Christine Studios » Wedding

The Wedding the Jessica and John

Gary — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:40:19 +0000

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

The Wedding of Kelly and Derek

Gary — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:59:13 +0000

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

The Wedding of Stephanie and Dave

Gary — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:50:15 +0000

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

The Wedding of Jenny and Justin

Gary — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:11:52 +0000

Jenny and Justin know how to take photos in the extreme. Extreme weather I mean. It started with their engagement session this past winter on one of the coldest days of the year. So cold, we were able to put our mothers’ assumed warnings aside and venture out into the middle of a frozen lake. So it would be very fitting for their wedding to be on the hottest day of the year. But even with the buzz of several fans echoing in church and the mercury rising well over 90, Jenny and Justin once again didn’t let the extreme weather get in their way.

I absolutely love when wedding details are picked and planned because it has meaning to the bride and groom. Jenny and Justin met while attending college at Manhattanville. They must have walked thru the castle many times over the course of their time there and possibly even then knew that one day, they’d get married in the chapel and have a bird land on her uncles head during the ceremony. (Ok, maybe that didn’t cross their mind.)
Arriving early and walking around the castle, I had picked out a few spots and just knew I had to bring Jenny and Justin back for photos. With family and bridal party photos done and the limos off to the reception we explored the castle and the amazing green lawn just in front.

Wait!! The limos left????? Well, we when we say that we’re FULL SERVICE photography, we mean it. Yes, Rachel and I became the chariot that delivered Jenny and Justin to their reception. I always joke that I keep backup of everything in my car.. I guess after Saturday, I’ll need to install a mini fridge to keep Champagne chilled. (Actually, that’s not a bad idea!!) We were so focused (no pun intended) on delivering them to the reception, we actually forgot to get a photo of them in my car. Grrrrrrr. Or even better would have been a photo of the valet’s face at the Marriott when we pulled up and they got out.

With everyone now in the comfort of air conditioning, an awesome party began behind the amazing power and sounds of the Whoz Ya Daddy Band. Not only were they an amazing band that kept the floor packed all night, but a great group of people to sit and have dinner with.
And as Jenny and Justin now pack for their honeymoon, and turn down my offer for me to chauffeur them again (to the airport this time), I’d like to share a small preview of the images from their wonderful wedding with many more to come!

Jenny and Justin, have an amazing time in Tahiti. I hope Justin’s feet can finally warm up after being frozen during our engagement session when I had him walking through 2 feet of snow in sneakers.

Ceremony: Manhattanville College – Purchase, NY
Reception: Tarrytown Marriott – Tarrytown, NY
Flowers by: Stew Leonard’s Florist
Music and Entertainment: Whoz Ya Daddy Band

The Wedding of Devon and Sean

Gary — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:43:39 +0000

I think it’s obvious from the number of images posted below, I LOVED Devon and Sean’s wedding. Aside from being two wonderful people, I saw at their engagement session just how darn photogenic they are. I knew that I had to bring the A-Game to their wedding.

I always love when the day starts out at the brides house with the family. It’s like being at mission control before a rocket launch. It’s where the action is and it’s where the emotion is (it’s usually were some good food is also!!). When we arrived, Devon, her Mother and the bridesmaids have not returned yet from the salon. It was time for two dads, myself and Devon’s father to reflect on how fast time goes with our little girls (Ok, so maybe he’s got a little more time to reference on that notion then I do).
By the time Devon arrived, we were already well into taking one of the most meaningful images of the day. Devon’s grandmother’s wedding dress was neatly hung in the family room and Rachel, my right hand (left handed) 2nd photographer had the amazing idea to hang Devon’s wedding dress along side her grandmothers dress. Talk about timeless! Words can’t describe the look on her grandfather’s face when he saw both dresses together (that’s why I took a photo of him).

After a wonderful mass service and with family photos out of way, the journey to The Grandview and it’s awaiting picturesque riverside dock awaits.

I always joke with my couples that I’m 50% photographer, 50% coordinator and 50% psychologist. In the case of Devon and Sean, I was 50% reverse-psychologist. Once out on the docks at the marina I had an idea for a photo.. I wasn’t sure if they’d go for it and I’ve never asked a bride and groom to do this.. So I thought, a little reverse psychology might do the trick. “Hey guys, I’m not sure if you’re going to be up for this… probably not but I just had an idea and I’ve NEVER asked a couple to do this but if anyone can pull it off, it’s going to be you two. How do you feel about taking your shoes off and dipping your feet in the river?” Without hesitation I get back, “you’ve never done it? Absolutely!” I give it two weeks until one of these images is hanging in The Grandview sales office!!

The rest of the night was just as wonderful as the first part of the day. Warm feelings, loving family and friends and a bride and groom that clearly love each other so much and simply enjoy being with each other.

Devon and Sean, thank you so much for including us in your special day. You and your families are why we love photographing weddings so much! And thanks for falling for my reverse psychology!

Ceremony: Our Lady Queen of Angels Chapel – Mahopac, NY
Reception: The Grandview – Outdoor Ballroom – Poughkeepsie, NY
Florist: Plants and Things
Band: Heartbeat Dance Band

The Wedding of Erica and Jon

Gary — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:25:12 +0000

Hands down, 100%, no questions asked, Erica and Jon have the greatest wedding date on the planet. Not only is May 29th statistically a day with one of the least historical rainfalls all spring (true fact according to Farmers Almanac) but it’s also my anniversary.. Ok, so I guess I’m just a little bit bias to that day then. But those darn farmers who started that almanac before they started making games on Facebook were right! Erica and Jon had an absolutely gorgeous day for their wedding in the Outdoor Ballroom at the one and only Grandview. Andrew and the crew from Enriquez Entertainment had their work cut out for them during the first hour of the reception, competing with the fabulous weather and breathtaking views just outside of the tent. But that’s what makes him a pro! After settling in and enjoying a fabulous dinner, the dance floor was a blaze the whole night as Erica, her friends and family, partied like… well… like it’s May 29th!!!!!! (Yes, Jon did make a cameo appearance to Dance every now and then.
With the sun long set behind the mountains and The Grandview’s delicious cake and deserts being served, a classic night photo of the majestic Mid-Hudson bridge rounded out the evening.
To Erica and Jon, you guys were so great and so much fun to be with. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the world and full of happiness.

Ceremony and Reception: The Grandview
DJ and Uplighting: Enriquez Entertainment
Flowers: Flowers by David Anthony

The Wedding of Beth and Charles

Gary — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:19:19 +0000

It’s not everyday, I get to meet a couple like Beth and Charles. There are some times when you instantly “click” with people and know you will be a part of their lives forever and vise versa. Here are a few words I would use to sum up Beth and Charles. (Ok, a few more needed to describe Charles.) Gentle, loving, caring, goofy and fun. Above all, perfectly made for each other. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a couple so perfectly matched to balance each other out. Beth, who is saving this world with her recycling and her Prius, and then there’s Charles…. That’s it. Sum’s it up! Just kidding Charles. Charles is the gentle giant. A caring, loving man of his wife and his children. A man who takes helping his family as seriously as anyone I’ve ever met, but can stop the world with laughter, a joke, or even a look. It’s truly wonderful to capture images of such wonderful people being themselves, and have a best time in the world by doing so. Beth and Charles, luck brought us together and I’m so happy to have been a part of your wedding. All the best in the world and a lifetime filled with happiness and laughter!

Ceremony & Reception: Locus Grove – Poughkeepsie, NY
DJ: Enriques Entertainment
Flowers: Good Old Days Florist

The Grandview’s Outdoor Ballroom

Gary — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:24:11 +0000

It’s been several months in the making but after several review cycles, I’m proud to release this video. For several years, my images have been used for the cover of the Grandview’s Recommended Professionals book. In addition, I have been asked to photograph and design their advertisements in key publications such as The Knot and the Hudson Valley Magazine. Posters of my images are used in their sales office daily to spotlight some of the amazing areas and offerings of the best wedding venue in the Hudson Valley.

So this summer, I was delighted to help them out once again when asked to produce a video for the Grandview that showcases their amazing, tented outdoor ballroom. We finalized on the script and filmed the needed segments back in September. I actually began the initial editing in October at 30,000 feet while flying on JetBlue to a destination wedding in Las Vegas (see post on the destination wedding). When I was finished, the woman sitting next to me, who clearly had been looking at my 17″ MacBook Pro screen the whole time said, “I’m sorry to be so nosy, but that place is absolutely beautiful! Do you own it?” After I finished choking on my blue potato chips I explained my role to her…

The purpose of this video is to allow the Grandview sales staff the opportunity to show off their amazing wedding location in the winter months when the tent is removed and taken down due to weather…

Don’t forget to check out our newly updated Videography page showing some of the other recent work Christine Studios Videography has done.

A special thanks to Flowers by David Anthony for providing his amazing floral arrangements for the shoot and Andrew from Enriques Entertainment for his uplighting of the tent in the evening shots.

Enjoy!

The Wedding of Laurie and Nate

Gary — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:43:44 +0000

Upon arriving at the Bridal Suite at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, I learned very quickly that Laurie is the person you want to be with in an emergency. Not that there was any emergency, it was just amazing to see such a relaxed and calm bride just a hour or so before her wedding. And Nate…… he had just gotten dressed, up in the honeymoon suite, after biking from their home all the way to the Grand Hotel.. (Thanks for the reminder Nate that I need to exercise more!)

With a short drive to the park, the family enjoyed a quick photo session by the river before making our way back to the hotel. As if the fall foliage wasn’t beautiful enough, our timing had us taking Laurie and Nate’s timeless portraits just before sunset.. They don’t call it “magic hour” for nothing.
Laurie and Nate’s family and friends danced the night away on a packed dance floor care of the music from Stephanie and Jeff of The DJ Solution.

Thanks for all the laughs and a great time! Have a great time on your honeymoon!

Ceremony & Reception: Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Entertainment: The DJ Solution

The Wedding of Erin and Eric

Gary — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:13:26 +0000

I’ve been looking forward to Erin and Eric’s wedding since their engagement session back in June. If you missed it, check it out here.

By spending the day with them walking around NYC, I learned very quickly that Erin is what you might call, a “giggler”. And 9 out of 10 times, her big laugh was brought on simply by a look that Eric gave her.. A smile, a stare, etc. I knew that they (and a good hunch that their friends as well) would be riot on the wedding day.

On what the priest described as a “picture perfect day” (hey, that’s my line father!!!), Erin began getting ready at the Sierra Hotel in Fishkill. We met Erin, her parents and family there for some fun getting ready photos in their suite. With the emotion and stress of the day building, we all had a good laugh when Erin was in the makeup chair and someone asked, “Hey Erin, do your feet touch the floor?”.

Into the incredible dress and off to St. Mary’s for a beautiful ceremony and some cherished family photos. After Church we were off to my favorite waterfront park in Poughkeepsie for the timeless wedding portraits of Erin and Eric and their Bridal Party. There are some sure bets in life. They say the only true ones are death and taxes but I disagree. There is one tree along the banks of the Hudson that I swear, is the first tree to bloom in full fall colors. When others are still hanging on to there green, this tree never lets me down!

With the sun setting over the mountains, we arrived at the one and only Grandview for an amazing reception. The music was so awesome all night, even Grandma made it out to the dance floor (although slightly encouraged by the people pushing her wheelchair front and center). And after everyone enjoyed their fat free and calorie free Ice Cream Extravaganza by the Grandview (HA!, fooled you! Fat free you wish!!), we closed out the night with the must have photograph at The Grandview, the outside night photo, with the glowing Mid-Hudson Bridge in the background.

Thanks so much Erin and Eric for having us share in your special day! You guys rock!! And Erin, keep on giggling!!!

Ceremony: St. Mary’s Church – Fishkill, NY
Reception: The Grandview – Poughkeepsie, NY
Flowers: Flower Girl & Co. – Valley Cottage, NY