend my whole day taking pictures. But if I did, what's wrong with that. Kelly and Bradon are cool couple, and we had a blast. LOL

Jason doing his own video!

Nadia and Chauncey : E Session

2008-07-29T00:38:00.003-04:00

By the time most of you read this post Nadia and Chauncey will have exchanged their vows before a sea of family and friends. This wedding actually has extra meaning to me, because Nadia is part of my extended family, or maybe I should say she's a member of a family that extended it's self to me. I truly love this family that I simply call, "The Franklins" I can tell you, Chauncey's in for a life time of adventure, and great food. Did I mention how much I love Nadia's Grandmother's (Mama) cooking? "Ouch" Ok back on track here Rob.

Check out some of the images from Chauncey and Nadia engagement session and stay tuned for highlights from their wedding day.

E Session with Anitra and Elijah

2008-07-28T02:46:00.008-04:00

I decided to take this couple down to what's become one of my favorite spots in the city, "The Meat Packing District." Years ago this neck of the woods truly lived up to it's name, and more. I won't mention the "more" but if any of you know leave a comment. We had a great time, as I always do, and I can't wait to share Anitra and Elijah's wedding day in a few weeks. So stay tune and enjoy some of my favorites from the day.

Chanel and Tony - Wedding Day

2008-07-25T13:17:00.019-04:00

Well it's been a few months since I did the Chanel and Tony's E-Session. Since then they've tied the knot. It was a great day that was witnessed by friends and family. Ryan Jensen, (some of you may know him by "Omar", helped me document the day.

I originally met Chanel and Tony through another great couple, Sabine and Steven. But it turns out we connected in a few other ways. Chanel knows my niece Diandra, they grew up in the same neighborhood. And one of Tony's fraternity brothers, (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.) Sam, is a good friend of mine from my own college days. Can the world get any smaller?

Their ceremony took place at Saints Joachim and Anne Church in Queens, and partied their collective .... um, um. Well they celebrated their exchanging of vows at Crest Hollow Country Club. Below are a few images from the day.

Congrats you two...

Check back soon for a cool slideshow.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!

2008-06-15T14:07:00.002-04:00

However you decide to spend it, enjoy it.

More updates on the way soon.

On This Day GOD Planned For Me....

2008-06-01T01:08:00.007-04:00

Yes, it was that time again. That one day out of the year, that happens every year, my birthday.
And if your asking "Rob, what did you do for your birthday?" well here's my day:

*went to the movies to see "Iron Man" with my one of my best friends, my son Avery
*walked around midtown acting silly and cracking jokes with "AJ" (Avery Jordan)
*crashed the Apple Store on 14th St, with that really cool dude "AJ"
*met up with my girlfriend Simone and her friend Sharon for a bite to eat at my friend's restaurant "Chance"
in Cooble Hill, Brooklyn
*with Simone, Sharon and that awesome son of mine AJ at my side, watched Mike Baca, a very talented artist, and the Graffiti Research Lab use a green laser pen to direct a machine to write laser graffiti on the side of the Brooklyn Academy of Music. it was an awesome thing to see and was the perfect cap to a perfect birthday.

Shanequa and Arthur

2008-05-20T15:57:00.029-04:00

Ok. I thought because there was suppose to be a little rain on this day, we'd have SOHO to ourselves. Well, I guess someone else had other plans, because the sun came out in full force and so did the people. We hit the Apple store, really just the steps inside the store where this silly couple sat for a shot. Arthur took us into a store to check out some $300 jeans, where each style had their own names. My style was called Billy. Not too sure how I feel about that. Not too big on naming my jeans, or any of my clothes for that matter. Don't ask me what the name of the store is, I'm pretty sure Arthur will leave that info in a comment with this post. Needless to say, Billy didn't walk out the door with me that day.

We jumped on the subway for a second, Arthur jumped in the middle of Broadway and stopped a tour bus, and we discovered this spot with really cool bridal outfit in the window called Kiki De Montparnasse, you can see it in the image above. It was a really cool day.

Shanequa and Arthur's wedding this August should be a blast.

Shushania and Oba

2008-05-16T18:44:00.003-04:00

Ok, I know. I'm a little behind on my posting, so over the next few days I am going to share a bunch of stuff with you in no particular order. First up are a few images of Shushania and Oba.

This wasn't one of my regular weddings, and that has something to do with the fact that this couple was already married. The catch is that they never took any wedding photos. So that's were the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and myself come in. If you've never experienced taking photos there, it's pretty cool. They set you up with a security guard that acts as an escort for your time in the gardens. It got a little weird for me at times because our escort seemed to be a little confuse and must have thought that the Pope was still in town and hanging out with us. I swear she was clearing paths about 15' wide and 30' deep. I have to admit, I did feel like a big shot!

Afterwards we headed over to the the Red Bamboo here in Brooklyn where Oba, Shushania and the family met with other family and friends for a reception. Below are some of my favorites.

Another Reason why "I LOVE BROOKLYN"

2008-05-16T15:57:00.007-04:00

If you have time this weekend you should really make an effort to check out the SONYA Studio Stroll. For those of you that don't know, SONYA stands for "South of the Navy Yard Artist," and every year they host the Studio Stroll. For two days local artist display their work in different venues in the area south of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It's really cool! The venues include homes, lounges, and studios hidden in the oasis of Brooklyn. This year's stroll includes over 40 artist and groups. So if you can, check it out. If you click on the link above you can go to their site and download the SONYA Stroll map. Enjoy!!!

Caryn and Ross

2008-05-14T20:07:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago my friend Jason Group decided to pick a couple; that has been affected by the closing of Celebration Studios and present them with a new portrait shoot. Caryn and Ross were that lucky couple, and Jason, being Jason decided to invite fellow friends Jennifer Davis, Julia Newman and myself to be surprise guest photographers on their shoot. DUMBO was the setting for the rainy day shoot, oh yeah it rained. What made the day truly special for Caryn and Ross was that it also happened to be be their 1st year anniversary. We had a great time, below are some of my favorites, and don't forget to check out the other images.

Brides aren't the only Divas out there.

2008-05-13T01:13:00.002-04:00

Recently my friend Victoria asked me to take some photos at the "Diva's With Heart" concert which took place at Radio City Music Hall, featuring Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Diana Ross. Below are a few images from that day. If I had one on, I'd take my hat off to the photographers that make a living covering these events. Shooting the pictures are easy, the politics and drama you go through to take the pictures is a whole other story.

Chanel and Tony

2008-04-24T18:12:00.029-04:00

The clock is counting down to Chanel and Tony's wedding day, and if their engagement session is any clue as to what that day will be like, it's going to be a blast. We started out in Central Park, and because it was such a beautiful day, it was packed. It was tough finding space that didn't contain other people out enjoying the day, but that was cool. I'll take a city full of people over a scene out of "I am Legend" any day. After the park we just walked around the area, hit a farmer's market, and took pictures where ever we wanted too. We finally called it a day and Chanel and Tony offered to drop me off in Brooklyn. We just had to make one stop, a shoe store to inquire about that ever so important part of a bride's wedding ensemble. And it was here as we drove up Madison Ave, that I noticed my green lady, and man was she hot!

Enjoy the slide show!!

Jeannette and Lionel

2008-03-28T20:24:00.030-04:00

This post was a long time coming for me; I've been fighting with the flu since my return from the WPPI Convention in Vegas. But finally (I'm sure Jeannette will agree), here we go.

It was only a few months ago that Lionel, Jeannette and I had an E-Session down in DUMBO. Now they've completed the first part of their journey with their wedding day.

Both bride and groom got prepared at the Hudson Hotel in Midtown. No one seemed nervous to me, but then, I only covered Jeannette that morning. The honor of documenting Lionel's morning went to my guest shooter and great friend Omar. OOPPS! I mean Ryan. I'm pretty sure that nervousness had nothing to do with what caused Lionel to keep calling Ryan "Omar," it was a mistake that anyone could make. So what Ryan was wearing a 6" by 2" name tag that read "Ryan Jensen" on his jacket that also had the same printed on the back.

Ok, I'm kidding about the name tag and the jacket. But not about the "Omar" part.

From the Hudson we went to The Foundry in Long Island City, one of my favorite locations. Here Jeannette and Lionel had a small, but beautiful ceremony and reception. The Foundry is such a great location because you can transform it in so many different ways, and the ambiance is always awesome. Make sure you check back for more on this beautiful couple since we'll be doing a "day after session" at a later date. Enjoy the slide show below. (In a first for me, a good number of the images in the slide show were taken by Ryan, "great work Omar.")

The greatest moment of the evening for me came in the speech that Lionel gave during the reception. In it he said while their wedding day is coming to an end, their marriage has just begun. Now that's not a direct quote, but it is close enough for you to get the point. That statement is so profound to me, it shows that Lionel has his heart and soul in the right place and understands that the adventure with Jeannette just begun.

Thank You guys for letting me and Omar, opps!! Ryan, be part of your journey.

Well I thought it was a cold...

2008-03-24T18:50:00.003-04:00

The morning following Jeannette and Lionel's beautiful wedding @ the Foundry last week, I jumped on a plane to Vegas for the WPPI Convention. It was an experience I'll never forget. I brought back tons of information, new ideas, inspiration, and "the Flu." The night before I flew out to come home I started coming down with what I thought was just a cold, but I wasn't that lucky. The convention it's self was so much, that you needed about a week to recover.

Besides the flu, the trip was awesome. I was able to network with so many photographers from around the world, listen to and learn from the top wedding and portrait photographers in the world. As I mentioned earlier, I've come back inspired and with a new found focused on what I want to accomplish with my clients and images. It's going to be a great year.

I just have to get past the next few days and finish shaking this flu. Check back this week for more on Jeannette and Lionel's wedding day, and my experiences at WPPI. I promise to start returning calls and emails tomorrow.

A new season begins.....

2008-03-16T08:43:00.009-04:00

This weekend was very special for me. If you've followed my exploits here, you may be able to tell by how quickly I'm posting. Jeannette and Lionel, an awesome couple, and even greater people exchanged vows at their wedding, and as Lionel put it during his speech, "began their marriage." Until he said that I honestly never looked at the difference between the wedding, and the marriage. My friend Ryan Jensen worked with me for the first time, and we had a ball. Ryan has a great eye and an even better sense of humor. It was actually at Ryan's home that my girlfriend Simone and I watched the Giants win the Super Bowl. It's always a great thing when you can do something you're passionate about for a living, but when you can do it with great clients such as Jeannette and Lionel, and a cool, talented person like Ryan, it makes life that much better.

I'm only going to post a few images from the day, and tell you the rest of the story tomorrow, because I'm actually updating at the airport on my way to the WPPI convention in Las Vegas. This will be my first time attending (not Vegas) and I'm really excited. There I'm going to join my friends and a few thousand of my peers for this convention. Workshops, networking and whatever else one does in Vegas will make this a great trip.

Well here's the preview, more to follow....

Time for a Face Lift....

2008-02-27T12:37:00.005-05:00

I thought it was time to make a few changes. I guess that may have been one of the first things you've noticed when you came to my website or blog today. 2007 was such a Blessed year for me. Part of it was meeting great people in the form of both clients and fellow photographers, expanding my knowledge in photography, and more importantly growing as a person. Besides GOD (as always first in my lineup), family and friends, there are a few people I really have to put on the map.

While there are a number of photographers who's work I admire and inspire me, there are three that have done that in person, and have become not only my peers, but my mentors (not sure if they are aware of that), and great friends. Jennifer Davis, Roberto Falck, and Jason Groupp, are 3 of the "hottest" people I know. Jen has taught me patience; I know she'll get a laugh out of that; Roberto helps me to remember my imagination is a great tool that should never be over looked; and Jason inspires me to explore my surroundings, look for things that will increase the passion of my images.

James Ravenell, not only a photographer but an awesome friend. We kind of balance each other out at times and he is always there to lend an ear, and a camera.

My girlfriend Simone and my Godmother, what can I say. They're always there when I'm excited, pissed, whatever the mood, they're there watching my back and pushing me forward; reminding me of what's important and keeping me grounded.

I have to finish this list by starting at the beginning of it - Blessings that only GOD can provide. My final wedding of the year was that of Kristine and Warren up in Rhinebeck, NY. If you haven't read my post on that weekend, you can click here to catch up. What I didn't post about that weekend is that someone very close to me passed away a few days prior to me heading upstate. I was crushed, but felt that she would smack me in the head if I didn't proceed as planned. After assisting James on one of his weddings that Friday, I began the following day documenting Kristine and Warren's wedding day. After the ceremony we went out to the lobby of the church. It was here that I first noticed this huge book with one phrase printed in the center of the page. I raised the camera to my eye and took the photo, but it wasn't until after I pressed the shutter button did I see what the words actually said.

For me these words summed up my cousin's life in a way I didn't know was possible. Needless to say the reality of her passing crashed on me at that moment, not the best timing in the world. Now here is where those Blessings kick in. I was very Blessed to have two understanding and compassionate clients in Kristine and Warren. See, I told them earlier in the week what happened, and they checked in on me while I worked with them all day and I can tell you it wasn't the service they were concerned about, it was me. James also knew and kicked in like big brother and kept me going. Jason actually showed up to the reception as a guest, he's very close friends of the bride and groom. Jason actually came out to help with the night shoot, and I can't tell you how much that means to me. And of course Simone was there for me via phone the whole time.

Having all of these people in place let's me know GOD's blessings are real.

All in all, it was a great way to end 2007.

Thank You everyone.

WALK, GIVE, PRAY,CHEER, LET'S TRY TO DO SOMETHING

2008-01-24T21:16:00.001-05:00

Recently my girlfriend Simone decided to take an active role in one of the many fights against cancer. She pledged her support to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. On October 4th and 5th, here in New York, Simone will join thousands of other people for this great cause. Proceeds from the Avon Walk help under insured people obtain screening, support and treatment that they need. Of course the support of cancer research also benefits from this effort greatly.

For me, this has a special and very personal meaning, as my mother passed away from cancer some time ago. Simone herself lost her father to cancer. I know we are far from alone in our personal attachment to any fight against cancer. While I'm not going to join Simone on this walk, I'm supporting her goal with contributions. Yes, I meant to say "contributions" and not "contribution." My first pledge will be joined by a matching contribution, and hopefully two more that depend on two special brides out there. If your wedding day happens to be on October 4th and 5th of this year, the same day as the walk, and you honor me by hiring me to document your wedding day, I'll make another contribution from each of those weddings to the walk. I'll even make the donations in honor of or in memory of your loved one or someone special to you.

For those of you not familiar with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, sponsored walks take place all over the country through out the year so like I said above, "Let's Try to Do Something." If you'd like to pledge a contribution you can follow this link to Simone's Avon portal, and pour your heart out. If you'd like to walk yourself follow the Avon link and sign up in a city near you. Or if you like to travel, sign up for one in a city not near you at all. If you can't walk Pray for someone that can, cheer for walkers as they finish their journey. You can even volunteer to be part of their support crew. Let's just try to do something.

NEED I SAY MORE???

2008-01-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

DRINKING ON THE JOB

2007-12-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

As you can see, this guy needed a tripod to hold the camera steady.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

Tracy and Calvin's Day After Shoot

2007-12-28T18:08:00.001-05:00

No, it's not a new idea, just something new I want to offer my clients. So feel free to give me some feed back.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the concept here you go. Sometimes you might not be able to devote as much time as you'd like to your portraits on your wedding day, or maybe you just love being in front of the camera with that new special someone in your life. Well go put that dress back on and let's have some fun. Fellas, you may want to try your favorite suite.

Tracy and Calvin were married late September at Alba Vineyards in Milford, NJ. Almost a month to the day we went down to the old meatpacking district "Chelsea" and had a lot of fun taking some really cool shots. The only requirement is, you have to be married already! I'll have full package details soon, until then enjoy some of their images.

Oh Yeah, About that Fantastic Day

2007-12-02T03:41:00.001-05:00

A few months ago I posted a hint about a shoot that I did. The shoot was for recently launched World Bride Magazine. The reason I referred to it as a Fantastic Day is because everything seemed to flow so well. The models, the stylist, the makeup artist, the hair stylist, the locations, event the weather. You couldn't ask for anything more. The shoot was done in DUMBO which is an amazing location with endless possibilities. Here are a few of the images from the day.

Upstate Weekend Part Two

2007-12-02T02:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, this post is a little side story to the rest of the weekend upstate, before and after Kristine and Warren's wedding day. James Ravenell, who acted as my guest photographer at the wedding, had a wedding of his own to shoot the day before, where I acted as his quest photographer.

Everyday you should try to learn something new. That weekend I learned a few important lessons that I want to share with you. The following I picked up at the wedding I shot with James that Friday.

1. While going down the stairs of the Groom's townhouse, look out for uneven
steps. You just might sprain your right ankle in the process if you're not careful.

2. While taking photos in front of the church after the ceremony, during
the Fall season, keep an watchful eye out for a honeycomb on the ground
that have fallen from the nearby trees. You just might sprain your
right ankle for the second time in the same day if you're not careful.

3. While limping along, holding an off camera flash for the main photographer,
on a well kept, sloped lawn, in front of the Bride's parents home, keep an
watchful eye out for dips under the grass. You just might sprain your already
swollen , pain laced, right ankle for the third time in the same day if you're
not careful.

4. After spraining the same ankle 3 times in one day you feel like a total a@#!

Almost done.

My last lesson of the weekend I also picked up with James, are you starting to notice seeing a pattern? Thankfully, I think, this lesson came the next day on the way home, after Kristine and Warren's wedding.

Never, Never, Never leave Rhinebeck, New York 12:30 in the am and get on the Taconic State Parkway with the needle of the gas gauge sitting on "E" That's really not a good thing to do.
No.... We didn't run out of gas, if you count fumes as gas. But we came close enough that while taking 3 to 4 mile drives off exits, and down roads that look like outer space minus the stars, thoughts of movies like "Wrong Turn" and "The Hills Have Eyes" came to mind.

Not a good thing.

Kristine and Warren

2007-12-02T01:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a weekend. I hope you have a comfortable seat because this can be a long one. Were do I start? Well how about I start in the middle, because the focus of this post is the wedding of Kristine and Warren. I want to first thank Kristine and Warren for giving me the honor of sharing their wedding day with them and being more than just clients. My friend James Ravenell helped me out on this day, but the cost was high, I'll explain later.

Beautiful Rhinebeck New York was the setting for beginning of this couple's day. While Kristine enjoyed her beautification session at FACE STOCKHOLM in the middle of Rhinebeck, Warren anxiously waited for his bride at St. James Church in Chatham. He didn't have to wait that long (time is in the eye of the beholder, or is that beauty), as Kristine ran back to her room at the Beekman Arms Inn and got dressed in record time. Now when I say record time, I'm talking NY Fashion week, models in the back quick change speed, I'm talking Warp speed for Trekkie's, Light speed for Jedi Knights, Hyper Drives for Stargate SG1, and FTL Jump Drives for Battlestar Galactica Fans). And if you still don't get it, she changed really, really fast.

We climbed in to a mini bus that must have been upgraded by a NASCAR racing team, equipped with Nitrox, and driven by Jeff Gordon himself. We safely arrived at St. James, a really beautiful church, where Kristine and Warren proceeded to have great ceremony that was performed by REV. Gary Paul Gelfenbien, Pastor. He really did a great job, as his words brought smiles to every ones face, including mine where on a personal level, they were truly needed.

After the ceremony it was back to the Beekman Arms Inn for the reception celebration. Beekman Arms Inn also happens to be America's oldest Inn. Any place that can handle the number of kids that attended this weeding is ok in my book.

Kristine and Warren also happen to be good friends of my good friend and fellow photographer Jason Groupp and his wife Liz. So when I saw him walk into the Beekman I was truly more than happy to have him join James and I outside with the Bride and Groom for some night shooting. Rhinebeck is a great place to capture images during the day, and even better at night. Afterwards the party continued back in the Beekman. It was a Great Day!

Kristine, Warren, James, and Jason, I can't thank you enough for the day.

Thank You Guys!!

Of course there's a slide show.

Check out some of Jason's images from that night outside. And if you're upto the task check
out his workshop "The Revolution" I did, and it was awesome!!

E Session with Jeannette and Lionel

2007-11-28T12:18:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I know it's been a while but I'm back. Almost two weeks ago I had a cool (weather's changing), engagement session with an awesome couple. Jeannette and Lionel met with me down under the Brooklyn Bridge. I was planning to take most photos with Manhattan in the background, but there had to be at least 3-4 wedding shoots going on at any given moment at the water's edge. So we just did a little improvising and had fun anyway. So far it seems that Jeannette and Lionel's wedding will be my first of the new year at "The Foundry" in Long Island City. It's a great location and I can't wait to share their day with them. You'll have to check back for that one. Until then check out some of their e-session images.

Click here for the slideshow

Jacklyn and Mario

2007-10-26T23:22:00.000-04:00

I first met Jackie and Mario a few months ago during their engagement session in the city. Our journey together continued up in Beacon NY. Below is a list of things that I learned, shared and experienced with Jackie all before her ceremony.

1. One of her sisters once decided to practice her nail polishing skills on Jackie, but for some strange reason still known only to her paint only one of her hands.

2. Jackie has still yet to see Gladiator.

3. Watched a whole lot of people try to glue eye lashes onto Jackie's beautiful set of eyes. For HOURS!!!!

4. Hit on by a beautiful woman slightly my senior.

5. Experienced first hand the very terrifying driving skills of one of Jackie's dearest friends.

6. Ate 2 parts of a 60' Italian hero, (kidding on the length), while the bride and party dressed.

7. Heard a rumor that Mario's mom took a rake to the back door window of her home because she was looked out and didn't want to be late. (Now that's Love)

The ceremony took place at St. John's Evangelist Church in Beacon. The rain tried to stick it's head out and wet the place up, but was held back. I guess someone knew like I knew that Jacklyn and Mario deserved to have a wonderful day for their wedding. Not that I feel a little rain would have done anything to dampen the mood of these two great people.

After the ceremony we went to a location suggested by the limo driver. We ended up at Boscobel Museum, which sits up on the banks of the Hudson River. What a beautiful location, the clouds decided to retreat as we arrived there. The limo driver really made a great call on this one. The best man almost had to work a miracle when we discovered that we needed a permit to shoot there. But since it was a very last minute decision the staff at Boscobel performed their own form of a miracle and allowed us to proceed. At one point I lied down on the ground to take a photo of Jackie and Mario. But I guess one of Mario's sisters didn't understand how I work. She thought I fell down. Not that she was worried about my welfare, she actually seemed disappointed when Mario and Jackie explained to her that I do that from time to time. She said she wanted to take a picture of me because she thought I fell. Yeah I felt the love there boy. LOL

The reception was held at Nicole's in Highland Falls, right next to West Point Academy. The party ran into the dark night. Why did I say dark night instead of late night? Because it was extremely dark outside. I'll come back to that in a second. Jackie and Mario also happened to get married on the same day as Jacklyn's mother's birthday. Nice addition to a great celebration. Since I was staying overnight in a nearby hotel Mario had a designated driver attempt to drive me to the hotel. No here's a lesson I'd like to share with everyone. Never let the Groom, or the boyfriend of the Groom's sister give your driver directions after a really great wedding reception where the spirits flowed like a river, in an area that doesn't really believe in street lights. Not a good idea. But if you absolutely must do so, just make sure that your driver understands that he is under no circumstances to stop the forward motion of the vehicle while driving in this unlit, hilly, and heavily wooded area. After driving for miles we decided to go back to Nicole's and ask for directions. And it was on our way there we discovered my residence for the evening not 100 yards away from where we started.

Need I say I had the time of my life, it was everything that I expected from Jackie and Mario's day. Well, all except the crazy ride with Alicia. LOL

Check out the slide show.

The Revolution!!!

2007-10-23T02:20:00.000-04:00

Hey this was my first photography workshop, actually my first form of formal photography training period. The workshop came just in time for me also, been having a pretty rough number of weeks, it was just what I needed.

"The Revolution" is the brainchild of photographers Chris + Lynn, TJ Cameron and my friend Jason Groupp. These four people with their unique personalities and styles are some of the most awesome people I've been blessed to meet. Along with a number of other photographers from across the country whom I'm proud to call my friends, we explored different parts of the city and had a ball.

So to Jason, TJ, Lynn, Chris, and all of my fellow revolutionaries, I say "THANK YOU" I really needed that.

Jason Groupp threw party in his studio cap off the workshop and to also kick off the PhotoPlus Expo that was held here in NYC. Jason set up a "Couch and Camera" If you want to know what I'm talking about take a look at this slide show (it's big so be patient while it loads up)

Quwana and Donald

2007-10-22T21:15:00.000-04:00

After two days of travel across approximately 789 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, there was sun, more water, giant spiders, pink sand, and the marriage of Quwana and Donald. If you've ever been to this destination, the giant spiders and pink sand should have been enough for you to figure it out. If not, here's another clue, it's spelled B-E-R-M-U-D-A, and I'm not joking about the giant spiders, those suckers are huge, and no I didn't take a picture. Why? Because they are HUGE!!!!!!!! There's nothing worst than a HUGE, ugly spider in a BIG web.

Ok, back to the subject. I joined the family and friends of Quwana and Donald on a cruise to the "big spider" island of Bermuda. Beautiful island, beautiful people and great people, just really big spiders. The ceremony was held at the Lido Restaurant on Elbow Beach. Here Quwana and Donald exchanged their vows before family, friends and a Bermuda short wearing officiant. Now how cool is that? After the cocktail hour it was back to the ship for the voyage home. I really had a great time with them, and I'm ready to go back to the island. I'd like to spend about a week or two there and really enjoy all Bermuda has to offer. I'll let you know. Until then enjoy some of the photos.

Click here for the slide show

Monique and Chris

2007-10-07T21:34:00.000-04:00

It’s not often these days that I actually get a free moment to update my blog, but this is one of those rare moments. It helps when you’re on a cruise ship heading to Bermuda to shoot another wedding. Somehow you find your self with a whole bunch of free time.

It was just yesterday that I shot the wedding of Monique and Chris. Once again the weather was great as they exchanged vows at St. Charles of Borromeo Church in New York. It was a great ceremony which was fully attended by friends and family of the gorgeous bride and mad cool groom. I wasn’t about to call him hansom, sorry. After officially becoming a married couple, they were received by a honor guard of the Knights of Columbus in which Chris is a member. That was really cool, anything with a sword is cool for me. That is as long as it’s not being swung at me.

Monique and Chris had their reception at Terrace On The Park. Here not to be out done by the special ceremony of the Knights of Columbus, Monique’s sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (someone has to tell me if it’s ok for me to just write AKA next time, that’s just too much to write every time I shoot one of your weddings), honored her with a ceremony of their own. She was seated in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by a great number of her very beautiful, beautiful, (did I mention beautiful) sisters and serenaded. I never get tired of seeing that. They sound good too.

Enjoy some of the photos from her day.

Check out their Slide Show

Next stop...... Quwana and Donald - BERMUDA!!

Tracy and Calvin

2007-10-04T20:32:00.001-04:00

What a weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you live in NY get in your car, turn west and keep going until you reach the Village of Finesville in Milford New Jersey. You may be saying, "Why would I do such a thing Rob?" Well, I'll tell you why. It's because that happens to be the location of Alba Vineyard where Tracy and Calvin's wedding celebration took place.

Jolene and I met up with Tracy at the National Hotel in Frenchtown, New Jersey. A really cool B&B in a small town, so close to Pennsylvania that you only have to cross a bridge down the street to reach it. As Tracy and her bridesmaids prepared in one room, her soon to be husband Calvin and his groomsmen got ready in another. That room and Nelson........ Nelson is the bother of Calvin, and that's all I'm going to say about that. Those that were there know. Nelson knows, and that's all I'm going to say about that. (Sorry guys, another private joke.)

When everyone was finally prepared it was time for the formal Receiving of the Bride "jep sun leurn." During this ceremony Calvin and his groomsmen had to negotiate with the bridesmaids and then Tracy's mother to see his Bride. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen at a wedding, watching the guys stuffing money in to the red envelopes and sliding them under the door, only to have the women on the other side yell back "Is That All She's worth to You?" With that response each of the guys continued to dig deeper into their pockets. After a while it was very apparent that women held the upper hand of this negotiation, when they finally demanded the men sing "The ABC's." Yes, the very same "ABC's" we all sang as a kid. If someone would have told me in pre-school that this song would serve a higher purpose...... I would not have understood what they were talking about. Witnessing this part of their culture gave us a whole new dimension to the way we've experienced weddings.

Before heading to Alba Vineyard, Tracy requested that we stop at the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Toll Bridge, which links New Jersey to Pennsylvania across the Delaware River to take some photos. From there it was to the vineyard and the wedding of this awesome couple. There at the top of a hill, with the scenic Delaware River Valley as a background, before family and friends and witnesses, Tracy and Calvin exchanged their vows. I could honestly write forever about this great weekend, but it still won't do it any justice. So I'll close by saying this.

You could ask for a more beautiful day, but I'm not sure one really exist.

Enjoy the photos and the slideshow. And a special Hello to my new best friend Benjamin

A New Begining

2007-10-03T23:09:00.002-04:00

It was a little more than a year ago that I met Materia and James. This meeting was triggered by Tanisha and Jared, who's wedding I shot in August of 2006. I was also introduced to Tiara and Mark who's wedding I shot in April of this year. So here I am now shooting the wedding for Materia and James, with my friend James Ravenell manning a second camera.

While these six people may have become linked to each other in different ways, they all have an extremely strong quality in common. Their Love of each other and their families. This is a quality that you have no choice but to notice and respect upon getting to know them. They also seem to have a knack for either making everyone laugh during their weddings or cry. In some cases both. I laughed pretty hard at their weddings and witnessed everyone else cry at times too. I myself have never cried at any of their weddings. Some have mistaken the sweat running down my face on Jared and Tanisha's day for tears, but being outside when it's 857 degrees will have that effect on you.

Staying true to form James had the courtesy to warn me about his approaching speech to his parents. While nearby trees had to be cut down to make tissue for other's, it just so happens that dust kicked up by a passing car outside found it's way into Jericho Terrace, came up the stairs, under the door, across the dance floor and got into my eyes. So here too I can understand why some may have mistakenly thought I was crying. IT'S NOT SOOOOOOO..... It takes more than Materia's beautiful face and James' tear jerking words to make me turn on the water works. You can believe that.

On that note (there must be dust in this room too), I say "Thank You" Materia and James for sharing your day with me.

Check out the slide show.

What's in Your Wallet?

2007-10-02T20:34:00.000-04:00

Don't mind the many diverse looks on Chris' face, he loves Monique and will gladly make rabbit ears out of his pockets any day.

And don't pay any attention to the hand she has over his mouth, Monique allows Chris to speak I'm a witness to that. We met up at the South Street Seaport, and with the smell of food in the air, the two thousand, eight hundred and twenty one people in attendance, we had a blast. Great couple, great location and great weather make a serious combination. Enjoy some of the photos and check back soon for a wedding update and slide show.

Renee and Ronald

2007-09-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, we going to try something new. Renee and Ronald took their engagement photos about 2 weeks before their actual wedding day. So I'm going combine the two into this one posting.

A few weeks ago Jolene and I met up with this couple down on the West Side Highway to take their engagement photos. Two weeks later they were married at The Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle. The weather gave some concern at first, but it turned out to be a wonderful day, good thing too since the ceremony was held out side. Throughout Renee's engagement session and wedding day, she kept singing the song "Woo Hoo" by The 5678s, I thought I was going to loose my mind, but I think that was her way of fighting off whatever nervous feeling she may have had. Now thanks to her every time I watch "Kill Bill," or that commercial for a certain phone company that begins with a "V," I'll think of her. Enjoy a few photos.

Check out the slide show!

A few moments in the life of Stacie J.

2007-09-05T20:40:00.000-04:00

A little while back I was asked to photograph a dress fitting for World Bride Magazine. My subject for the day was Stacie J, you may have seen her on Trump's "The Apprentice." We met at the studio of designer Junko Yoshioka in Manhattan. There I photographed Stacie J. as she tried on several of Junko's dresses. It was a real cool experience for me, with Stacie being such a natural beauty in both looks and personality. Stacie J.'s makeup artist for the day Hiyiya, happens to be someone I've had the pleasure of working with before, not that she really need any makeup. But I'm just a man, what do we know? The photos have since appeared in the current Spring/Summer 07 issue of Word Bride Magazine.

Did I mention how Beautiful she looked?
If I didn't mention how Beautiful she looked just check out the images below.

Camille and Keith

2007-08-27T19:04:00.000-04:00

Camille and Keith have been together about, let's see if I can remember this correctly, about 53 years, give or take a month. If you check back with my blog in about 75 years, I'll post an entry about their 75th anniversary. Camille and Keith are two of the most beautiful people I've ever met. I know it's because of their love of God and the respect they have for and the guidance they've received from their parents. This couple will conquer anything placed in their path.

Jolene and I documented their ceremony at St. James AME Church in Newark New Jersey. It was in this church that their relationship grew into it's present day form. Could the well mannerism of Keith towards Camille have anything to do with the fact that her father is not only a member of St. James, but also a Minister there. Hmmmmmmm.

The reception was held in Verona, New Jersey at the Richfield Regency. The Richfield seemed to be the perfect location to hold Camille and Keith's family and friends. I think it may have been a little cold for some of Camille's relatives up from Barbados. Now..... maybe if they would have handed me a pan of fresh flying fish from home, I could have put the good word in for them. It's funny but every time I heard Camille's mother speak with her Bajan accent I got a craving for flying fish. If you've never had it, you haven't lived yet. Drop me a line and I'll send you Camille's mom's number so she can make you a batch (of course you do know I'm joking).

Don't forget to check out the slide show.

BlackJack any one?

2007-08-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, so this weekend I went to Virginia with my girlfriend to attend the wedding of one of her relatives. It was cool, but that's not what I'm writing about today. On the way home up the Jersey Turnpike we stopped to get gas. As we sat in line this black car pulls up next to us. It was kind of dark outside, so we had tough time figuring out what it was. So we asked the owner as he stepped away to light a cigarette (way... away). He said it's a "ROUSH Mustang Stage 3 BlackJack." ROUSH Performance is one of best, if not the leading race car engineering companies in the racing industry. When he pulled the car up to receive gas he invited me to see under the hood. You can tell this guy was proud of his baby. The attendant asked if he wanted regular gas, he jumped and responded "Oh No, No, Only High Test," like a steak connoisseur being asked by a waiter if he wants catchup on his Kobe Steak. (If you don't get that, don't worry about it.)

Needless to say I've never seen a 430 horsepower engine up close before. There were only 100 of these cars built and the only come in a high gloss black. So I can say I got to personally check out number 51 of 100.

Yeah, I know this post had nothing to do with weddings, but the car was
HOT!!!

Sorry, but of course I decided not to travel with my camera, but I swear it looked just like that.

Jaclyn and Mario

2007-08-09T00:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, Ok..... How should I sum up this couple. Let's see, 100% passion, 100% love, 150% fun and 50% knowledge of one of the greatest movies of all time "GLADIATOR." How could you not have seen .... "Focus Rob, focus" "Woosaaaaa, Wooo - saaaaa" Ok, I'll get back to that later.

I knew I was in for a fun day when Jackie decided to send me a text message with a snapshot of Mario and herself on Metro North coming to meet me. I arrived at Grand Central Station a little ahead of time, and ended up meeting them at T.G.I Friday's. Back into GCS we went, and you know, I never knew there was a Michael Jordan Steak House in there. Never ate there before, adding that to me list. While taking photos Jackie and Mario all of a sudden ran over to this trash can and started messing with it. At first I thought they were bugging out, then I said to myself, "cool, they want to move it to the center of the area and climb on it for photos." But it was then that I noticed the can was covered with the classy woman of WE TV's "Bridezilla." Can't believe they caught that before me. Don't worry, Jaclyn's definitely no Bridezilla.

We walked around the neighborhood for a while as Mario often made those faces that say "I'm up to something no good," or "my mind's in the gutter," or "hmmmm." This is the look feared by some and loved by others. At one point while they were posing on a lion figure, Mario made one of these faces, his hands weren't in view of me, but I'm sure the people on the other side of the glass behind them could have told me what was going on. We came across a group of circular platforms for sitting. I had Jackie and Mario sit on two of the smaller ones, while right next them this gentleman sat on a huge one while talking on his cell phone. Next thing you know he pushes off while still sitting down and the platform starts to spin. Now you know we couldn't resist. They both took a seat on either side of this stranger, and the three of them kicked off together and started going around and around. The stranger never missed one word of his phone conversation, that was really cool.

As we called it a day, Jackie and Mario invited me to have a drink with them at the Pershing Square Restaurant across from GCS. And it was here, while I savored the smooth taste of an ice cold Corona, that an unspeakable horror was revealed to me. Jaclyn has never seen "GLADIATOR." I never told Mario and Jackie this, but at that very same moment I felt the ground under my stool move. I can never be sure, but it felt like......., it felt like........, well it felt like General Maximus Decimus Meridius himself had just turn over in his grave. What is this world coming to? Check back in the weeks to come, their wedding will be a blast.

Check out the slide show!
"Strength and Honor"

Jessica and Mark

2007-08-01T12:51:00.000-04:00

This is only the second wedding I've done that took place entirely in my home borough of Brooklyn. Jessica and Mark are both originally from out of town, but now call Brooklyn home. Good choice guys!!

"Le Petit" set the stage for the beginning of this wedding day. Here Jolene and I met up with Jessica and her friends Lindsey and Maria as she got her hair and makeup done. Lindsey....., I must admit that I was at first fooled by her mild mannerism, sitting there next to Marie, with her short (finely tuned, low maintenance) hair cut. I guess I didn't notice the sign around her neck that read "Break glass in case of celebration."

Jessica and Mark got ready in separate rooms of Bed and Breakfast on the Park, which is located in Park Slope. The ceremony and reception took place at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, which is located about 3 blocks up Prospect Park West from the B&B. The BSEC resides inside and a mansion built in 1900, a really beautiful building.

The voes were exchanged in the garden, where Jessica was escorted by her father as two of their friends played a banjo and violin. Now before we left the mansion I asked Jessica, Mark, their family and friends who they thought might end up turning on the water works. Of course everyone denied any tears would flow. But with a pre-ceremony speech by Jessica's parents, and another by her brother Mike, I guess some dust must have flown into her eyes. Just a little dust I would say. Mark on the other hand must have left some shampoo in his eyes that worked on a delayed timer triggered by listening to his mother's speech. And then of course there was Michelle, a friend of Jessica's who'd been crying off and on since I met her in the B&B. A very consistent woman. Don't get me wrong, it seems a number of guest must have been hit by the same dust as Jessica, or used the same brand of shampoo as Mark.

With family and friends from almost every corner of this country and Norway, (Jessica is half Viking) the party was on. Jessica's father led the family in a recital of the University of Kansas fight song, which was pretty cool. There was also a sort of Norwegian tradition where the family did a toast, drinking a shot of a Norwegian drink called "Aquavit". Maybe it was the faces made by everyone, and the speed in which they chased those shots down with anything handy, that leads me to believe it didn't tasted all that good.

There were speeches and toasts given by Lindsey, Uncle Kurt and Mark's best friend Joe. Seeing a stack of 5x7 postcards in Joe's hand you knew it was going to be a long one. But you'd never guessed it would be so good. Deep and funny, you can tell Joe took some time putting it all together. But it didn't take too long to realize that most of that deep thought probably took place in a movie theater while watching "The Transformers," where Joe must have been inspired by non other than Optimus Prime himself. All in all, it was a great, great day.

Congratulations Jessica and Mark, let's find an excuse to do it again.

I mean the celebration part.

And Thank You.

The Side Show is a must see, click "here"

Sabine and Steven

2007-08-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I did an engagement photo session with Sabine and Steven. Well, their day has finally arrived.

On Friday, I began my day at the Queens home of Sabine, while Jolene photographed Steven at the home of his parents a few blocks away. I heard that Steven's father was pretty confident that with his marriage to Sabine, the chances of Steven trying to move back home dropped down pretty low. Their family dog was actually dressed for the occasion, but was unable to take part in the ceremony. Maybe that's why she looked really unhappy about being put in the wedding dress, which actually looked pretty good on her. She would have made one serious "Bridezilla."

The ceremony took place at St. Clair's Church, not to far from their home. Once my two friends were declared "Husband and Wife," Steven finally seemed at ease. You see he was a nervous wreck up to this point. Sabine did much better, only asking me for a time check about 64 times while she was getting ready. The reception was held at La Dolce Vita in Great Neck. The MC "Opera Steve" of Fiesta Entertainment, helped create a beautiful night of celebration for family and friends.

Check out the slide show.

WOW, What a Fantastic Day!!

2007-07-24T12:46:00.000-04:00

Not sure how much I can say write now. But I think it's safe to give you a hint of what I did today. Don't worry, I'll follow up soon and tell you about the whole day. Just think of this as one of those teaser trailers that are about 6 seconds long and give no other information. If you can't picture that, well too bad. You're just going to have to wait.

Adrienne and Richard

2007-07-22T19:25:00.000-04:00

Ok, after returning home from a wedding in Connecticut at 3:30am, downloading images, cleaning, and setting up my equipment to recharge, it was time (4:30am) to take a quick 2 hour nap. Then it was off to Adrienne's home in The Bronx where I met up with my friend James Ravenell. Can you say "Red Bull"
Adrienne and Richard were married at the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem. It got a little emotional up at the alter, but I won't say for who. Afterwards the celebration continued up in New Rochelle at the Greentree Country Club. There's always a moment in a wedding that stands out for me, and the moment of this day had to be the dance between Richard and his mother. As mother and son danced to "I'm in the Mood for Love," Richard's mother sang every single word to him. He told me this is something she use to do when he was smaller. Again this made for a very emotional moment, especially for one person in particular. And again, I won't say who. A new beginning to close a great weekend.

Want to see more? Click here

Shiron and Rodney

2007-07-22T12:22:00.000-04:00

The second Friday of July marked the beginning of my first double header weekending. My friend Jolene and I made our way up to the home of Shiron's mother in Bridgeport, Connecticut where she would be getting ready. This beautiful bride happens to be the niece of my equally beautiful friend Nancy whom I use to work with. When we arrived at the house I immediately got a feel for the Asian theme favored by Shiron's mother. They had this cool little dog, "Lil Bit" who gave me a tough time when I would try to take his picture. Everytime I'd bring the camera up to my eyes, he'd turn away. So I finally got smart and just held the camera down at his level, take aim and fire. He didn't seem to like that at all, oh well too bad, I got the shot "Lil Bit"

The ceremony and reception took place at The Waterview , in Monroe, CT. Shiron and Rodney were blessed with a beautiful day for their outdoor wedding ceremony. Afterwards they partied with their family, friend's and Shiron's endless number of aunts. She has to have about 38 of them, I lost count. After watching everyone "party like a rock star," Jolene and I headed back to the city. By the time I got in (3:30am), it was time to download, recharge, clean and repack for following day.

Congrats!!!!! You Two.

Check out the Slide Show

For Their Eyes Only 7.07.007

2007-07-10T22:45:00.000-04:00

Kate and Huey....... I really can't say enough about these two beautiful people. I first met Kate and Huey at a cocktail party thrown by my friend and exceptional photographer Jason Groupp.
Now I didn't pick that title just because they were married on 7.07.007. You see Huey has a serious thing for James Bond Movies. But unlike agent 007 Huey doesn't have to keep finding a new Bond Woman, with Kate he's set for life, and what a wonderful life I'm sure it will be for the two of them. My guest photographer Jolene helped me cover the day.

Kate started her day a the Bryant Park Hotel, which also served as the temporary home for most of their family and friends which came from out of town. This also included some of Huey's former football team mates of the University of Florida, "The Gators", whom averaged about 7' 11.9" and 359 lbs. So let me paint this picture for you, Huey's Alma mater wins a national football title, a national basketball title, Daniel Craig has recently and successfully taken responsibility for the role of James Bond, and most importantly.... He Got the Girl!! Not even Bond himself has been bless like that.

The ceremony was held at The Church of Saint Paul the Apostle. As you enter this church for the first time, your mouth automatically drops to the floor. Yeah, it's that amazing. Part of portrait session included an idea Huey had for reenacting a photo of Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis looking over their shoulders while using a large set of urinals. So while shooting near Lincoln Center, Huey pointed out that the P.J Clarke's which just happen to be sitting right behind us may have the urinals. And guess what, one of the photos below shows the out come. After the manager had a big laugh about the idea, and cleared it, she agreed to letting us take the photo with the promise of a print that they could frame and hang up.

The reception took place at the Bryant Park Grill. Where Kate, Huey and their guest where entertained by a great band, (I'll have to get the name later). It was a really great night, and I'd really like to thank my new friends Kate and Huey for giving me the honor of documenting their day.

Now because of the way I wrote this post it may seem that the day really revolved around Huey, but let me simply remind you of something. James may have always been tossing the bad guys around, driving the cool cars, and had all the neat gadgets. But it was about the women; Ursla Andress, Kim Basinger, Diana Rigg, Honor Galour, Halle Berry and now Kate Richardson. Good for you Kate!!!

Dean and Jerry eat your heart out.

Jason actually threw his camera in the air and used the timer to take a picture.

Don't forget the slide show!!!

Niki and Kevin

2007-07-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been a couple of weeks now but the day is etched in my head. Nichole began her morning at the home of her father in Brooklyn while Kevin got dressed at their own home a few blocks away. This day my guest photographer was Lindsay Flanagan, great photographer, and a beautiful person, we had a blast. And for the first time, I also incorporated and assistant, whom just happens to be my girlfriend Simone. She came highly recommended by me.

The ceremony was held at the BEAUTIFUL Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. While Nichole waited in a suite for her moment to begin, she kept asking me "Rob, is it rainining, is it suppose to rain today, did you see the weather report for today?" And even though the clouds had begun to roll in my answer was "Nope, it's not raining, nope it's not suppose to rain, and Yep I saw the weather and there's not rain on your day" Of course none of this was true, but I wasn't saying anything else because I had faith and didn't want Niki worrying about something she couldn't control. But of course someone had to blurt out "Oh Yeah, There's suppose to be showers, thunder, lightning, hail, meteors, the works" Ok, she didn't say all of that, but she said enough, and the sound of thunder in the back ground didn't help any either. But as faith would have it, the rain stopped and the sun came back out just as Niki and Kevin were pronounced "Husband and Wife."

The reception was held across the street form the church at the Midtown Loft & Terrace, a really great location in it's own right. But when you add the touch of a beautiful event design /planner such as Marlene Prophete of Galas Inc., it becomes a HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! location. Sorry about the shameless plug there, but Marlene also happens to be a friend of mine whom until meeting to discuss Niki's wedding 2 weeks before hand, I hadn't seen since high school. But more importantly, she very good at what she does. What a small world.

Below are a few photos from the day, please check out Lindsay's blog for more of her great images from the day. Some of the photos in the slideshow were taken by Lindsay, I loved them so much I wanted you to see them twice, espcially the last one. Enjoy!!

Don't forget to check out the SlideShow!!!

One More Thing!!

It never fails that something always catches me off guard at some point of a wedding day. This time it happened at Niki's father's house that morning. Now at some point I knew that I've photographed everyone in the house, until I started to hear this baby crying. But no one seemed the least bit concerned. I kept asking myself, how did I miss a baby, the sound is coming from the kitchen where I've already been, and why is no one going to see why this baby is crying. So I made my way back into the kitchen, but didn't see any baby. But as I stood there in the door way someone to my right said "HELLO." And there it was, a parrot, looking at me like I'm stupid. I asked someone, "Hey, does this parrot sometimes sound like a baby crying, and they tell me "Oh Yeah, it says a number of things." Boy did I feel as stupid as that parrot probably thought I looked.

"THANKS BIRD"

"Anjanelle"

2007-06-27T02:36:00.000-04:00

Back in March I shared some images with you of my friends Stephanie and Bromley. She was the one with the big belly that wasn't full of beer. It was actually full of Anjanelle. Simone and I were recently invited to dinner at home of Stephanie's parents. If you don't already know, let me tell you something about eating dinner in an Italian home. Prepare yourself, don't eat for a day or two in advance. I'm convinced that there is a restaurant attached to their home that I can't see. The food comes in stages, and it keeps coming, and coming, and coming and coming, just like that crazy bunny in the battery commercial. No matter how many times I experience it, I just can't believe it. It wouldn't be so bad if the food didn't taste good, but everything is awesome.
I won't tell you what was on the menu because I'm starting to get hungry, so I'll just introduce you to Anjanelle aka "Chunka" (a nickname this poor baby was given by Stephanie and Simone)

Anjanelle in a deep conversation with her brother Nicholas.

Hunger, gas, sleepy, I'm not sure which.

Grandpa to the rescue!

Tanyanika and Trevor

2007-06-24T02:02:00.000-04:00

Tanyanika and Trevor's wedding is the first Thursday wedding I've ever attended, not to mention photographed. They decided to keep it small and quick, I'll let the photos in the slide show give you a "clue" as to just how small and quick it was. I did have a guest photographer for the day. This turned out to be none other than the mother of the Bride. It's not like I could say I was surprised because Tanyanika actually warned me about her when we first met. But she's a great person and she definitely has an eye for the camera.

After taking some photos we hit Coco Roco in Cobble Hill, a favorite of Trevor and Tanyanika. I always love a restaurant where crayons on the tables are part of the decor. It allows you to be creative while you eat. And in this case it lets the mothers of the bride and groom share their greatest wedding wishes with everyone. (see the slide show)

Remember that "clue" I spoke of? Check out the slide show to find it.
It also happens to be my guest photographer that picked the song.
"POCKET BOOK"

EVERYONE SAY "HELLO AQUARI"

2007-06-23T00:22:00.000-04:00

My new neighbor Aquari decided to drop in, or, "drop out" a week ahead of schedule. Dede and Jamar's bundle blessed us with his presence on the 21 st, coming in at 7 lb, 3 oz and 20", after keeping his mother busy for about 10 hours. The photos below were taken on his first full day.

He's a really cute kid.

Chantal and Ken

2007-06-18T13:49:00.000-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of shooting with my friend Jennifer Davis again. I always have a great time when I work with Jen.
Chantal assumed her role as the beautiful bride, but I have to say Ken held his own when he decided to and some of his culture to the day when he proudly wore a Kilt instead of a tux. The couple began their day getting ready at the Hotel Giraffe. The ceremony was held at the Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. A beautiful church that has that "AWE" effect the first time your enter it. And if that wasn't enough, they then held their reception at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in lower Manhattan. Below are a few images from the day, if you want to see more you should check out Jennifer's blog, she's even got a slide show.

And then there were 3... well soon

2007-05-23T02:39:00.000-04:00

Well it was a lazy weekend for me. And what's a lazy weekend without taking pictures of soon to be parents. "How lazy was it" I'm glad you asked, (if you didn't pretend you did). Well it was so lazy for me this weekend that I only had to climb one flight of stairs to photograph Dede, Jamar and baby to be. They live above me. How cool is that?

I'm posting a few today, and will follow up with more soon.

And how do you wrap up a cool photo session like this. Let's see..
you order a bunch of food,
answer the door bell that your niece just rang,
greet your niece, her little brother, and her boyfriend at the door,

opps fiance "sorry Will"

Did I mention that after I let my niece in the door she showed me her new engagement ring? I'm happy for her, he's good people. (back to the list)
hug your niece about 10 times,
then you sit down with your girlfriend, your two friends/clients, their baby to be, your niece, her little brother, her fiance, her miniature Yorkie "Muffin", eat while watching Pirates of the Caribbean and say.... THANK YOU!!!

"Gotta Love It"

Shiron & Rodney

2007-05-10T16:31:00.000-04:00

Well after watching the De La Hoya / Mayweather fight Saturday night, a quick trip up to Connecticut to shoot Shiron and Rodney's engagement pictures is just what I needed. When they told me the story about how they met I had to laugh. Barber looking in mirror fixing own hair, Barber sees beautiful girl walk past shop window, Barber runs out of shop after girl, Barber meets resistance from girl and somehow Barber and girl are here years later taking engagement photos. That would never have worked for me.

We started the day in New Haven around Yale University. Before leaving New Haven we stopped for a bite to eat at Sandra's, where under wise advise I tried the "Sweet and Tangy Chicken," good stuff. Wow, the thought just made me hungry again. If you ever in the neighborhood you should give it a try.

From there we went to Bridgeport and hit Beardsley Park and Captain's Cove Seaport. The park is really cool, green grass, trees, water and "geese." Why did Rob put "geese" in quotations the way he did you may be asking yourself. Well I love geese, but just not around the grass I'm walking through, you can take it from there. Ok, back to my day. I could have easily taken a nap at the park ( if I weren't taking pictures, and there were no geese), and stuffed my face at the Seaport. Well enjoy the photos and slide show.

Tiara and Mark

2007-05-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

If the title sounds familiar it's because it was about two months ago that I posted their engagement photos. Well we've moved on to the main event which took place at the Green Tree Country Club in New Rochelle. The morning started a little cloudy, but the sun kicked into high gear as the day progressed. And what a beautiful day it was. Thanks to my good friend James Ravenell for shooting with me this day.
When first posted Tiara and Marks engagement photos, I spoke of the smiles that never stop. Now that I've met their families I understand where all of those smiles comes from.
As special as this wedding was for me, it was made even more so when I got to see Tanisha and Jared, whose wedding I shot last year. They're expecting another addition to the Leake trio soon. And imagine my surprise when Materia, whose marriage to James I'll be shooting later this year, sang a solo during Tiara and Mark's ceremony.
It was a great day for Bride, Groom, family, friends. Check out some of the slide show.

A Lot of Love

2007-04-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

Melanie and Chris exchanged their voes at The Foundry in Long Island City. A big "Thanks" to Jolene for helping me that day. When I showed up at the W Hotel The Court that morning to photograph Melanie getting ready, it got a little confusing. You see, one of her bride's maids were also getting ready at the hotel. And if it wasn't for the fact that I've already met Melanie a couple of times, I would have sworn the bride's maid was actually the bride. It kept the morning very comical, as everyone else in the room had to remind themselves from time to time whom was getting married, including Melanie.
All in all they had a great day, filled with family and friends. Enjoy some of the images below.

Want to see more images? Check out the slideshow

Taste of the Tropics

2007-04-02T04:44:00.000-04:00

Normally it would take me a few days to update my blog, but not in this case. Earlier today I hung out with Nichole and Kevin at the World Financial Center for their engagement session. Under the threat of eternal torment I promised to have Nichole's blog up just in time for her morning meal. All jokes aside, I was scared. OK, seriously, it was a fun afternoon in lower Manhattan. While the sun decided to hide, the spirits were high. This was actually my first time shooting there, and it turned out to be a great choice. I learned just how "camera shy" Nichole isn't, in front of the camera or behind it. As I was about to snap a photo of Kevin and Nichole at the top of the stairs, she herself was asked by some tourist to take their photo. So don't be surprised if you see some photos of me when I post their wedding.
Enjoy the pics, and of course the slide show.

Don't forget the slide show

Let's Put Another Log on the Fire

2007-03-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the title people, it's an inside joke with my friends Stephanie and Bromley. But it also happens to fit the occasion for this couple. This lucky baby will arrive just in time for the warm weather and be blessed with her new parents. After the shoot we took a tour of some of Bromley's home improvement work, around the area. The man has skills, so if you need some serious work done on your home, drop me a line and I'll send you his information.
Here's a few pictures for you to check out.

Let's just hope that Bromley's button is not a reflection on his age.

Tiara and Mark

2007-03-14T02:26:00.000-04:00

Hopefully when I shoot the wedding of this couple in April, I'll be able to hold the camera steady while laughing. Since I've met Tiara and Mark it's been like watching the audience of a good comedy show, they're always laughing. And I have to say, it's a great thing. Enjoy some of the images we took in Bryant Park for their engagement session.

It's not a slide show, It's HBO

She Knows It's Him

2007-03-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

Victoria and Earl's wedding was everything expected and more. The night before, members of the wedding party and some guest, stayed at the Grand Hyatt Regency Wind Watch. That night Victoria's sorority sisters of "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.", and friends chipped in with last minute details. They used two guest rooms to finish gifts and programs. Now the punch line is the walk around I did with Vic to check on production, and boy let me tell you, my first 5 mins in each of the rooms where like night and day. In one room, Cd's, candles, glue guns, and paper were in full motion. In the other room work started with high "spirits." Those of you in the second room know what I mean. But all jokes aside, it was very cool to see her friends coming through for her, even at 11:30PM.

The ceremony @ The Watermill, went off without a hitch. I have to admit that it was a little weird for me, because I've always viewed Earl and Victoria as married anyway. And as for the reception, a new standard in the world of celebration may have been set that night. When you mix Vic and her AKA sisters, with Earl and his "Kappa Alpha Psi" Fraternity brothers, family, and a shot of other Sorority and Fraternities, you get a serious Party. The day was made all the more special because I shot it with two of my friends, James Ravenell and Ron Abernethy.

My lasting memory of that entire weekend will be the look on Victoria's face, repeated time and time again. The look of "At Last" Here are a few images.

The guy in this photo believe it or not is my friend James, the other photographer. Can't take him no where.

Of course there's a slideshow, click here

A Walk In the Park

2007-02-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

Meteria, James and I decided to meet at Central Park to take their engagement photos. It was a cool day, (YES! pun intended.) The birds were out, people were ice skating and the horse carriage tours were in full effect. And that's why we decided to stay inside the park, the horses owned the outside of the park. All in all, it was a great day filled with laughs. Stay tuned for part two of this story, coming to a blog near you in September.

Check out their slide show here.

Nicole and Adrean

2007-02-15T08:16:00.000-05:00

If smiles and laughter are good for the soul, I had a fix at this wedding that should last me for a month or two. Nicole and Adrean keep you happy. This is a wedding that I once again had the pleasure of shooting as second for Jen. They exchanged their vows in front of family and friends at Fox Hollows in Long Island. Here are a few shots.

11 Days, 6 Hours, 42 Mins, 11 seconds

2007-02-07T05:17:00.000-05:00

That title is the actual countdown (give or take a second or two) to the wedding of my friend Victoria and her soon to be husband Earl. My photographic journey with this couple started with their engagement photos, straight through to Vic's Bridal Shower. And at the end of that count down, it will continue with their wedding day. Please forgive me for not writing more, but this story is far from over. For now check out this slide show, it should bring you up to speed.

My First Images of 2007

2007-01-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Some of you maybe wondering, what do you do in Brooklyn, on a Saturday morning, in the early part of January. Well here are a few suggestions. First you can sit down at the Sugar Hill Supper Club and have a great brunch. I think you should try the crab cakes, grits and eggs.

Make sure you say hi to Norva and Judy

Then you can walk off your meal as you make your way to Ft. Green Park. Take time to look around you. This puddle held a cool reflection.

The tree looks colder than it actually was today.

Now if you happen to have a camera like I did, you can walk around the park and snap pictures of people enjoying the crazy weather. Did I mention it felt like 70 deg today?

Soccer or Football?

Reading back to back with that significant other is always a good thing.

And if all else fails. Try smacking a poor defenceless ball around with a big mallet.

Either way, enjoy your day, and have a Blessed and Happy New Year!

Camille and Keith

2006-12-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

Camille, Keith and myself, first met at a Starbucks. People seem to look for any excuse to go to Starbucks. But all jokes aside, they're a great couple. They decided to take their engagement photos at the church where they'll be exchanging vows in August of 2007. St. James AME happens to be the same church in which they met as kids and still attend. And did I mention that Camille's father is also a Minister there? Stay tuned, this story is just getting started.

Spring Time in December

2006-12-26T00:09:00.000-05:00

The middle of December hosted the wedding of Maritza and Miguel. Not that you could tell it was December, the weather was assume. I'm glad Jennifer Davis asked me to be her second shooter for the day. The ceremony was held at St. Joseph's Church in The Village. This church holds the title of the oldest Catholic Church building in Manhattan, and has some of the most beautiful stain glass I've ever seen. After the ceremony, the great weather allowed us take some shots in Washington Square Park. The day rounded up with the reception being held at Rosa Mexicano. I really have to make it my business to go back there for a meal.

Jennifer at work!!

Sierra Steals the Show

2006-12-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

When my friend Leon asked me to take photos of his family, I had no idea his daughter Sierra would be such a natural in front of the camera. But after a few minutes it became very clear to me that Kim (mom), had something to do with that. The shoot took place in Ft. Greene Park, and considering it was the middle of December, it was a great day.

Sierra knew exactly when to pose for the camera, (when she felt like it). She knew it was all about her. We had a great time. If you want to see more, check out the slideshow.

Gloria and Chad

2006-12-22T13:24:00.000-05:00

When I was younger, I would have never thought I'd be spending my weekends having the time of my life attending a wedding, let alone photographing one. I acted as second shooter for my friend Jennifer Davis at the wedding of Gloria and Chad. Their families are amazing, and the celebration after the ceremony made it very hard not to put down my camera and join in. Here are a few of the many moments I had the honor of capturing.

Sabine and Steven

2006-12-03T01:54:00.000-05:00

Sabine, Steven and I went to a park a short walk from the school where they first met in Springfield, Queens, to take their engagement photos. This park happens to have a stream that empties into pond, or a lake, I'm not sure at what point a pond becomes a lake. But anyway, as we were leaving Sabine saw a turtle in the stream, underwater and on its back. We could tell by the "Awe!!" expressed by Sabine that she was concerned. Well no, neither Steven nor I waded into the water to flip it over. It didn't look upset and I was convinced it was taking in the sun anyway. Sorry, no pictures of the turtle.

With less than a year to go before their July nuptials, Sabine and Steven are ready to go. Hopefully by then Steven will accept the fact that he doesn't have an engagement ring.

Behind The Scenes

2006-11-28T00:55:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving my cousin Howard and his beautiful wife Miriam came over from Switzerland to celebrate the holiday. Last Spring I flew out to Switzerland to shoot their wedding in the Rhine town of Eglisau.
Since then I've been telling Howard the story behind this photograph of Miriam, because he wasn't present when I shot it. So I figured I'd share it with eveyone else too.

As I brought the camera up and took this image of Miriam and her two flower girls, I sensed someone walking behind me. And as I turned to my right to see who it was I began shooting a series of shots and without breaking stride ended my 360 turn with a shot a Miriam laughing at me and my distraction.

I have to remember to "focus, focus"

Check back later and I'll share some more of the images of Switzerland and it's people. If you get the chance, you have to go.

Fun in the Sun

2006-08-27T00:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know it's been a little while since I've last dropped a few lines, but I'm working on it.

Last weekend August 19th, I shot the wedding of Tanisha and Jared at The Crystal Plaza, in Livingston, New Jersey.
While my friend Ron covered Jared and his men getting ready, I hung out with Tanisha and her Bride's Maids. And I'm proud to say that I will never tell anyone all of the stuff they talked about while Tanisha was getting ready. You'll have to wait for my autobiography for that.

They were definitely blessed with some great weather. And thanks to Jared's self written wedding vows, there was a point where I wasn't sure if it was too hot, or something just got in my eyes. "You can bet I'll never admit to crying during a wedding in any blog of mine" And besides, a few weeks before the wedding, I found out a friend of mine, "Mitch" was the cousin of the groom. If you know Mitch like I do, you'd have known you were in for a crazy day. They weren't the "Jets", but they came really close.

Take a look at this short teaser slide show.

Blessings and Congratulation Daisy and Leonard

2006-07-15T02:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Blog, my very first Blog at that. And it's kewl that my first post will be about these two great people.

I had the pleasure of acting as second shooter today for my friend Ron Abernethy as he shot the "Getting Hitched on Kiss" wedding. Well I'm not to sure if I should call myself the second shooter or the third shooter, as another friend James Ravenell also played wedding papparazzi. You couldn't have asked for a better day as Daisy & Leonard's wedding took place on a World Yacht ship. Great ceremony, beautiful guest, entertainment by "Cheryl Pepsii Riley" and a special performance by "Freddie Jackson" who sang during the ceremony.

After the reception, the ship docked and most of the guest went home, but the day didn't end there. Ron, James and I were invited by the Bride and Groom to join them at the "Latitude Bar" to continue the celebration with some of their closest friends. At that point I was made to feel like a guest and not a photographer, but of course the opportunities kept presenting themselves, so we kept shooting.