Search This Blog

May 27, 2014

05.14 | Baby Jack | Buffalo Newborn Photography

Meet Baby Jack! His adorable parents, Matt & Jen, were wedding clients of mine a few years ago & I was so excited when I heard they were expecting (see some favorites from their wedding here!) I couldn't wait to head over to their house for this session & meet their little man. I was lucky enough to get to spend an afternoon with this peanut & can't wait to share some shots from his at-home newborn session!









'




May 22, 2014

05.11 | LOVE | Megan & Mike Maternity Session

Meet Megan & Mike, and their soon-to-be adorable little babe! I loved getting to chat about all things baby as we walked around Allentown on a gorgeous morning for their maternity portraits. We even stumbled across a street sign with the name they've picked out for their little guy! Scroll down to see what it is :)

I can't wait to see them again soon & meet their peanut during their newborn photos!









 










May 21, 2014

How to Rock a Rainy Wedding Day

Here's a copy of a guest blog post I did for The Boutique Bridal Party! I wanted to share here as I think every bride should know this info (plus it shows off some of my favorite photos ;) 

There are so many great things about planning about a wedding in Buffalo, including getting a lot of bang for your buck compared to bigger cities, an abundance of absurdly talented wedding vendors, and no shortage of gorgeous backdrops for all the moments of your big day! In fact, there really aren't many reasons NOT to get married here in the Queen City! 

But we all know there's one thing that we're not-so-fondly famous for... and that's our completely wacky weather. WNY is such a grab-bag of fun when it comes to forecast and you really don't know what you're going to get. 

As we prepare to embark on another wild wedding season, we wanted to share these great tips for our couples! 

How to have a blast on your big day, rain or shine! 

Tip 1 : Book an Amazing Photographer! 
Find someone who is creative, fun & can think on their toes! This will guarantee great shots, wherever you end up, with any weather! We like to think this describes City Lights Studio pretty damn well :) 

Tip 2 : Stock Up on Umbrellas!
Before your big day, grab a bunch of matching umbrellas for you & your bridal party! By having nice umbrellas for everyone, you're providing cover & cute props! These photos are always fun and allow you to have some fun outside, even if it's pouring. Stock up, and keep your receipt because chances are, you might not even need to use them!



Tip 3 : Think Ahead!
Book beautiful spaces & take advantage of having them a great back-up spot for your big day! Explore your getting-ready location, ceremony & reception site! There are so many great spots to book, with perfect backdrops for unique photos!



 



Tip 4 : Find Cover! Seek out great spots with covered areas for photos, even if they are still outdoors! This will allow your photographer to use daylight still, and keep the photos light, fresh & candid, even if it's raining cats & dogs!








Tip 5 : Keep an Open Mind!
There are so many wonderful indoor/covered spaces that don't seem like places you'd go for wedding photos. Like, at all. Abandoned buildings, warehouses, parking garages, bars, galleries and more... Be prepared to get creative, be open to crazy ideas & trust your photographer! They will know what will work & what won't.


 


Tip 6 : Reserve a Space!
If you want to rest assured that you have a dry, lovely spot for your photos, reserve one in advance! Places like the Botanical Gardens and Ellicott Square Building are perfect backdrops for your timeless images! Just be prepared to call well in advance, and to pay up.




Tip 7 : HAVE FUN!

Sunshine, drizzle, downpour, blizzard.... don't forget what the day is really about & why you're there in the first place! Enjoy your day, no matter what!

May 15, 2014

The First Look & Why We Love It So!

This is a guest blog post I wrote for The Boutique Bridal Party. I simply LOVE doing First Looks & wanted to share! PS. I AM DYING TO THE BALLOON RELEASE. Which one of my 2014 couples will make this happen!?!?!

It's not a new concept, that's for sure, but some people still find the idea of a "first look" a bit confusing. So what is it!? A first look is beautiful, planned moment for you to see your soon-to-be-spouse for the first time on your wedding day. First looks are perfect for modern couples, as they tend to break tradition, happening before your ceremony. 

We love the concept of a first look for a few reasons:

1) It's a beautiful moment, times two!
They allow you to have to another special moment on your big day, seeing your partner before the rest of your guests do, and then getting to relive that moment again in front of everyone at your ceremony.

2) First looks offer unique photo ops! You get to plan out where your first look happens, meaning you get to chose any backdrop you'd like. This is a big moment, so it's great to do a first look if your church has constraints as to where your photographers can stand, or you don't necessary like the look of your ceremony location.

3) First looks give you & your photographer time to rock your wedding photos! First looks are ideal for couples who are having evening ceremonies, where there won't be any light left for photos afterwards, or couples who will be on a time-crunch between the ceremony & reception, leaving little time for photos. You can start your first look & wedding photos earlier in the day & get everything you're looking for!

4) Most importantly, they let you keep the party moving!
By seeing each other before your ceremony, you can do all of your photos beforehand, and head right to cocktail hour after. You get gorgeous wedding photos, and you get to mix & mingle with all of your guests while your bridal party gets to hit the open bar :) Win-win-win!

Interested in doing a First Look!? Check out some of our favorite ideas below! Find the right set-up for you & your love :) 


Not ready for a full First Look? How about sharing letters & a sweet touch before the ceremony?
Dianne Personett Photography

Cover his eyes for a surprise!
Taylored Photo Memories

Or keep it classic with a tap on the shoulder!
BLR Life Photography

Find a corner or elevator for a Peekaboo!
Ashley Victoria Photography

Hold each other, count to three & turn around to see your spouse!

Love this idea too! We can just feel the anticipation!
George Street Photo

Blindfold the Groom!
Tracy Hill Photography


And our personal favorite, the balloon release! What a gorgeous, magical moment, captured forever!
Michael Segal Photography