Jenn Link Photography

Carly & Kris!

2009-12-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

Head on over to the new blog to see this awesome wedding!

I've moved!!!

2009-11-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

Please note that I have a snazzy new blog over at: http://jennlinkphotography.myfotojournal.com/

Catch up with me there!!!!

Payal & Kevin - The Wedding Part 1, getting ready & portraits

2009-10-30T10:02:00.003-04:00

riday, October 2nd I had the awesome job of photographing the awesome wedding of Payal and Kevin at the Newton White Mansion. It was another stunning event designed by Partyland! I will have decor shots for you in the next post.

Adorable flower girl:

Doesm't Payal look like a total Diva? I LOVE this shot!

Great shot by my amazing second for the day, Maria Linz!

She was also with the guys and captured this fantastic shot:

Then I grabbed these shots of the groomsmen:

After that we arranged our first look. 1,3 & 4 were shot by Maria.

Time for some portraits!

Another great shot by Maria!

The ladies:

The whole party!

Stay tuned for the rest next week!

Urmila & Scott - The Wedding!

2009-10-27T16:13:00.003-04:00

Yes, I am back... MARRIED and honeymooned! But this post isn't about me or MY WEDDING (which you can see a sneak peak of over here! Leave them some blog love.), it's about the rockin' wedding of Urmila & Scott!

Urmila & Scott had a rainy wedding day on September 26th but that didn't *dampen* the mood... ok horrible pun there...but seriously, I love these two and they were so chill on their wedding day. The Arts club of Washington had an amazing vintage style that was just perfect for these two.

Lets get this party started with some detail shots!

One very dapper groom:

And the stunning Urmila getting ready:

Gorgeous Bridesmaid!

Urmila toasting her girls:

You might remember this from the teaser I posted!

Their garden ceremony had to be tented due to the rain but they didn't even seem bothered!

Some of our fun bridal party shots:

I think Urmila looks like she could be an old time jazz singer here,

This is Scott's band!

The cute couple!

Love this first dance shot:

What a wonderful night!

Look for Payal & Kevin's wedding in just a few days!

Puja & Sajan - Featured on Maharani Weddings Blog!

2009-10-06T19:54:00.002-04:00

I woke up today with a great message from my friend Sachi of Partyland Flowers & Event Decor letting me know that we had been featured on MAHARANI...The Modern Indian Wedding Blog. I was so happy to hear that. I hate to say I was unfamiliar with the blog but once I took a look I felt so honored to be mentioned on such a fantastic blog!

You can see the features here & here!

Happy October everyone!

I am getting married in 5 days. EEEEKKKKK! Everyone send me thoughts of blue skies and sunshine!

This is why I'm hot!

2009-10-03T02:41:00.002-04:00

Just sayin'...

Payal & Kevin were ROCKSTARS today!

Nicole & Jeff - ENGAGED!

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I know I mentioned it before but when I was in Chicago I got to photograph my cousin Nicole's engagement photos. It was a quick shoot but we had a good time and then went out for from AMAZING Cuban food.

Her and Jeff are so adorable!

So sweet...

We headed over to Wrigleyville for some shots. This is the area where they first met.

Awww!

And the winner is....

2009-09-29T15:26:00.002-04:00

Roxanne & Fritz!!!!!

Sorry I am a day late on the announcement, I was out of the office and couldn't access blogger last night.

Congrats and I can't wait to shoot your wedding!

Urmila & Scott - TEASER!

2009-09-27T11:10:00.001-04:00

What a great wedding yesterday! I love these guys! Here are two quick portraits I shot before the ceremony.

:)

Geek Love 2010 - The Finalists!

2009-09-21T08:00:00.005-04:00

THE FINALISTS ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!

Couple #1 - Maureen & Ian

When & Where:
January 1, 2010 in Rhinebeck. NY.

A bit about them & their wedding as told by Maureen:
In a sheer moment of insanity, I accepted a job as a manager of a toy store shortly before Christmas 2006. I had just moved back to New York and was recovering from a messy divorce and it was an all around rough couple of months. As luck would have it, my staff was pretty great..one in particular. And as we grew closer, this particular guy asked me out on a date. The prudent thing would have been to say no. In fact, I had no reason to say yes. I was not interested in a relationship. We looked bad on paper. He was 21...I was 30 The list went on and on. But I was feeling lonely and it was New Year's Day, so what harm could a cup of cocoa in a diner possibly cause? Three years to the day of our first date, I am marrying this former employee. I won't relive all the messy details in between but we struggled through a ten year age difference that seemed to bother every one but us, potentially devastating illness, crazy exs, crazy mothers, and other stuff that doesn't even bear mentioning. We fit in a way that I can't describe. Ian teases me that when we met he finally found a Princess Peach worth rescuing from the castle. Oh yeah, have I mentioned yet we are gamer geeks?

In a nutshell, our wedding theme is "formal gaming". What is that you ask? Ian and I have found in this whole process that we like dressing up. Despite my initial protests, I really want to wear a big, lacy, white gown and he wants to wear a tuxedo and top hat and carry a cane. Our venue is a great old railroad hotel and we are envisioning an old school gentlemen club's vibe..cigars and brandy and just hopefully people relaxing and having a good time. Maybe they will play a rousing game of Scrabble or Connect Four.(A nod to a toy store having a large role in how we met.) Or maybe they will play some Rockband. Our cake topper is a custom made Portal tribute and features a bride and groom sitting on top of a companion cube eating the cake that is promised throughout the game. Our boutonnieres are DIY flowers tied together with ribbon and little pins featuring the life hearts from Zelda. The groom's pin reads "Saving the Princess since 1985". And Ian is hard at work in Photoshop working on our invites which will be a video game themed comic flip book. It makes us giggle, which is really all that matters!

Couple #2 - Caiti & Robert

When & Where:
July 10, 2010, in Carmel, IN.

A bit about them & their wedding as told by Caiti:
My fiance and I met as young, gawky 15-year-olds, lost in a giant 3600-student high school, who found refuge in the school's Science Olympiad Club. It wasn't love at first sight! He claims he wanted to ask me out then, but I was clueless, and he didn't end up asking me out until our senior year of college. He'd been trying to get my attention for years at that point- everything from joining the same club at the university, to laughing at all my bad jokes during D&D sessions, to leaving Final Fantasy XI for World of Warcraft. But, I never got the message. By the time he finally took me out, he figured he had nothing to lose by trying! I was planning to leave for grad school that year, and we broke up when I did- and it was probably the worst decision I've ever made. We kept in touch with email and the ever-present World of Warcraft. When grad school didn't work out and I ended up moving back home, he was the only person I wanted to talk to and the first person I called. We've been together ever since.

It's been said that every human lives in their own weird little world, and that the people we love our those that we can invite inside to share them, who embrace our weird little worlds. Well, geek worlds are a little weirder than the average- we're both people who are slow to make friends, slow to let people in. But we found a common link in our love of video games, science fiction stories, and niche TV shows and hobbies. Along the way we taught each other to love our weird secret worlds- I taught him to like cooking, he taught me to like music.

By the time we moved in together in November 2008, it was a foregone conclusion that we would marry. He popped the question in April 2009, after much deliberation about how and when, and ended up with a simple and sweet at-home proposal. It was absolutely perfect.

We plan to marry next July, with a ceremony to be conducted at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, IN (our hometown) and a reception for about 100 to follow in his parent's beautiful gardened and forested backyard. We loved the idea of an outdoor garden wedding, but realized very quickly that a stuffy, overly formal affair wasn't what either of us wanted. What we wanted was a wonderful celebration with our closest family and friends. In our hometown, how we get that is by hosting it on private property- every garden comes with an all-inclusive vendor that insists on handling everything from the food to the decor, and wasn't able to understand our garden-party vision. We have plans for lots of great food and drink (catered by friends of my fiance), great music, simple, fresh flowers, and sparklers and fireworks as the night closes in. We want to incorporate our love of all things geeky throughout our wedding, whether using video game music in our ceremony or test tubes in our decorating. I'm an astronomer by education, and I'm hoping to have several telescopes available for stargazing.

Couple #3 - Roxanne & Fritz

When & Where:
Sunday June 20, 2010 in Media, PA

A bit about them & their wedding as told by Roxanne:
When I read about your contest I thought it was perfect for Fritz and me. Our love is infused with geekdom. From our 13 bookcases to our epic Scrabble battles, we definitely fit the bill. Our geek love covers a wide array of genres and obsessions, but as a couple we’re best classified as word nerds. We each hold useless master’s degrees in poetry, and we celebrate the unpaid publication of our poems in literary journals most people have never heard of. We go to conferences where we get all excited to meet poets whom, again, most people have never heard of. We know about syllabics and slant rhyme and what a ghazal is (and we’ve tried to write them). We are haiku experts. Additionally, we are the kind of grammar geeks who notice all the troublesome typos, errant apostrophes, and improper pluralizations on all the written material we come across in our daily lives. I work as an editor and Fritz works in non-profit marketing, so that’s a lot of writing.

I also whole-heartedly qualify as a sci-fi/fantasy geek. I’ve read almost every Ursula K. Le Guin novel, can recite passages of dialogue from Buffy the Vampire Slayer from memory, and I’ve been known to get into serious arguments over the Harry Potter canon. I also geek out over anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. Fritz seriously geeks out over photography. He has a Nikon D70s which he absolutely loves, but he is secretly lusting after the D300 (and in a dream sometimes the D3). I don’t know the camera geek speak so I have no idea what he’s actually talking about when he starts speaking Photog, but he takes gorgeous pictures of me naked—with lots of books of course—so it’s all good.

Fritz and I met in Greensboro, North Carolina, at a party after a poetry reading we had both attended. We talked for several hours, ignoring everyone else at the party. Despite the instant chemistry, the timing wasn’t right for us: we were both in serious relationships with other people, and we happened to live 700 miles apart (Fritz was in Florida at the time and I was working on my MFA in Greensboro. Fritz has an MFA too, but he graduated the year before I started–he was only in town visiting the night we met).

So it looked like it wasn’t meant to be. We set aside our attraction and over the next five years, we built a wonderful friendship. We sent each other postcards, met up at writing conferences every year, and made sure to keep close tabs on each other. It wasn’t until March 2007 that the stars finally aligned for us and we found ourselves both single at the same time. With much anticipation and unspoken hope, we met up in Atlanta at—yes, you guessed it—a writing conference. As soon as we were in the same room, we realized we still had that spark, and in less than ten minutes we were sharing our first kiss! We had an incredible weekend together, full of good books, good friends, good readings, and, well, seriously enjoying each other. As the weekend wound to a close, though, we realized we still faced one significant challenge: geography. I had recently moved to Philadelphia, and Fritz had started a new job in Northern California just two months earlier. We couldn’t let that stop us, though—it just felt too right. We spent the next year and a half traveling, thinking about traveling, and recovering from having traveled. We saw each other in Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Phoenix, Sarasota, Las Vegas, New York City, Sonoma, Denver, and probably a few other places I’m forgetting. We clocked frequent flier miles like addicts and reveled in our time together.

Finally, after a year and a half of cross-country love, Fritz landed a job in Philly, and in February 2009, he shipped all his worldly possessions 3,000 miles across the country, and he and his books and his cameras moved in with me for good!

Fritz got his job offer on December 4, 2008, and despite the logistics of planning the move, he immediately started working on his proposal. For the engagement ring, he used family stones from one of his grandmother’s rings, working with a local jeweler in California to reset them into a beautiful ring that was perfect for me. As if that wasn’t enough, he also hatched an elaborate plan for the actual proposal. He bought an old, gilded, hard-back book of romantic poetry, decorated it (even visiting a scrapbooking store, making him the most courageous man I know), and spent eight hours hollowing out the center so he could hide the ring inside the book. On Christmas Eve, he lured me to the library (not that hard to do really) and completely surprised me by popping the question right there—in the poetry section, of course.

Now that we’re actually living in the same place, our biggest challenge is organizing our bookshelves and combining our libraries. We had what would probably qualify as our most significant argument over where to shelve Neil Gaiman. (I wanted to shelve him with the sci fi and fantasy, of course, but Fritz wanted him to stay in our fiction section.) We compromised, giving Neil a shelf to himself, which works because the Absolute Sandmans take up an enormous amount of shelf space.

Our wedding is going to be a book-themed wonderland word bash amidst the ruins of an old mill, complete with meadow, babbling brook, small bamboo grove, an expanse of woods and the crumbling walls of the mill (which are going to look great in photos). The ceremony is going to be in the meadow next to the creek and the cocktails will be outside in the shadows of the mill’s ruins. The reception will be indoors, and will feature plentiful vegetarian options, plus a brownie bar instead of cake! All this with our own vintage-DIY flavor on a limited budget.

Here are just a few of the ideas we’re tossing around right now: a vintage-inspired look for me, plus my grandma’s ivory jewelry (given new life and sparkle by a jewelry-designer friend) and a 1940’s-style birdcage veil. We’re planning to make paper flowers from scratch for my bouquet using the pages Fritz hollowed out of the proposal book—he saved them all! We’re also thinking of doing origami paper flowers for the bridesmaids. We’re going to use wine bottles as centerpiece vases—probably with more paper flowers in those. We’ve been saving the bottles we’ve shared together all over the country and those we’ve shared with our closest friends over the last two years, so each wine bottle will have a special story attached to it. Our color theme is going to be green with other bright springy colors like yellow and orange. Our save-the-date is (hopefully!) going to be a postcard featuring us reading a book with the announcement and date on the cover of the book. We’re also considering other bookish ideas like table numbers made from old books, invitations that look like library due date cards, and a small stack of ribbon-tied books for the ring bearer instead of a pillow.

THE WILD CARD!!!!

It was soooo hard to pick just 3 entries and as soon as I did, I got the following entry and have decided to make it my wild card pick!

Couple #4 - Sabina & Daniel

When & Where:
July, 2010 (exact day still being worked out but will be made available soon) in Port St. Lucie, Florida

A bit about them & their wedding as told by Sabina:
For some girls, following the latest fashion trends or listening to the latest pop song was something they could not live without. For me, video games were something I couldn’t imagine not having in my life. Night or day, the clash of swords would ring, the rising song of magic would soar, and the desperation to find the captured friend would consistently fill my mind. There was always a deep, passionate love that burned inside me whenever it came to video games, especially Final Fantasy IV. I had been enjoying Final Fantasy IV since it came out in 1991.Yet during all those years, I always enjoyed that game alone, like many of the other video games I would play. I would secretly wish that there was someone, anyone, that enjoyed my geeky love of video games just as much as I did.

Whenever I met someone, I’d immediately ask if they were into video games. If they expressed a slight interest, I’d then suggest Final Fantasy IV. I’d always say, “You need to play that game! It’s the best game ever! Go buy it!” When I’d tell folks that, they usually laughed and say, “Yeah, sure,” or “That’s not really my game.”

Not with Dan.

Enter December of 2004. I was a freshman at FIU in Miami, Florida. I had become friends with a guy named Greg in one of my classes, Myth, Ritual, and Mysticism. We were celebrating at a Christmas party in his dorm room. We had invited all our friends and classmates. Greg had invited his own friends, and we were having fun. He told me that he had invited his friend, Dan, to come. Greg had told me about Dan over the semester, but I had never met him. At that time, I was interested in one of our classmates, but the interest wasn’t reciprocated.

When Dan arrived at the party, I was sitting by myself, sipping a soda. I turned to see who had come into the door, and it was as if time had slowed down. There, an attractive guy stood there, greeting his friend and saying hello to everyone. Our eyes met, and I immediately got out of my seat to greet him. Heard something like this before? I had too. At that point, I never believed the tales of “love at first sight” or the whole “our eyes met!” until I met Dan. As soon as Dan came into the room, I scrambled over to introduce myself.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him. At the time, I had very long hair, and a lot of my friends love my hair because it was not only long, but very soft. I had to get him to touch it. Once Greg introduced us, I said, “You should touch my hair!” He balked at first, not wanting to be too forward, for he, too, had noticed me immediately. I turned my head and practically forced Dan to touch my hair. He told me that once I did that, he had fallen for me.

As I normally did, I quickly asked Dan if he liked to play video games. When he said yes, I then launched into my usual pitch of, “You should play Final Fantasy IV!” Unlike the others who usually started to grow bored with my fanciful speeches, Dan listened, enraptured as I described the game’s plot and characters with extreme detail. I told him to buy it, and he said, “I’ll definitely have to check it out!” I was satisfied.

Unfortunately, as quickly as he arrived, Dan had to depart. Disappointed and at a loss for more words (having exhausted myself with my tirade about video games), I never got the opportunity to give Dan my phone number. The night ended, and I believed that I would never see Dan again, and was solely disheartened by that thought.

A few weeks later, during the Christmas break, Greg called and asked if I wanted to hang out with him and a couple of friends for the evening. He mentioned that Dan would be coming. Excited, I immediately agreed. Upon arriving, I met up with Dan. As soon as I saw him, I greeted him warmly. He then proceeded to tell me, “Hey, I got a copy of Final Fantasy IV at Best Buy. You’re right, that game really is a lot of fun! Cecil is awesome as a dark knight! It’s too bad that Kain betrayed him in Fabul.”

I was awestruck. Did this guy just tell me, in full detail, about Final Fantasy IV? He actually went out of his way to buy the game and see why I liked it so much?

Oh boy, he was a keeper. I ended up giving him my phone number that night.

By the time I returned to my university to start the spring semester, I had happily accepted Dan’s request to “go steady.” At that point, before I had met Dan, I had terrible luck with guys. None of my relationships lasted longer than two weeks. I once dated a guy who confessed to me that it was “weird” that I played video games and that I should be more into “girly things.” With Dan, I found that I could be myself and enjoy video games and geeky things like comics, renaissance fairs, nerd conventions (like Megacon!), and fantasy novels with someone who enjoyed them just as much as me.

Now, Dan and I weren’t just all about Final Fantasy games. Oh, no. We also loved MMORPGs. Before I had met Dan, I had played Ultima Online, Shadowbane, Final Fantasy XII, and even Everquest. I also played Warcraft III and Diablo I and Diablo II with my best friend, Nichole. A lot of guys didn’t understand why I loved being on the computer so much. To me, these games brought huge fantasy worlds to life, and I got to experience them with other real people.

Dan was also an experienced MMO gamer. He had played Everquest, Dark Age of Camelot, and several other MMOs before meeting me.

When Dan and I met, World of Warcraft had been released. I had followed Greg, our mutual friend, as he played in beta. I helped Greg name his character, and he told me all about the game. Yet when the game was released, I decided not to buy it, because it was my freshman year at college, and I knew my obsessive tendencies. I didn’t want to buy WoW at that moment for fear of ruining my grades. In high school, I would turn down babysitting jobs just to play Ultima Online! I was afraid I’d fail my classes if I played WoW. Even though I had played Warcraft III and desperately wanted to play a troll in WoW, I tried to be a good student and stayed away from the game.

By the time summer of 2005 rolled around, Dan had seen that I was chomping at the bit to get my own WoW account. He knew that I had played Warcraft III and I was always asking him about the major lore characters and if they were present in the game. I asked about Thrall and Malfurion and Illidan. At that point, he knew I was interested, and he decided to buy me a copy so we could play together. I was reluctant at first, fearful that my grades would slip, but Dan convinced me that if I was able to keep a solid A average in high school while playing Ultima Online, I’d be fine playing WoW.

Boy, he wasn’t wrong! I ended up getting Dean’s List every semester while playing WoW a minimum of 25 hours a week! I loved the game! All I could think about was playing WoW. I would sketch my troll during class, and I would write stories about my troll rogue on the WoW RP forums, which Dan would read faithfully. He loved that I enjoyed the game so much. We would raid together, and it was always a great comfort to hear his voice on Ventrillo. That I could whisper him in game, see him in the dungeons, and fight together with him was the greatest fun I could have when I wasn’t with him in person.

When I would go home for the weekend or on a holiday, Dan and I would close the gap on the distance and play WoW together. When I moved back home after graduating and was a good two hours north away from Dan, we “saw” each other in game. Even though we were far apart, we were always together. I love the fact that we could do that with World of Warcraft.

Comics and the medieval culture were also something Dan and I enjoyed. Our geeky love definitely transcended video games! Every year we would attend the huge comics, video games, anime, scifi and fantasy convention in Orlando. Megacon was the name of the convention, and we loved going there! We’d save up all our money and clear up the space on our SD cards to take as many pictures as we could. I even dressed up as Sailor Moon one year! Dan got a big laugh out of that. He still has yet to find the right costume to wear, but we plan on attending Blizzcon one year, fully dressed as our WoW characers.

Every year there is a renaissance faire that is held in Deerfield Beach that Dan and I also attend. We would buy medieval garb and immediately throw it on so we could “blend in” with the “true” crowd at the fair. Every year we’d go as something different. One year we were a lord and a lady, another year we were a warrior and a princess, and another year we went as a peasant couple. We always had fun, buying weapons to decorate our rooms with, watching the wailing wenches show, and trying out our (poor) archery skills. We always have a great time together when we would go to the renaissance faire.

After four and a half years of being together as boyfriend and girlfriend, I felt that I had truly found the one that I wanted to be with. Dan and I could complete each other’s sentences at times, know what we were thinking without having to ask, and find just the right spot to cuddle close together. When July, 2009 rolled around, Dan found out that he got two job offers in Jacksonville and Pensacola. By then, I had started an internship at an ad agency / TV show in Riviera Beach while also working as a manager at a Gamestop. Dan was finishing up his Master’s degree and actively looking for a new job. We had already decided that we love each other deeply and couldn’t be without the other. So when Dan got his job offers, he asked me if I could accompany him on a long road trip from Miami to Pensacola to Jacksonville for his job interviews and to see the areas as a potential place to live together. Seizing an opportunity to be with him, I said yes.

Dan picked me up on August 6, 2009, at my house in Port St. Lucie. We headed out on the road for Pensacola. While I sat with him in his car, happily drinking in his presence, Dan asked if I could get something out of the glove compartment for him. Without much of it, I opened the glove compartment, trying to find what Dan was asking for. Instead, to my surprise, a ring box lay inside, staring at me right in the face.

“Sabina, will you marry me?” Dan asked shyly as I continued to gaze at the ring box, my eyes moistening at the speed of light.

“Yes, yes!” I cried. I couldn’t believe it, while at the same time, I could believe it.

I love Dan with all my heart. He has introduced me to so many new things, and has always been by my side, no matter what. He withstands my rage, whether it’s at an inconsiderate guild mate or a matter of a dirty kitchen, and he understands my interests and my fascinations. He’s always sweet and kind to me, and is always there for me. He is definitely the horn to my unicorn, the chocolate to my milk (I love chocolate milk!), the second controller to my console. No matter what, he’s there. I guess, you can say, he is my “final fantasy.” The only fantasy I need in this world!

Is our love geeky? You betcha! Considering that one of the reasons why Dan captured my heart was by playing the video game that meant so much to me, that’s definitely geeky, at least to me! We enjoy so many things together that most folks would consider “geeky,” but we’ve never let that bother us. Weekly trips to the comic book store entail fun conversations and bragging contents, and the annual trips to the huge Megacon convention in Orlando can always be an adventure for us. The renaissance faire is a place where we can throw on our medieval garb and pretend to be “lord and lady” for the day and enjoy jousting and giant turkey legs. Night long gaming fests definitely appeals to us more than dancing at the hottest club in Miami or visiting the local bar, just because we’re enjoying something together. We would throw Rock Band parties and have more fun wailing out “Roxanne” on expert than we could spending money on South Beach!

Before I dissolve this essay to complete and utter cheese that not even Juno would use for her macaroni, I’ll get to the more exciting stuff. Though Dan and I have only been engaged for a month, we plan on getting married by next summer. We’re looking to be married in the month of July in 2010.

The plan for the wedding is traditional, with a reflection of our interests. Since Dan and I have always enjoyed fantasy games, we’re looking to have a medieval themed wedding. Though I haven’t told him, I found a tailor online that can make a wedding dress equivalent of the dress that Lily from the movie Legend wore. Legend is one of my favorite movies, and Dan does like to watch it, probably because Tim Curry is so awesome as the Lord of Darkness. We also love the band Vast, and I hope to walk down the aisle to Vast’s song, “Lady of Dreams.” As for the reception, we’d love to have lots of lights, great dancing music (and none of the “electric slide!” or “chicken dance” stuff kind of dance music, no no no!), and an area where we can get our gaming on when we get a bit worn out from dancing. We definitely want a wedding cake that looks like a castle, and perhaps a unicorn ice sculpture. We’re totally geeky about fantasy and video games! We do want to keep it traditional, simple, and inexpensive, but we also want it to be a fun reflection of our interests and what brought us together in the first place.

Thank you so much to all of you who entered my contest. Who knows, this might just end up as an annual event! I am sending the entries along to my judges for review and the winner will be announced next Monday! YAY!

Greta & Megan

2009-09-21T08:00:00.004-04:00

When I was in Chicago I got to spend some good quality time with my best friend Megan and her sweet babies, Greta & Minka. The last night I was there they actually BOTH spent the night cuddling with me (much to Megan's disappointment) and it was so cute!

Great is currently going through chemotherapy but the good news is her cancer is in remission. I just couldn't resist this picture of Greta getting Mommy lovins'!

Nicole & Jeff - TEASERS!

2009-09-16T19:36:00.002-04:00

I am so excited! On Sunday when I was still in Chicago I was able to do a mini engagement session with my cousin Nicole & her fiance Jeff. Nicole & I are co-MOH's and this is just such an exciting time for us!

How crazy cute are these two?!?!?!!

Love you guys!

Carolyn & Marcello!

2009-09-15T08:33:00.002-04:00

It is finally time to show you the rockin' session that I had with these two, I feel like this was forever ago! We met up at the Montgomery County Fair and had a blast taking these pictures.

Outfit change! They are just sooo cute!

Isn't this just so sweet?

HOT!

And for some reason this picture didn't show up in my blog images gallery so I am linking it directly from their online gallery (don't mind the ugly watermark).

Love it!

I had a blast with these two and can not wait for the wedding in May!

Geek Love 2010 - Free Wedding Photography!

2009-09-12T18:24:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone! I am away in Chicago for my amazing bachelorette weekend right now and I am really enjoying all of the entries to the Geek Love contest. The deadline to submit your entry was last Thursday the 10th but due to the combination of me being out to town and the overwhelming response to the contest I am happy to announce that I am extending the entry deadline to this Wednesday, September 15th, in honor of my best friend's (and one of the contest judges) big 3-0!!!

Please read the contest entry rules here! I can not wait to read more of your awesome stories!

ZINWRATH THE MOVIE - GEEK LOVE 2010!

2009-09-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Only 4 more days to enter the GEEK LOVE 2010 free wedding photography contest!!!!!!!!

I will post my favorite World Of Warcraft machinima videos every day until the deadline!

ARCANITE REAPER HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

That's all I have to say about that!

FROST SHOCK!!! - GEEK LOVE 2010!

2009-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Only 4 more days to enter the GEEK LOVE 2010 free wedding photography contest!!!!!!!!

I will post my favorite World Of Warcraft machinima videos every day until the deadline!

This was a play on the mac/pc switcher commercials. This was also before the first expansion in the game where the Alliance got Shaman and the Horde got Paladins. Cracks me up with the "TOTEMS TOTEMS TOTEMS" and "FROST SHHOOOOCCKKKK"!

ROFLMAO - GEEK LOVE 2010

2009-09-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

Only 6 more days to enter the GEEK LOVE 2010 free wedding photography contest!!!!!!!!

I will post my favorite World Of Warcraft machinima videos every day until the deadline!

Love this video, gets stuck in your head very easy. The undead guy cracks me up!

"I'm uber uber l33t, so uber uber l33t, what a wonderful feeling, I'm pwning again!"

CRANK DAT DRUID BOY - GEEK LOVE 2010!

2009-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Only 7 more days to enter the GEEK LOVE 2010 free wedding photography contest!!!!!!!!

I will post my favorite World Of Warcraft machinima videos every day until the deadline!

This is one of my favorite because I love the line "Druid boy chicken wing, super spam everything"!

(Jonathan and I love our druids!!!)

Leena & Sunnel - The Wedding PART 3!

2009-09-03T12:29:00.004-04:00

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE forgive me for my blog neglect! I am into the final weeks before my wedding and I swear it is ALL CONSUMING. I definitely have a new respect for all of my awesome couples. I had no idea that wedding planning totally takes over your life!

Here is the final instalment of Leena & Sunnel's amazing wedding!

Some of the vendors that helped rock out this day flawlessly (despite the rain) at the Evergreen Museum were:

Trisha Cranor of Working Brides

Sachi & Sunita Sood of Partyland Flowers & Event Decor

Catering by Linwoods

Video by White Elephant Video Produtions

Now here are some portraits and reception pictures (a mix of both mine and Jill's shots)!

Practice for their first dance:

Showing off the wedding bling:

A toast with the parents:

First dance:

Some crazy good times on the dance floor, what a blast!

I love that Jill & I were on opposite side of the dance floor and able to get these two shots!

Sanjay & Suneel break it down:

Toasts:

Parent dances... omg how sweet are they?!

Suneel's father had some words he wanted to say to his new daughter-in-law. I love this moment that Jill captured:

Finally the couple thanking their friends, family & each other:

:)

Leena & Sunnel - The Wedding PART 2!

2009-08-24T18:49:00.007-04:00

So we left off after the formal portraits...

Here is some delicious eye candy of the decor:

So after portraits Suneel had his Puja & Baarat.

However, shortly after Suneel got on the horse it started to rain!

That didn't stop the party though! What rockstars!

My favorite shot:

Hilarious... now this is a groomsman who is really taking the job seriously!

After that we all sort of crammed ourselves into a little covered entryway and waited out the rain for awhile. Like I said though, the rain did NOT stop this party!

Suneel's mom:

Finally the rain let up and we were able to move on with the festivities.

And then it was time for the ceremony (which was moved into the reception tent because of the rain).

I adore this shot that Jill got of the groom's brother, Sanjay, and their mother.

The girls waiting to enter:

The beautiful bride enters with her father! Another amazing image from Jill.

I know I said it in the last post but seriously... I just ADORE how Suneel looks at Leena. It gives me the warm fuzzies inside! (shot by Jill)

The bride's sister is checking to make sure that Suneel gave up some good cash to get his shoes back from her!

And they are MARRIED!

Part 3 soon!

Leena & Sunnel - The Wedding PART 1!

2009-08-21T09:33:00.003-04:00

Leena & Sunnel's August 1st wedding was fantastic! Even though it rained and last minute changes to the outdoor ceremony were made, everyone stayed positive and had a great time.

I have so many photos to share so in part one I am going to focus on the getting ready & formal portraits. After that we will take a look at the decor, baarat & ceremony. In part 3 I will show you some romantic portraits of the couple and the reception.

Details of Leena's jewelry:

Lenna's stunning sister:

Leena!

The guys rocking it out for the camera:

I ADORE this shot of Suneel that my second photographer for the day, Jill Myers, captured.

The bride arrives!

The pretty ladies:

I love how Suneel looks at Leena in another candid that Jill got during the formal group photo:

Leena & Suneel with their parents:

And finally Jill and I caught the same moment from two totally different perspectives. I saw this private moment out of the corner of my eye but wasn't at the BEST vantage point (I was photographing another group) but Jill totally ROCKED this one. Yet another reason why having 2 photographers is AWESOME!

My shots:

And what Jill was getting:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Do You Want To Date My Avatar?

2009-08-19T14:04:00.004-04:00

The Guild Season 3 starts on August 25th and I am so excited. I just adore this web show about a group of gamers.

Don't forget about the awesome contest that I am running!

FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SPECIAL PAIR OF GEEKS IN LOVE!

click here for all the details!!!

Entries must be submitted by September 10, 2009.

Carolyn & Marcello - Teasers!

2009-08-17T16:51:00.004-04:00

Last night I met Carolyn & Marcello at the fair for their e-session. We had a great time and I am LOVING the images!

More to come soon!

Leena & Suneel's Sangeet!

2009-08-14T10:20:00.004-04:00

On July 31st I had the pleasure of photographing Leena & Suneel's Sangeet. It was a night full of good food, song & dance. What a good time!

Sachi of Partyland Flowers & Event Decor totally rocked this one. It was like the cross between a circus and and exotic bird show! I LOVED IT!!!!!

I have to say the kid in the following image was just the coolest. He was totally my BFF that night and on the wedding day.

One of the first performances of the night was Suneel's dad singing a song for Leena. About half way though he invited Suneel to sing and here are a few moments I captured:

Dance performances:

Here is Leena's grandmother having a great time:

Suneel's beautiful mother preformed a song for the couple:

And then everyone danced the night away!

Leena's handsome father:

Stay tuned for a few posts on their spectacular wedding!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Geek Love 2010! Free Wedding Photography Contest!

2009-08-10T08:51:00.006-04:00

Geek Love 2010! Free Wedding Photography Contest!

In celebration of being 60 days out from my own wedding I am offering FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY to one amazing couple! Being that Jonathan and I met online playing World Of Warcraft, the theme of the contest can’t be anything other than “Geek Love”!

So all of you out there who think this theme might apply to YOU send me an essay with the following information:

How does the theme “Geek Love” apply to you as a couple?
Your story. (How you met, the proposal, all those great details)
You vision for your wedding (inspirations boards are always welcome).
Why you think I would be the best photographer for your wedding.
Your favorite picture of the two of you.

Please don't forget to include:
Your full names
Wedding date & locations
Contact phone number
Links to any video, personal wedding websites, blogs or other pictures that will help me get to know you better!

The winning couple will receive:
8 hours of wedding day coverage by Jenn Link and all their edited high-resolution images on disc with personal usage rights.
Online password protected gallery of your wedding images available for 6 months.
Online slide show of wedding highlights available for 6 months.
(A total value of $2,800.00)

Travel within 45 miles of zip code 22025 is included

For weddings outside of the 45 mile radius my standard travel fees apply.

Requirements:
Your wedding or commitment ceremony date must be between January 1, 2010 & December 31, 2010.
Couples currently booked with or who have met with Jenn Link Photography prior to August 10, 2009 are not eligible.
Dates are subject to Jenn Link’s availability

All entries must be received by 11:59pm, Thursday September 10th, 2009. 3 Finalists will be announced on Monday September 21, 2009. The winners will be announced on Monday September 28th, 2009.

Please email all entries to contest@jennlinkphotography.com with "Geek Love 2010!" in the subject line.

I look forward to many stories of gamer, larper, science & math, renaissance fair, comic book, sci-fi & fantasy and web geek love!

Stay tuned for the announcement of my awesome Judges!

****EDITED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING****

I have received some fantastic comments from some awesome brides-to-be about me being too far away for them to enter the contest! I just want you all to know that my travel rates are VERY reasonable. One benefit of living in the DC area is that airfare is CHEAP since it is such a major hub! You can generally get me anywhere in the US for around $250 round trip. Also, if your wedding is around a place that I have friends or family I will ALWAYS try and stay with them before getting a hotel that you have to pay for. Please don't let the travel costs be a reason you don't apply for the contest!

xoxo

My wedding - An Update!

2009-08-08T20:51:00.003-04:00

62 DAYS UNTIL I GET MARRIED!

Wow so crazy how time flies! I thought it would be a great time to update you all on my wedding planning. I feel like I have so much done yet nothing at all.

I designed/printed/assembled our invitations...

Our adorable bride and groom graphic (as well as my new logo) was designed by my amazingly talented friend Steve (who was also a stunning JLP Groom last year).

My Maid Of Honor & I spent a good amount of time assembling the amazing eco-friendly cutlery.

I got a great deal with it via Jessica of The Budget Savvy Bride!

I have my DREAM venue:

Tons of vintage dishes & vases for our mini candy buffets and centerpieces:

Hair and Makeup trials are done!

Some friends of Jonathan's saw our invites and knew they had to buy us these shirts! So cute!

As you can see I am growing my hair out for the wedding. It hasn't been this long since 1999! I think after the wedding I might go back to something like this:

What do you think?

Tons of RSVP's are comming in. Registries are done.

I have rocked 2 bridal showers:

And am TOTALLY looking forward to rocking my bachelorette weekend in Chicago with my girls!

Finally... I have almost finished assembling my dream team of vendors!

Rob & Lauren (Photography)

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen (Wedding Cake)

Emily H Events (Day of Coordination)

Faces by SAM (Bridal Makeup)

BBQ Brothers (Catering)

Kirkabee Deejay's (Reception DJ)

Mary's Flower Shop (Flowers)

Dolly Couture (Bridal Gown)

Lulu Splendor (Bridal Accessories)

Ralph Lauren (Grooms Atire)

Well that's about it! What's new with you all!?

Leena & Suneel - TEASERS!

2009-08-02T16:32:00.003-04:00

Before they ran off to their honeymoon I wanted to get a few teasers up for Leena & Suneel. Their wedding yesterday was fantastic despite the unexpected rain storm right smack in the middle of the Baraat. It may have caused the days plans to change but in the end they were married and that's what we were all there to celebrate!

The couple before the Baraat started!

And this might just be my favorite picture of the day, actually it might be one of my favorite images of all time...

And the happily married couple working the camera for me before the reception!

Despite, the rain and the heat/humidity I am confident everyone at the wedding yesterday had a blast celebrating with this amazing couple!

Amanda & Chris Part 2!

2009-07-17T11:36:00.003-04:00

To pick up where we left off...

They were finally MARRIED!

The guys:

The whole party:

Here is a stunning shot that Jessica got of Amanda's bouquet.

Then I got some time alone with Amanda & Chris.

mmm sweets! (cake shot by Jess, cookies by me)

First Dance:

This is a great sequence of cake cutting shots... in the second shot, look how Amanda is shoving icing STRAIGHT UP HIS NOSE! Hilarious!

Have a great weekend everyone! Expect a post about my own wedding planning next week!

Amanda & Chris Part 1

2009-07-15T14:03:00.004-04:00

On June 27th I had the treat of shooting Amanda & Chris's wedding in my own back yard! We started the day off at Amanda's parents house in Manassas followed by a ceremony close by at the Christus Victor Lutheran Church and finished off the night at the Montclair Country Club in my very own neighborhood. I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I was to be working so close to home. I also had the fantastic Jessica Del Vecchio shooting with me which is always a blast!

When I got to her parents house Suzanne of Faces by SAM was just finishing up Amanda's makeup. Suzanne is also doing my wedding makeup and she is soooo amazing at what she does!

Adorable flower girl. Believe it or not, she had a mini version of Amanda's dress! It was so cute.

Outside for a few quick portraits.

A great detail shot that Jessica got, followed by a moment she captured of Amanda and her mom shortly before the processional started.

Another great set of images that Jessica got as Amanda was headed down the aisle to Chris.

My view:

I can not stress enough how awesome it is to add a second photography to your package! You get soooo much more coverage and you get two very different viewpoints of the whole day. It also allows the camera to be in two places at once capturing moments like these!

And they are MARRIED!

Stay tuned for part 2! I had so many images I wanted to post that I had to make 2 posts!

Carly & Kris - ENGAGED!

2009-07-09T11:45:00.002-04:00

Carly & Kris were so much fun to photograph! We met up in Leesburg for our shoot a few weeks ago and despite the crazy heat we were able to get some amazing shots!

Checking out that amazing ring...

We took a little break to cool down. Wine, beer and iced tea, what could be better?

I ran in the middle of the street to take this shot. I am surprised Carly looks so great because I know she was terrified that I would be hit by a car!

I love love love her blue dress against this brick wall.

We were doing some jumping shots and I think this moment was great! Kris jumped but Carly did not because she was having a fit of giggles.

I think small town old movie theaters are so awesome.

After Leesburg we drove over to Ashburn to get some shots of them where they met, at the elementary school where they are both teachers. Of course they had to rock their Steelers jerseys (one of Kris's first gifts to Carly), and Kris's sweeeeeeet new truck!

Thanks for a fun evening guys! Can't wait for the wedding in November!

Kelley & Nicole for Jessica Del Vecchio Photography

2009-07-07T11:44:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was so lucky to shoot Kelley & Nicole's commitment ceremony with my good friend Jessica Del Vecchio!

Everything was so pretty and the couple were just so sweet. I loved everything about this day!

Kelley's nephew in a wine barrel right before the ceremony, too cute!

Kelly watching Nicole walking down the asile:

I love getting candids of people during the formal photos.

Some alone time with the girls & Jessica.

Cake & Flowers!

First Dance:

Grandpa stealing a kiss!

Breakin' it down:

The grand exit:

A big thanks to Jessica for letting me be a part of this amazing day!

Stefanie & Martin for Heather Z Photography

2009-07-02T17:55:00.002-04:00

In mid June I had the chance to shoot this stunning wedding with Heather of Heather Z Photography. I had a great time working with her at such a great wedding.

Gotta love some details!

One very handsome groom and his men:

The bride wasn't too shabby either!

Stunning couple!

Love this detail:

I loved my vantage point for the ceremony!

I love this, it's part of a shot Heather had set up and then the paparazzi!

First dance!

mmmmm CAKE!

Thanks so much for having me along Heather!

SUNDAY SNEAK PEAK!

2009-06-28T13:20:00.000-04:00

Amanda & Chris!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

2009-06-26T19:49:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was able to go see one of the final Nine Inch Nails concerts and I was just ecstatic when I learned that Trent Reznor had set a very lax audio/video/photography policy for the tour. I had already purchased AWESOME seats since it was the last tour and add that to the fact that I could bring in my pro gear.... OMG. I just about died.

Nine Inch Nails has been one of my favorite bands since I was like 14! In high school I actually had one of those large wall size posters of Trent Reznor above my bed (how embarrassing to admit!). It always was a dream/fantasy of mine to be able to photograph him live. And well just about 15 years later I got the chance!

As geeky and fangirl as it sounds, looking at him through the lens of my camera with the music pounding in my ears and my heart pounding out of my chest... I was out of my mind. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Enjoy a few of my favorites!

How quintessential NIN is this?

Jonathan took this last shot since he had a taller vantage point. It was at the very end after the encore. *sigh*

And yes.. I will be picking one of the images to print BIG and hang in the house! Maybe not over our bed but somewhere!

Also here are a few NIN videos that showcase some of the more recent music which I think is just *so* amazing. Most people are only familiar with the hits but as the years have gone the music has matured so much and has so much depth. Also they are all filmed by the AAAHHHMMAAZZZIIINNGGGG Rob Sheridan who has been working with NIN for like the last 10 years. His photography/videography of the band is to die for!

i <3 nin

Echoplex

NIN: Echoplex - Live at Rehearsals, July 2008 [HD] from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

Me, I'm Not (live... the lighting is to die for)

Nine Inch Nails - Me, I'm Not live in Europe, August 2007 from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

and ok my arm is twisted... my favorite of the old school stuff!

Gave Up (1992 featuring... Marilyn Manson)

Nine Inch Nails: Gave Up (1992) from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

Carly & Kris - E Shoot Teaser!

2009-06-25T22:51:00.002-04:00

I know Carly is really excited to see these pictures! I had a fantastic night with these two and I am so hyped for their wedding in November!

How HOT are they?!?!

Payal & Kevin!

2009-06-18T09:30:00.005-04:00

On Sunday I met up with Payal and Kevin in Old Town Alexandria to shoot our "Getting to Know You" session.

These two are just absolutely ADORABLE.

That shade of blue looks so stunning on her doesn't it?

Outfit change!

I just love this one...

Too funny!

I had a ton of fun with Payal & Kevin and am so excited for their wedding this October! They are getting married just 8 days before my own wedding!

Speaking of my own wedding, are you guys at all interested in me blogging about my own crazy wedding planning?

Dale & Mike - 06.06.09

2009-06-16T16:49:00.002-04:00

I just loved being able to spend the day at Dale & Mike's wedding. They are such a sweet couple and I was honored to be their photographer.

I met up with Dale at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons while she got ready for the wedding.

And then we were on our way to the ceremony!

During the ceremony they surprised Mike's daughter with a family medallion.

Mr. & Mrs.

Stunning couple!

Party Time!!

Thanks guys, I had such a good time at your wedding!

Super Sunday Sneak Peak!

2009-06-14T22:02:00.001-04:00

Payal & Kevin! How adorable are they?! This was the last picture we shot during our session today and I just ADORE it!

Puja & Sajan's Totally AWESOME Rockin' Wedding!

2009-06-12T11:37:00.003-04:00

I knew we were going to have a blast at this wedding as soon as Puja ran up to introduce herself to me at Arti & Gautam's wedding last fall. She has the most fun personality and Sajan is a total riot. It you remember they totally rocked their engagement session a few months ago!

They got married at the stunning Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. All of the decor was done by the highly talented mother/ daughter duo at Partyland Flowers & Event Decor. Every time I get to see their work I am just floored by the creativity and beauty of everything they put together.

My second shooter Tracy Timmester was amazing and helped me get every yummy detail captured. (check out her blog post to see some photos she got while hanging with the guys)

I started out hanging with Puja and the rest of the women.

She just takes my breath away here!

Once she was all ready we arranged a first look between her and Sajan. I just LOVE doing that.

awwwwwwww

Bridal party fun!

We loved the light so much where we did the first look that we went back there to grab some quick portraits before the ceremony.

The ceremony!

Doesn't Saj have the BEST smile ever?

During the cocktail hour I went up to the suite with Puja while she changed for the reception.

Then Tracy and I worked the ballroom for those amazing details. Oh and something to note... the amazing programs, table numbers and invitations (didn't get a shot of those sadly) were all designed by my friend and former bride Arti! Please go check out her site for her design company Zoya Couture!

The bride and groom's entrance was great!

First Dance!

And finally some AWESOME dance floor shots!

I had a blast at this wedding!

xo

Dale & Mike - Teaser!

2009-06-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

Last weekends amazing wedding was that of Dale & Mike who I just adore!

Full post on Puja & Sajan, Nine Inch Nails & Dale & Mike soon!

xo

Amy & Chris - For Kate Triano

2009-06-08T17:52:00.003-04:00

About a month ago I was able to join Kate Triano for a wedding in Alexandria. I had a great time and wanted to share some of my favorite images with you! For the full wedding, don't forget to check out Kates blog post!

Love this...

Candid Kate!

While Kate was shooting Amy and her dad, I was getting the fantastic reactions of her mom & Chris.

Party / Candid shot time!

Who doesn't love a cute baby?

Wooooo.... AIR GUITAR!

And finally... CAKE FACES!

Thanks for having me out Kate!

Stunning Sunday!

2009-05-31T11:38:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful day today is shaping up to be! We are about to head out to the 28th Annual Vintage Virginia Wine Festival! However, I could not leave the house without a sneak peak of Puja & Saj's wedding!

She was the most stunning Bride!

And Saj, looking mighty fine himself, was totally the life of the party!

Have an amazing Sunday everyone!

Miriam & Mattias - The Wedding!

2009-05-27T10:02:00.003-04:00

On May 16th I was so lucky to be photographing Mattias & Miriam's wedding in The Chapel of Saint Ignatius Loyola at Holy Trinity in DC.

The Chapel was so bright and gorgeous with its high ceilings yet it was very intimate.

Mattias, ready to get married!

Miriam making a stunning entrance with her dad!

Amazing bouquet isn't it?

Pretty Pretty Flower Girl!

And... they're married!

Time for some portraits...

A great ring shot!

After that we made our way over to Old Town Alexandria for the reception at The Lyceum.

Here is a collage of the fabulous details from the day:

A quick picture outside before the party started:

First Dance!

I love this sweet shot of Miriam and her father dancing. Her dad just loved the camera! He has this look and personality that reminds me of Old Hollywood.

Tell me this isn't an awesome cake sequence!

Their place cards were really adorable luggage tags with the guests name on them and their table assignment. Here were the bride & grooms tags. ADORABLE!

What a fantastic wedding! Thanks Miriam & Mattias for letting me be a party of your day.

HAPPY WEDDING SATURDAY!

2009-05-16T22:49:00.001-04:00

Even though I am dead tired, I wanted to share a sneak peak of today's wedding!

Miriam & Mattias

Sean & Danielle for Kristen Gardner Photography!

2009-05-13T13:02:00.002-04:00

On April 25th I was able to join Kristen Gardner at the Regency at Dominion Valley for Danielle & Sean's wedding. It was so nice to see the Regency in the Spring. The last time I was there was in January (shooting with Kristen) and it was COLD!

The 25th was warm and sunny, a beautiful day for a wedding!

Pretty, pretty bridesmaids!

I always love watching brides get into their dresses.

Check out that PINK!

Who doesn't love a good dad & daughter shot?

I love how he was looking at her when nobody was watching.

Here is the grooms mom, isn't she just so adorable?

I had an awesome vantage point for the ceremony!

One of the first few moments as husband & wife.

While Kristen was off shooting formals, I got to shoot some candid moments at the cocktail hour.

Super cool centerpieces on the tables at the reception:

The bride & groom enter!

First dance:

And finally, an awesome shot of the grooms mom & the best man breaking it down!

Love you moms!

2009-05-10T22:22:00.003-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!

A picture of my beautiful mother from her recent vist and our afternoon at the Shenandoah National Park.

Here is my grandmother (moms mother), Anne, as a beautiful bride:

Here is my grandmother, Marge, with me as a baby. She passed away in 2002 and I still miss her every day.

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-09T11:25:00.002-04:00

What a better time to show off some maternity pictures that Mother's Day weekend!

On that crazy hot Sunday after I shot Urmila & Scott's e-session I took a break for a few hours and then headed over to my friend Suzanne's new house to shoot her maternity pictures.

Suzanne is an amazing makeup artist who I met at a bridal fair (our booths were right across from each other, and our guys totally hit it off during the down time) last September. We really hit it off and I am so thrilled that they just moved close to us and are expecting their second little boy. I actually think she may have had him this week since she hasn't responded to my email! If so... CONGRATS!!!!

Check out how adorable this little family is!

Jacob & Suzanne are so adorable together!

Their adorable son Kai giving his baby brother a kiss!

Time for some COLOR! Can you belive this is all on their property in Manassas? What a great view!

We did some shots of her in front of the new house to send to her family and I couldn't believe when she climbed on the railing!

And finally a nice headshot of the beautiful momma!

Seriously if you need your makeup done... call this woman! She is amazing! Last weekend I had my bridal makeup trial and I was FLAWLESS. It looked just as good at midnight as when she did it at noon!

Urmila & Scott - Engaged!

2009-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

On the hottest Sunday EVER.... I met Urmila & Scott out for brunch at Marvin in DC (yum it was soooo good... mmmm waffles!!!). I highly recommend it if you have not been there before! After brunch we headed out to Rock Creek Park to shoot some engagement pictures. I can honestly say that after maybe 30 minutes all 3 of us were ready to be done, it was just THAT hot. However, in that short amount of time we got some rockin' shots!

Aren't they just so adorable?!

I can't wait for the wedding guys!

The Worth Family!

2009-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Also when we were down in Florida I got to get together with my cousin Christine, her hubby Chuck & their adorable son Charlie for some awesome portraits. We thought the contrast of more formal dress with the park setting would be awesome with the lighting at the time in the evening. Boy were we right! I am so in love with this session!

Check it! They are such an adorable family.

And what about this guy?!

More adorable family shots:

And one great shot of just Christine & Chuck!

It was so great to see them and after the session they took us to an awesome habatchi steakhouses. It was sooooo good!

Skyler & Giana - Happy Monday!

2009-05-04T09:02:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! I have had a very busy weekend which I will tell you all about in another post but while the dust settles please enjoy this awesome session I had with Skyler & Giana when I was down in Florida 2 weeks ago!

Rock Star Kids!

I love how tan Florida kids are!

Of course we had to get one shot with Mom!

Happy Monday everyone!

Amanda & Chris - Engaged!

2009-04-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday evening I got to meet up with Amanda & Chris for a fun e-session in Manassas. We had a great time and they are so cute together! I can not wait for their June wedding right in my neighborhood!

Alison & Herb first wedding of 2009!

2009-04-27T16:57:00.002-04:00

On April 18th I had the privilege of photographing Alison & Herb's awesome wedding at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Here are some of my favorite details from the day:

Alison getting the final touches before seeing Herb for the first time on their wedding day:

Super handsome Herb about to see his bride:

Here she comes!!

We climbed up the huge hill that overlooks the city and got some fantastic shots:

A few fun shots with the bridal party:

The lovely ceremony as the sun was starting to make it's way down for the day:

Married!!

First dance, dad & daughter, mom & son:

Partaayyyy time!

What a great start to my wedding season!

Teasers from this weekend!!!

2009-04-19T23:18:00.003-04:00

I had two fantastic shoots this weekend!

First was Alison & Herbs amazing wedding in Baltimore:

*sigh* It was so great! I can not wait until their full blog post. You all are going to just adore this wedding.

After I awoke from my coma this afternoon I met up with Amanda & Chris in Mananas. These two are so adorable and a lot of fun to be around. I couldn't pick just one image for their teaser so I splurged and picked two!

I can't wait for their wedding in June!

Have a great week everyone!

Puja & Sajan - Engaged!

2009-04-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday I had a blast hanging out with Puja & Sajan up in Frederick, MD. We met up at a local park so we could get some casual shots with their super sweet dog, Kajal.

After that we did a quick outfit change and went downtown for some more shots!

I think Saj looks so darn handsome in this shot:

You gotta love a bright red door!

After our session they treated me to a great lunch at "That Cuban Place". MMM I was in heaven. If you know me, you know I love Cuban food!

I can't wait for their awesome wedding in late May!

Jack!

2009-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday I posted a teaser image of Jack, the super cute, super full of smiles 8 month old baby of our friends Rachel & Steve.

Remember this face?

How could you not?

Well here are some of my other favorite shots from our session...

I started out really early in the morning. Jonathan and I were sleeping downstairs and I heard all this really cute cooing coming from Jack's room upstairs. I grabbed my camera and snuck up there to capture this super happy baby totally entertaining himself in his crib.

Shortly after this Rachel joined us in the room for some awesome nakey baby time!

Can you believe this face?! So happy!

In the early afternoon when the sun started to peak out we went outside for a few family photos.

My favorite:

I can't wait for many more session with this little bundle of joy. It was truly a pleasure!

Matt & Ashley's Ceremony & Reception - For Kate Triano

2009-04-06T12:00:00.004-04:00

Last week I posted about a fabulous wedding I shot with Kate Triano down at The Homestead.

Here is the second part! The ceremony & reception!

PARTY TIME!

Dad giving a toast:

One of Ashley's bridesmaids sang their first dance song. It was a great moment.

Here is the super talented photographer Kristen Gardner! She also happens to be the sister of the groom.

And finally, my favorite shot of the night...

Have a delightful week everyone!

Sneak Peak! Puja & Sajan!

2009-04-05T16:40:00.002-04:00

Today I had a wonderful session with Puja & Saj in Frederick, MD! Here is one of my favorites so far...

Callie - 1 Year!

2009-03-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! Do you remember this adorable baby from last year?! Well can you believe that she is already 1 year old!? OMG she is just the most adorable thing. A few weeks ago we went out with mom, dad and her big brother for some super cute family portraits. We had a great time. I love the interaction in these shots!

Matt & Ashley for Kate Triano

2009-03-30T08:00:00.007-04:00

So way back in the day I had the amazing opportunity to shoot a fabulous wedding with Kate Triano down at The Homestead. Recently Kate's amazing work was featured on Style Me Pretty, it's a must see.

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

All of this totally reminded me that I had yet to blog about this wedding! This will probably be a 3 part post but here are my favorite "getting ready shots".

Enjoy!

Jack - A Teaser!

2009-03-29T22:51:00.002-04:00

Today I had a blast hanging out with and photographing our friends baby Jack. He is such a good boy who is full of laughs and smiles! Let's just say he was a total pleasure to work with!

More blogging to come soon... I promise!!!

Alison & Herb - Engagements!

2009-03-03T14:03:00.005-05:00

I'm back! I finally am able to access my FTP and upload photos for my blog! YAY!

I am going to kick it off with an amazing session that I had with Alison & Herb at the end of January. They are getting married this spring at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and I am really looking forward to it.

We met on a nice cold day in DC at the National Portrait Gallery to shoot in their spectacular courtyard.

Then we went outside!

Walked around a bit and ended up over by the International Spy Museum and took a few shots there.

And finally before we got too cold we spotted this fantastic church. I love the rust red color with the vivid green mixed with the neutral color of Alison's coat.

I can't wait for the wedding!

YIPPIE!!!!

2009-02-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that I have won a 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means I am one of the very best Photographers in our area!

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

I would like to thank my past clients for speaking on my behalf and helping me win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

How Annoying!

2009-02-07T08:31:00.002-05:00

So I know I promised tons of posts with all kinds of pictures! Well you know what happened then?! I got a nasty virus! Everything is alright now but I don't have access to my FTP yet which means I can't upload the pictures I wanted to show you!

However, I can show them via my proofing site, they just have an ugly watermark across the bottom. You guys can deal with that right?

:)

Here he is, our new nephew Zane!

Isn't he adorable? Now here is his big sister Cassin!

MIA! The Return of Jenn!!

2009-01-23T13:09:00.003-05:00

SO where have I been?! Why have I not posted the images from Arti & Gautam's amazing wedding? What's going to be coming up on the blog?!

Alright... really I have no excuses for falling so far behind on the blogging! It's probably the winter blues.

About Arti & Gautam. I have had such a hard time picking out just a few dozen of my favorite images to share with you all that I just have not been able to put an appropriate post together. So here is a real treat... their entire wedding slide show!

A big thanks again to my amazing second shooter Susan & my future father-in-law Gary for helping me rock this wedding!

It's a long one so it might take a bit to load. Feel free to press play and then read the rest of the blog post while it's loading.

What can you look forward to?

Well I still have an awesome wedding to blog that I shot with the amazing Kate Triano from back in November!

Also a great wedding that I shot just a few weeks ago with the lovely Kristen Gardner!

I love second shooting, it's such a blast to be able to work with other awesome photographers.

I will also be posting pictures soon of my new nephew Zane! He is just the most adorable!

On another note, the super talented Laura was kind enough to venture out into the cold to take some engagement shots for Jonathan and I a few weeks back! Feel free to check them out and leave her some blog lovin'!

One of my favorites:

Happy LOLidays!

2008-12-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Holidays LOLcat style to everyone!

Arti & Gautam - Mendhi & Sangeet (November 20,2008)

2008-12-17T10:53:00.003-05:00

Ok I have no excuse for taking so long to blog about these images. I admit it, I have been a slacker! I am proud to say though that I got Arti & Gautam's edited disc of images in the mail on Monday. That is some seriously quick turn around time for me... less than a month from the wedding. Yes, I am THAT good! :)

Anyhow... this isn't about me. It is about an amazing party celebrating Arti & Gautam. It was a night of song and dance with friends and family and I couldn't have had more fun.

I am going to start you out with some detail shots that Susan (my amazing second shooting for this event) and I got.

A few portraits before Gautam and his family arrived:

Arrival of Gautam and his family:

I love how happy and beautiful Arti looks in these next 3 images. She is just radiating!

To kick off the party, Arti did a dance for her groom, followed by a performance by her sister, and then another by her sister and cousin.

After that Atri's sister and cousin did a skit that was basically making fun of Gautam, detailing their coutrship and then future as a married couple. It was hilarious even if it was all in Hindi!

I LOVE this shot of Gautam!

Atri getting her amazing wedding Henna done:

Dancing! The second picture is Gautam's mother. I love how expressive she was, always laughing and smiling!

Arti & her mom:

Near the end of the night the 2 families broke up and played a game where they took turns singing. I think it was a competition to see who was best. I think Gautam's family stole the show.

How sweet are they?

Stay tuned soon for images from the wedding day!

:)

All the decor was done by the amazing talent of Partyland Flowers & Decor who happen to be relatives of Arti! Everything was just stunning!

And amazing catering by Tandoori Nights! YUM SOOOOOOOO GOOD!

Arti & Gautam - TEASER!

2008-11-26T16:59:00.004-05:00

Last weekend was Arti & Gautam's wedding! Everything was totally AMAZING! I have one teaser image for you all to savor for the long holiday weekend...

Just Stunning!

Melissa & Bob - Engaged!

2008-11-21T10:32:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of shooting Melissa & Bob's engagement photos! Melissa really wanted their pictures taken at The Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington so that's where we met up and got the following fantastic shots!

Melissa and Bob were super sweet and cute! Best of luck on all of the wedding planning!

Sandy & Mark!

2008-11-18T15:08:00.003-05:00

About a month before their wedding I got an email from Sandy. They didn't have a photographer (long story)! Can you believe that?! Luckily I was available and super excited to be their photographer.

They are a super sweet and fun couple. They spent a great night with their friends and family dancing and celebrating! I had an awesome time and felt so lucky to be a part of their day.

On of Sandy's nieces sang during the ceremony, it was wonderful!

After the ceremony we were able to sneak out and soak up the last bits of daylight and get some amazing portraits.

Mr. & Mrs!

Gotta love a cool ring shot.

Reception fun!

Teasers: Sandy & Mark / Melissa & Bob

2008-11-06T12:02:00.003-05:00

Here are 2 teaser images for you guys!

This first one is from Mark & Sandy's fantastic wedding last weekend.

And this is a fun shot from the great e-session I had with Mielissa & Bob!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

Sheaulee & Nady with Kate Triano!

2008-10-29T16:42:00.002-04:00

What can I saw about shooting this amazing day with Kate Triano?

Well, it was a beautiful day at a beautiful location with a very beautiful couple! What more could a photographer ask for?

I love the "getting ready" details!

Isn't Sheaulee just stunning?

And her girls?

When I said I love "getting ready" details, I really meant that I love all wedding details! Here are a few from the ceremony!

awwwwwww...

What a simple and elegant cake. Love it!

I love the expressions in this shot.

Nady rockin' out with his dad.

And then the drinks started flowing...
It was one wild party, and that's all I'll say about that!

:)

James & Nicole - Engagement Portraits in DC!

2008-10-23T17:29:00.002-04:00

On October 12th I headed into DC to shoot engagement pictures for James & Nicole. We had a good time shooting by the Capitol as well as wandering around in Georgetown. They were super cool and up for anything. They are getting married next year, on the same day as Jonathan and I but in Portland (I think) so unfortunately I will not get the honor of being their wedding photographer. HOWEVER, we plan to do a rockin' Mr. & Mrs. session after their wedding next year when they get back to DC!

Onto the photographic goodness!

Carley & Steven - The Day After!

2008-10-20T13:40:00.002-04:00

The day after their fab wedding we went out to play in the apple orchard where I shot Lizzie's pictures just a few days prior. There were a lot less apples on the trees but we still got some awesome images!

I loved this session! I highly recommend a Mr. & Mrs. Session to anyone!

Carley & Steven - THE WEDDING!!!!!

2008-10-14T12:57:00.002-04:00

What I am writing about today is the wedding I shot for one of my great friends on September 27th! It was amazing and TOTALLY unique! I cried like a baby just about the entire day! The wedding took place in an old restored movie theater in Ohio, and they really did up the movie theme. Steven who is an amazing artist, created the movie posters (using our e-session pictures), the animated arch that was on the movie screen during the ceremony, as well as a 40 minute movie that played while we went out to take some pictures. Oh AND he also designed their fab invitations.

I had a blast and am so in love with these images!

mmm popcorn & bling!

Here is a picture of one of the incredible posters:

Steven was up on a ladder setting the spotlight and I captured this awesome silhouette shot.

Our striking Groom all ready to go!

Carley getting ready:

I love this shot, it was taken just before the ceremony and I caught Carley taking a deep breath before she walked upstairs to marry the man of her dreams in front of all their love ones. How intense!!

Ceremony:

Married!!!

I think this is my favorite shot, I love the vintage feel that it has.

mmmm cake!!

And one with me!

:)

Amy & Jonathan for Kate Triano Photography

2008-10-05T20:04:00.002-04:00

The day after I shot Charlie's pictures I went along with Kate to Amy & Jonathan's wedding. It was a great wedding and I had such a good time. The two of them have amazing personalities that just radiated through the entire day. I always feel so honored to be apart of peoples weddings, and to be able to artistically capture such special moments.

Picture time!

Check out Jonathan's ring, it is super unique, I have never seen anything like it!

A stunning candid shot of the mother of the bride:

Another great detail, the mother of the groom threw down her purse while Kate was shooting the family formals and I just LOVED it!!!!

Some romantic shots before the ceremony. What I love about these is comparing them with the images that Kate got at the very same moments. Isn't it amazing how two people can have such different interpretations of a moment but yet they fit so well together?

Ceremony details:

I had the most awesome paparazzi style shooting point for the ceremony, I was literally hiding in the bushes next to the pavilion!

mmmmm cake! I am not kidding this is the best wedding cake I have ever had the pleasure of trying! White chocolate & raspberry.... mmmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm!

I loved the music room at the Strathmore Mansion, the light was perfect for the first dance.

I loved how expressive Amy & Jonathan were, this was a reaction shot to one of the toasts:

How cool was the tent at night?

Thanks again for having me Kate!

Charlie - Newborn Session in DC!

2008-10-04T12:09:00.004-04:00

Before I left for Ohio I had a great session with baby Charlie and his parents in their fantastic DC home. They had originally scheduled a session with another photographer who had a family emergency who recommended another photographer (the amazing Jill Myers) however, she was not available that day and then referred them to me! I love the photography community here, everyone is always looking out for the clients best interests and helping spread the love by referring them to people that can provide the services that they are unable to.

We had a great time and got some amazing pictures!

Lizzie - Class of 2009!

2008-10-01T18:13:00.006-04:00

While I was in Ohio last week, I had the privilege of photographing Jacobs older cousin Lizzie! I was so excited to shoot her senior portraits. We had an awesome time shooting at Walbridge Park & MacQueens Orchard.

Lizzie is a super cool chic who has great taste, we totally rocked this session!

We started out by taking some shots of Lizzie with her best friend Lisa.

Stunning close-up shot!

Look at this yummy light we had.

Get this guys... Lizzie MADE THAT BLUE DRESS! How cool is that?!

Isn't the orchard just amazing?!

The farm across the street from the orchard.

Thanks for letting me hang out and make some amazing photographs for you Lizzie. Also big hugs to Lisa who was there making funny faces and yelling quotes from Dirty Dancing at Lizzie!

:)

Ash & E with Kate Triano Photography

2008-09-20T20:11:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of photographing a gorgeous wedding as Kate Triano's (check out her killer pictures from the wedding) second shooter.

As the second shooter, I got to spend some quality time with the guys!

We had a hard time keeping cool since it felt like a sauna with all of the humidity! We kept trying to find spots outside that were in the shade and close to the door so that they guys didn't work up too much of a sweat before the ceremony.

Here is a great trio of E! Right before Ashley came down the isle the sweat was just pouring down his face and being the awesome best man that he was, his brother dabbed his face. I love the last one of the three, this was when he saw Ashley walking down the isle.

I'm telling you it was HOT outside!!!

I adore this shot looking down on them as they are walking down the isle, it feels so intimate even though it was a moment where all eyes were on them!

I love Ash's mom shoes! I had to steal a picture of them!

Gotta love the first dance pictures!

Ash & Her mom had a mother/daughter dance and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

The Hora! Poor Ash looks TERRIFIED!

The band Prime Time was SO AWESOME. I have already inquired about them playing at MY wedding next year. They did a little number where the girls sany to "I will survive" and the boys came back at them with a little "Soulman". It was hilarious. After that they went into the Grease Mega-Mix with plenty of audience participation.

And finally... who doesn't love a little cake in the face!

Thanks for having me along Kate. It is a blast shooting with you, your clients are always awesome and up for anything! I can't wait for tomorrows wedding!

Stay tuned, in the next few weeks I will have pictures from tomorrows wedding, baby Charlie's newborn session, Lizzie's senior pictures & Carley & Steven's awesome wedding in Ohio!

Havre de Grace - April 2008

2008-09-14T22:05:00.004-04:00

In honor of our recent engagement I thought I would start sharing some of our trips from the last year with you guys!

Back in April we went to Havre de Grace, MD to celebrate our first anniversary. Jonathan totally surprised me by renting out the carriage house of the Spencer Silver Mansion. It was so amazing and totally romantic. I was SUPER impressed!

It was still pretty cool and cloudy at the time but we did venture out on the boardwalk. The flowers were starting to bloom and the birds were active.

After that we had a good meal and then retreated to our fantastic carriage house for some champagne! Here are some interior shot of our home away from home:

The next day we enjoyed a fantastic breakfast and delightful conversation with the woman who owns and runs the mansion, Carol. Hanging out with her made our day. Her passion for her home is amazing. The love and care she has put into restoring the house is unbelievable.

Here are some interiors and details from in and around the house:

And finally, one of the 2 adorable mansion cats!

I highly recommend staying there if you ever have the chance. It is super relaxing, a real unique weekend get-away!

Getting Hitched!

2008-09-11T16:47:00.000-04:00

Yes... We are engaged!

He tricked me Friday by telling me he had to "work late on a project up at the IT center" which I never question (government guy with a TS clearance so there are things he just can't tell me...typical D.C.).

Well... it turns out the sneaky guy FLEW to Toledo, Oh to spend the afternoon with my father to ask him for his blessing!

His plans of a Saturday picnic were blown by this silly hurricane Hanna but he was still determined and he set up a picnic for us on the back deck (it's screened in) and surprised me with a fancy cheese/fruit/wine spread and...well....duh... THE RING!

I yelled, cried, cried, called him a trickster, laughed, and cried some more. It was great times. It was truly a perfect day.

Arti & Gautam - Glen Echo Park!

2008-09-03T16:15:00.004-04:00

On Sunday night I met up with Arti & Gautam at Glen Echo Park in Maryland for our "Getting to Know You" session.

They both looked absolutely stunning and so completely in love! I love how the yellow contrasts with the pinks and blues of Arti's clothing in the above picture.

Gautam is so handsome...

and Arti is quite beautiful as well, look at those eyes!!

They changed into some cute, what I like to call "date night", outfits and we played around in the park as the sun was going down.

How perfect is this shot at the park entrance? I love it!

I had such a good time guys! I can not wait for the wedding in November!

:)

Roman - 9 Months old!!

2008-08-31T22:22:00.002-04:00

I can not believe how big Roman has grown in the last 9 months! It really feels like just yesterday when I got this shot during his newborn session:

We took a few shots inside but we were super excited to take Roman outside for pictures for the first time.

Jen's friend gave her this really cool parachute play thing and I thought the colors would look amazing in the photographs!

Just days before the session Jen told me that Roman did not like the grass AT ALL!!! Much to our surprise we could not keep him out of it!

We had a great time that day. Roman was all giggles and smiles. Perhaps that's because I had his 4 other siblings there to entertain him! It was a few days before school started up ao I had to capture some end of summer silliness!

I can't believe he will be 1 year old at our next session!!!!

Prince William County Fair!

2008-08-21T23:33:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post we ventured out to the fair Friday night with good friends of ours. Of course when were were just a few miles away it started to rain.

BOOOOOOOOO!

Luckily we had some umbrellas and we ventured in! The first thing we came across was a good old demolition derby!

After the rain stopped we walked over to a live Sea Lion show, Ethan was enthralled!

After that, we were off to see some animals. YAY GOATS!

We were nearing the end of the goats when Jonathan and Jermaine took off in the direction of loud clomping, yelling and cheering...

What do you think it was? Well if you guessed some major cheese ball tag team wrestling then you were correct!

Amanda and I took Ethan to the petting zoo area while the guys got their wrestling fill. We spent a good amount of time in the arts & crafts area, got some good fresh brewed sweet tea and then of course enjoyed our funnel cakes.

Before we left I got to run around and take some pictures of the fair "atmosphere" and here is one of my favorite shots!

In college in Ohio, one of my favorite things to do was to go to all of the small county fairs and photograph. It was a real passion of mine. I think because I grew up in South Florida with HUGE events like the Miami-Dade & Broward County Fairs that were like full size yet temporary amusement parks, I just fell in love with the charm of the small town fair and went to as many as I could.

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Check back soon for more pictures from our beach weekend and a super rockin' 9 month session with my awesome friend Roman!

Weekend Preview!

2008-08-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

We had a fantastic relaxing weekend! We kicked it off by going to the county fair Friday night with some friends of ours and then totally rocked the Delaware shore with the dream team (Jonathan's 2 siblings and their significant others and the cutest little girl n the world, his niece!)the rest of the weekend.

Here is a little teaser!

More later!

:)

Journey - Separate Ways.

2008-08-09T22:15:00.003-04:00

So the song "Separate Ways" by Journey is sort of an inside joke thing for my best friend and I but with that aside it's a great song with a HILARIOUS (not intentional I am sure) video circa 1983.

You can see the original video here.

Well tonight I came across this fantastic remake of the video and I about died laughing. These guys did an amazing job, shot by shot!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

We are busy building my display for the Washington Bridal Showcase on September 7th at the Dulles Expo Center! Pictures to follow!

Holly & Billy!!

2008-08-07T12:15:00.004-04:00

Back on June 28th I had the absolute honor of photographing Holly & Billy's Affirmation of vows. You see back in April (I think) of 2007, Billy & Holly were married in a private ceremony in the living room of their home in North Carolina shortly before Billy was to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Fast forward to June 28, 2008 and they were able to affirm their vows in Holly's church in front of all their friends and family and then celebrate with them late into the night with a big party! I actually heard there was an after reception party, but I don't know many details about that only that her bridesmaid Samantha was quite hung over the next day when I saw her at her neice's birthday party!

*wink*

I had only met Holly prior to the wedding but I knew I would love Billy when I read through his responses on my "all about you..." questionnaire that I send to all of my couples. When I asked "What do you do for a living?", his answer was simple, "I'm a hero".

Now, onto the pictures!

The forecast called for rain but this is about as bad as the weather got in Manassas that day!

Pretty dress & shoes:

The gorgeous Holly & her stunning bridesmaids! You may recognize Samantha from her wedding in April. Whats with me and blond brides and Marine grooms?! ;)

This shot was taken by the amazing Kate Triano who came along and shot with me for a few hours that day! I can not stress enough how great it is to have a second photographer at the wedding. It allows for so many more great shots, especially of the guys who often get neglected while we are focused on the bride getting ready.

The very handsome Billy taking advantage of the chalkboard in the preschool room the guys got ready in:

Another shot by Kate. Isn't this the Captain Morgan Spiced Rum thing? Too funny!

Another favorite by Kate. There just are no words for this shot!

A few shot's I loved from the ceremony:

After the ceremony we got to sneak off and take some nice romantic shots. This first one I just got as a 16x24 canvas wrap and let me just say... WOW WOW WOW soooooo beautiful!

I love capturing people taking pictures of themselves!

mmmmm cake!

Can't forget the ring shot!

I adore these two shots of their first dance:

They had an adorable slideshow that they played for their guests before dinner and this shot just made me get all teary eyed (I believe it was when he got back from Afghanistan):

There were plenty of drinks flowing that night:

I had a blast guys! Thank you for letting me be a part of such a special day in your lives!

No love for mommy...

2008-08-03T21:56:00.002-04:00

Gone for two days and this is the welcome Jonathan gets...

No love for mommy... none at all!

I love old school photobooths!

2008-07-30T17:05:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like an old school black & white photobooth! The real ones, not the ones that are digital and print our right away. The ones you have to wait 5 minutes and you get a strip of photos still wet and smelling like photo chemicals. Nothing beats that!

Here is a picture of us on the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ last year:

and.. here we are again in the SAME booth just a few weeks ago!

We hope this will be an annual thing but you never know how much longer they will keep the old school booth running.

I also think they are an awesome thing to rent for wedding receptions. Click here for information!

Callie - 3 Months!

2008-07-23T19:00:00.002-04:00

A bit ago I had the pleasure of photographing baby Callie! She was sooooo cute and such a good girl!

These first two were shot at the kitchen table while us adults were finishing up our breakfast. I just could not resist the beautiful natural light!

Playing in her room and then falling asleep...

Family fun!

I can't wait to see her again for our family session in the fall!

Carley & Steven - The Rockin' Engagement!!

2008-07-15T08:52:00.005-04:00

Also when I was in Ohio I got to shoot an engagement session for my good friend Carley! I finally got to meet her man Steven and let me tell you... I love this couple! I absolutely can not wait for their September 27th wedding! I won't blab on today, straight to the awesomeness...

Here is my attempt at a good Superman & Lois Lane pose

I love how Steven looks at Carley, he gets this little boy grin and they both just glow!

mmm perfect sunlight!

One thing about Carley is that she has THE MOST INFECTIOUS LAUGH.. ever... period.. seriously!

Totally sexy!

We were shooting this session in downtown Perrysburg and I decided I needed a fountain. We drove two blocks and used my uncles back yard for a few shots. They were out of town for the weekend but I knew they wouldn't mind!

After we had enough of The Burg we ventured over to Maumee to shoot at Sidecut Park. I have always loved this place. When I lived in the area I can't even recall how many portrait and engagement sessions I shot there. I even got to shoot one wedding there and it was sooooo fantastic. If you are getting married in the Toledo area I highly suggest looking into it!

Gosh I love summer in North West Ohio and being able to shoot well into the evening! The light then is just so magical.

After the park, Carley & Steven changed clothes and we went down to the docks in Toledo. We had a blast there and also met up with an old friend! Sarah J. Guess who is also a rockin' photographer used to work with Carley & I at a one hour photolab back in the day. She came out and snapped some shots with me and then we had a yummy dinner and spent quite a few hours catching up.

What a fun day!

For more shots be sure to check out their slide show right here!

Jacob - Age 7!!

2008-07-06T18:02:00.003-04:00

Over Fathers Day weekend I ventured back to Ohio to visit my dad as well as do portrait sessions for some of my favorite people!

Jacob is the son of my good friend Jen so the session was super fun and relaxed! I can't belive how much Jacob has grown in the last 3 years since the last time I photographed him. He is such a ham and he has a great smile! He is really into baseball & television shows like Survivor Man / Man Vesus Wild.

I had a blast taking his pictures and after the session we had awesome ice cream treats from the famous Mr. Freeze in Perrysburg!

Two of my favorites of Jacob and his mom Jen:

I can't wait until the next time I get to photograph this handsome little man!

Please forgive me!!

2008-07-02T18:40:00.002-04:00

I seem to have let my blog slide for a few weeks! I have been waiting until I upgraded my hosting to upload all the images I wanted to blog.

So I will waste no time!

This is another fantastic wedding that I got to second shoot for Kate Triano!

Heather & Jason were married up in Lessburg, Va at the Thomas Birkby House.

Let me tell you, June 7th will go down as being one of the hottest days I have yet to experience in my year here in Virginia. It reminded me of summer in South Florida. I have no idea how much water & lemonade Kate & I consumed! We were both soaked with sweat and totally exhausted! I felt really bad for the guys in their suits!

Here are some of my favorite images from the day!

I had the great honor to photograph the very handsome and sweet groom, Jason!

They decided to see eachother before the wedding so we arranged a nice private (and shaded from the heat) spot for their meeting! I was shooting to get his reaction while Kate was shooting to get hers! I just adore how sweet these shots are.

I dig this candid I got of Heather before the ceremony while Kate was taking a few quick bridal portraits.

A fun artistic shot of the champagne flutes!

I love this candid of Jason sister writing to the newly weds during the cocktail hour.

Gotta love a great first dance shot!

Heather & Jason invited his sister and her husband up for a fist dance for themselves since they never had one when they were married. It was very sweet and a total tear jerker. He is in the military and they had been married in a small private ceremony before he was sent overseas.

Stay tuned for many more blog posts in the next few weeks!

KIRTI & JAY!

2008-06-10T09:46:00.005-04:00

On May 28th I had the pleasure of shooting Kirti & jay's breathtaking wedding with the amazingly talented Kate Triano!

Read all about the day on her blog!

I am a sucker for details and candids and Indian weddings always seem to be full of opportunities for both. I swear I was like a kid in a candy store all day!

Adorable kids:

Jay came in on horseback with his friends and family dancing and cheering in the street as Kirti's family waited to greet him at the hotel entrance. It was so amazing to hear the loud thumping music and watch everyone celebrate. I was so overcome by the joy of the celebration that I found myself wiping my eyes quite a few times!

Here is Jay being greeted by some of Kirti's female family members:

One of the girls waiting for the ceremony to start:

Jay's reaction to seeing his beautiful bride walking down the isle:

Both Jay and Kirti had family members that sat along with them during the ceremony:

The beautiful bride:

And finally a few more ceremony shots:

I had a great time shooting with Kate and getting to be part of Kirti's & Jay's wedding!

Baby Roman is 6 months old!

2008-06-08T22:22:00.004-04:00

And boy is he my favorite 6 month old! Oh alright I'll confess, he is the only 6 month old I know right now, but even if it wasn't he would still be number 1!

A few few weeks ago (omg I am so far behind on my blogging!) I drove down to our friends new house for Romans 6 month session.

First of all let me just say.... YAY FOR THE NEW HOUSE! They moved sorta far... just over an hour SW of us, but they got such a great place! TONS of land for the kids to play in and just so much more space than the town home they lived in before. Jonathan and I are so happy for them and have really enjoyed our visits since the move.

Now, on to Roman! When I arrived Roman was looking pretty cool with his faux-hawk and snazzy outfit. He is crawling now and when I was there he showed me how well he spins himself in circles! That must have been exhausting because he got very sleepy! We decided to head upstairs for some naked baby sleepy shots.

Their new cat Mr. Pringles (funny name huh? It's because he has a mustache like the guy on the Pringles can) seemed to think I was there to photograph him though!

Finally when he was really beat Jen laid him down for his nap but I couldn't help sneaking in some shots of him in his crib.

While Roman napped, Jen & I talked, ate some lunch and hung out with the lovely Tatiana (one of Roman's 4 incredible siblings). This was the fist time I had photographed Roman when his older brothers and sister were at school so while he was napping I think Tatiana enjoyed the time alone with me and mommy.

I forgot to mention, Jen had the cutest shirt on! She made it herself and I just totally loved it!

After a hearty nap Roman was up and ready for more photos!
I grabbed this one right before that yellow star went into his mouth...

And finally my favorite shot of the day. I am just a total sucker for a good relationship shot. A lot of the time parents just don't want to be in the pictures because they hadn't expected it or didn't think they looked good that day but honestly... none of that shows when you capture a priceless image like this one.

I also made a slide show that can be seen by clicking this link. It featured tons more shots from the day and a cute montage of Tatiana dancing in the backyard!

More blogs to come soon!

Goodbye Old Friend!

2008-06-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

Today I received a message from my mom letting me know that my uncle's cat, Kirby, was now in kitty heaven.

Kirby lived a very long (almost 18 years) and happy life, with all the love, attention, treats, and petting that any kitty could ever want.

I'll never forget his silent meow or him pressing his paw into my leg or arm when he wanted to be loved.

You will be missed Kirby, may you play like a kitten from now on and find a nice patch of green grass in the sun to nap in up there in kitty heaven.

Tiffany's Maternity Pictures! FINALLY!!

2008-06-02T14:49:00.003-04:00

As you may remember a few posts back I mentioned doing an awesome maternity session for Tiffany of LayneMarie Photography!

Well... I finally have the images ready to show you! And guess what?! She had the baby! A beautiful baby boy! Head over to their blog to see the amazing newborn shot that Heather captured and leave Tiffany some blog love!

Here are my very favorites:

I also made her a slide show and you can view it here!

More to come this week! Next up will be Baby Roman's 6th month images followed by a wedding I second shot for the fantastic Kate Triano recently!

Michelle & Ben - Baltimore, MD!

2008-05-30T19:35:00.003-04:00

On May 4th I had the great pleasure of second shooting Michelle & Ben's wedding for Jessica Del Vecchio!

Getting to be the second photographer at a wedding is such a blast! Not only do you get to capture all the fabulous details and amazing candids, but you get know other photographers and see how they work! Besides giving them another perspective of the day, they always know you have their back, not only for shooting but for helping arrange group shots, changing lenses and moving gear which really helps to ease the stress of a busy wedding day!

Everything about this wedding was beautiful!

The flowers were... just... amazing!

I had never been to the Beth Tfiloh Synagogue before and it was stunning!

Michelle's flower girls were real hams and loved having their pictures taken! But hey, what girls don't?

Here are 2 of my favorites from the ceremony:

This is Ben's gorgeous mother. I shot this one while Jessica was shooting the formal portraits in the courtyard.

Here are a few of the great candid shot's I captured during the cocktail hour:

mmmm CAKE!!!!

And finally here is the couples first dance as husband and wife, followed by Michelle dancing with her father:

I had so much fun and I can't wait to shoot with Jessica again!

Check out more on her blog!

The newest members of the Jenn LinkPhotography family!

2008-05-28T18:19:00.004-04:00

Carley & Steven!!!

Dressed as Pee Wee & Miss Yvonne for Halloween! How cool is that?!

Carley and I have been friends for quite a while... hmmm I can't even remember when she started at the local photo lab I worked at as our Studio Photographer...either way it seems like I have known her forever!

This girl and I have been through a lot of tough stuff in our lives since we have been friends and I always think of her constant unconditional support and friendship through those events and smile. I am so lucky to have friends like that in my life.

So after all we have been through there had been a time where we had not kept in close contact, I had moved down to Kentucky and she was working hard to grow her business along side of a messy divorce and the lost of her beloved doggie.

To keep up with her I started to read her myspace blog. She is such an eloquent and quirky writer and much of what she shared was deeply personal and touching. She just put herself out there for everyone to see. I am convinced it helped other people just as much as it helped her get through everything. Actually... before Jonathan and I started dating and were just friends I pointed him to her blog since he was dealing with many of the same feelings and emotions as she was through his divorce. They quickly became myspace friends too!

Somewhere along the way she met Steven! I am pretty sure it was through myspace blogs and mutual friends. Crazy huh?! I have yet to meet this amazing man but I already love him and everything that he is to my dear friend Carley.

They did the long distance thing for quite awhile and then Steven sold his home, quit his job and transported himself to Northwest Ohio! Now THAT is love because let me tell you, there isn't much going on there!

Last month they took a much needed vacation to Jamaica where Steven popped the question!

How cute are they?!

They are going to be having a small wedding in a small old (restored) movie theater in September and I get to be the lucky one to capture all of the moments for them!

Carley, I promise I won't end up drunk, dancing on tables while our friends ex-husband puts money down my skirt with his teeth!
(Yes, that really happened at her first wedding where I was a very drunk guest)

I can't wait to see you guys in a few weeks for your engagement session!!!!! Both of them are true artists so I am super excited about all of our ideas for the shoot!

All the photos were stolen from Carley's myspace page!

edited to add this cute picture of Carley and I from fall 2004:

hmmm I think it might be time to change my hair color... I miss my red. What do you all think?

Busy Weekend! (Maternity, Fist Communion & Wedding!!)

2008-05-06T18:29:00.003-04:00

Lets just say my weekend was non-stop! The following blog post is just a quick recap and a few sneak peak images!

Saturday I was all set to drive up to West Virginia to shoot maternity pictures of the fantastic Tiffany of LayneMarie Photography when I remembered that my neighbors daughter was having her first communion that afternoon! I went next door and offered to do a quick mini-session (and I do mean quick... like 10 minutes) of her in her beautiful dress before they ran off to church!

This is by far my favorite image:

And like I always do, I say... "I will have some images to show you in a few days!"

But what did I do? I ran inside and edited all the images and even made a quick slideshow... all before they got back from church!! What can I say? I just get so excited about my work. I love what I do and it is such a thrill that I get to earn a living doing what I am passionate about. It just never feels like work to me!

So later that afternoon I headed up to WV and OMG let me just say that was the most beautiful drive! I would drive up there any time just to see that beautiful country side. It is such a breath of fresh air compared to driving around here in the Northern Virginia / DC area.

Tiffany picked an adorable little park to shoot in and we had a great time! I got to meet her hubby & her two adorable kids! Also her sister-in-law / business partner / my friend Heather was along and did quite a bit of shooting as well. It was such a blast as well as an honor to shoot Tiffany! It is always such a giant compliment when another photographer asks you to photograph them.

Here are two sneak peak images for you:

Yes, we put a chaise on live tracks and made an very pregnant woman (only 3 weeks away from her due date) try and 'relax'! HAHA! Don't worry ladies I would never ask you to do something so crazy in a session unless we were sure everything was super safe!

I was super tired when I got home but I made sure to get plenty of rest because on Sunday I was second shooting for the amazing Jessica Del Vecchio up in Baltimore!

Sorry but you are going to have to wait on images from that one!! It was such a nice wedding and they had the most amazing floral arrangements I have seen in a long time!

All in all I clocked about 335 miles this weekend any yesterday morning I was so sore that even my fingers hurt!!

I love what I do! Can you tell?!

The Great Return of the Twin Lens Reflex Camera!

2008-04-28T18:11:00.004-04:00

Today I stumbled upon this great article/blog/tutorial... whatever you want to call it!

It is all about finding a way to go digital with your vintage (toy) cameras. This discovery brought much joy to me on this rainy day. For ages I have been trying to find a way to utilize my old twin lens reflex camera. While the article was mainly directed at cheaper cameras like the Kodak Duaflex or Brownie I still found it very useful for my beloved Mamiya C330.

Here is what it looks like (thank you google image search):

This is the camera I shot with through college and at one time never thought I could make a photograph without it.

After reading that tutorial I literally jumped out of my chair, grabbed my current camera & the C330 and ran outside while yelling to Jonathan, "I need to try out a new trick".

Here are a couple more of my results! I got Jonathan to model for me.

Also note that since the C330 was once a professional camera it does not have the fish eye look that some of those samples had and mine also had a focusing circle in the middle of the ground glass as well as numbers on the side!

Please let me know what you think of these images!!

If you are having a portrait session with me and are interested in having a few pictures shot this way just let me know!