Le Ink Coquette!

When Barbara (unless this is your first time visiting my blog, don't act like you don't know who she is!) told me I was going to be featured on Le Ink Coquette's blog, I was completely flattered and excited! First of all, Eve (the creator/author/owner/fashionista) is amazing! Her posts are filled with gorgeous wedding ideas, witty writing and a great sense of humor! On my first visit, I immediately bookmarked the site and made myself a "follower".

Next, I checked out her Etsy site. Let's just say that I wish I could rewind back about two years and hire her for all of my wedding paper needs!! I mean seriously...LOOK at this table number!!!! I want. I can put it on my dining room table. My husband might think I'm a bit nuts though...(as if he doesn't already?)


Her Etsy site can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7618009
Her work is custom, original and gorgeous! When you visit, you will be drooling over menus, table numbers and save the dates. Consider yourself warned. You may want to arm yourself with a credit card in case of emergency.

Her blog is here: http://leinkcoquette.blogspot.com/
You will definitely have a new daily read with this one! Eve posts the most amazing ideas, photographs (if I do say so myself!), stationery and fashion. She "swoons" over select items...She swooned my photos!! I feel so honored!!

Eve--thank you so much for featuring me on your blog! And keep on rockin' it! You definitely have a new loyal reader, and I can't wait to see your future swoons and Etsy items!

For those of you who want to check out Le Ink's feature on me (and Barbara & Michael!), head over this way: http://leinkcoquette.blogspot.com/2009/07/coquette-engagement-session.html

Welcome Baby Jon!!

I woke up to the wonderful news today that little Jon Jr. was born early this morning! We made the hike out to Long Island to meet him, and of course I brought the camera. He's already modeling it up, but he doesn't really like having his picture taken while being burped (hey, can you really blame him??) I can't wait for our "formal" session next week!

Congrats to the new mommy and daddy, Lori and Jon! Here's a preview of his adorable-ness!






Remember how I said he doesn't like a camera in his face while being burped?? Well this is how I know:

Congratulations Ania and Vincent!!

Earlier today I had the honor of photographing the Friday the 13th wedding of Ania and Vincent! Friday the 13th has always been my lucky day, and today wasn't any different! Though a bit chilly, the sun was shining and yesterday's intense winds had disappeared.

There's just something so romantic about a city hall wedding. These two decided to share their day with a bunch of friends and family (I think they had the biggest entourage there) and it was a blast! This crew definitely knows how to have a good time! The NYC marriage bureau recently underwent a massive overhaul and the result is stunning. Ania and Vincent got the East Chapel, which was sooo pretty. The ceremony was short and sweet, and there were so many cameras...I felt like part of the paparazzi! After the ceremony, we got some group shots and then headed out for a post-wedding session with the newlyweds. I had such a hard time choosing favorites, so I've posted quite a few. Enjoy!! And congrats Ania and Vincent!!!! I wish you both the very best!

(don't forget to click on the photo to see it larger!)

Barbara and Michael

You may remember Barbara and Michael from their amazing engagement party a few months ago (and if not, check out my August blogs!). We had originally planned to shoot in September, but the weather just wasn't cooperating. We finally got to shoot yesterday, and we could not have asked for a better day! The weather was amazing, and the sunset was spectacular! We had a great time taking photos and hanging out (for almost 3 hours!) at Jones Beach. I'm probably the only New Yorker who had never been there before! These two are a blast, and were up for anything! I'm not exaggerating when I say that by the end of the day, we were all soaked and covered in sand (not only did they get into the water, but I followed! Hey, you do what you have to for awesome shots!). I think our hard work was well worth it, don't you? (click the photos to enlarge!)

The votes are flying in! (and some new deals!)

All I can say is...I am having a hard time keeping up with all of these votes! These couples have got some dedicated friends and family! I haven't even been able to respond to all of the votes, but I'm trying! I won't give any hints as to who's in the lead...BUT....I will say that it is a very close race for the top 3! Keep the votes coming in!

In other news.............

If you know someone (or you are someone) who is getting married in 2008 and still has not booked a photographer...I am slashing 2008 wedding rates for last minute bookings! Please contact me for more information...all I will say is that I'm offering some really great deals :)

Those who have been putting off booking your engagement/portrait sessions...do it soon! I am almost completely booked for October at this point...I have a few dates left and some in November. Contact me today to book your session! I will be throwing in a special gift for all October and November bookings for what I am calling my Fall In Love engagement session. Sessions are only $150 through the end of 2008, and anyone booking (or who has already booked) will receive a free gift with their photos!

Have a great night :)

It may not be November yet, but is IS time to vote!!!

The entries are in and I've picked the top 6!! (6, because last night at 4am I selected 5...but apparently can't count at 4am and actually picked 6! And due to my error, an additional 3rd prize will be awarded!) Now these couples need your help! And, it'll take just a minute! Look over the couples stories and photos below. Pick your favorite, and send an email to PiconeVote@gmail.com with your choice. That's it! (Isn't that simple?) Only ONE vote per email address will be counted, so please only send your vote once :)

Once the votes have been tallied, I'll be sitting down with Jennifer Long of BeyondBeautyBasics.com to look over the top 3 vote-getters and determine the Grand Prize Winner. (Award will be based on a combination of total votes and the original contest entry email). Don't forget, all of these lucky couples will be walking away with a prize! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Now, onto the couples...

Jamie & Anthony
These two have been together 3 1/2 years and will be getting married on June 20th, 2009 in Great Neck, Long Island. They heard about me through some brides on LIWeddings.com, and had such sweet things to say about my work!
They write: "We would really like you to be our photographer because we love your work. I have seen some of the work you have done on some of the girls profiles on LIWeddings...I actually loved it so much that I showed it to my fiance. I have heard that you are a lot of fun to work with also. I believe that that a photographer is very important part of your special day, pictures capture all of those amazing moments you never want to forget."


Heather & Timothy
Heather and Timothy met on a blind date 5 years ago. Their wedding will be on 11/6/2009 in East Patchogue, NY. Both are working really hard right now to pay for their wedding, and Heather is also working on her Masters in Education (while planning a wedding? Woah!).
Heather writes: "We're fun loving, kind and generous people and that refllects in pictures of us. We want a beautiful, classic wedding but it is hard finding vendors, especially photographers, who will work with our budget. We're not getting help from anyone else in paying for the wedding, so it would be a blessing if for once, we could get some help and win our photography package...It would truly be a miracle to not stress over money!"


Ana & Christopher
Ana and Christopher will be getting married on 4/3/09 (less than 7 months away!) in Livingston, NJ. They picked a location that is both unique and gorgeous (she sent me a link)! Ana's description really gave me a great feel for it before I even looked at the photos: "The moment we stepped in my fiance and I felt like home. And thats exactly what we want our quests to be...not just one party, but a party where they can have fun and feel like they are among people who cares to each other. I simply loved the fact that they have just one party at a time - I have seen pictures of wedding there which were very personal. Some couples decided to put picture frames along the cocktail area, such as by the fireplace and the library. Your pictures bring me exactly this sensation....of a natural work, the natural beauty of people who love each other. I found the place of my dreams for my wedding and you would be the photographer of my dreams too. I really wish this dream comes true!"


Vivian & Victor
This couple is planning a wedding for May 24th, 2009 in Mineola, NY. I met these two a while back for my free engagement shoot session (look waaaaay back to some of my first posts :) ) And the picture they sent me is one from our session. I was originally unavailable on the date of their wedding, but due to a postponement, I'm now available! These two are working to pay for their wedding despite some bumps along the way and keeping a very positive attitude throughout. They were excited to learn that I am now available on their date (and were also excited to enter the contest!) They write: "Victor and I want you as our photographer because you are a wonderful person to work with, you care about the details of each photo and most importantly you are always on time as you promised. We met you during your free engagement shoot and our family and friends and especially us love our engagement photos. Your photos are amazing. They are very detailed and beautiful. You pay attention to everything that we say during our engagement shoot. You did not force us in doing anything or posing in any way that we don't like. Most importantly, you make us feel comfortable and at home when taking pictures. We want to win because from the bottom of our heart we really want you as our wedding photographer for our wedding day!"


Cindy & Ted
Ciny and Ted will be getting married on October 3rd, 2009 in Sparta, NJ. They picked a great time of year-my 2 year anniversary is just 3 days later ;) These two sent a bunch of really cute photos, so I had a hard time picking one! (how is it that everyone who entered this contest is gorgeous?!?) In an excerpt from her short but sweet entry, Cindy writes: "I'd love to win the contest because like every wedding budget, a free photographer is a dream:) And your pictures are great, they are artistic and edgy, but still about the couple."


Ben & Kim
These two will be getting married on October 10th, 2009 in Wall, NJ. They met at Rutgers, and have been dating 5 years. They were engaged this past June. These two were actually entered into the contest by Kim's sister-in-law, Jasmine (who has had her own anniversary shoot rescheduled far too many times due to rain, but I digress...). From what Jasmine writes, Kim's family is a very tight-knit one, but also very welcoming. Her in-laws have always made her feel like a part of their family. Regarding Kim and Ben, Jasmine writes: "...from my own experience I know wedding planning is something that is stressful for all brides as they try to satisfy everyone else's wishes while trying to preserve not only their own ideas and stay within budget (always the hardest) I thought entering Kim and Ben in this contest would be a way to thank my "new" family for welcoming me like they did 5 years ago without reservation and let them know how appreciate I was of that."


So that's it! These are the couples! I hope you've enjoyed reading the shortened versions of their stories (I'm keeping the full versions to myself, sorry!). I definitely loved reading through them all, and these 6 really jumped out at me due to their stories, and the photos in which you can just see the love they share. I can't wait until I can write a blog with each of their wedding photos :) Good luck to everyone! Voting begins NOW and will be over at 10pm eastern time on 9/26/08. Winners will be notified on or before 10/1/08. Send your pick to PiconeVote@gmail.com

THANKS!