Welcome & Farewell!

It's official, my new site is up!!! This will be my last blog post here, as the blog on the new site will be up shortly. It's been fun, blogspot!!

Now dance your way over to the amazing new http://www.amandapicone.com

Hope you like it!!!!!

Well.........

The site is THISCLOSE to being ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will be up and running in the next few days!

The big announcement...

Well ladies and gentlemen...I've been taunting you with it for a while now...I'm gearing up for the launch of my site and new blog! In preparation, I've decided to focus on getting through my last few weddings, while also finishing gathering photos for the site. I'm meeting with my amazing web designer Glen very soon! We're going to go over the design ideas and layout, and he's going to prepare a totally killer site and blog for me!

With that, this will be my second to last post on my original blog! As I gather material, I will be taking a brief vacation from blogging (not from working, I'm still very much doing that! haha). It's kind of bittersweet for me. I started on here a year and a few months ago with a hobby. It was growing into a passion. I wanted to take it further, so I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for couples who wanted free engagement sessions. Largely, it was because I wanted to learn. I was fortunate in that the girls who found me were amazing. They were patient, they listened to my requests...and they loved the results. So much so that they spread the word ALL over the place! So much so, that my little hobby grew into a business-one that I love beyond words. These girls (and their fiances/now hubbies) mean the world to me, as well as each subsequent bride and groom following. What they've done for me, and the joy they've brought me, they may never fully know, but I feel like I owe them all a huge THANK YOU! (and maybe a hug and some homemade cupcakes...)

That being said, I would also like to announce that I am almost completely booked for 2009!!! I am running out of dates FAST, so if you've been holding off, now is certainly the time to book! 2010 dates are starting to fly, too! This is all so exciting to me! As I close out the first chapter, I want to once again give a very sincere thank you. Thank you to everyone who has been standing by me, cheering me on and supporting me. Thank you to my amazing husband, who puts up with my crazy schedule and my "just one more email and I'm going to bed, I PROMISE!"-I love you. To my family and friends who have to hear about every blog I post and every couple I meet. To those who are reading right now, even if this is your first time here. And finally, to my amazing clients...my newfound friends...you are all incredible, and my words will simply never be enough to thank you.

Here's to the new blog and the new site, launching this September!! My next post will be one to announce the launch and link you directly there.

And finally....a sneak preview...






While you sit tight, make sure to check me out on Facebook!

Amanda Picone Photography on Facebook

Wait for it....

BIG post coming tonight with some announcements!!! Heck, I may even throw in a photo or two! Check back :)

Cariann and Andy's Engagement Session!

I wanted to post Cariann and Andy's photos tonight because...they're getting married tomorrow!!! We shot their engagement session on July 5th at Robert Moses Beach and the Fire Island Lighthouse. Every single amazing element that could have been present definitely was! You'll see for yourself, but during out shoot we encountered great weather, a stunning sunset, a couple of run ins with some deer, fireworks in the distance (not close enough to get them in the photos, but still awesome!), and an AMAZING moon! We kept shooting well into the night (my husband actually called to see where I was!) because the moon was casting such an amazing glow, and the building around the lighthouse provided us with even more amazing lighting.

Shooting with Cariann and Andy was like I was shooting with friends I've known for years! We have some common bonds and were talking and laughing the entire time. I had such a great time with this couple. I can't wait for tomorrow! See you two in a few hours to capture you exchanging your I dos!!!!!!!!

(don't forget--click to enlarge!)

Jen & Kevin's Engagement Session!

Jen and Kevin were the lucky winners of my Valentine's Day free engagement session contest! They sent me a really sweet story about their relationship that was incredibly moving.

These two decided to have their shoot at Avalon Park & Preserve in Stony Brook, Long Island. I had never been there before, and was totally blown away! This park is absolutely gorgeous. It has beautiful paths, bridges, boardwalks, and even a labyrinth! There's also a big beautiful lake, which made a great backdrop. It was hard to find a spot that wasn't gorgeous!

Jen and Kevin were so much fun to shoot. They were one of those couples that listens to all of my crazy requests without staring at me as if to say "Seriously?" Their connection was undeniable, and I love the way Kevin kept Jen laughing throughout the shoot.

Here are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!!!








This little guy ran into our path while we were heading to the lake...

Vivian & Victor's Wedding!

Vivian and Victor definitely hold a special place in my heart. Exactly one year before their wedding, I had the pleasure of shooting their engagement session-my first ever!! Pretty much as soon as they got the photos, Vivian told me I would be her wedding photographer. When I decided to host a contest for a free wedding, these two entered almost immediately and won second place! I was so excited to shoot their wedding, and rightfully so! The wedding was on May 24th at Jericho Terrace in Long Island. It was a gorgeous day and I had a great time working with my second shooter, Andy Chin. The ceremony was so incredibly moving, and the reception was so much fun! The dance floor was packed the entire night!

As usual, don't forget to click the photos to see them larger (again--only a few more posts like this, promise!) Enjoy!!


I have an obsession with shoes! Vivian's reminded me of Cinderella's glass slippers. So pretty!












Pastor April was the officiant. She was absolutely amazing! I love the emotion in this photo. The ceremony brought pretty much everyone to tears, including the Pastor!








After a brief cake fight, Viv and Victor kissed and made up!






Love was definitely in the air at this wedding...I've heard that these two (one of Vivian's bridesmaids and one of Victor's groomsmen) are now engaged! Congrats!

I love a bridal party who listens when I tell them to give me a pose full of fun and excitement!



This is one of my absolute favorites of the night.


Congrats again to Vivian and Victor! I wish you both all the love and happiness in the world!