Sarah & Nat were married on 11-11-11 and I photographed them the day after when they hosted a brunch at the M Restaurant at the Morris House Hotel.  The Hotel & Restaurant is so very lovely and worth checking out if you have the chance.  I certainly plan to as the food looked and smelled amazing!

The three of us also wandered over to  Washington Square & The Curtis Center for some portraits.  It was so much fun to take the “day after” photographs and see the lasting glow on their faces from the day before.  They are a kind, fun and artistic couple with a great sense of humor.  I feel honored to have had the opportunity to get to know them and photograph them during such a special time in their lives.

Thanks and congrats again, Nat & Sarah!!

This photo is for you, Sauce.  Thanks for being a fan!

Okay, okay…. so, this wedding was really all about ERICA & ANTHONY!!!  These two are absolutely fantastic!  They are fun, laid back, energetic beautiful and cool all at the same time.  Below I am going to list just some of the things that made them and their wedding day so awesome:

- the bride described the wedding day as “My big fat Italian wedding”…. and didn’t disappoint

- the huge and very fun wedding party (I think I could say something about a taser gun here…. but won’t)

- the giant party bus that included drinks and mini soft pretzels (my favorite!!)

- they stopped at their local watering hole, McGillicuddy’s, after the ceremony for a shot of liquor

-  their wedding party was announced wearing costumes (including a man in an overweight nude woman suit!), holding signs, throwing candy canes, playing with noise makers, creating dance moves…. and the list goes on!

- there was an impromptu karaoke singing of “Love Shack” by the B52′s

- multiple people were picked up and put on shoulders on the dance floor

- nearly all 300 guests got up to dance

- Anthony & Erica are completely in love and know how to have fun… they also have great families and friends

This list most definitely could go on and on….. It was simply a fabulous wedding!  Danette  Pascarella (whose wonderful talent is also featured in the photos below) & I had a great time photographing this wedding.  It was the kind of wedding that when we left we just kept saying, “Man….I love this job!”.

Thanks, Erica & Anthony!  Many congrats and best wishes to you both!

]]> http://melissahassey.com/2011/12/wedding-at-the-ballroom-at-the-ben/feed/ 4 http://melissahassey.com/2011/10/julia-michaels-wedding-at-terrain-at-styers/ http://melissahassey.com/2011/10/julia-michaels-wedding-at-terrain-at-styers/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:34:31 +0000 melissa http://melissahassey.com/?p=5890 Michael & Julia were recently married at Terrain at Styers.  It was LOVELY!!  Terrain is one of my favorite venues (and stores!).  It is inspiring, relaxing and refreshing.  It certainly makes for a unique and romantic wedding venue.  If you haven’t been there yet, go check it out: http://www.shopterrain.com/

After my initial meetings with Julia & Michael, I knew this was going to be a fantastic wedding!  We have lots in common… like our love of beer, music and (Julia) just about anything URBN/ Anthropologie  (ex:  her adorable BHLDN dress).   Their intimate ceremony was held outside just before the rain started.  The food was delicious, the crowd was excited and the playlist…. well, it was killer! 

Also, I have to add that I was super impressed with Julia for waking up that morning and going to a Lithe Method class.  Not only is it impressive that she worked out on the morning of her wedding day but if you have taken a lithe class you will know…. it is challenging!!

Congratulations again, Michael & Julia!  Thank you for being so much fun and for allowing me to capture these moments for you.  It was a blast!

It rained.  So what!?  At Terrain, it doesn’t matter.  The location was somehow even more romantic with the rain.  They offered umbrellas and the bonfire continued to flame on!

Sparklers to end the evening!!

This venue fit Stacey & Christoph perfectly.  They both have a wonderful appreciation for nature and art, both of which Glen Foerd is rich in.  Stacey, among many other accomplishments, is a dancer and Christoph is a gifted sculptor.  You can see some of his amazing work here: http://www.spath.org/ or at various locations throughout the world!

Their wedding day was lovely!  Though the impending rain had them move the ceremony indoors, it was still heartfelt, beautiful and full of meaningful traditions.  Congrats Stacey & Christoph!!  Thanks for including me in your day! 

Lastly, I  would like to send a very big shout out to the talented photographer, Phil Straus.  Phil found me online and recommended my work.  Thanks again, Phil!!

DRESS:  Nicole Miller;    FLOWERS:  Hana & Posy;    Band: Ken Ulansey Ensemble;    Officiant: Miki with Journeys of the Heart

Faith met up with the guys while I met up with the girls…. what an interesting contrast!  Matt is very much into motorcycles and, judging by the photographs that Faith took, the guys had quite a good time getting prepped for the wedding!

Jackie is happy, bubbly and extremely energetic.  She seems to always have a huge smile on her face.  I love that!  The entire day was filled with excitement, love and lots of dancing!

Congratulations, Jackie & Matt!!  Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your day!

I just couldn’t resist using the cicada shells I found in the tree!

On the door (literally!) into Jackie’s parent’s home, a bird nest had been built inside a decorative wreath.  The eggs had only recently hatched and these baby birds were ready for their first portrait session.    I didn’t want to disturb the nest too much, but I was able to place the rings just to the side of the birds.  It was really quite cool to see these guys so close up!

Matt & Jackie had a photo booth set up by East Coast Photo Booths.  Everyone had a lot of fun with those (including Faith & I)!

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out/ thank you to my talented friend, Carolyn, of Carolyn Christine Photography for putting me in touch with Jackie & Matt!  Thanks, CF!!  You rock! 

I am also very lucky to have spent the day photographing it with second photographer, Danette Pascarella.  She is amazing!  Please note that her photos have the “dp” on them to give her credit for her talented work.

You may remember Kevin & Lauren from these previous posts: http://melissahassey.com/2011/05/northern-liberties-engagment-session/ and http://melissahassey.com/2011/07/wedding-sign-in-album/

Kevin & Lauren Mr. & Mrs. Kevin & Lauren Rigby, thank you over and over for being so laid back, fun, and for trusting me to preserve these memories for you!  I wish you happiness together forever!

Their “first see” on the dock…. SO sweet!  Danette & I were able to capture it from different angles!  I love that even though Lauren & Kevin are both very laid back people, they each got a little nervous just before. 

Check out their unbelievable Bridal Suite!!

There was a bit of rain that day.  Luckily, these guys trooped right through it without any complaints!  (Thanks awesome wedding party!)  I definitely jumped a bit when I was on the top step of my ladder in the middle of the garden and saw lightning strikes!  We ran for cover soon after….

L&K doing what they do best…. kissing & The Robot? 

There was beautiful readings, music and song.  A simple and touching ceremony with lots of happy tears!

The West Philly Orchestra!! They were fantastic!!

Two of my favorite photographs of the night are below!  They were taken at separate times…. but don’t they just look great together?

Last, but not least, I want to send a big THANK YOU to these two crazy ladies pictured below!  Alison (pictured on left and who is Kevin’s sister and Lauren’s SIL!), put me in touch with everyone!  She is a wonderful person and thoughtful friend.  As I thought about it I realized that not only would most likely not have met Kevin & Lauren but I also may never have met Danette (pictured on right).  So, really, I wouldn’t have been the photographer for this wedding or have found such wonderful new friends.  Alison, THANK YOU!!

By the way, if you think that you don’t know Alison…. you probably do.  She knows everyone.  Trust me, you are only 7 degrees of separation (or less!) away from her.  I promise! 

Check out Sarah Elizabeth’s blog here: http://www.eventsbysarahelizabeth.com/home/2011/6/13/kate-justin-rustic-barn-wedding-real-wedding.html

Also, here is a link to view my original post of their wedding day: http://melissahassey.com/2010/11/farmhouse-wedding-in-berks-county/)

Erin & I had lost touch a bit over the years and so I was excited when I was able to catch up with her again recently.  She told me how happy she was and that she had finally found “the one”.  She truly gushed about him and it was wonderful to see her so happy.  I finally got to meet this man of hers just last week and could clearly see that the feeling was mutual between them.

Erin & Dennis eloped together on May 18th…. which I think is wonderfully romantic.  Seeing them together is a reminder that sometimes you just know…. this is the person and this is the time.

Dennis left just yesterday to return to Afghanistan once again to serve and protect all of us.  Words can’t express my gratitude.  Even still, I just wanted to say again, “thank you, Dennis!”.

Though he could have quite easily intimidated me with his knowledge, bravery, life experiences and travel, Dennis was instead casual, humble, down to earth, and also very easy to talk to. I especially enjoyed sitting around the bonfire sipping beers with them both….

Erin & Dennis, I am amazed at your bravery, strength and love for one another.  I wish you love and laughter in your marriage forever!  Congrats again!!

I love the lens flair/ orb in the above photo.  Some people believe that light like this in a photograph is actually the light of a spirit.  That Erin is wearing her mom’s engagement ring (where the light is!), I can’t help but think of my Aunt Denise…  I am certain that she would be very proud to see Erin so happy.

Claire-Amy & Jon’s wedding day was elegant and lovely.  The priority was on sharing their love for one another and being surrounded by/ celebrating with friends and family.  They exchanged their vows at St. John’s Lutheran Church in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia.  The reception was held at the gorgeous and historic, Knowlton Mansion in NE Philly.  The mansion is absolutely fabulous as is Conroy Catering!

There was still snow on the ground which was perfect since both Jon & Claire-Amy are avid skiers!  In fact, Claire-Amy had told me that she is more graceful on skis that in shoes.  I am jealous of that as I am generally a mess in both!!  

Claire-Amy’s wonderful (and very fun!!) friends/ bridal attendants, Laurie & Brenda, help her to get ready in her adorably decorated Bensalem, PA home!

Her sweet dog, Lucy, joined in for some portraits and an early congrats kiss!  If only the Church allowed dogs….I’m sure Lucy would have been there to celebrate!

JUST MARRIED!!  And… on their way to the party!

A little cameo appearance by me…. 

Claire-Amy is very sentimental and caring.  She took the time to make a beautiful diy addition to her rose bouquet.  With ribbons, paper hearts and photographs, she made a gorgeous tribute to all of the people that could not be there with them in person to celebrate their day.  It was really special….

The wine cellar at The Knowlton is SO cool… literally and figuratively! 

I just love this family on the bottom right!  They are hilarious and SO much fun!!  You may recognize them from Ann & Bob’s wedding this past Fall: http://melissahassey.com/2010/12/bobandann/

Their sign in book was really cool!  They had a polaroid camera that the guests used to take photographs of themselves and then write in the book.  Very fun!  Oh and both Jon & Claire-Amy broke out some of their old band camp jackets/ hat for a few fun photos.  Too cute!!

Check out the website version here:

http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/kellie_patrick_gates/20110126_Love__JULIE_HOWARD___PATRICK_TAYLOR.html?ref=facebook.com

Lastly, I received so many wonderful emails and comments about the photograph(s) which I truly appreciate.  I suppose this sounds boastful… but one of the main reasons that I photograph is for other people to feel something when they look at an image.  I get a great sense of satisfaction when people unrelated to the subject are touched by a photograph.  There was one comment in particular that came from a complete stranger.  It was especially heart warming and descriptive.  Here is the comment:

“I just wanted to let you know how much I was taken by your photograph of Julie Howard and Patrick Taylor.  It is so beautiful and seems to tell its own story.  The darkness of the left side leading your eye to the light of the couple…the diffused light of the streetlamps…even the sparkling mini lights guiding your eye to the couple…the perfect way you offset their position…her elegant, open hand on his heart expressing how she was opening her life to him….her profile looking into his face…the beautiful draping of the stole material and the vintage look of the netting above her eyes…his strong posture with his face looking off to the future, his leg and hand position looking firm and confident…the sophistication of the city scene.   Wow!”