Christine Studios » "Escape from the Ordinary" - Photography & Videography

With an engagement session filled with dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, goats, chickens and 12 gauge shotguns, I knew that there was going to be some real special moments to capture at Jessica and John’s wedding. But I was shocked the biggest was to their increidble first dance, a perfectly performed redition of the famous dance scene from Dirty Dancing. If you know John, you’d think the only time this guy would do anything related to dirty dancing would be if he turned his ipod on while at a dirty construction site.. (yeah right…. John with an iPod!! haha) But to the surprise of EVERYONE except myself and Andrew from Enriquez Entertainment, Jessica and John pulled off one of the greatest wedding surprises since that viral youtube wedding video to Chris Brown.
Reverend Egensteiner was right when he described Jessica and John as coming from “the salt of the earth”. I’ve never met two more down to earth, happy, easy going and easy to like people then Jess and John. I don’t think I could do this for another 50 years and ever have another groom show up to our 1 month before the wedding meeting and bring photo albums to show me his bee sting. But that’s John and you just gota love him for it! Jessica, is without a doubt, the absolute perfect compliment to John. Jessica is probably the most elegant bride I’ve ever met, even when she’s pumping out 12 gauge rounds. Each bring something so unique to the relationship and each eager and willing to meet the other half way.
The day started out at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel for some getting ready images of both Jessica and John. While there were no real surprises from the ladies, I learned that Michael, John’s brother prefers to put his shoes on first, and then get into his pants. Michael, blogging about this might break some “man code” but dude, really???? You’ll have to explain that one in more detail one day.
Off to The Grandview where the sky held off just long enough for a truly moving ceremony on the outdoor patio. We had to move some of the formals in side as it began to rain. But as proof to all brides that rain should never be feared, we captured some of my new all time favorite images with Jessica and John huddled together under the umbrella with the threatening sky overhead.
Add in the usual awesomeness of Andrew, Mike and Drew of Enriquez Entertainment, and we had ourselves a really fun wedding.
Jessica and John, I’m really so happy to have met you guys. You’ve introduced me to new experiences and new ways of getting dressed (thanks again Michael!). I wish you both all the love and happiness you have to give each other forever. I hope we continue to hang out and who knows John, maybe I’ll take Gene’s suggestion and join your team!

Please enjoy a preview of all your wonderful wedding images.

Accommodations: The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel – Poughkeepsie, NY
Makup: Meredith Haymen Makeup Artists – Hudson Valley, NY
Florist: Lucille’s Floral Design – Fishkill, NY
Hair: Lucia Patane – Waves Hair Salon - Hawthorne, NY
Officient: Rev Paul Egensteiner – Hudson Valley, NY
Entertainment: Enriquez Entertainment – Marlboro, NY
Ceremony & Reception: The Grandview – Poughkeepsie, NY

Believe it or not, this wedding pro has never seen the movie Bridesmaids! Seriously!  Well, after Kelly and Derek’s wedding, it was immediately added to my Netflix list! When we arrived in the hotel, Kelly and the real bridesmaids had been watching the movie for the last two hours and could probably quote every line in the movie. From what I heard, it’s a must see for every bride! Ideas immediately began flying back and forth and someone suggested we recreate the movie poster from the movie (see one of the images below).
With the pre-wedding hustle and bustle, everyone was so prepared and ahead of schedule we were just about to leave and head to Winding Hills to do some photos of Derek and the guys, when something caught my eye. It really was just an ordinary window at the end of a long hallway but something about the curtain and the light caught my eye. I had to bring Kelly out to the hallway for a quick photo. With a line of bridesmaids blocking any onlookers view, I photographed Kelly in what is sure to be one of my all time favorite images.
Winding Hills was just beautiful. There’s no other way of putting it. An elegant white tent with a fantastic view of the course, was the perfect backdrop for a very personal and intimate ceremony.
And perhaps my favorite reason for photographing at a golf course; it’s almost certain I get to drive a golf cart!!!! Down to the 9th hole and the most famous landmark of the course, we spent some time photographing the family formals and some great images with the bridal party (including the “Bridesmaids” movie poster).
With the sun setting, it was time to leave Windings Hills and head to Anthony’s Pier 9 to party the night away with the one, the only, the legend, D.J. Octavius.  It didn’t matter if you were 3 years or 85 years old, D.J. Octavius had you up on your feet dancing!
What can I say about Kelly and Derek. Derek had a look on his face all night each time he looked at his beautiful bride. I’ve seen that look, I know that look. It’s the look of admiration, love and astonishment that, “wow, I just married my best friend”.

Kelly and Derek, I wish all the love and happiness in the world together.
Enjoy a small previous of all your wedding images.  Thanks for having us a part of it!

Ceremony: Winding Hills Golf Course – Montgomery, NY
Reception: Anthony’s Pier 9 – New Windsor, NY
Florist: Tom’s Greenhouse & Florist – Goshen, NY
Hair/Makeup: Ciao Bella – Campbell Hall, NY
Entertainment: DJ Octavious – Middletown, NY

What can I say about Stephanie and Dave that I didn’t already say when I blogged about our engagement session.. I proclaimed then, we were going to have a great time at their wedding and they sure didn’t let me down for a second. I think I knew for sure that we were going to really enjoy ourselves about a month before the wedding when we met to go over all the final arrangements. It was at this meeting, Stephanie and Dave shared with me the plan for their details at the wedding, themed around the Yankees. This included a pinstripe cake, small batters’ hats for ice cream and tables named after famous Yankees. It was at that moment, things took a turn to the nutty! Combine Stephanie’s knowledge of Yankee legends and the sarcastic humor that Stephanie, Dave and I share, and a list began to form of what some possible/funny/inappropriate Yankee table names or just general wedding related Yankee references could be.. I wouldn’t dare share the full list in public but some of our favorites were (warning, some are very obscure):
- Powder sugar desserts at the Dwight Gooden Table
- Kids will sit at the Jeffrey Meyer Table
- The Chuck Knoblauch bouquet toss.
- The Kevin Maas Mass
- The main entree will be the Bob Shepard Pies.
- All guests will drink at the Brian “Cash”man Bar
All kidding aside, Stephanie, Dave and their families weren’t just great people with great sense of humors but just warm, emotional people who opened their home and their hearts to allow us to be a part and capture the images of their wedding. By profession, Stephanie helps people but it was obvious, this characteristic doesn’t end when she walks out the doors of the hospital. It was clear that Stephanie and Dave just wanted everyone to have a great time at their wedding. And their attitudes and the wonderful people they surround themselves with, helped make this such a warm and fun wedding for all!
Stephanie and Dave, you guys were so much fun from day 1. Never stop giggling at each other, never take things to seriously and Dave, never put down that whistle!
Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your special day. I hope these images bring you laughter and love forever!

Enjoy just a small preview of all your wonderful wedding images!
Ceremony: Blessed Kateri – LaGrangeville, NY
Reception: The Grandview, Outdoor Ballroom – Poughkeepsie, NY
Florist: Sabellico Greenhouses and Florist – Hopewell Junction, NY
Hair/Make-up: Marlene Weber Spa – Poughkeepsie, NY
Music: The Jim Osborn Band