Dec 14

Dec 14 A Picture Perfect Wedding with Tony

Besides choosing a venue, the second most paramount thing was having a talented photographer to capture all the emotion happening throughout the day. Quality photo memories are extremely important to me, and we probably interviewed and researched as many photographers as we did venues. It just so happened that our DJ, Ryan Levin, had a good friend named Tony he often worked with capturing photos during the mitzvahs and weddings he had worked and suggested we check out his portfolio. Within minutes of our first meeting with Tony, I could tell he had a real passion for photography by the way his face lit up when he spoke about his work. Tony began to explore and really get into photography while he was in the Marine Corps. “I was so excited to experience the world and see so many beautiful landscapes, cultures, nature, architecture and interesting people that I couldn't keep away.” For over 10 years now Tony has been photographing weddings, engagements, food, sports, and events.

Tony suggested doing an engagement photo shoot with us before the wedding so he could get to know us better before the big day and take in our personal photo style. Both Taste Tester #1 and I were a bit apprehensive about the typical engagement “poses,” and reluctantly agreed to let Tony do a quick session. Afterwards I was a complete engagement shoot convert, the session was so helpful for us to learn how to relax around the camera and be ourselves so Tony could capture the true essence of our relationship. It also helped to give Tony an idea of what we were comfortable with as well. Tony says that his favorite part about wedding and engagement photography is the relationship that he establishes with the couple. “Marriage is the most important and significant event in anyone's life and it's absolutely beautiful to witness the beginning of a family. To be invited into such a joyous part of the couple's life is humbling. I never grow tired of capturing love in photo or video.”

When the day of the wedding finally arrived Tony arrived even earlier than requested and was able to get some great photos of my bridesmaids and me getting ready, along with a few first looks from my Dad and Grandma.

Then TT #1 and I did the first look in the hotel lobby with all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen looking on. When we recently saw the pictures and took in the expressions on our faces that Tony captured, it totally brought us back to that very moment. Whenever I see the photo of TT #1 seeing me in my dress for the first time, I get emotional all over again!

Tony was on top of his game, managing all the different friends and family there, both professional and keeping it fun. We did all the formal portraits we wanted, both with our wedding party and families, along with great photos at the ketubah signing (a Jewish marriage license), the ceremony, speeches, reception and more!