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

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jennifer for many years, working on various projects for her company. When she recently asked if I would photograph her wedding, I was really excited as I’ve built up an incredible amount of respect and admiration for the work she does.

When Jen and Tim came to the studio to talk about their wedding, I was blown away by Tim’s proposal story. Sorry to all my other grooms but I doubt anyone will beat Tim’s planning and execution (but total lack of backup plan). Jen’s job enables them to have unprecedented access to among many things, the New Year’s Eve Celebration in Time Square. Having enjoyed being practically under the dropping ball the year before, Tim decided this year, he would propose at the stroke of midnight, right under the ball. Well, not to blow all of Tim’s secrets, there were some concerns up to the very last minute on not getting to their special access area in time. With just a few minutes to spare, they got in and at the stroke of midnight, as everyone including Jen was looking up at the ball, Tim got down on one knee, in the midst of a million people, anxiously took out the ring and waited for Jen to notice.  My favorite part of the story was Jen looked side to side couldn’t find Tim for a midnight kiss and never thought to look down where he was waiting with ring in hand.

For the engagement session in New York City, we visited many great spots up and down Central Park, but this session could not be complete without an image recreating this amazing story together.

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There are some times when I become absolutely addicted to taking photos. When they can’t pry my hands off the camera. Oh you can try all you want but not even the setting sun could get me to stop! That was the case this past Saturday when I joined Liz and Josh for their Engagement Session. I know it’s going to be an amazing session when a few factors come together. (1) two amazingly sweet and in love, photogenic people (2) they are so into their session, they come prepared with props and ideas from Pinterest (3) Full, unrestricted access to an exclusive and empty golf course (4) Beautiful weather.
I guess the only bad part was when Liz took our her Red Sox hat and wanted to include in in the session. I guess nothing can be perfect (wink, wink).
Driving around exploring all the awesome spots of the golf course, we drove past an old rusted out truck and with such a sense or urgency, I said “OMG we have to stop here!!”. I could have stayed at the spot all day but by midnight, Christine would have wondered why I wasn’t home yet. Seriously though, the ruggedness of the truck balanced out by the elegant beauty of Liz and confidence of Josh.
I really couldn’t wait to share these images and after having such a great time for the engagement session, I can’t wait to see what props and ideas from Pinterest that Liz brings to the wedding!

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the end of the slideshow or at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY

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They say that in real-estate, the three most important things are location, location, location. After Melissa and Joe’s engagement session, I just might swap photography for real-estate in that expression.
After never knowing that the Kensico Dam even exists, I find myself back at this incredible location for the second time in a month for an engagement session. But what made the location even more unique this time was the unprecedented access we had thanks to Joe’s connections as a police officer to the New York State D.E.P.
After exploring and taking so many wonderful images of this loving couple at all the public areas of the park around the damn, we got back in their car and drove up a very unassuming road. We got to the top of the hill and stopped in front of the huge steel door at the security checkpoint. Joe confidently walked up to the checkpoint and within a few seconds, the security barrier opens like the gates to Emerald City.
We parked the car and walked out to the very center of the dam, looking down over 300 feet above everyone below in the park. Aside from the fact we were up so high on the dam, we were also on a road that is closed to all traffic. Throwing away all the warnings my mother ever gave me about playing in traffic, I just had to lay down with my lens and my face directly on the double yellow line to capture one of my all time favorite images.

There is respect and then there is RESPECT! I can’t say enough about the respect I have for both Joe and Melissa. For Joe, not only the years of service as a police officer but Joe also proudly serves our nation as a US Marine. Melissa, not only an incredible and caring teacher but she is the glue on the home front of this proud military family.

I’m truly honored to have met Joe and Melissa and can’t wait to share theses images of two people who are so crazy for each other.

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Kensico Dam – Valhalla, NY

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I met Debbie and Vinnie at Kensico Dam in Westchester for their engagment sessions.  It was my first time being there, I never knew that such an impressive spot was basically in my backyard!  I guess I should get my culture from other places then Family Guy reruns.We met Debbie and Vinnie at a Bridal Expo in January.  We meet so many couples at the bridal expos, but there’s always a few couples that just stick out and one was definitely Debbie and Vinnie.  At our first meeting together I just knew that anytime I was scheduled to meet with them I had to add extra time for all the jokes and laughter time!  They are such a great couple, fun to be around and a very natural couple!  Vinnie is the friend you just want to be around, but just not in public!  Just kidding Vinnie!  Constant jokes, movie quotes and makes us all click right away and have a great timeWe had an absolutely perfect day at Kensico Dam. The weather was just right  to capture awesome clouds over the dam. The sun was so bright that I actually had to use Vinnie as my assistant to hold up a jacket to block the harsh sun in a beautiful portrait of Debbie.  (See picture below) What an amazing smile Debbie has, and her eyes are simply amazing.  She was able to master the look of not smiling, which is the hardest look for a woman to do and she did it with such emotion!  It was amazing!The funniest moment was when I started to give Vinnie a complex because I kept saying, “Vinnie you’re perfect” and then moving Debbie into different positions.  Note to self, do not give Vinnie a complex!  There were so many great moments throughout the day, and anyone who is facebook friends with this couple can see instantly how in love they are, and how well they interact with each other and all of their family and friends.

I truly cannot wait for their wedding to take beautiful portraits of Debbie in her wedding gown and to see how ‘perfect’ Vinnie can be that day.

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